Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) – On 28 June 2022, a webinar was held on the topic “On the prospects for cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in modern conditions”, organized by the International Institute of Central Asia (MICA) jointly with the Center for Analysis of International Relations of the Republic of Azerbaijan (CAIR).

The experts of the two countries discussed in detail the results of the state visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilkham Aliyev to Uzbekistan, which took place on 21-22 May 2022, analyzed the state and prospects for cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, the current situation in the region, made proposals that will help improve interaction between countries, as well as regions of Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

In particular, it was emphasized that the historic decisions and agreements reached during the visit would undoubtedly give a powerful impetus to the further strengthening and expansion of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations in trade, investment, industrial, transport and logistics, tourism and many other areas.

It was especially noted that thanks to the firm political will and joint efforts of the leaders of the two countries, relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are filled with a qualitatively new practical. This is confirmed by a solid package of 18 agreements, as well as a comprehensive document adopted by the heads of state - the Declaration on deepening the strategic partnership and building up comprehensive cooperation between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The experts agreed that the Declaration, which covers about 40 areas of cooperation, can in essence be considered as a "road map", the main vector for the further development of bilateral relations.

In his opening speech, Director of the International Institute of Central Asia Anvar Nasirov noted that Uzbekistan considers fraternal Azerbaijan as a close friend and time-tested reliable key strategic partner in the South Caucasus. It was emphasized that a reliable foundation for today’s relations is the long-standing historical ties of our peoples, rooted in the depths of centuries, the commonality of religion and traditions, spiritual values, language and culture.

According to the head of MICA, the recent visit will certainly strengthen cooperation between the two countries, for which there are not only objective circumstances, but also a trusting dialogue that has developed between the leaders of the two countries.

At the same time, the significance of the visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan lies in the fact that "its results will be of paramount importance for the further expansion of the multifaceted Uzbek-Azerbaijani friendly and mutually beneficial relations for many years to come, bringing them to a qualitatively new level."

Separately, the historical significance of the Declaration was noted, which reflected the priorities of foreign policy, expressed mutual support for the independence and sovereignty of our states, outlined specific tasks and goals in various fields.

The Chairman of the Board of CAIR Farid Shafiyev, in his opening speech, highly appreciated the current state of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations and the results of the visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan:

“The visit was extremely fruitful. I am confident that the agreements reached will strengthen our interaction.” 

The expert expressed gratitude to Uzbekistan for supporting the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, as well as the initiative of Tashkent to promote the restoration of the liberated territories in Karabakh.

Assessing the results of the high-level talks, the head of CAIR pointed out that among the promising areas of bilateral cooperation are the issues of strengthening interaction in the political, diplomatic, military, economic, transport, cultural, humanitarian and spheres.

Professor of the Western Caspian University Fikret Sadikhov noted that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are representatives of the Turkic-speaking states, relations between which are formed on the basis of a common history and cultural heritage.

The expert praised the policy pursued in Uzbekistan aimed at deepening and expanding partnerships with neighbors and enhancing interaction between countries.

"The political course of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has created a solid foundation for building up Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations."

F. Sadikhov characterized Aliyev’s visit to Uzbekistan and his negotiations with the Leader of Uzbekistan as "historic and breakthrough", since its results "lay the foundation for interaction between the two countries in the medium and long term."

The expert noted that the countries need to work actively in all areas that the two Presidents outlined, and this approach is based on the understanding that both Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are leaders in their regions and the security and prosperity of Central Asia and the South Caucasus depend on their close interaction.

Adviser to the head of the Export and Investment Promotion Agency under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan (AZPROMO) Zohrab Gadirov positively assessed the current trade and economic cooperation between the two states, pointing to a stable growth in trade and transport volumes.

The expert singled out the successful holding of the Made in Uzbekistan exhibition in December 2021 in Baku with the participation of more than 80 companies, as well as the Tashkent Investment Forum. This made it possible, according to his estimates, to reveal the potential available in Uzbekistan and arouse interest among Azerbaijani entrepreneurs.

Z. Gadirov acknowledged the existence of "a large untapped potential between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in the economic, investment, transport and other spheres."

Among the areas of interaction where high rates of development can be expected, he named transport and logistics, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, agriculture, industrial cooperation in the field of electrical engineering, cotton growing and sericulture.

The webinar and the speeches of the participants confirmed the relevance of establishing cooperation between the two countries in all areas of the bilateral and regional agenda.

The parties agreed to consider the issue of signing the Cooperation Agreement between the ICA and the Center for Analysis of International Relations of the Republic of Azerbaijan.