In the conjuncture that emerged after the start of the Russia-Ukraine War, there was a noticeable increase in the interest of European states in Central Asia. In this process, the methods used by the European states and the European Union (EU) include developing policies and establishing relations both nationally and within the scope of the union. It is aimed both to deepen ties with Central Asia and to create an impact in the region with relations developed in a multi-directional and multidimensional way.
In this context, while visits are made to Central Asia at various levels from Europe, Central Asian leaders also visit European countries. Because Central Asian states see Europe as an important partner in their multifaceted foreign policies. The last examples of these visits are the successive visits of Uzbek and Kazakh leaders to France. Before going into the details of the two visits, it is understood from a general framework that after Germany, France also draws attention to its potential to be a strong partner for Central Asia.
The first of the recent visits from Central Asia to France was organized by the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Mirziyoyev visited Paris on 21-22 November 2022 and gave the message that they want to strengthen cooperation and ties between states and regions. The common will to develop economic and cultural relations between the two countries is proof of this.[1]
After the Uzbek leader, the President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, went to Paris after his visit to Moscow on November 28, 2022. The Kazakh leader, who first visited Moscow and then Paris after being re-elected as president, showed that he would continue his versatile foreign policy.
During the visit, two leaders signed 35 documents on strategic partnership. The main content of the signed agreements is wind power plant construction, railway vehicles and infrastructure, the establishment of an agricultural genetic centre, energy cooperation between companies, the peaceful use of atoms, radioactive waste management, education, and global warming.[2]
During the meeting, Tokayev talked about the political and economic reform processes in Kazakhstan. At this point, it is possible that the Kazakh leader is trying to deliver two key messages. First, liberalization steps were taken with economic reforms, strengthening the free market rules in the country and creating a suitable environment for foreign investors. Secondly, the liberalization steps taken in Kazakhstan have a political dimension. In this context, it has been tried to establish a political environment that is compatible with the West and gives importance to universal values. It is of great importance that the Kazakh leader delivers these messages in Paris. Because France is both an important factor in Europe and one of the five states that have invested the most in Kazakhstan since 2005.[3] In this context, it can be said that strong relations are tried to be established between the Central Asian states and France in the short and medium term.
When France’s perspective on Central Asia is examined, it is written on the official website of the Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs that Paris is one of the first Western governments to recognize the independence of the Central Asian states. France, which opened representative offices in all its capitals in Central Asia in 2004, stated that it wanted to develop bilateral cooperation with the countries of the region, especially in the energy sector. It was emphasized in the statement that France is the leading trade partner of Kazakhstan, as well as various projects in Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan.[4]
On the other hand, France is taking some steps towards Central Asia in terms of security and reforms. Especially since the region is adjacent to Afghanistan, issues such as organized crime, drug trafficking and terrorism are among the issues that Paris is sensitive to. In addition, France provides various aids to support reforms, rule of law and the free market in the region.[5]
Although France’s relations with the Central Asian states intensified after the Russia-Ukraine War, these relations remain at a low level when compared to regions such as the Mediterranean, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Because these regions are either the immediate surroundings or former colonies of France. To develop relations, mutual visits were made at various levels between France and the countries of the region over a 30-year period. Paris has intensified its interest in Central Asia, especially to meet the energy resources needed due to sanctions imposed on Russia today.[6]
It can be said that France, which has learned from its past experiences, has changed its strategy. Because the criticism it brought to suppression of radical elements during the Andijan Events in May 2005 damaged the relations on the Tashkent-Paris line. Taking lessons from this, France supported many projects in terms of improving relations between the EU and Central Asia during its term presidency in 2008.
Today, it can be said that Paris has adopted a more respectful attitude towards the issues of the Central Asian states. In addition, France, which supported the US intervention in Afghanistan, deployed its air forces to Dushanbe International Airport in this process. After 20 years, it can be said that France has tended to determine various strategies, not by disrupting its relations with the countries of the region, but by strengthening them in an economic, social, and political context. Because during the recent developments in Afghanistan, the Paris administration held important contacts and meetings with Dushanbe.[7]
As a result, although France establishes relations with various regions and states of the world, these relations are quite low in the eyes of Central Asia. Because France only has important relations with Kazakhstan in Central Asia. However, Paris has started to act by learning from the mistakes it has made in the past. Undoubtedly, the energy crisis stemming from the sanctions imposed on Russia is one of the main reasons that pushed France to change its policy. But the issue is not just that. Because France also competes with Germany in the region. As it is known, Germany has been trying to increase its influence in the region recently by making contacts with both Central Asian states and China. France also wants to have a presence in the region with cooperation based on economy, energy, and culture. For this reason, it is possible to foresee that the relations of Paris with regional capitals will improve.
[1] Doğacan Başaran, “Özbekistan Cumhurbaşkanı’nın Fransa Ziyareti”, ANKASAM, https://www.ankasam.org/ozbekistan-cumhurbaskaninin-fransa-ziyareti/, (Date of Accession: 02.12.2022).
[2] “Kazakhstan and France Sign Over 30 Documents for Strategic Partnership”, The Qazaqstan Monitor, https://qazmonitor.com/news/1132/kazakhstan-and-france-sign-over-30-documents-for-strategic-partnership, (Date of Accession: 02.12.2022); “Kazakhstan, France Sign over 30 Documents as Part of Tokayev’s Visit to Paris”, Interfax, https://interfax.com/newsroom/top-stories/85563/, (Date of Accession: 02.12.2022).
[3] “President Tokayev Pays Official Visit to France, Reiterates Commitment to Strategic Partnership”, The Astana Times, https://astanatimes.com/2022/11/president-tokayev-pays-official-visit-to-france-reiterates-commitment-to-strategic-partnership/, (Date of Accession: 02.12.2022).
[4] “French Policy in Central Asia”, French Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, diplomatie.gouv.fr/en/country-files/central-asia/france-and-central-asia/article/french-policy-in-central-asia, (Date of Accession: 02.12.2022).
[5] Ibid.
[6] Sebastien Peyrouse, “European National Policies Series-France and Central Asia”, EUCAM National Policies Brief, No. 9, https://eucentralasia.eu/european-national-policies-series-france-and-central-asia/, (Date of Accession: 02.12.2022).
[7] Peyrouse, op. cit
