In 2024, France and Tajikistan outlined new pathways for the development of bilateral relations. The partnership between the two countries will continue in 2025 in the areas of education, culture, and economics. The Ambassador of France Tajikistan, Elsa Pignol, shared insights into last year’s achievements and plans for the coming year.
Education
Since 2022, university partnerships between France and Tajikistan have been actively growing. Collaborative efforts are particularly prominent between Khujand State University and Aix-Marseille University, as well as between the National University of Tajikistan and the National Institute for Oriental Languages and Civilizations in Paris.
As part of this partnership, the first Tajik student traveled to France in 2024 to study with full financial support from the host country, while four French students spent a semester in Dushanbe.
New projects, such as a partnership with the École Normale Supérieure in Paris, are currently under development.
Additionally, France and the OSCE have been actively supporting the reform of journalism courses in Tajikistan. One notable initiative was a communication training program for Tajik civil servants, which concluded with a delegation’s visit to Paris in November 2024.
Cultural cooperation
The French Embassy in Dushanbe, in collaboration with the French Alliance in Khujand, organized a vibrant cultural program. Highlights included film events (such as the Francophone Film Festival and a film club), theatrical performances (notably Molière’s The Flying Doctor), and musical events (Fête de la Musique and a concert by pianist Olivier Moulin).
Special attention was given to gastronomy and dance events as part of Francophonie Week.
In 2024, the year of the Paris Olympic Games, a special focus was placed on sports, particularly their role in empowering women. Together with the Tajik Olympic delegation, France celebrated the achievements of medalists such as judokas Somon Mahmadbekov and Temur Rahimov, as well as boxer Davlat Boltayev.
Economic cooperation
The year 2024 was productive for economic relations. French companies expressed interest in collaborating with Tajik authorities in sectors such as agriculture, healthcare, hydropower, infrastructure, and tourism.
Tajikistan’s potential in hydropower, digitalization, and tourism continues to attract attention.
France remains a key partner for Tajikistan, offering new opportunities for collaboration in education, culture, and the economy.
In 2025, France aims to further strengthen this partnership, support joint projects, and contribute to the shared future of the two countries.
