BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 5. Uzbekistan and
Azerbaijan demonstrate an example of how strategic partnership can
successfully combine with environmental responsibility and
innovative development, Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan,
Bahrom Ashrafkhanov, said in an interview with Trend on the sidelines of
World Environment Day 2026.
"Hosting World Environment Day in Baku is an important
recognition by the international community of Azerbaijan's efforts
in environmental protection and the fight against climate change.
Following the successful hosting of international-level climate
events, Azerbaijan continues to strengthen its position as a
platform for global environmental dialogue. The fact that World
Environment Day 2026 focuses on climate action, biodiversity
conservation, the protection of the Caspian Sea ecosystem, and the
development of renewable energy makes it particularly significant
for the entire region," the ambassador said.
The diplomat emphasized that all the stated topics hold
strategic importance for Uzbekistan.
"Our country is actively implementing large-scale environmental
programs related to overcoming the consequences of the Aral Sea
drying up, developing green energy, and adapting to climate change.
In recent years, forest plantations have been established on
millions of hectares of the dried Aral Sea bed, which helps reduce
the spread of salt and dust storms. In addition, Uzbekistan has set
a goal to significantly increase the share of renewable energy
sources in its national energy mix and is actively attracting
international investors for the construction of solar and wind
power plants," he noted.
The ambassador recalled important initiatives put forward by the
country's leadership. According to him, the President of the
Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, speaking at the 8th
Assembly of the Global Environment Facility in Samarkand,
emphasized the strategic importance of environmental transformation
and climate resilience for the development of the country and the
entire region. Initiatives were put forward to expand green
investments, develop climate science, combat desertification, and
strengthen regional environmental partnerships.
"These approaches are fully aligned with the goals of World
Environment Day and reflect Uzbekistan's desire to actively
contribute to solving global environmental challenges," he
said.
The ambassador stressed that the Caspian Sea is the planet's
largest enclosed body of water and a unique ecosystem, home to many
rare species of animals and plants.
"Climate change, water level fluctuations, and anthropogenic
impacts require coordinated actions from all Caspian littoral
states. Although Uzbekistan is landlocked and does not border the
Caspian Sea, we are interested in preserving the environmental
sustainability of the entire Central Asian and South Caucasus
region, as ecological problems know no state borders," the diplomat
emphasized.
Speaking about the prospects of cooperation between the two
countries, the ambassador expressed confidence in its further
development.
"Our countries are consistently expanding interaction in the
fields of sustainable development, the green economy, and the
energy transition. Azerbaijan possesses significant potential in
wind energy, especially in the Caspian Sea basin, while Uzbekistan
is actively developing solar and wind generation. World Environment
Day in Baku will provide an excellent opportunity to exchange best
practices, promote joint environmental initiatives, and strengthen
regional partnerships. I am confident that this event will make an
important contribution to the implementation of the global
environmental agenda and contribute to the achievement of the UN
Sustainable Development Goals," he concluded.
