The first Uzbekistan – Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Forum, currently taking place in Khiva, is dedicated to the theme “In search of new horizons: from dialogue to joint action”.

“This forum is not only an important milestone in the history of bilateral relations between our countries, but also a starting point for a new level of interparliamentary cooperation”, Ms. Narbayeva said. “I am confident that it will serve as a platform for open and constructive dialogue aimed at strengthening friendship and brotherhood. The relationship between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan has long been characterized by shared historical, cultural, and spiritual values. Mutual feelings of friendship, respect, and fraternity between our peoples reinforce these ties. The personal involvement of the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan plays a decisive role. Thanks to their efforts, relations between our countries have risen to the level of strategic partnership and alliance across many fields”.

All organizational and institutional mechanisms have been established, including the Interstate Supreme Council, the Intergovernmental Commission, the Working Council, and a joint investment company. Over the past five years, the volume of mutual trade has doubled, and the number of joint ventures has increased fivefold. More than 240 enterprises with Azerbaijani capital currently operate in Uzbekistan.

Regional cooperation is also developing actively. In the past three years, three interregional forums have been held. Sister-city relations have been established between Samarkand and Ganja, Khiva and Shusha, Bukhara and Lankaran, Kokand and Sheki, Namangan and Mingachevir, Gulistan and Fuzuli, Termez and Bilasuvar. These partnerships are significant for enhancing cooperation in science, education, culture, and healthcare. Cooperation programs are being implemented between more than 40 higher education institutions.

These figures are clear practical evidence that relations with Azerbaijan are a priority in Uzbekistan’s foreign policy.

The attention given by the presidents of both countries to parliamentary diplomacy serves as a strong political foundation.

Norgul Abduraimova, photos by Bekzodbek Saidov, UzA