Uzbekistan, Tashkent, July 23 /Trend D.Azizov/
The mission on defense opens under the French Embassy in Uzbekistan, the Embassy said in a statement on Monday.
"Defense mission is opened in Tashkent by the decision of the Ministry of Defence of France, which purpose is the development of military cooperation between Uzbekistan and France," the statement said
The mission consists of the Defence Attaché Lieutenant Colonel Jean-Philippe Tardieu and his assistant, Major Philip Ribeiro.
The objectives of the personnel assigned by the Minister of Defense and subordinated to the French Ambassador, is to advise the ambassador on military matters and develop bilateral defense cooperation.
Opening of the military mission has a special meaning in the context of the withdrawal of French troops from Afghanistan, the statement said.
In his speech at the celebration of Bastille Day on July 14, French Ambassador to Uzbekistan, Francois Gauthier noted that Uzbekistan plays an important role in strengthening regional security, and France is willing to strengthen cooperation in this field.
"France is well aware that the situation in the sphere of regional security, the strategic importance of Central Asia and the key role of Uzbekistan in the region, cause even greater development of bilateral relations, and France is ready to further strengthen them in the coming months," the Ambassador said.