On March 16, 2022, Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Uzbekistan, Ms. Aurelia Bouchez.

During the meeting, the guest was informed about the reforms carried out in Uzbekistan over the past 5 years, the results of structural transformations in all spheres of society and the state. An exchange of views also took place on issues of the bilateral and regional agenda.

Taking the opportunity, Ms. Aurelia Bouchez confirmed the great interest of France in the positive changes taking place in recent years in Uzbekistan and in Central Asia as a whole.

According to her, the large-scale reforms carried out in the country under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev have a significant impact on the entire region. “Stability and predictability” are becoming, characteristic features of Central Asia thanks to Uzbekistan. France fully supports them and is “ready to be part of this process”.

The distinguished guest stressed that Uzbekistan has become a “magnet for French companies”. France intends to further develop bilateral economic relations.

Particular emphasis was also placed on Tashkent’s policy of enhancing trans-regional cooperation. As the diplomat noted, Paris understands and supports the “pragmatic” approach of Uzbekistan in the development of intra-regional ties, as well as the diversification of transport routes.

The head of the diplomatic mission also spoke in favor of expanding mutual contacts at the level of research and analytical institutions. The parties agreed to establish cooperation between ISRS and a number of French research institutions, such as the French Institute for Central Asian Studies (IFEAC), the National Institute of Civil Service (INSPA) and the Institute for International and Strategic Studies (IRIS).

The parties agreed that regular expert meetings of the two countries will contribute to the development of proposals for the development and expansion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and France.