Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Feb. 18 / Trend D.Azizov /
The French leadership is interested in further strengthening comprehensive and mutually beneficial Uzbek-French leadership, Uzbekistan's National news agency quotes Transport Minister, special representative of the French President Thierry Mariani as saying the reception of president Islam Karimov.
Mr Mariani conveyed the head of Uzbekistan message of President Nicola Sarkozy with congratulations on the occasion of the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and France.
President Karimov also expressed his warm greetings to the French leader and noted that in Uzbekistan France is considered a long-term and reliable partner, cooperation with which has deep historical roots, and at this stage is successfully developing at different levels.
Regular intergovernmental dialogue contributes to bringing nations closer and expansion of multi-aspect Uzbek-French relations in all spheres of mutual interest.
Uzbekistan and France closely cooperate within the UN, other international organizations. Both countries have similar views and positions on issues of peace and stability, resistance to modern threats and challenges.
France is one of the important trade and investment partners of Uzbekistan in Europe. The mutual trade turnover in 2011 exceeded $350 million.
As an example of successful cooperation it is possible to note cooperation with Airbus for the supply of ten 'A-320' Airbus, Technip - for the construction of the Bukhara oil refinery (together with the Japanese company Marubeni), Oberture and Tales - for air traffic control at the Navoi airport and introduction of biometric passports project in Uzbekistan, Serinnov - for organization of the production of porcelain, Comau France - for the project of delivery of equipment for motor vehicles and others.
The sides exchanged views on international and regional problems.