Mirziyoyev calls Aliyev’s visit a historic event

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev reviewed the results of their talks in Tashkent and assessed the outcome of the Azerbaijani leader’s state visit. Mirziyoyev described the signing of the Treaty of Eternal Friendship between the two countries as the main result of the summit, the Uzbek presidential press service said.

Speaking to representatives of the media, Mirziyoyev said Aliyev’s state visit was of historic significance. According to the Uzbek president, the Treaty of Eternal Friendship reflects the two countries’ desire to deepen cooperation, expand opportunities for partnership and build a common future.

The visit also included the third session of the Supreme Intergovernmental Council. Mirziyoyev said the mechanism had become a platform for developing and implementing new initiatives to further strengthen alliance relations.

The Uzbek president noted Azerbaijan’s economic development and growing international standing and again congratulated Aliyev on the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity. The sides also discussed the process of rebuilding Karabakh, where social infrastructure is being constructed and jobs are being created.

“Azerbaijan is our reliable ally, strategic partner and brotherly state. Our relations are based on a common civilizational code: shared historical roots, centuries-old friendship, and similar culture and traditions,” Mirziyoyev said.

The summit was preceded by preparatory work through meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, Business Council and Forum of Regions. During the talks, the presidents discussed a broad range of bilateral relations, including trade, industrial cooperation, energy, transport and culture.

The sides agreed to continue strengthening political dialogue and maintaining active contacts between parliaments, governments, sectoral agencies and regions.

Particular attention was given to economic cooperation. Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan agreed to increase bilateral trade turnover to US$1 billion. A special program containing specific measures has been adopted to achieve the target.

New areas of growth have been identified in industrial cooperation. A portfolio of joint projects in energy, geology, the chemical industry, construction, finance, agriculture and other sectors was prepared for the visit. The Investment Fund established earlier plays an important role in advancing these projects.

The sides also agreed to make greater use of the potential of their regions. This month, the hokims of Tashkent, Bukhara and Namangan regions visited Azerbaijan.

Transport and transit cooperation remains another priority. The sides intend to jointly develop the Trans-Caspian Corridor, improve the efficiency of logistics infrastructure and promote freight transportation.

Cultural and humanitarian ties also featured prominently in the talks. Tashkent is set to open a new building of the Nizami Ganjavi Pedagogical University and begin construction of Azerbaijan Park in New Tashkent.

Azerbaijan Culture Days will be held in Uzbekistan by the end of 2026, while Azerbaijan will host the second Forum of University Rectors. The sides also agreed to produce a joint feature film dedicated to the literary heritage of Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi.

Particular attention was also given to sport. Mirziyoyev said Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan would jointly host the FIFA U-20 World Cup next year. As part of the tournament, the sides plan to implement a “Two Countries — One Championship” program bringing together sporting events and other initiatives.

At the conclusion, the Uzbek president thanked Aliyev for supporting the proposals put forward and expressed confidence that the results of the state visit would give bilateral partnership new practical substance and open additional opportunities for joint projects and the sustainable development of the two countries.