The primary new hub of the Turkic World
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are forging a partnership that surpasses typical alliances. The Treaty on Allied Relations between these two brotherly nations is creating a strong new geopolitical landscape, connecting the Caucasus and Turkestan more closely. Azerbaijan, crucial for Europe’s energy security, and Uzbekistan, with extensive economic and demographic resources, are central to this development.
In global politics, alliances often require years of complex bureaucratic negotiations to establish. However, Baku and Tashkent defy this pattern. Their political dialogue, which advanced quickly over a brief period, culminated in a full alliance in 2024 with the signing of historic agreements in Tashkent.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev’s words that “we are writing a completely new book of relations between our brotherly peoples”, as well as President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s unequivocal description of Baku as a “strategic ally”, testify to the strength and irreversibility of these relations.
Economic measures strengthening political relations
No matter how bold the political statements are, a true alliance is always built on strong economic foundations. That’s why political will between the two capitals is quickly turning into tangible economic projects.
*Rapid trade expansion: bilateral trade has already hit $795 million and aims to surpass $1 billion soon.
*The joint investment company, holding $500 million in capital, is funding industrial and infrastructure projects exceeding $360 million in total.
*A new trilateral joint venture between Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Kazakhstan has been formed to develop a green energy corridor aimed at transmitting electricity to Europe across the Caspian Sea.
*The Middle Corridor has become especially significant as a global transit hub due to disruptions in the Northern Corridor caused by international sanctions, leading to record-high transit freight volumes.
Bridging Central Asia and the Caucasus
This swift and evolving integration is notably enhancing the influence of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS). A new strategic connection is emerging, linking Central Asia directly with the Caucasus, further reinforcing the Ankara – Baku alliance.
Consequently, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are becoming more than just two capitals with separate foreign policies. They are transforming into a unified power center working toward shared strategic goals.
In summary, the Baku – Tashkent route is transforming the geopolitical landscape of Eurasia.
Agil Alesger,
CEO of Azerbaijan’s Yeni Çağ Media Group,
Board Member of the Azerbaijan Press Council
