State visit to France: Mirziyoyev’s diplomatic and economic achievements

Shavkat Mirziyoyev traveled to Paris on a state visit at the invitation of his French counterpart, Emmanuel Macron. Upon arrival, the Uzbek leader was welcomed at the airport by French Minister of National Education, Higher Education, and Scientific Research Élisabeth Borne, Commander of the Paris Military District General Loïc Mizon, and other officials.  

This time, Mirziyoyev visited France alone. As in previous visits, he was not accompanied by his wife, Ziroat Mirziyoyeva, or his daughter, Presidential Assistant Saida Mirziyoyeva.  

At Orly International Airport, the national flags of both countries were raised in honor of the Uzbek president, and an honor guard was formed.  

In front of the residence where the Uzbek delegation was staying, a group of Uzbek students, workers, and researchers in France greeted President Mirziyoyev with national flags. Upon entering the residence, the president stopped to engage in conversation with his compatriots.  

This marks Mirziyoyev’s third visit to France. His first official visit took place on October 8-9, 2018, followed by a second visit on November 21-22, 2022, during which he was accompanied by family members.  

On November 1-2, 2023, Emmanuel Macron paid an official visit to Uzbekistan.  

The main events of Mirziyoyev’s current official visit to France took place on March 12. That morning, an official welcoming ceremony was held at the Maison des Honneurs in Paris.  

A guard of honor composed of members of the French Republican Guard, the army, navy, and air force was assembled to receive the distinguished guest. The presidents walked past the honor guard and greeted members of their respective delegations.  

Talks between the two heads of state were held at the Élysée Palace, the official residence of the French president. Discussions focused on the further development and strengthening of Uzbek-French relations, both in private meetings and in expanded sessions with delegation members.  

It was noted that in 2023, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and France surpassed 1 billion euros for the first time, while the number of joint ventures quadrupled.  

To promote long-term cooperation, Mirziyoyev proposed establishing an Uzbek-French Investment Council and holding its first meeting as part of the Tashkent Investment Forum in June.  

To enhance interregional relations, both sides agreed to organize the first Uzbek-French regional forum in Samarkand next year.  

Additionally, an Uzbek-French University is set to open in Tashkent this year, with the involvement of experienced specialists from France. Cooperation in training French language teachers will also continue.  

To boost business, tourism, and cultural exchanges, the two parties agreed to explore the possibility of increasing direct flights between the countries.  

According to the press service of the Uzbek president, the two leaders also exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues. However, no details were disclosed. It remains unclear whether the discussions included Russia’s ongoing war in Ukraine, Russia-Europe relations, or Russia-Uzbekistan ties. Macron has repeatedly made official statements about France’s plans to deploy peacekeeping forces to Ukraine, raising the possibility that this topic was also addressed during the talks.  

The conversation also highlighted the importance of continued mutual support within multilateral organizations and cooperation in countering terrorism, extremism, radicalism, cybercrime, and other modern security threats.  

To establish and maintain systematic dialogue, the two countries agreed to create a Strategic Planning Group under the leadership of their respective foreign ministries, involving key economic departments.  

At the conclusion of the talks, the two leaders signed a historic declaration establishing a strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and France.  

Several agreements were exchanged, including an intergovernmental agreement on specialist and student mobility, an agreement on mutual visa exemptions for holders of diplomatic passports, and a cooperation program for investment and innovation. The latter aims to implement projects worth 6.5 billion euros in Uzbekistan with leading French companies.  

Other signed agreements included the establishment of an Uzbek-French university, a readmission agreement, a cooperation program between the foreign ministries for 2025-2026, a cooperation plan with the French Development Agency for 2026-2030, and a declaration on collaboration within international organizations.  

At the end of the meeting, Mirziyoyev invited Macron to pay a return visit to Uzbekistan at a convenient time.  

Following his talks with Macron, Mirziyoyev met with Audrey Azoulay, Director-General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO). The discussion focused on strengthening cooperation with this key UN agency and preparing for the 43rd session of UNESCO’s General Conference, which will be held in Samarkand this fall.  

In addition, the President of Uzbekistan held a meeting with leading representatives of French business circles.  

The discussions underscored the importance of further expanding trade and economic ties with France. It was noted that the innovative and industrial cooperation program with French companies, set to run until 2027, will play a crucial role in this process. The program outlines specific projects worth a total of 6.5 billion euros. As part of its implementation, plans are in place to introduce effective financial support mechanisms for business initiatives, with the active involvement of major French banking and financial institutions.  

Mirziyoyev identified several key sectors as priorities for Uzbek-French business cooperation, including the development and deep processing of important mineral resources, the establishment of modern production facilities in construction materials, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, electrical engineering, and agriculture.  

The President proposed the creation of an Uzbek-French Investment Council, which will be headed by Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister. He suggested that the council's first meeting be held in June as part of the Tashkent International Investment Forum and encouraged those in attendance to take an active role as full members.  

As part of the visit, a ceremony was held in Paris to award President Shavkat Mirziyoyev with the highest honor of the French Republic—the Order of the Legion of Honor.  

The award was formally presented by French President Emmanuel Macron.  

Mirziyoyev, in turn, also brought a special gift to Paris. The Uzbek president presented Macron with the first copy of the novel "The Laughing Man" by the great French writer Victor Hugo, translated into Uzbek. This book is expected to be published for the general public and will soon be available to readers.  

The Legion of Honor, which was awarded to Mirziyoyev, was established by Napoleon Bonaparte in 1802. In France, it is considered the highest distinction, recognizing outstanding service at the state level. Over the years, notable recipients have included Russian President Vladimir Putin, former German Chancellor Angela Merkel, and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky.  

In the past century, only one other person from Uzbekistan was deemed worthy of this award. After his passing, he was buried in France. He was born in Tashkent’s Kashgar neighborhood into the family of Muhammad Aminbek, the second son of Kokand Khan Khudoyorkhan, making him the khan’s grandson.  

Islambek studied in Orenburg and Moscow but never returned to Turkestan. Instead, he went to Paris, where he began working at the Afghan embassy. There is no precise information on how he arrived in Paris or how he secured a position at the embassy. However, he played a significant role in establishing Afghan embassies in France and Switzerland and worked in diplomacy for nearly 50 years.  

Returning to the main topic, after the conclusion of all official ceremonies, French President Emmanuel Macron hosted a state reception in honor of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Élysée Palace.  

The reception was attended by official delegations from both countries, members of the French Cabinet of Ministers led by Prime Minister François Bayrou, as well as prominent figures from culture, the arts, science, business, and civil society. In a notable moment, Macron even spoke Uzbek during the gathering.  

Overall, Mirziyoyev’s visit to France stood out for its warmth and sincerity. Unlike other official visits, this meeting was marked by a sense of closeness and camaraderie, with few formal barriers or protocols—just an atmosphere filled with handshakes, smiles, and friendly exchanges.