Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 14 August, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev received Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the French Republic Aurélia Bouchez, who is concluding her diplomatic mission in the country.

The head of state highly praised the diplomat’s fruitful work and her personal contribution to strengthening Uzbek–French strategic partnership. It was noted that mutual high-level visits had elevated bilateral cooperation to a new stage, enriching it with concrete projects and initiatives.

A systematic dialogue and active contacts at various levels have been established. In the trade and economic sphere, significant progress has been achieved: over the past few years, bilateral trade has increased fourfold, and projects worth over 10 billion US dollars are being implemented jointly with leading French companies and organizations.

Cooperation in education, healthcare, and cultural and humanitarian exchange is developing successfully. Major exhibitions have been held at the Louvre and the Arab World Institute, a monument to Beruni has been unveiled in the suburbs of Paris, and a street in the French capital has been named after Samarkand. This year, the Uzbek–French University will open its doors in Tashkent.

In recognition of her contribution to strengthening friendship and strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and France, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev presented Aurélia Bouchez with the Order of “Dostlik” (Friendship).

The ambassador expressed her deep gratitude to the country’s leader for the high appreciation of her work and for the comprehensive support in developing multifaceted cooperation between the two states.