Uzbekistan’s growing global role: What its strategic pact with France means

At a time when the US is changing its policy on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, Emmanuel Macron, who is standing with the European Union, seeks to develop cooperation with Uzbekistan and welcomed Mirziyoyev with great respect and honor. He embraced him and awarded him the Legion of Honor. This marks Mirziyoyev’s third visit to France since assuming office. The first visit, in 2018, was historic as it was the first visit of an Uzbek leader to France in 20 years, setting the stage for a new era in relations between the two nations.

This time, the discussions covered a broad range of topics, from defense to the economy, freedom of speech to the protection of cultural heritage. According to Uzbekistan’s commitments, human rights, freedom of speech, and press freedom must be upheld and continuously developed in the country. France has now joined the ranks of Uzbekistan’s more than 20 strategic partners. The strategic partnership agreement signed by the two presidents consists of five sections and 36 articles, outlining mutual commitments and expectations.

The declaration emphasizes that both parties should respect international law and develop their relations based on equality, sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, and mutual trust. Both sides reaffirm their commitment to regional peace, security, and stability, firmly opposing any threat or use of force that violates international law. However, it remains uncertain whether this resistance will be coordinated or if each country will act independently.

The document specifically acknowledges France's support for Uzbekistan’s efforts to ensure peace, security, sustainable development, and good neighborly relations in Central Asia. It highlights the importance of consultative meetings among the heads of state of the five Central Asian countries, suggesting that France intends to engage with the rest of the region through Uzbekistan.

Additionally, the declaration reaffirms the commitment of both nations to the United Nations Charter, particularly regarding the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms. France and Uzbekistan have expressed their intention to strengthen multilateral cooperation in all areas and to enhance collaboration within international organizations, particularly the United Nations and the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE).

The upcoming 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand is another focal point of cooperation, with both nations expressing readiness to work together on protecting cultural heritage from armed conflicts, climate change, and natural disasters. The leaders also discussed the first-ever "European Union – Central Asia" summit, set to take place in Uzbekistan on April 3-4. Both sides support stronger EU-Uzbekistan relations and anticipate the signing of the Enhanced Partnership and Cooperation Agreement between Uzbekistan and the European Union.

France and Uzbekistan have also pledged to deepen cooperation in the rule of law, governance, parliamentary relations, civil service training, justice, and anti-corruption efforts. The joint declaration of November 2, 2023, reaffirmed France’s readiness to contribute to Uzbekistan’s "Uzbekistan-2030" strategy and to support democratic reforms. The two countries are committed to working together to strengthen OSCE institutions and advance the rule of law through joint initiatives.

Gender equality and the fight against violence against women are also key areas of collaboration. Both sides have reaffirmed their commitment to long-term reforms aimed at promoting gender equality and eradicating all forms of violence against women.

Defense and security cooperation play a significant role in the agreement. Both nations have pledged to strengthen their defense capabilities and independence by expanding cooperation in the defense industry. This includes studying and implementing structural projects, as well as conducting regular strategic dialogues on defense and security matters of mutual interest. Topics of discussion will include global strategic issues, regional security, counterterrorism, arms control, energy security, civil protection, hybrid threats, disinformation, disruptive technologies, and artificial intelligence.

France, as a nuclear state and a key player in global security, continues to collaborate with Uzbekistan on defense technology programs and encourages regular exchanges in this domain. As one of the five nations officially permitted to possess nuclear weapons under the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, France holds a unique position in global security. It does not possess chemical or biological weapons and has been a signatory to the Chemical Weapons Convention since 1995 and the Biological and Toxin Weapons Convention since 1984. Having conducted its first nuclear test in 1960, France currently maintains around 300 strategic nuclear warheads deployed on four submarines, along with 60 tactical air warheads, making it the third-largest nuclear power in the world.

The document also affirms that both sides support the effective implementation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons, adopted on July 1, 1968, and remain committed to ensuring nuclear security.

Beyond security and defense, the agreement emphasizes closer cooperation in combating organized crime, including drug, arms, and human trafficking. France and Uzbekistan aim to strengthen efforts against irregular migration by facilitating the legal and organized migration of skilled professionals and specialists. To enhance security collaboration, both countries plan to increase the exchange of information on crime prevention and strengthen ties between their respective security agencies through delegation exchanges and joint training programs.

Economic cooperation is another key pillar of the strategic partnership. Both parties have reaffirmed their commitment to deepening trade and investment ties by following the economic roadmap for 2020–2030. The agreement outlines strategic cooperation in the following areas:

• Aeronautics and space, energy, and industry;
• Geological exploration and mining;
• Urban utilities, including heating, drinking water, sewage, and waste management;
• Water resource management;
• Transport infrastructure, logistics, and equipment;
• Tourism development.

A particularly significant development within the economic framework is the partnership in strategic mineral resources. As part of the visit, the French company Orano and the Uzbek company Navoiyuran signed an agreement laying the foundation for the South Jengeldi uranium mining project under the joint venture Nurlikum Mining. Under the agreement, the project will be integrated into Navoiyuran’s existing industrial infrastructure, with Navoiyuran serving as the project’s operator. The South Jengeldi project is expected to sustain uranium production for a decade, with peak output reaching 700 metric tons per year.

The declaration also highlights France’s support for Uzbekistan’s accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Both sides encourage trade expansion and diversification, particularly through the GSP+ mechanism, under which Uzbekistan enjoys preferential access to the European market.

Further cooperation is planned in the development of international transport corridors, particularly within the European Union’s "Global Gateway" strategy, which aims to improve regional connectivity and ensure the participation of all relevant stakeholders. A dedicated roadmap identifies economic projects that are considered strategic priorities for both nations. This roadmap will be regularly updated, particularly through sessions of the French-Uzbek Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation.

Environmental cooperation is another crucial area of focus. The parties acknowledge that water resource management is a major global challenge and plan to deepen collaboration in this sector. Both sides support initiatives promoting a green economy, enhancing energy efficiency, and fostering women’s entrepreneurship through diversified financing. Additionally, they commit to supporting projects aimed at developing and preserving the Aral Sea region, encouraging financing for initiatives that drive both economic growth and environmental sustainability.

To foster mutual understanding and cultural exchange, the agreement also prioritizes the promotion of the French language in Uzbekistan’s education system, including preschool and school education, as well as teacher training programs.

Recognizing the growing threat of misinformation and manipulation of information, the two countries have reaffirmed their commitment to maintaining the integrity of information while upholding freedom of expression. However, international observers have noted that press freedom in Uzbekistan continues to face challenges. As part of their collaboration, both sides plan to launch joint media education projects and support capacity-building initiatives for journalists and independent media outlets.

To ensure the effective implementation of this strategic partnership, the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of both countries, in coordination with relevant agencies, will oversee the progress of bilateral projects and strategic initiatives outlined in the agreement.

Through this comprehensive agreement, Uzbekistan and France have laid the groundwork for an enduring partnership that spans security, trade, environmental sustainability, cultural exchange, and governance reforms. While the long-term impact remains to be seen, the commitments made signal a deepening of ties between the two nations, with Uzbekistan further integrating into the global economic and political landscape.