Delegation of French Senate visits Uzbekistan

The delegation included Senators Yves Pozzo di Borgo and Michel Boutant, as well as executive secretary of the Friendship Group Michel Laflandre.

During the visit, the French delegation along with chairperson of the Committee on foreign issues of the Senate of Uzbekistan Senator Sadik Safaev and chairperson of Ecologic Movement of Uzbekistan Bori Alihanov visited several regions of Uzbekistan. The visit was aimed at studying environmental issues in Uzbekistan.

The delegation visited Karakalpakstan. In particular, the delegation toured former port city Muynak and had chance to familiarize with full extent of Aral Sea catastrophe. The French relations also received information on adopted measures directed at mitigating impact of the crisis to population and environment.

In Nukus, Senators visited Museum named after Savitsky and familiarized with Russian avant-garde paintings.

The French Senators visited Surkhandarya region to get acquainted with negative impact of the operations of Tajikistan Aluminum Plant to health of people and environment. Having information on limited progress of the Uzbek-Tajik dialogue, the Senators recommended the authorities to apply to international organizations, which have experience in assessing direct and indirect impact of the plant.

In Termez, Senators visited At Termiziy architecture complex and archeological museum.

The French Senators visited Samarkand to see local sights, including Afrosiyob Museum.

The delegation also held large number of meetings, including at Senate and Legislative Chamber, as well as Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the OSCE office in Uzbekistan. The sides considered bilateral relations, situation in Uzbekistan and Central Asia.

They also participated at opening of the Campus France section at the French Institute in Uzbekistan.