As part of his official visit to France, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev was awarded the Order of the Legion of Honor, the highest distinction of the French Republic.

During a special ceremony in Paris, French President Emmanuel Macron personally presented the prestigious award to President Mirziyoyev in recognition of his significant contributions to strengthening cooperation and fostering friendship between Uzbekistan and France.

Expressing his gratitude, President Mirziyoyev emphasized the progress achieved in recent years, noting that bilateral relations have reached the level of a strategic partnership.

Established in 1802, the Order of the Legion of Honor is the highest state recognition in France, awarded for exceptional service and distinguished achievements. Prominent global leaders, including Emperor Akihito, Franklin D. Roosevelt, Winston Churchill, Nelson Mandela and Angela Merkel have received this prestigious honor.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visit to France

President Mirziyoyev arrived in Paris at the invitation of President Macron. On March 12, an official welcoming ceremony was held, followed by high-level talks at the Élysée Palace.

The discussions led to a historic decision to establish a strategic partnership between the two nations. At the end of the negotiations, both leaders adopted a joint declaration and oversaw the exchange of an intergovernmental agreement on specialist and student mobility. Several other agreements were also signed, further enhancing cooperation.

As a symbolic gesture, President Mirziyoyev presented President Macron with the first Uzbek translation of Victor Hugo’s novel The Man Who Laughs. The book will soon be available to the public, reflecting the deepening cultural exchange between the two countries.