French President Emmanuel Macron will make an official visit to Kazakhstan and then to Uzbekistan on November 1 and 2, according to an official communique from the Elysee Palace.
“This trip takes place in the context of deepening relations with these two Central Asian countries,” the statement said.
France supports the two countries in their reform and modernization efforts, promotes the diversification of partnerships, supports their independence and sovereignty, as well as their desire to strengthen ties with Europe, President Macron's administration emphasized.
“The rapprochement between France and these two countries is taking place in the economic sphere, especially in the field of energy, the supply of critical raw materials, transport infrastructure, healthcare, agri-food independence and even defense,” the Elysee Palace emphasized.
These two visits will also feature busoness forums with the participation of French companies will be held.
“France also cooperates with countries in the region in the face of serious global challenges, including environmental ones, especially in terms of water management and food security,” the communiqué said.
On the security front, France is also working together with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan, in particular against the threats of terrorism and drug trafficking, especially related to Afghanistan.
The visit is also expected to provide an opportunity for France to strengthen its dynamic cultural cooperation with both countries.
“Against the backdrop of intensifying crises and the danger of a fragmented world, the head of state will also strive to maintain dialogue with countries on all continents and continue to defend peace and stability based on respect for international law and the sovereignty of each country,” the Elysee Palace said in a statement.
In November 2022, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid an official visit to France. Along with the political program, he and his wife, accompanied by President Macron and the First Lady of France, visited the Louvre in Paris and got acquainted with the exhibition “The Splendor of the Oases of Uzbekistan. At the intersection of caravan routes”, as well as the exhibition “Road to Samarkand. Miracles of Silk and Gold" at the Parisian Institute of the Arab World.
The last visit of a French President to Uzbekistan took place in April 1994, made by Francois Miterand.
