The current level of relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan is exemplary and unprecedented. The merits of the presidents of the two countries are great in this.

This was stated by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan Bobur Usmanov on June 14 in Baku at a roundtable discussion on relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan and early Presidential elections in Uzbekistan scheduled for July 9.

The event was held at Azerbaijan’s Center of Analysis of International Relations (CAIR).

“Our relations are an example of how brotherly countries should be friends. We set a high goal for trade and think that this is achievable”, said the Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan, adding that it is planned to increase the annual volume of export-import operations to $1 billion.

Azerbaijan’s cooperation with Central Asian countries, particularly with Uzbekistan, is of a priority nature, CAIR Chairman of the Board Farid Shafiyev stated in turn. According to him, it is enough to note that last year the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited Uzbekistan three times.

Drawing attention to the firm support shown by Uzbekistan in the just settlement of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict, Mr. Shafiyev added that this support continues even now – at the post-conflict stage. In this regard, he recalled that Uzbekistan is financing the construction of a school in the liberated Karabakh in Fizuli.

The Ambassador of Uzbekistan of the Republic of Uzbekistan to the Republic of Azerbaijan Bakhrom Ashrafkhanov, in turn, noted that, by analogy with last year, this year also promises to be productive in terms of further promoting mutually beneficial ties between the two fraternal countries. In this context, he noted that the first step in this direction was made thanks to the participation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in the Summit of the Non-Aligned Movement, which took place on March 1 this year in the capital of Azerbaijan.

Noting that Uzbekistan has always attached and attaches great importance to relations with Azerbaijan, the diplomat expressed satisfaction that mutual exchanges of visits at various levels have recently intensified. According to him, the result of intensive contacts observed in recent years was the commissioning of new cooperation mechanisms.

“As part of the practical implementation of the agreements of our leaders, active work is underway to enhance collaboration between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan further”, he said.

The event continued with discussions with the participation of experts from the two countries.

UzA