Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Ilham Aliyev. Photo: Press Service of the President of Uzbekistan
On July 2, Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan held a private meeting and participated in the second session of the High-Level Interstate Council, according to the Uzbek leader’s press service. The events took place as part of Mirziyoyev’s official visit to Baku.
The talks focused on strengthening friendship, strategic partnership, and alliance between the two countries. Mirziyoyev noted that the visit and council session coincided with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.
“Our relations have never been at such a high level as they are today,” he emphasized.
Both leaders praised the dynamic development of bilateral cooperation. They highlighted the successful hosting of the first Inter-Parliamentary Forum in Khiva, along with recent meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and Regional Forum in Baku.
Bilateral trade has increased by 25%, while the joint investment project portfolio now totals $4 billion. Around 300 joint ventures are currently operating.
During Mirziyoyev’s visit, construction began on a new Uzbekistan Park in the Azerbaijani capital. A new building for the Uzbek Embassy in Baku was also inaugurated.
The presidents discussed practical steps to boost annual mutual trade and investment to $1 billion. They agreed to adopt a new cooperation program encompassing industry, infrastructure, agriculture, tourism, and more. Plans were also supported for expanding cooperation formats, including establishing a Business Council and a Forum of Industrial and Economic Zones.
Transport and communications cooperation featured prominently in the discussions, particularly joint efforts to develop the Middle Corridor. Freight traffic from Uzbekistan via this route has risen by 25%, exceeding 1 million tons. Since March, transit permits along the corridor have been issued electronically, streamlining logistics.
The two sides also agreed to accelerate preparations for a joint electricity export project to Europe.
To mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will organize a series of cultural and youth events in the fall.
Finally, Mirziyoyev and Aliyev exchanged views on international and regional issues. The council session included reports from co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission, as well as the ministers of transport, energy, and culture. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a roadmap for the timely and effective implementation of all agreements reached.
