Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are built upon shared historical roots, religious and cultural affinity, and a common Turkic heritage.

The two countries were among the first to recognize each other following the restoration of independence. However, it is particularly in the past five years that these relations have reached a qualitatively new level, evolving into a phase of strategic partnership.

The foundation of bilateral ties rests on their shared historical past and mutual belonging to the Turkic world. Following the dissolution of the Soviet Union in 1991, both states began conducting independent foreign policies. During the initial years, relations remained largely diplomatic with limited engagement. However, with the inauguration of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in 2016, Uzbekistan’s foreign policy became more active, which positively impacted relations with Azerbaijan.

In recent years, bilateral cooperation has significantly deepened, driven by reciprocal visits and the close personal friendship between President Ilham Aliyev and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

A milestone event was President Ilham Aliyev’s official visit to Tashkent in June 2022, during which the Declaration on Strategic Partnership was signed. In 2023, a symbol of fraternal ties emerged in the form of a school built by Uzbekistan in the city of Shusha, contributing to the reconstruction of Karabakh. Frequent high-level meetings and the work of joint commissions have reinforced the institutional foundation of cooperation.

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan support each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty on international platforms such as the United Nations, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. After the liberation of Azerbaijani lands from occupation, Uzbekistan was among the first countries to express support and take part in the reconstruction of Karabakh.

Economic cooperation has also expanded considerably. In 2023, bilateral trade exceeded $181 million, nearly doubling the figure from 2021. For Uzbekistan, access through Azerbaijan and Georgia to the Black Sea and onward to Europe is of strategic importance. Cooperation within the Middle Corridor (the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route) is actively strengthening.

Investment opportunities are being explored in areas such as petrochemicals, agricultural processing, textiles, and machinery.

The creation of joint industrial parks is a key area of future cooperation. Educational ties are also growing, with mutual recognition of secondary and vocational education certificates, and agreements on higher education recognition under the CIS framework. Leading universities in both countries have signed memoranda of understanding for mutual cooperation.

In Uzbekistan, departments of Azerbaijani language and culture operate, while the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center at the Azerbaijani Embassy makes a significant contribution to strengthening spiritual and cultural ties between the two brotherly peoples. Uzbekistan actively participates in cultural events hosted by Azerbaijan, such as “Cultural Capital of the Turkic World.” Exchange programs for students and academic staff, as well as joint projects and conferences, are underway. State-level agreements have been signed to further deepen this interaction.

At the second session of the Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Interstate Council, important discussions were held. For the first time in history, a parliamentary forum between the two countries also took place. Any strategic alliance must be grounded in strong cultural and humanitarian ties, symbolized by the opening of Uzbekistan Park in Baku — designed in the shape of the country's map.

Similarly, Andijan hosted the first forum of rectors from Uzbek and Azerbaijani universities.

Joint efforts are already being made in areas such as the establishment of investment funds, coordination on the Middle Corridor and tariff harmonization, cooperation in technoparks and the digital economy, as well as joint military exercises and information exchange in the field of security. If successfully implemented, these initiatives will elevate the relationship from strategic partnership to unshakable brotherhood.

There is strong political will on both sides to strengthen ties, with both President Aliyev and President Mirziyoyev making every effort in this direction.

The relationship between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is more than just diplomacy — it is a model of unity and solidarity in the Turkic world.

In recent years, the countries have reached the level of strategic partnership, opening new horizons for both.

Given the geopolitical context, transportation routes, and economic interests, there is a clear necessity to further deepen cooperation. This partnership holds vast potential and will play a vital role in ensuring the stability and development of the entire region.