In this photo released by Uzbekistan's President Press Office, Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev (right) and French President Emmanuel Macron shake hands as they attend a forum during their meeting in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Nov 2, 2023. (PHOTO/UZBEKISTAN'S PRESIDENT PRESS OFFICE VIA AP)

TASHKENT - President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of France Emmanuel Macron held a meeting in the Uzbek city of Samarkand on Thursday and agreed to upgrade bilateral relations to the level of strategic partnership.

According to the press service of the president of Uzbekistan, Mirziyoyev highlighted the historic significance of the French president's visit, which marked the first in the past 30 years.

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The two leaders discussed in detail the issues of broadening comprehensive bilateral cooperation and agreed to bring the two countries' relations to the level of strategic partnership, according to the press service of the president of Uzbekistan

The two sides also emphasized the importance of continuing political dialogue, strengthening cooperation in the field of security, and effectively addressing the current challenges and risks, according to the statement.

The two sides touched upon promoting new major projects in green energy, extraction and processing of raw materials, agricultural innovation, water supply, logistics, infrastructure development, tourism, and other fields.

The French president expressed his support of Uzbekistan's efforts in strengthening mutual trust in Central Asia, as well as the country's accession to the World Trade Organization.

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The two sides also emphasized the importance of continuing political dialogue, strengthening cooperation in the field of security, and effectively addressing the current challenges and risks, according to the statement.