Exposed: Macron in Central Asia to boost France’s profile in a region dominated by Russia, China
French President Emmanuel Macron heads to Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan on Wednesday, aiming to boost France's profile in a region where Russia, China, Turkey and Europe are all jostling for influence.
Macron lands at 0345 GMT in the Kazakh capital Astana for talks with counterpart Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, followed by the signing of contracts, including in pharmaceuticals and aerospace.
After meeting university students, the French leader will then travel on to Samarkand in neighbouring Uzbekistan where he will stay until Thursday.
France wants to put its political and economic mark on the energy-rich region.
French energy giant EDF is in the running to build Kazakhstan's first nuclear power station – a project that is due to be decided on in a referendum this year.
Critical miner...