On July 2, at the “Zagulba” residence President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a meeting in a narrow format and the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council.
The issues of further strengthening Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations of friendship, strategic partnership and alliance, as well as expansion of cooperation and exchanges in priority areas of cooperation were considered.
The Head of Uzbekistan emphasized that the current state visit and the second session of the Supreme Interstate Council are taking place in the year of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
- Never in history have our relations been at such a high level as they are today, – emphasized the Leader of Uzbekistan.
The presidents have noted the dynamic development of multifaceted cooperation at all levels. Yesterday, the first Inter-Parliamentary Forum was held in Khiva. The Intergovernmental Commission and the Forum of Regions have been fruitfully held in Baku. Recently, the first Rectors’ Forum was organized in Andijan, where more than 60 agreements were signed. Azerbaijani ensemble “Shirvan” won the Grand Prix of Bakhshi Festival in Khiva.
In the Year of Economic Cooperation, trade turnover increased by 25%. The portfolio of projects reached $4 billion. About 300 joint ventures are operating.
During the visit, the construction of “Uzbekistan” Park in Baku will be launched and a new building of Uzbekistan’s embassy in Azerbaijan will be opened.
An agreement has been reached to continue practical interaction at the level of parliaments, governments, ministries and regions. The importance of mutual support within international structures has been confirmed.
The possibilities of bringing the volume of trade turnover and investments up to $1 billion annually were discussed in detail. It was noted that a separate Cooperation Program is being adopted, which will include projects in industry, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, banking sector and other areas.
The importance of expanding the activities of the joint Investment Company was emphasized. Such new formats of interaction as the Council of Entrepreneurs and the Forum of Industrial and Economic Zones were supported.
Special attention was paid to partnership in the sphere of transportation and communications. Projects of participation in the development of the Middle Corridor were discussed.
The growth of Uzbek cargo transportation through this corridor by 25% – more than 1 million tons – has been noted with satisfaction. In addition, the transition to electronic permits for cargo transportation has been ensured since March this year.
An agreement was also reached to accelerate the preparation of a joint project on electricity export to Europe.
In order to properly celebrate the anniversary of diplomatic relations, the sides decided to hold a number of joint cultural and youth events this fall.
The Heads of state also exchanged views on the international and regional agenda.
During the meeting the reports of the co-chairmen of the Intergovernmental Commission, the Ministers of transport, energy and culture on the agenda of the negotiations were heard.
As a result of the session it was decided to adopt a “road map” on timely and quality implementation of the reached agreements.
Following the negotiations held in the city of Baku, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev adopted a Decision of the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council.
In presence of the Heads of state an exchange of a range of bilateral documents took place. In particular, the following were adopted:
- “Road map” on implementing the Treaty on alliance relations in the years of 2025-2029;
- Intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the environmental protection sphere;
- Intergovernmental agreement on cooperation in the sphere of science, professional and higher education;
- Program of industrial cooperation for 2025-2026;
- Program of bringing the trade turnover to $1 billion by 2030;
- Plan of practical actions (“Road map”) on further development of cooperation in the sphere of agriculture and food supply in 2025-2027;
- Plan of practical actions on implementing cooperation in the sphere of social protection for 2025-2027;
- Protocol on cooperation in the sphere of navigation and shipbuilding;
- Agreements on establishing twinning relations between Tashkent region and the city of Sumgait, as well as cities of Navoi and Gabala, and other documents.
In accordance with the program of the state visit of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Azerbaijan, a solemn ceremony of laying the foundation stone of “Uzbekistan” park was held in Baku.
The new park will be located in the prestigious and dynamically developing “Ag Sheher” district of the capital.
The project envisages the creation of a large-scale park complex on an area of 4.5 hectares, which is designed to present the rich culture and traditions of Uzbekistan.
It will include architectural structures, walking zones, green areas, various recreation and entertainment facilities. The buildings will be decorated with elements of Uzbek national architecture and decorated with traditional ornaments.
During the ceremony, the two Heads of state together laid a symbolic capsule in the foundation of the park, launching the implementation of this important project.
