Macron Visits Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to Bolster Economic Ties and Secure Energy Supplies Amid Rising Geopolitical Tensions

Macron's Central Asia tour involves strategic relationship building and securing essential resources following Niger's military coup; France's reliance on Kazakhstan's uranium and reduction in Russian oil access adds to the region's geopolitical importance.

French President Emmanuel Macron is touring Central Asia, strengthening economic ties and securing essential resources with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan amid geopolitical tensions.
Following a military coup in Niger, France leverages its partnerships with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to secure uranium for its nuclear industry, with Kazakhstan as the world's largest producer of uranium.
Kazakhstan, now a major petroleum supplier to the EU due to a reduction in Russian oil exports, also holds strategic importance for France in maintaining energy supplies.
Both Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are demonstrating greater economic openness and balanced diplomacy, with Macron's visit aimed at supporting their interest in diversifying partnerships.
Macron's visit to Central Asia also contributes to the strategic competition for influence in the region amongst global powers such as Russia, China, and Turkey.