Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 14 November, Paris hosted a "round table" entitled "Uzbekistan and France: prospects for mutually beneficial partnership."

The event was organized by the International Institute of Central Asia and the Center for Forecasting and European Security.

The conference was attended by more than 70 specialists from leading analytical and research structures of the two countries, specializing in Central Asian issues.

Among them are the Center for Forecasting and European Security, the University of Paris, the Institute of International and Strategic Relations (IRIS), the Center for Advanced Studies and International Information (CERII), the French Institute of International Relations (IFRI), the National Institute of Oriental Languages and Culture.

At the conference, the Uzbek side was represented by experts from the International Institute of Central Asia, the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies and the Information and Analytical Center for International Relations.

In his opening speech, Director of the International Institute of Central Asia A. Nasirov noted the consistent strengthening and expansion of Uzbek-French cooperation, which was given impetus in 2018 by the leaders of the two countries.

It was emphasized that the current dynamics has a positive effect on the deepening of political, diplomatic, trade, economic, transport, cultural and humanitarian ties. There are successful examples of partnership in the field of energy, automotive, exploration, production of building materials, tourism and others.

It was indicated that the ongoing large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan and the positive changes achieved in Central Asia create additional conditions for further building up mutually beneficial Uzbek-French cooperation in all areas, including a constructive dialogue between the region and the European Union.

Representatives of French expert circles highly assessed the state and prospects of bilateral relations.

President of the Center for Forecasting and European Security Emmanuel Dupuy noted that France fully supports large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan aimed at building a strong civil society and modernizing the economy.

The expert highly appreciated the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan. It was emphasized that, thanks to the new regional course of Uzbekistan under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a favorable political atmosphere has been created in Central Asia, which helps to strengthen mutual trust and establish mutually beneficial cooperation. The processes that have taken shape in the region open up good opportunities for building up France’s bilateral and multilateral partnership with the Central Asian countries.

Grigory Lecomte, Head of the Eurasian Countries Division of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), stressed that France and Uzbekistan have a huge untapped potential for building up strategic partnership in almost all areas.

The representative of the International Institute for Strategic Studies, Karim Ifrak, focused on the deep historical ties between the two countries, which are already over 600 years old. It was noted that this "is a good basis for further promotion of mutually beneficial cooperation."

Honorary Professor of the University of Paris Guy Olivier Faure noted the key role of Uzbekistan in strengthening the interconnectedness of the countries of Central Asia, which contributes to the sustainable development of the region.

The French scientist especially appreciated the leading role of the Uzbek side in resolving the situation in Afghanistan, which also has a huge impact on ensuring stability in the region.

A similar assessment was given by the head of the European Council of the Dentons company, David Saed, noting that Uzbekistan is the locomotive of all Central Asia and has become the central core of the region.

During the meeting, the French side also paid special attention to the prospects for expanding economic ties between the two countries. Significant interest is indicated for cooperation in such areas as "green" energy, textile, mining, electrical and chemical industries.

In general, the participants were informed in detail about the Development Strategy of New Uzbekistan, the priorities and achievements of the regional policy of the state, the country’s chairmanship in the SCO, and the promotion of the initiatives of the Leader of the country on the interconnectedness of Central and South Asia.

As part of the discussions, the participants of the round table analyzed in detail the state and prospects for cooperation between Uzbekistan and France, identified priority areas that require development and consistent build-up, made proposals that would further strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations, including within the framework of interaction between Uzbekistan and France, as well as in the Central Asia-EU format.

The participants of the event noted the relevance of the exchange of views and agreed to continue close contacts in a similar format.