The world-known historical cities of Khiva in Uzbekistan and Versailles in France have established the partnership relations.

Such protocol has been signed during the visit of Mayor of the city of Versailles, lawmaker at the National Assembly of the Lower Chamber of France Etien Pinte to Uzbekistan, Jahon reported.

Mr. Pinte is highly respected among the political, economic and social circles of France. While manifesting interest in culture, history and traditions of the Uzbek people he has promoted holding of a number of joint cultural events in Versailles dedicated to Uzbekistan, as well as contributed to strengthening of parliamentary cooperation between the two countries.

Before leaving to France the Versailles Mayor spoke to Jahon. He has that the outcomes of his visit and meetings were very successful and fruitful. Apart from establishing the partnership relations between the cities during the visit the initial steps were taken to establish cooperation between the Versailles University with the Bukhara and Urgench State Universities.

According to him, many cities around the world would like to establish partnership relations with Versailles. But to date such relations with the city were only established with the Japanese city of Nara from the Asian continent.

Thus, Khiva has become the second privileged city-partner of Versailles in Asia. Mr. Pinte believes that there is much in common between Versailles and Khiva. Firstly, it is rich history and architecture, which promote the year round inflow of tourists. There are also some similar objectives before the cities, including the protection and restoration of architectural monuments.

While speaking on his impressions of stay in Uzbekistan Mr. Pinter has firstly underscored the atmosphere of interethnic harmony and religious tolerance in Uzbekistan.

"The potential of your country is enormous", he said, "especially it is related to economic, investment, educational and tourist spheres. I will be glad to render my efforts to further develop and strengthen the beneficial cooperation between our countries in this and other areas".