Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — As part of the official visit of Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to France (on 11–13 March 2025), key negotiations were held with French President Emmanuel Macron.

Following the meeting, the two sides signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership, along with several agreements in the fields of economy, culture, and education. One of the most significant outcomes was the decision to establish a French Higher Engineering School at the Samarkand International University of Technology (SIUT).

Set to open in September 2025, the new engineering institute will be developed in collaboration with leading French universities and educational institutions. The primary areas of study will include mining, geology, oil and gas, and chemical engineering.

SIUT Rector, Professor Yusuf Abdullaev, played an active role in the negotiations held in Nice with the head of the International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF), Yann Librati. Discussions focused on prospects for educational cooperation, leading to an agreement on the creation of the French Higher Engineering School.

This initiative marks a major step in strengthening scientific and educational ties between Uzbekistan and France. The partnership will introduce modern teaching methodologies aligned with international standards, including French language courses.

The project will be funded through investments from French business entities interested in advancing engineering education in Uzbekistan, alongside scientific and methodological support from top French universities. The SIUT Board of Trustees, led by Bahtiyor Fazylov, is also playing a key role in its implementation.

The opening of the school will significantly contribute to the development of Uzbekistan’s engineering education system. It aims not only to train highly qualified specialists in high demand on the global job market but also to enhance the connection between education and industry.

The first steps toward integrating European engineering education standards at SIUT were taken in August 2024, when the university signed a cooperation agreement with the French company Orano and the Uzbek-French enterprise Nurlikum Mining. As part of this partnership, SIUT students have already been participating in internships, seminars, and training programs, allowing them to acquire practical skills essential for modern industrial environments.

The establishment of the French Higher Engineering School at SIUT will provide students with a unique opportunity to receive world-class education and become sought-after professionals in engineering sciences. It will also reinforce Uzbekistan’s position as a hub for advanced education and innovation in Central Asia.

The International Organization of La Francophonie (OIF) promotes the French language, supports cultural diversity, and fosters education and scientific research. The organization currently unites over 104 partner institutions worldwide.

The launch of the French Higher Engineering School at SIUT will serve as a key milestone in strengthening Uzbekistan-France relations and advancing engineering education in the region.