Defense, energy, and trade: Key agreements in the Uzbekistan-France Strategic Partnership

The joint declaration on establishing a strategic partnership consists of five chapters and 36 provisions. The chapters cover deepening political cooperation, strengthening collaboration in defense and security, developing economic partnerships and trade, promoting inclusive and sustainable development, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges.

According to the document, both parties will develop their relations based on respect for international legal norms, mutual equality, sovereignty, independence, territorial integrity, the inviolability of borders, and mutual trust. The declaration emphasizes support for peace, security, and stability while opposing the use of force in violation of international law. In particular, France expressed its support for Uzbekistan’s efforts to promote good neighborly relations, peace, and security in Central Asia.

France and Uzbekistan recognize the role of the United Nations and their commitments to human rights protection. Cooperation will continue within the UN system and the OSCE framework. Both countries also reaffirmed their commitment to preserving cultural heritage under UNESCO agreements.

The two sides have agreed to maintain constant communication at the highest level and within government structures. France expressed its willingness to contribute to Uzbekistan’s democratic reforms and rule of law efforts under the Uzbekistan-2030 strategy.

The two countries will continue cooperation in public administration, inter-parliamentary collaboration, and civil service training.

France and Uzbekistan aim to develop their relations in defense and security. Defense industry cooperation will be elevated to a new level, with regular strategic dialogues encouraged in all mutually beneficial political, military, and defense-industrial sectors.

Both nations plan to facilitate the legal movement of specialists and skilled workers while strengthening cooperation to combat illegal immigration. To this end, they signed a readmission agreement regarding the repatriation of undocumented migrants, along with agreements on student and professional mobility.

The two countries will enhance information exchange in combating crime and strengthen ties between security forces. Sectoral delegation exchanges and collaboration in education will also be deepened.

According to the 2020-2030 economic roadmap, strategic cooperation will be developed in the following sectors:

• Aeronautics and space, energy, and industry
• Geological exploration and mineral resources
• Public utilities
• Water resource management
• Transport infrastructure and equipment
• Tourism and cultural heritage preservation
• Financial services

Additionally, both sides expressed their intention to deepen cooperation in healthcare, agriculture and the food industry, manufacturing, urban planning, and construction — including projects within the New Tashkent initiative — as well as in cultural and creative sectors.

The two countries confirmed their readiness to collaborate in strategic mineral resources, highlighting the importance of the strategic partnership agreement signed in April 2024 between the European Union and Uzbekistan on critical raw materials. France also supports Uzbekistan’s prospects for joining the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Amid global climate change, both nations reaffirmed their commitment to achieving the goals set in the Paris Agreement of December 12, 2015. Recognizing water resource management as a major planetary and climate issue, as well as the importance of global food security, the parties expressed their intention to strengthen cooperation and exchanges in these areas.

Cultural cooperation was also emphasized, with plans to establish a French-Uzbek Cultural Center in Tashkent. The two countries pledged support for the production of documentary films and for facilitating exchanges between Uzbek and French professionals.

Both sides aim to develop student mobility programs, including the opening of the France-Uzbekistan University under an intergovernmental agreement signed in Paris.

To foster mutual understanding and solidarity between the two nations, France and Uzbekistan will promote the teaching of the French language in preschool and school education, as well as in teacher training programs in Uzbekistan.

Additionally, the two countries reaffirmed their commitment to protecting information integrity and freedom of speech in the fight against information manipulation. “France and Uzbekistan will develop joint projects in media literacy and support capacity-building for journalists and independent media outlets,” the document states.

The Ministries of Foreign Affairs and relevant administrative bodies of both countries will oversee the implementation of this joint declaration and the projects outlined within it.

The full text of the Joint Declaration on the Establishment of a Strategic Partnership Between Uzbekistan and France is available on the official website of the President of France (in French).