Uzbekistan, Tashkent, July 17 / Trend, D. Azizov /
President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov and French Defense Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian discussed the status and priorities of the Uzbek-French cooperation, National Information Agency of Uzbekistan (UzA) reported.
President Karimov received French Defense Minister on Monday.
During the meeting, Karimov stressed experience of constructive cooperation between the two countries gained and expressed satisfaction with the efficient dialogue established with the French leadership.
He said that Uzbekistan highly values the relationship established with France in various fields, and consider it as a long-term and priority partner in Europe.
A solid foundation for further strengthening of these relations is coincidence and similarity of attitudes and approaches of Uzbekistan and France in matters of peace and stability, active inter-parliamentary relations, a wide potential for trade and economic and investment cooperation.
Le Drian thanked the Uzbek president for warm welcome and an opportunity to discuss key issues of bilateral relations and international politics, as well as exchange of views on the preservation of regional security and stability.
A member of the French government appreciated Uzbekistan's principled position on resolving the conflict of many years and the country's significant contribution to the peaceful reconstruction of neighboring Afghanistan.
During the conversation the sides also discussed other issues of mutual interest.