Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) —  On 9 December 2024, a roundtable titled “Current Integration Processes in Central Asia and Expanding Dialogue Between Uzbekistan and the European Union” was held in Paris.

The event was attended by leading experts from France and Uzbekistan.

From the French side, specialists from prominent research and analytical centers participated, including the Institute for Prospective and Security in Europe (IPSE), the National Institute of Eastern Languages and Cultures, and the Assembly of Francophone Countries. Uzbekistan was represented by experts from ISMI, CEIR, MICA, the Development Strategy Center, and the CVPI.

During the event, participants discussed the prospects for Uzbek-EU relations.

The parties acknowledged the significant activation of cooperation between Uzbekistan and the EU in recent years, which has become systematic and mutually beneficial. Trade volume between Uzbekistan and EU countries has grown dynamically, increasing by 11% last year, reaching more than 5 billion euros. Major investment projects in high-tech industries are being implemented with the participation of leading European companies.

The Generalized System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) for Uzbekistan has been extended until 2027.

French experts were provided with detailed information about the political and socio-economic reforms in New Uzbekistan and the pragmatic foreign policy of Tashkent aimed at maintaining mutually beneficial and friendly relations with neighboring countries and extra-regional strategic partners.

A discussion also took place on current regional issues, including humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan.

Deputy Director of ISMI, Bakhtiyor Mustafaev, delivered a report on Uzbekistan’s Afghanistan policy. He emphasized that ensuring sustainable development and stability in Afghanistan requires a peaceful approach, with a primary focus on the country’s socio-economic recovery. As the expert noted, history shows that military means cannot solve the Afghan problem.

Mustafaev highlighted the importance of a new coordinated strategy by the international community, emphasizing engagement and dialogue with the current authorities in Afghanistan rather than isolation.

According to the UN, the Taliban has significantly increased budget revenues. The main revenue agency of Afghanistan reported that from March 21, 2023, to March 20, 2024, the total official income of the Taliban amounted to about 3 billion dollars, a 30% increase compared to the previous financial year.

Moreover, according to the UN Office on Drugs and Crime, the Taliban’s nationwide ban on opium poppy cultivation has led to a 95% reduction in opium production.

These examples show that the Taliban is attempting to address the country’s problems. However, the situation remains difficult, with more than 20 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, 12 million experiencing acute food shortages, and active terrorist organizations operating. All of this suggests that further isolation of Afghanistan will lead to worsening conditions in the country.

In this regard, according to the ISMI specialist, Uzbekistan has pursued a pragmatic policy since the Taliban’s rise to power, aimed primarily at improving the socio-economic conditions of the Afghan people.

The importance of the recently opened free trade zone in the border city of Termez, which facilitates cross-border contacts, was emphasized. A 15-day visa-free regime has been introduced to create favorable conditions for Afghan citizens.

The expert also mentioned Uzbekistan’s efforts to develop Afghanistan’s agriculture. A working commission between the ministries of agriculture of both countries has been established in this regard.

Particular attention was given to Tashkent’s support in training qualified Afghan personnel. Since 2018, around 700 Afghan citizens, 200 of whom are women, have studied at the Educational Center in Termez, which was specially created for higher, vocational, and professional education.

Uzbekistan is also interested in enhancing Afghanistan’s transport potential. In this regard, Tashkent is promoting the construction of the Trans-Afghan railway corridor, which will be a key factor in connecting Central and South Asia.

On December 10, during the Uzbek delegation's stay in Paris, a meeting was held with the Chairman of the Foreign Policy Committee of the French National Assembly, B. Fuchs.

During the talks, issues related to the development of inter-parliamentary relations were discussed, particularly the activation of the Friendship Group between the parliaments of Uzbekistan and France. Special attention was given to strengthening parliamentary oversight over the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level, exchanging legislative practices, and establishing cooperation between the research structures of the parliaments of both countries.