The congratulation message said: “With great satisfaction I wish you happiness, success and well-being on occasion of New Year.”

Envoy said: “The ending year was marked with the 20th anniversary of Uzbekistan’s Independence. For 20 years, significant steps were made in all spheres and large-scale reforms were conducted. I had chance to observe these during my visits across Uzbekistan.”

The message of envoy underlined that Uzbekistan and France will mark the 20th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations. He said that the relations between France and Uzbekistan, which have rich historic tradition, have promising perspectives in 2012, which the sides will implement together.

“In cultural and scientific-technical spheres, we have very close cooperation, in particular, thanks to the work of French Institute in Uzbekistan. It is necessary to keep this cooperation and develop it further. Our inter-parliamentary contacts are also intensive and dynamic, and make great contribution to viability of bilateral relations,” the diplomat noted.

Francois Gauthier underlined that launch of activities of French Development Agency in Uzbekistan will help to develop economic exchanges, while the French companies are also interested in the Uzbek market.

“Speaking of security issues, it is worth to mention that we always consider Uzbekistan as key partner in Central Asia. I believe that out two states should continue joint efforts, directed at strengthening regional stability,” he said.

“In all spheres, we – French and Uzbeks – should use existing opportunities to implement great potential of our relations. In the end, let be express my frank wishes on the eve of the New Year,” the envoy said.