Aliyev Meets Turkic States’ Government Leaders in Baku

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 2 April, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev met with government leaders participating in the Turkic States Organization summit. Attendees included Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yılmaz, Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov, Kazakh Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov, Kyrgyz Cabinet Chairman Adylbek Kasymaliev, Turkmen Deputy Prime Minister Nokerguly Ataguliyev, Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus Prime Minister Unal Ustel, and the Organization’s Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev.

The meeting focused primarily on trade, economic cooperation, and the implementation of joint projects. Opening the discussions, President Aliyev emphasized the importance of hosting the session in Baku, noting that it would serve as a platform for addressing key economic issues and strengthening the unity of member states.

Aliyev highlighted that developing cooperation within the organization remains a top foreign policy priority. He stressed that shared historical, cultural, and ethnic ties provide a strong foundation for coordinated international positions and mutual support.

The President underscored the organization’s growing global standing and its aspiration to join the ranks of leading international unions. He emphasized the importance of regular summits and consultations amid rapidly changing global developments.

Economic issues received special attention. Aliyev noted the rise in mutual trade and investments, reporting that Azerbaijan has invested over $20 billion in member states’ economies. Joint investment funds have been established with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan to implement ongoing and upcoming projects.

Support from partner countries in rebuilding Karabakh was also highlighted. Social facilities, including the Mirzo Ulugbek School, Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Center, and Manas School, have been constructed with assistance from Turkic states. Infrastructure projects led by Turkish companies are underway, and initial foreign investments have helped launch production facilities, including a textile factory in Khankendi with Uzbekistan’s participation.

President Aliyev recalled Azerbaijan’s aid to Turkey after the devastating earthquake, including construction of the “Azerbaijan Quarter” in Kahramanmaraş, noting these projects demonstrate practical support and strategic partnership.

Transport and logistics development featured prominently in his remarks. Aliyev highlighted the growing importance of the Middle Corridor, Trans-Caspian Corridor, and the Zangezur Corridor project. He stated that Azerbaijan’s infrastructure is largely ready, with the highway approximately 90% complete and the railway around 70% finished, capable of transporting up to 15 million tons of cargo annually in the future.

Uzbek Prime Minister Abdulla Aripov conveyed greetings from President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and expressed gratitude for the warm reception. He emphasized that Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan relations have reached the level of strategic partnership and alliance. Aripov stressed that a trust-based dialogue between the two countries’ leaders provides a solid foundation for closer ties between their peoples and reaffirmed Uzbekistan’s readiness to further strengthen cooperation within the Turkic States Organization.