Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan discuss new joint cooperation projects

Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.uz) — Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev discussed deepening strategic partnership and alliance relations and launching new joint projects at the Kuksaroy residence in Tashkent, the Uzbek presidential press service said.

The leaders held a restricted-format meeting and the third session of the Supreme Intergovernmental Council of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

Mirziyoyev described Aliyev’s state visit as a historic event. He said one of the main confirmations of this would be the signing of a Treaty on Eternal Friendship following the summit.

“Most importantly, every element of our strategic partnership and alliance is being translated into concrete, tangible results,” the Uzbek president said.

The heads of state noted the dynamic development of bilateral ties. The two countries have established close contacts at the parliamentary, governmental and sectoral-agency levels. Preparations for the visit included a meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, a Business Council meeting and a Forum of Regions.

Over the past five years, bilateral trade between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan has tripled. The two countries are implementing cooperation projects in energy, the chemical and mining industries, textiles, agriculture, urban development and other sectors.

The meeting noted the possibility of increasing bilateral trade to US$1 billion. To achieve this target, the sides plan to adopt a special program with specific measures. New cooperation projects are also planned, with the sides proposing to make greater use of the Joint Investment Company to finance them.

The presidents also focused on developing transport connectivity and jointly developing the Middle Corridor.

The two leaders agreed to continue active exchanges in culture, education, youth policy and sports.

The second Forum of Rectors of leading universities is scheduled to take place in Azerbaijan in autumn 2026.

The visit also includes the planned opening of a new building of the Nizami Ganjavi National Pedagogical University and the launch of construction of Azerbaijan Park in New Tashkent.

To further strengthen ties between the two peoples, the sides proposed producing a joint film titled “The Literary Bridge Between Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi.”

In 2027, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will host an important sporting event, the FIFA U-20 World Cup. In this connection, the sides plan to develop a large-scale “Two Countries — One Championship” program featuring joint sports, cultural and youth events.

The presidents also exchanged views on current international and regional issues. Reports from the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission were heard during the session.

Following the meeting, the sides decided to develop a roadmap to ensure the timely and effective implementation of the agreements reached.

The session concluded with the launch of joint projects in banking and finance, construction materials production, education, the oil and gas industry, tourism, housing construction, mining and agriculture.