French President Emmanuel Macron's recent visit to Uzbekistan marks a strategic move driven by various factors, showcasing France's commitment to fostering cooperation and stability in the region. The visit holds significance for both Central Asia and Europe due to France's influential role within the European Union (EU).
#Uzbekistan #France @iccwbo to be established in #Uzbekistan
— Daryo | Central Asia & Afghanistan (@DaryoEng) November 2, 2023
🇫🇷🤝🇺🇿@President_uz, who initiated the #meeting, expressed his appreciation to the #French #President @EmmanuelMacron for leading a prominent #delegation to #Uzbekistan.
👉Details — https://t.co/D8nnVTdhfc… pic.twitter.com/FHWS5RsPpY
France seeks to adjust its status as a secondary actor in Central Asia, a strategically vital region. With Russia and China playing substantial roles through various organizations and initiatives, France's engagement acts as a counterbalance, preventing the dominance of a single power in Eurasia.
France is interested in expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan to diversify its sources of energy. Central Asia, with untapped hydrocarbon reserves and significant uranium deposits, offers a solution to ensure a steady supply of uranium for French nuclear reactors, considering that a significant portion of France's electricity comes from nuclear power.
France aims to reduce its dependence on China for critical minerals essential for green energy technologies. Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries, though relatively underexplored, have the potential to assist France and the EU in mitigating risks associated with technological advancement by providing these essential minerals.
The strengthened ties between France and Uzbekistan offer a multitude of opportunities. Enhanced political cooperation can support Uzbekistan's "Uzbekistan – 2030" strategy, fostering stability in Central Asia and Afghanistan. Economic collaboration promotes technology transfer and diversification, while France's expertise in water management and green technologies can assist Uzbekistan in environmental conservation and sustainable development.
The limited capacity of the Trans-Caspian Transport Route, known as the "Middle Corridor," poses a challenge to enhanced cooperation. France should collaborate with Central Asian nations and other EU countries to develop and promote this route, reducing transit times and encouraging the participation of Central Asian nations in global connectivity.
France's strategic moves in Central Asia demonstrate a multifaceted approach, aiming to balance power dynamics, diversify energy sources, and ensure a stable supply of critical minerals for technological development. These efforts underscore France's commitment to cooperation and stability, benefiting both Central Asia and Europe.
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