A new stage of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan

In recent years, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have significantly advanced their relations. This development stems mainly from frequent high-level visits, close and trusting dialogue, and the strong political will of their leaders.

Meanwhile, our peoples’ shared history, cultural ties, language similarities, and spiritual values are progressively blending with contemporary geopolitical and geo-economic interests. The strong partnership between the two countries is evident in their joint efforts in sectors such as the economy, investment, transportation, energy, culture, and education.

Ilhomjon Tukhtasinov, Rector of Uzbekistan State World Languages University, states that the evolving partnership between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is significantly elevating educational cooperation. This progress is especially noticeable through direct collaborations between universities, faculty and student exchanges, joint research initiatives, and projects focused on language and cultural studies.

– Today, Uzbekistan State World Languages University collaborates with over 200 top higher education institutions across more than 40 countries, with memorandums signed with each. On May 30, 2025, we launched the Azerbaijani Language and Literature Center at our university. In February this year, we visited Azerbaijan University of Languages in Baku, where we formalized a cooperation agreement.

Notably, within this cooperation, we agreed to establish an Uzbek Language and Literature Center in Azerbaijan, opening doors for faculty exchanges and professional growth.

So far, 15 faculty members from our university have completed internships, and three doctoral students have gone to Baku to advance their studies and pursue independent research. Additionally, around 15 Azerbaijani specialists have come to our country for professional development. We are especially proud that six independent researchers have enrolled at Uzbekistan State World Languages University.

Beginning with the 2025/2026 academic year, Uzbekistan State World Languages University has begun teaching Azerbaijani as a third foreign language. Four professors from Azerbaijan University of Languages have already begun teaching classes. Students are keenly interested in the language, culture, literature, and history of this brotherly country and are eager to study them in greater depth.

I believe President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Uzbekistan will open numerous opportunities to deepen bilateral cooperation and elevate it to a higher stage. This includes not only agreements at the governmental level but also higher-education initiatives that could boost collaboration between our nations.

Utkir Alimov, UzA