In recent years, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have been intensively interacting in all areas: developing economic, regional, cultural, energy cooperation, integration in transport and education.

Cities are becoming twinned, tourist destinations are becoming more active, new enterprises are opening, and business projects are being implemented. The scale of investment cooperation in the most priority sectors of the economy is expanding: textile, automotive industry, production of household appliances, food products, pharmaceuticals, and real estate.

Recently, the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev paid a state visit to Uzbekistan. The central event was the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations. According to the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, many do not yet fully understand the significance of this event. Uzbekistan does not have agreements similar to those of many other countries. As President Aliyev emphasized, the parties opened not just a new chapter, but a new book in their relations. The first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council was held, which is intended to become an effective mechanism for developing and implementing new proposals to deepen allied relations.

The Leader of Uzbekistan drew attention to the fact that since the beginning of the year, meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, consultations on political and security issues, meetings of parliamentarians, a forum of regions, and several cultural and business events have been held. This became the key to the success of the current summit. Uzbekistan is sincerely pleased with the outstanding achievements of Azerbaijan, the dynamic growth of its economy and industry, and the improvement in the quality of life of the population in the fraternal country.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid particular attention to the restoration of Karabakh, where social infrastructure and production facilities are being actively built. Uzbekistan is ready to continue to support Azerbaijan in this noble work.

During the talks, the Presidents discussed the entire spectrum of multifaceted relations, including trade, industrial cooperation, energy, transport, agriculture, and culture. The parties agreed to strengthen political dialogue, provide mutual support on multilateral platforms, and continue active contacts at the level of parliaments, governments, industry agencies, and regions. The importance of increasing trade and economic cooperation, which demonstrates sustainable growth dynamics, was emphasized. In this regard, it was decided that the Year of Economic Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan would be declared next year by adopting a program in 20 main areas. It was noted that the business forum had been fruitful the day before, during which dozens of contracts and agreements were signed. Within the framework of these agreements, essential projects will be implemented, such as the construction of hotels, textile clusters, a garment factory, and the production of building materials. There are developments on joint participation in promising projects in third countries. In this context, the successful activities of the joint investment company created to promote such initiatives were noted. Particular attention was paid to the development of transport connectivity, including through the development of the Trans-Caspian corridor. The leaders agreed to accelerate the implementation of a large-scale regional project to produce green energy and export through Azerbaijan to European countries. A roadmap of interregional cooperation will be adopted to intensify contacts between the regions, and the next Forum of Regions will be held in Kokand.

The heads of state agreed to expand contacts and exchanges in culture, youth and information policy, science, education, and sports. The established tradition of holding mutual Culture and Cinema Days, exhibitions, and tours of creative groups in both countries every year will continue, now not only in the capitals, but also in the regions.

In conclusion, the President of Uzbekistan thanked his Azerbaijani counterpart for supporting proposals and initiatives. He expressed confidence that fruitful negotiations would give a powerful impetus to further developing ties and strengthen friendship and alliance between fraternal countries.

Ismat Kuchiyev, UzA