Actual issues of bilateral relations, development prospects in political, diplomatic, economic, investment, cultural and humanitarian areas were discussed, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic said.

It was noted that concurrence and similarity of positions of the two countries on main international and regional problems, growing interparliamentary ties, available potential for enhancing commercial-economic and investment interaction, a huge interest of the public and humanitarian institutions of both countries in mutual exchanges serve as a reliable foundation for further deepening Uzbek-French dialogue.

The parties confirmed mutual interest in widening contacts between the business circles of the two countries, implementation of joint projects in such areas as electronics, chemical and petrochemical industries, pharmaceuticals, perfumery and cosmetics. French enterpreneurs are attracted by priveleges and preferences, given to foreign investors in Navoi and Angren special economic zones.

Heads of foreign ministries also exchanged views on international and regional problems, including on the issues related to the situation in Afghanistan, as well as other topics.

An official invitation to visit Uzbekistan was conveyed to Mr. Fabius, which was received with gratitude.

Negotiations were conducted at several ministries and agencies, a regular round of political consultations between the ministries of foreign affairs were held during the visit of the minister of foreign affairs to France.Practical issues of developing relations were considered during the meetings with the chairman of “France-Central Asia” interparliamentary friendship society, Senator André Dulait, president of the French institute of international relations (IFRI) Thierry de Montbrial.

The Uzbek delegation took part at the business-forum of the Movement of enterprises of France (MEDEF).

An agreement on cooperation between the Academy of state administration under the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and National School of Administration of France (ENA) was signed within the frameworks of the visit.