Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan — Brotherly Nations and Reliable Allies

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On the eve of the Seventh Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to UzA, in which he spoke about the dynamics of Azerbaijani–Uzbek relations, their strategic significance, and prospects for cooperation in key areas.

According to President Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s participation in the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian leaders has become a tradition symbolizing growing interaction and mutual trust between the brotherly nations. “The Caspian Sea does not separate us; on the contrary, it unites us — it is a symbol of strategic unity and cooperation between our peoples,” he emphasized.

Aliyev noted that relations between Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries are based on shared historical, cultural, and spiritual values. A key factor in strengthening this partnership, he said, is the personal trust and friendship among the region’s leaders.

Alliance with Uzbekistan

The Azerbaijani leader paid special attention to the relationship with Uzbekistan, calling it “an example of true brotherhood and alliance.”

“Uzbekistan is a brotherly nation and a reliable ally for Azerbaijan. We are bound by common roots, language, spiritual values, and history. Today our relations have reached the level of an alliance,” Aliyev stated.

He commended the personal role of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in advancing bilateral ties, noting that his initiatives have brought cooperation between the two countries to an unprecedented level.

“Over the past year and a half, Shavkat Mirziyoyev has visited Azerbaijan five times. These visits and the agreements reached have created a solid foundation for strategic partnership in the political, economic, and humanitarian spheres,” Aliyev said.

He added that within a short period, dozens of agreements have been signed, including the Treaty of Allied Relations and the Cooperation Roadmap for 2025–2029. A major role in the ongoing dialogue is played by the Supreme Interstate Council, established in 2023, which holds regular sessions.

Economy, Investment, and Transport

President Aliyev reported that bilateral trade grew by 87.5 percent in January–September 2025, reaching USD 319 million.

“About 120 enterprises with Uzbek capital are successfully operating in Azerbaijan. Investment cooperation is actively developing — in 2023, a joint investment company was established with an authorized capital of USD 500 million,” he emphasized.

Special attention, the President noted, is given to transport and logistics cooperation, particularly in the context of the Middle Corridor.

“Azerbaijan serves as a key transit hub for Uzbekistan and other Central Asian countries. We are seeing steady growth in cargo traffic and are developing modern transport routes, including the Zangezur Corridor,” Aliyev said.

Cultural and Humanitarian Ties

Aliyev expressed satisfaction with the active progress in cultural cooperation. In recent years, Days of Culture of both countries have been held reciprocally, while landmark cultural sites — such as Heydar Aliyev Square in Tashkent and the ‘Uzbekistan’ Park now under construction in Baku — stand as symbols of mutual friendship.

“Our cities are becoming sister cities; humanitarian ties are deepening; joint media forums and cultural festivals are being organized. All this serves to strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between our peoples,” the President emphasized.

He also highlighted the importance of joint initiatives in sports. “The decision to host the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup jointly in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan is a vivid example of mutual trust and recognition of our countries’ potential on the global stage,” he said.

In conclusion, Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that the upcoming Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State in Tashkent will mark another step toward enhancing regional unity.

“May the bonds of friendship, brotherhood, and cooperation that unite Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan remain unbreakable,” the President declared.