Uzbek leader said that meeting provides good opportunity for discussion of cooperation between Uzbekistan and France on achievement of regional security and stability in Central Asia, settlement of situation in Afghanistan.

The sides considered issues on efforts of international community on strengthening stability and development of Afghanistan.

Uzbek President Islam Karimov noted that the Afghan problem could not be solved with military force. He said that the situation in the country cannot be solved without solving key issues like rehabilitation of economy, communication and social infrastructure, attracting Afghans to these processes, and finding internal consensus.

Pierre Lellouche expressed gratitude to the Uzbek President Islam Karimov for warm reception. He said France considers Uzbekistan as key partner in Central Asia and interested in developing mutual beneficial cooperation in all directions of mutual interest.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged opinion on current affairs and perspectives of Uzbek-French relations in politics, trade-economy and cultural-humanitarian spheres, as well as actual regional and international problems.