Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Sept. 5 / Trend D. Azizov /
The forthcoming opening of the EU permanent representative office in Tashkent must contribute to strengthening the relations between Uzbekistan and its European partners, French President Nicolas Sarkozy's congratulatory message to Uzbek counterpart Islam Karimov said in connection with the 20th anniversary of the Republic's independence.
Sarkozy also thanked for cooperation within the operations of the international coalition in Afghanistan and Uzbekistan's efforts to develop the region.
"The measures taken by Uzbekistan in this direction are very important to successfully implement the projects in Central Asia," a message, published in official media, said. "Uzbekistan's weighted position, demonstrated during the recent regional crisis, has become an integral part of stability."
The French President said that the French Development Agency's decision will give a new impetus to the Uzbek-French cooperation to participate in financing several projects in Uzbekistan.
The agreement on establishing the EU representative office in Uzbekistan was signed during Uzbek President Islam Karimov's visit to Brussels in January.