PARIS, October 22. /Dunyo IA/.   Claude Imauven, Head of Uzbekistan – France Council under the “MEDEF International” Business Council and Chairman of the Board of Directors of Orano, commented in an interview with Dunyo IA on the outcomes of the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to Uzbekistan, which took place on October 18–20^th:

- This year, we celebrated the 35^th Anniversary of Uzbekistan's Independence. This date has become an important occasion to emphasize the consistent policy of diversifying international partnerships. This policy is a clear manifestation of Uzbekistan's state sovereignty and its commitment to deeper integration into the international trade system.

We note with satisfaction the dynamic development of Uzbekistan's relations with states beyond its immediate regional environment, as well as the country's growing involvement in international cooperation.

In this context, the visit of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Uzbekistan is of particular interest from the perspective of the further development of the republic's international partnerships.

Steady momentum of expanding Uzbekistan's external economic ties opens up new prospects for trade and economic cooperation and the formation of long-term partnerships with foreign companies.

I attach particular importance to the meetings within the "C5+1" framework, which represent an important additional mechanism for multilateral dialogue. This format allows for the discussion of pressing issues on the global and regional agenda, finding common approaches to addressing existing challenges and strengthening interaction between states.

I am convinced that such meetings contribute to enhancing the international attractiveness of Central Asia and underscore the efforts of the region's five states to strengthen regional and economic cooperation.

For our part, I would like to note the interest of French business circles in the further development of partnership with Uzbekistan. In particular, “MEDEF International” is preparing its next business mission to Uzbekistan in 2027, the objective of which will be to continue and deepen interaction between French and Uzbek enterprises.

I am confident that the consistent expansion of Uzbekistan's international ties will continue to foster mutually beneficial economic cooperation and strengthen long-term partnerships with foreign states and business communities.