Uzbekistan and France Strengthen Parliamentary Ties
Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis Rahimjon Hakimov met with a delegation from the National Assembly of France led by Catherine Hervieu, chairperson of the France–Central Asia Friendship Group, to discuss expanding bilateral parliamentary ties and strategic partnership.
During the meeting in Tashkent, officials noted that Uzbek-French relations have entered a strategic partnership stage, with expanding cooperation across political, trade, economic, energy, educational, and cultural spheres. The relationship was elevated following the signing of a Joint Declaration on Establishing Strategic Partnership by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and French President Emmanuel Macron in Paris on 12 March 2025.
Hakimov informed the French delegation regarding ongoing legislative and governance reforms in Uzbekistan, focusing on human rights protection, gender equality, youth policy, social protection, and the expansion of parliamentary oversight powers following the 2023 constitutional reform.
Hervieu commended Uzbekistan's reform agenda and international standing, extending congratulations on the 35th anniversary of Uzbekistan's independence. She highlighted Uzbekistan's role as a platform for regional and international dialogue.
The delegation reviewed bilateral economic indicators, noting that trade turnover between Uzbekistan and France reached US$1.4 billion for the first time in 2025. The total portfolio of joint investment projects involving French companies has exceeded €12 billion. Cultural and educational initiatives were also highlighted, including the establishment of the Uzbekistan-France University and cultural heritage exhibitions held at the Louvre Museum.
Both parties agreed to formalize regular inter-parliamentary exchanges between parliamentary committees, political factions, and friendship groups through increased delegation visits and expert roundtables. Priority areas for sharing legislative expertise include investment protection, energy, the green economy, digitalization, education, innovation, cultural heritage preservation, and human rights.
