
Chairman of the Board of the Republican Azerbaijani National Cultural Center in Uzbekistan, Mobil Mamedov, commented on the significance and scale of the official visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Azerbaijan:
– I would like to note that the state visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, from July 2 to 4, 2025, is of exceptional importance. The meeting between the heads of state is taking place in the year marking the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Tashkent and Baku, and it is destined to become a significant milestone in the development of bilateral ties. This is not merely an anniversary date but a significant historical benchmark that highlights the strength and maturity of relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
Today, relations between our two countries are reaching a qualitatively new level – moving from traditional good-neighborliness to a full-fledged alliance format. The establishment of the Supreme Interstate Council in 2024 and the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations have become significant milestones on this path. These decisions reflect the shared political will of the leaders of our countries – President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President Ilham Aliyev – to pursue a systematic and sustainable strategic partnership.
It is symbolic that the visit is taking place against the backdrop of active political coordination between our states within international organizations such as the CIS, the Organization of Turkic States, and the Economic Cooperation Organization. Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan demonstrate converging approaches to regional security, sustainable development, and international cooperation. Discussions are underway regarding potential engagement within platforms such as BRICS, which opens up new horizons for global-scale cooperation.
We are confident that this visit will serve not only as confirmation of the mutual political commitment to deepening bilateral ties, but also as an impetus for implementing new joint initiatives in the interests of the brotherly peoples of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
One of the key areas of bilateral cooperation remains transport and logistics. Azerbaijan is a crucial partner for Uzbekistan in securing access to international maritime routes via the Trans-Caspian transport corridor. This route is becoming a strategic channel for expanding our country’s foreign economic relations.
In 2022 alone, the volume of Uzbek cargo passing through the Port of Baku nearly doubled. This growth reflects not only the high efficiency and demand for the route, but also the level of trust between our two countries. Active efforts are underway to establish joint logistics hubs, modernize railway routes, and construct warehouse infrastructure in the ports of Baku and third countries. These projects aim to create a sustainable and efficient logistics chain that will generate mutual economic benefits and contribute to deeper regional integration. We are confident that the joint efforts of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in the transportation sector will become a powerful driver for further economic growth and the strengthening of regional ties.
Energy occupies a special place in the bilateral agenda as a key sector for the sustainable development of both economies. Uzbekistan, along with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, has signed a protocol establishing a green energy corridor to Europe. This large-scale project will open new horizons for the export of clean energy and strengthen the region’s energy security. Leading energy companies, SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz, are already implementing joint initiatives in the exploration and processing of hydrocarbons. These efforts not only promote technology exchange and investment, but also establish a solid foundation for long-term partnership.
For Uzbekistan, energy cooperation with Azerbaijan is a crucial step toward diversifying supply sources, ensuring domestic market resilience, and expanding access to new export markets. Energy is becoming another strategic bridge between our two brotherly countries.
Cultural and humanitarian cooperation is the soul of our bilateral relations, and it is reaching a new level.
In 2023, Uzbekistan built a modern school in the city of Fuzuli, in Karabakh. This is not just a contribution to education – it is a gesture of solidarity and brotherhood.
We also support the idea of allowing mutual travel using ID cards, which will further simplify communication between our peoples. Cultural exchange is actively developing – Days of Culture, exhibitions, festivals, and book presentations are regularly held. We emphasize the values that unite us: common traditions, shared history, and literary heritage. The symbolic parallel between the great poets Alisher Navoi and Nizami is striking, and pilaf – a symbol of friendship – brings together not only our cuisines but also our hearts.
All these initiatives strengthen cultural ties and promote genuine mutual understanding between our peoples.
Interviewed by Aziza Alimova, UzA