TASHKENT — Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have taken another major step toward strengthening their strategic partnership and alliance, as President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Ilham Aliyev held high-level talks at the Kuksaroy Residence in Tashkent.The two leaders held a restricted-format meeting followed by the third meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, focusing on expanding political, economic and humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.President Mirziyoyev described President Aliyev’s current state visit to Uzbekistan as a historic event, highlighting plans to sign a landmark Treaty on Eternal Friendship at the conclusion of the summit.“Most importantly, every aspect of our strategic partnership and alliance should translate into concrete results and practical action,” Mirziyoyev said.
Trade and Investment Set for Major Expansion
The leaders noted the rapid growth of bilateral relations, with regular dialogue established between parliaments, governments and various sectors.Economic ties have expanded significantly: bilateral trade has tripled over the past five years, while cooperation projects are underway in energy, chemicals, mining, textiles, agriculture, urban development and other industries.The two sides said there is strong potential to increase annual bilateral trade to $1 billion. A new action program with concrete measures is being adopted to help achieve this target.New cooperation projects are also expected to get underway following the meeting, with the leaders stressing the importance of actively attracting financing from the Joint Investment Company.
Strengthening the Middle Corridor
Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan also emphasized the need to deepen connectivity between the two countries and jointly develop the Middle Corridor, an increasingly important trade and transport route linking Central Asia with the South Caucasus and beyond.The leaders agreed that stronger transport and logistical ties would create new opportunities for trade, investment and regional economic cooperation.
Culture, Education and Youth Cooperation
The partnership extends beyond economics. The two presidents agreed to continue active exchanges in culture, education, youth policy and sports.A new building of the Nizami Ganjavi National Pedagogical University is set to open in Tashkent, while construction of an Azerbaijan Park will begin in New Tashkent.The Uzbek side also proposed producing a joint film titled “Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi: A Literary Bridge,” aimed at further strengthening cultural ties between the two peoples.The second forum of university rectors from leading higher education institutions of the two countries is scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan this autumn.
“Two Countries — One Championship”
Sports cooperation will receive a major boost ahead of the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup, which will be hosted in the two countries.Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan plan to develop a broad “Two Countries — One Championship” program featuring joint sporting, cultural and youth events around the tournament.The presidents also exchanged views on pressing international and regional issues and heard reports from the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission.
New Joint Projects Launched
The meeting concluded with a decision to adopt a road map designed to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the agreements reached by the two sides.Joint projects were launched in several strategic sectors, including banking and finance, construction materials, education, oil and gas, tourism, housing construction, mining and agriculture.The latest agreements underscore the growing strategic importance of Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan relations and set the stage for deeper economic integration, stronger regional connectivity and closer people-to-people ties.
