President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has given an interview to Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA).
The Editorial Board presents the interview.
-Mr. President, you are preparing to participate in the upcoming Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in Tashkent. What can you say about this format of regional cooperation? How are Azerbaijan's relations with this region developing, and are you satisfied with the current level of cooperation?
-First of all, I would like to note that this will be my third participation in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. The first meeting I was invited to was held in Dushanbe in 2023, the second in Astana in 2024, and the upcoming meeting is expected to take place in Tashkent. I express my sincere gratitude to all my colleagues, and first and foremost to my brother Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for the invitation and for the support shown for Azerbaijan's participation in this important event.
Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries form a single historical, cultural, geographical, and geopolitical space of increasing strategic importance. Although the Caspian Sea physically separates Azerbaijan from the Central Asian countries at first glance, it is, in fact, an important unifying factor. Today, the Caspian Sea is not just a geographical concept; it is, first and foremost, a symbol of the strategic unity, economic potential, and historical cooperation of our peoples.
Our countries are united not only by geography but also by historical and cultural ties, common religious and spiritual values, and traditions.
Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to the comprehensive development of cooperation with all countries in the region at the highest level. I believe that the strategic partnership and allied relations established on a bilateral basis between Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries, as well as our active political dialogue and mutual visits, play a crucial role in the success of this cooperation format.
The dynamics of mutual visits and contacts between heads of state in recent years clearly demonstrate the high level of our relations. Thus, in the last three years, the heads of Central Asian states have made approximately 30 visits to Azerbaijan, and I myself have visited these fraternal countries 13 times during the same period.
The growing importance of the Middle Corridor creates significant opportunities for expanding our cooperation.
I am confident that the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia will be an important milestone in strengthening the centuries-old friendship between our fraternal peoples and in expanding multi-level cooperation in political, economic, transport, investment, energy, cultural, humanitarian, and digital transformation fields.
-Mr. President, you emphasized the intensity of mutual visits between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries, active political dialogue, and high-level mutual understanding. We noted that President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has visited Azerbaijan five times in the last year and a half. Furthermore, you have met several times at various international venues during the year. How would you characterize the state of bilateral relations on the occasion of the current 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan?
-Uzbekistan is a fraternal country and a reliable ally for Azerbaijan. We are united by common roots, spiritual values, language, ethnic proximity, and a rich historical and cultural heritage. For centuries, our fraternal peoples have harbored deep affection and respect for each other. It is gratifying that our interstate relations are successfully developing on this solid foundation.
Today, relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are at the highest level – that of alliance.
Another no less important factor influencing the development of our relations is the personal trust and friendly relations established between President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev and myself. I would like to particularly emphasize the President's personal contribution to the development of our interstate relations and his constant attention to consistently strengthening our multifaceted cooperation.
It is always a great honor and pleasure for us to welcome the leader of fraternal Uzbekistan, a prominent statesman, and a great friend of Azerbaijan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to our country. As you mentioned, there have been five such visits in the last year and a half. All this clearly demonstrates the high dynamics of our relations.
Last August, I paid a state visit to Uzbekistan, and this July, the President of Uzbekistan made a state visit to Azerbaijan. During these historic visits, dozens of important documents were signed, including the Declaration on Further Strengthening Strategic Partnership, the Agreement on Allied Relations, the “Roadmap” for 2025-2029 for the Implementation of the Agreement on Allied Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan, and other documents. A great deal of work has been done in a short period. All these mutual visits have given a significant impetus to strengthening Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations in all areas, both on a bilateral basis and in terms of realizing new partnership opportunities within a single geographical space, including Central Asia and the Caspian region.
Furthermore, the Supreme Interstate Council, established in August 2023, plays a special role in determining the strategy for the development of our relations. The Council has already held two meetings within the framework of mutual state visits: in Tashkent on August 22, 2024, and in Baku on July 2, 2025.
Uzbekistan has consistently supported Azerbaijan's territorial integrity. I take this opportunity to express my gratitude to fraternal Uzbekistan for its contribution to the restoration of Karabakh, especially for the construction of the school named after the great Uzbek scholar Mirza Ulugbek in liberated Fuzuli, which currently educates approximately 600 students. Uzbekistan was the first country to put forward the initiative to assist in the reconstruction of the Karabakh region, and President Mirziyoyev was the first leader in the world to do so. We will always remember this and consider it a gesture of solidarity, friendship, and brotherhood between our countries and peoples.
I look forward to the upcoming visit to the fraternal country. Each time, I observe with great satisfaction the dynamic development of Uzbekistan and the admirable achievements of the Uzbek people. The large-scale reforms being implemented and the consistent modernization of all areas of society contribute to the continuous increase of the country's prestige and the strengthening of its position in the international arena. These achievements are an indicator of the purposeful and well-thought-out state policy implemented under the leadership of my friend and brother, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Cooperation between our countries is successfully developing not only in a bilateral format but also on international platforms. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are active members of the Organization of Turkic States and make significant contributions to strengthening Turkic unity. Furthermore, our relations are successfully developing within the framework of the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Economic Cooperation Organization, AQEM, and other international organizations.
-How do you assess the current level of economic and trade cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan?
-The dynamics of economic and trade cooperation are fully satisfactory and contribute to further increasing its level. Both sides are making significant efforts to expand mutual cooperation, propose new projects, and attach particular importance to the implementation of joint initiatives. Today, approximately 120 commercial organizations with Uzbek investments are registered in Azerbaijan and successfully operate in various sectors of the economy – industry, agriculture, construction, transport, and services.
Trade between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan is developing at a rapid pace. Thus, in 2024, commodity turnover amounted to 252 million US dollars, and in January-September 2025, this figure reached 319 million US dollars, an increase of 87.5 percent compared to the same period last year.
Cooperation in the field of investments also continues to strengthen. In 2023, the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company was established with a total capital of 500 million US dollars, which envisages investments both within our countries and in third countries.
A joint venture – a sewing factory in Khankendi – is particularly noteworthy, opening new opportunities for the development of light industry and strengthening traditional friendly and fraternal relations.
It is necessary to particularly note the active work of the Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan in developing economic ties and identifying promising areas of cooperation. The regularly held Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Regional Forum is an effective platform for promoting cooperation in this direction.
Azerbaijan is interested in further expanding cooperation with fraternal Uzbekistan in all sectors of the economy. There is a strong political will and significant potential for this. To date, approximately 200 documents have been signed, creating a reliable legal basis for the further development of our economic relations. Azerbaijan will continue to support mutually beneficial cooperation that serves the interests of both sides and contributes to strengthening friendship and partnership between our peoples.
-What prospects do you see for bilateral cooperation in the fields of transport, logistics, and energy?
-One of the main directions of cooperation between our countries is the development of diversified transport and logistics infrastructure and the expansion of transit capabilities. In this area, our countries' participation in the Middle Corridor International Transport Route is of particular importance, and within its framework, Azerbaijan acts as an important transit country for Uzbekistan and the Central Asian states. The increase in export opportunities and transportation through the Middle Corridor in recent years is of special strategic importance.
In 2024, the volume of transit shipments between our countries exceeded 1.3 million tons, an increase of more than 18 percent compared to 2023. In the first nine months of 2025, this figure reached approximately one million tons, demonstrating dynamic growth in transport exchanges.
The modern transport infrastructure created in Azerbaijan, including the merchant fleet, the Alat International Seaport, whose capacity will reach 25 million tons in the coming years, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and the country's nine international airports, all strengthen Azerbaijan's role as a global transport and logistics hub. Furthermore, the opening of the Zangazur corridor will benefit all Central Asian countries.
The development of air transport and the intensity of flights between our cities are of particular importance. AZAL operates regular passenger flights – Baku-Tashkent-Baku (7 flights per week), Baku-Samarkand-Baku (2 flights per week), and Baku-Urgench-Baku (2 flights per week). In turn, Uzbekistan Airways operates three flights per week on the Tashkent-Baku-Tashkent route, and Centrum operates two flights per week.
Cooperation in the energy sector and the development of green energy also remain a priority. SOCAR exports Azerbaijani oil products and petrochemical products to Uzbekistan. Since 2016, the joint venture "Neftegaztekhnologiya," established on the basis of the "OZLITINEFTGAZ" Institute and "SOCAR NIPI Neftegaz," has been successfully operating.
In 2024, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed a series of strategic agreements and memorandums aimed at integrating energy systems and promoting renewable energy sources, which opens new prospects for the sustainable development of the region and strengthening energy cooperation.
-What can you say about cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in the cultural and humanitarian fields?
-Cultural and humanitarian cooperation plays an important role in strengthening friendly and fraternal relations between our countries, as well as in expanding direct contacts between our peoples. We are making joint efforts to preserve common historical and cultural values and to cooperate closely at all levels.
Thus, Uzbekistan Culture Days were held in Azerbaijan in 2023, and Uzbekistan Science and Culture Days were held in 2024. In the same year, Azerbaijan Culture Days were organized in Uzbekistan, and "Shusha Days" were held in the city of Khiva. These events reflect our peoples' desire to share their rich cultural heritage, deepen mutual understanding, and mutually enrich each other's spiritual space.
Particular attention is paid to cooperation between the regions of our countries. Sister city and partnership relations have been established between the cities of Ismayilli-Rishtan, Shusha-Khiva, Lankaran-Bukhara, Sheki-Kokand, Bilasuvar-Termez, Mingachevir-Namangan, Fuzuli-Gulistan, Guba-Jizzakh, and Beylagan-Shakhrisabz. The activation of such inter-regional ties contributes to bringing peoples closer, exchanging experiences, and strengthening the cultural and humanitarian agenda of cooperation.
A symbolic expression of friendship between our countries are objects of cultural significance: there is a Heydar Aliyev Square in Tashkent, and the foundation of "Uzbekistan" Park was laid in Baku this