BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 21. President of the
Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to the
Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA).
This was reported by the press service of the President of
Azerbaijan.
Trend presents the
interview.
— Esteemed Mr. President, Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan
relations have developed dynamically in recent years and have
reached the highest level — that of alliance. How do you assess the
current state and prospects of bilateral relations on the eve of
your upcoming state visit to this country?
— Relations between the two brotherly countries — Azerbaijan and
Uzbekistan — are based on a shared history, culture, language and
moral values, as well as on the unity, solidarity and deep mutual
sympathy of our peoples, passed down from century to century, from
generation to generation. Interstate relations built on this solid
foundation have entered a stage of unprecedented development in
recent years, risen to the highest level — that of alliance — and
acquired entirely new content.
The sincere friendship, mutual respect and trust that exist
between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, my dear
brother, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, and myself play a special
role in strengthening Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan brotherhood, bringing
interstate ties to their current level and developing our alliance.
President Mirziyoyev’s tireless and determined efforts in the name
of the fraternity, unity and alliance between our countries have
earned him deep respect and affinity in Azerbaijan.
As I have already noted, political dialogue between our two
states is at a very high level. Naturally, regular reciprocal
visits at the highest level—15 over the past five years—and our
close contacts provide favorable conditions for the dynamic
development and strengthening of these ties.
Over the past five years, this will be my third state visit and
my seventh visit overall to your brotherly country. I always take
great pleasure in visiting beautiful and unique Uzbekistan, and
each visit has special significance for me. Traditionally, these
visits take place in an atmosphere of exceptional hospitality,
brotherhood, sincerity and mutual understanding. What particularly
delights me when visiting brotherly Uzbekistan is the country’s
rapid development in all spheres in recent years. The construction
of modern cities, the diversification of the economy, the
implementation of large-scale infrastructure projects, and the
attention paid to science, education, culture and sports clearly
demonstrate the rapid rate of the country’s growth.
The large-scale activities consistently pursued under the wise
leadership of the leader of Uzbekistan, my dear brother, Shavkat
Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, aimed at the comprehensive development and
prosperity of the country, as well as the steady strengthening of
the country’s international standing and the significant successes
achieved across all key sectors, inspire sincere respect and deep
satisfaction. All of this is the result of thoughtful policy,
strategic vision, the President’s love for the Homeland, and
effective state governance.
In August 2024, I paid a state visit to Uzbekistan, and in July
2025, the President of Uzbekistan paid a state visit to Azerbaijan.
The numerous documents signed during these reciprocal visits, in
particular the “Declaration on Further Strengthening of Strategic
Partnership” and the “Treaty on Allied Relations,” formally
enshrined the natural alliance between our two independent, strong
and sovereign states. They further strengthened the legal and
political foundations of our relations and opened new opportunities
for the future development of our cooperation.
At the same time, the Supreme Interstate Council, established in
August 2023, has become an important institutional mechanism for
deepening the strategic partnership and allied relations between
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. This platform serves to define the
long-term priorities of cooperation between our states, promote new
initiatives and ensure effective coordination of interaction in
various spheres. The two Council meetings held to date—in Tashkent
and Baku—demonstrate the rapid development of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan
relations, the continuity of political dialogue, and our states’
determination to pursue long-term joint activities.
Today, our political relations are further enriched by
large-scale cooperation in the spheres of the economy, investment,
industry, transport, logistics, energy, agriculture, education,
science, culture and the humanitarian field. The projects being
implemented not only unite the economic potential of our countries
but also further strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood
between our peoples.
I am confident that the upcoming visit will also be of great
importance for further expanding comprehensive cooperation between
our countries, implementing new joint initiatives and strengthening
our allied relations.
— One of the important areas of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan
relations is trade and economic cooperation. What can you say about
the successes achieved in this sphere?
— Our trade and economic cooperation have developed rapidly in
recent years. In 2025, the volume of trade turnover between
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan increased more than threefold compared to
the previous year and reached USD 795 million. This is an excellent
indicator. In addition, in January–May 2026, trade turnover grew by
33 percent compared to the same period of the previous year and
amounted to USD 144 million.
The Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company, established three
years ago with a total capital of $500 million, has become an
important platform for the development of investment cooperation
between our countries. The company makes a significant contribution
to the financing and implementation of promising projects in
various sectors of the economy in both Azerbaijan and
Uzbekistan.
Furthermore, the Intergovernmental Commission plays an important
role in developing cooperation in the economic, trade, investment
and other spheres. To date, 15 meetings of the Commission have been
held. During the most recent meeting in Tashkent, the current state
of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan trade and economic relations, the results
achieved and areas with potential for further development were
discussed in detail.
Our cooperation in the energy sector is also actively
developing. The joint venture Neftegaztexnologiya, established on
the basis of the Uzbek institute O'ZLITINEFTGAZ and SOCAR NIPI
Neftegas, has been successfully operating in the oil and gas
industry since 2016. In addition, the SOCAR–Uzbekneftegaz JSC joint
venture Turan Energy AFEZCO, established in 2024, is engaged in
exporting to Uzbekistan high-pressure polyethylene produced by
Azerikimya Production Union.
Our cooperation in the field of green energy is also continuing.
In 2025, the relevant energy agencies of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and
Uzbekistan established the Green Corridor Union LLC in Baku. This
joint venture was created to coordinate the implementation of the
Azerbaijan–Central Asia Green Energy Corridor project, the export
of renewable energy, and the possibilities of transmitting it
across the bottom of the Caspian Sea.
There is also growth in transit transportation between the two
countries. In 2025, its volume increased by 6.7 percent and
amounted to 1.4 million tons. In January–June of the current year,
a 12.2 percent increase was also recorded, with the figure reaching
675,000 tons.
A number of joint projects implemented with the Uzbek side make
an important contribution to the further expansion of economic
cooperation and the creation of new development opportunities
between our countries. In this regard, I would particularly note
the establishment of a pomegranate orchard called the “Garden of
Friendship,” covering an area of 100 hectares in the liberated
Fuzuli district, as well as cooperation in the production of
Chevrolet and Isuzu brand vehicles. I should also note that, as of
July 13, 2026, a total of 10,720 Chevrolet cars and 275 Isuzu buses
had been produced.
Currently, more than 130 commercial entities with Uzbek
investments are registered in our country and are successfully
operating in various sectors of the economy — industry,
agriculture, construction, transport and services. The activities
of Uzbek companies in Azerbaijan are an indicator of mutual trust,
a favorable investment climate and the strong economic partnership
that has been established between our countries.
The economic opportunities offered by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan
complement each other, opening up broad horizons for creating new
formats of cooperation. We support more active participation of
Azerbaijani companies in Uzbekistan and Uzbek companies in
Azerbaijan, as well as an increase in the number of joint
production and investment projects.
Azerbaijan is also implementing investment projects in
Uzbekistan, including the hotel and residential complex under the
Ritz-Carlton brand being built by PASHA Holding in Tashkent, as
well as the large tourism and residential complex project “Sea
Breeze Uzbekistan” in the Tashkent region.
I am confident that our mutually beneficial economic partnership
will continue to develop successfully, expand through new
initiatives, and contribute to the well-being of our peoples,
serving as one of the important pillars of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan
allied relations.
— What role, in your view, does cultural diplomacy play
in strengthening Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan interstate
ties?
— Cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Azerbaijan and
Uzbekistan is one of the integral and important areas of relations
based on common roots, linguistic and cultural affinity, as well as
spiritual values that have been formed over the centuries.
Cooperation in this sphere makes a significant contribution to
strengthening mutual understanding, trust, friendship and brotherly
ties between our peoples, while enriching humanitarian relations
with new content.
Thanks to the mutual aspirations of our peoples and the joint
support of our states, cultural and humanitarian ties have been
developing successfully in recent years. Jointly held days of
culture, arts festivals, scientific conferences, as well as the
publication of literature and the implementation of educational
programs, play a special role in strengthening the cultural and
humanitarian agenda between the two countries.
In 2023 and 2025, Days of Culture of Uzbekistan were held in
Azerbaijan; in 2024, Days of Culture of Azerbaijan took place in
Uzbekistan, while in the same year, “Days of Shusha” were held in
the city of Khiva. A high-profile delegation from Uzbekistan
participated in the Turkic World Week held in Baku, dedicated to
the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress.
We are proud that one of the oldest and most prestigious higher
educational institutions of our brotherly country—the National
Pedagogical University of Uzbekistan—bears the name of the great
Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi.
The “Uzbekistan” Park, covering an area of 5 hectares, the
foundation of which my dear brother, President Shavkat
Miromonovich, and I laid last year in central Baku, will become
another symbol of our brotherhood.
The initiatives and projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev
Foundation also play an important role in expanding cultural and
humanitarian cooperation between the two countries.
Cooperation in the field of education is one of the leading
areas of cultural and humanitarian partnership between Azerbaijan
and Uzbekistan. In the 2025/2026 academic year, 67 citizens of
Uzbekistan were studying in Azerbaijan, while 176 citizens of
Azerbaijan were studying in Uzbekistan.
The secondary school named after Mirzo Ulugbek, built at the
initiative of Uzbekistan and located in the city of Fuzuli, is one
of the brightest examples of cooperation in the field of education
and yet another manifestation of the brotherly relations between
our countries. We express our sincere gratitude to the people of
Uzbekistan and personally to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for this
noble initiative, as well as for the support provided for
restoration and construction efforts in our liberated
territories.
In addition, cooperation in the media sphere has produced
important results. On September 23–25, 2024, the 1st
Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Media Forum was convened in Tashkent, while
the 2nd Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Media Forum was held in Baku on
September 29, 2025. In 2023, the 1st Forum of Cooperation of NGOs
of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan was held in Fuzuli, while in 2024, the
2nd Forum of Cooperation of NGOs of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan were
held in Tashkent. As a practical outcome of these forums, in 2026,
the two brotherly countries jointly announced, for the first time,
a grant competition for NGOs. As a result of the competition, the
winning projects from Azerbaijan will be implemented in Uzbekistan,
while the winning projects from Uzbekistan will be implemented in
Azerbaijan.
The number of tourists traveling from Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan
has increased. In 2024, 46,000 citizens of Uzbekistan visited
Azerbaijan; in 2025, the figure reached 62,000; and from January to
August 2026, 44,000 people visited Azerbaijan.
The successful development of interregional cooperation is also
noteworthy. Twin-city and partnership relations have been
established between Baku and Tashkent, Ismayilli and Rishtan,
Shusha and Khiva, Lankaran and Bukhara, Sheki and Kokand, Bilasuvar
and Termez, Mingachevir and Namangan, Fuzuli and Gulistan, Guba and
Jizzakh, and Beylagan and Shakhrisabz. Twin-city relations between
Nakhchivan and Urgench are also planned to be established in the
near future. Today, twin-city initiatives between Azerbaijan and
Uzbekistan are of particular importance and provide a valuable
platform for cooperation that brings our peoples even closer
together, preserves common historical, cultural and spiritual
values, and strengthens friendship and mutual trust among future
generations.
Thus, cultural and humanitarian cooperation between Azerbaijan
and Uzbekistan is not only a vital area of bilateral relations, but
also a strategic humanitarian bridge for the future that helps
preserve our common values, rich cultural heritage and the bonds of
brotherhood between our peoples.
— Esteemed Mr. President, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan
interact effectively on international platforms. How do you assess
this interaction within the framework of the Organization of Turkic
States, and what can you say about the prospects of Azerbaijan’s
cooperation with the countries of Central Asia?
— The joint efforts by our countries to address important
issues, both in bilateral and multilateral formats, deserve high
praise. It is a source of pride that the two brotherly
countries—Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan—consistently support each other
on all issues.
Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan within the
framework of the Organization of Turkic States is of particular
importance. Last year, the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of
State of the OTS was held in Gabala, during which key issues of
cooperation within the organization were discussed, and
declarations aimed at strengthening the OTS, fostering greater
unity in the Turkic world, strengthening its political, economic
and military power, as well as establishing it as a center of
influence and strength on the global stage, were signed.
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan view the OTS not only as a platform
for interstate cooperation, but also as an important association
that carries our shared history, culture and spiritual values into
the future.
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan’s contribution to the development of
political dialogue, economic cooperation, transport and logistics
connectivity, and cooperation in the fields of education, science,
culture and humanitarian affairs within the OTS further contributes
to the deepening of integration among the Turkic states.
Our cooperation, particularly in the transport and logistics
sphere, holds great promise. Azerbaijan’s location in the South
Caucasus and Uzbekistan’s in Central Asia makes our countries
natural partners along important strategic routes connecting East
and West. In this regard, the integration of the important
China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway project with the Middle
Corridor and TRIPP will create new economic and transit
opportunities for the entire region.
The initiatives implemented by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan to
protect and promote the common Turkic heritage are of invaluable
importance in terms of passing this great spiritual legacy on to
future generations.
Our countries also attach great importance to cooperation within
the framework of other Turkic organizations. A particularly
important and welcome development was Uzbekistan becoming a full
member of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation in May 2025.
This step, given the country’s rich historical heritage, its
ancient traditions of statehood and unique cultural values, will
significantly expand opportunities for cooperation in preserving
and promoting the common heritage of the Turkic world.
Thus, the active cooperation of our countries within the
framework of the OTS, as well as other Turkic organizations, will
continue to contribute to the closer integration of the Turkic
world and the strengthening of its unified position on the
international stage.
As for Azerbaijan’s relations with the countries of Central
Asia, it is worth noting that in recent years these ties have been
developing rapidly on the basis of the principles of alliance,
strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation. Factors
such as historical and cultural proximity and common spiritual
values provide a solid foundation for these ties between Azerbaijan
and the states of Central Asia.
Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to expanding political
dialogue, deepening economic ties, expanding transport and
communications connectivity, as well as developing cooperation in
the energy and humanitarian spheres with the countries of Central
Asia. From this point of view, the Consultative Meetings of the
Heads of State of Central Asia are an important and influential
platform for promoting regional cooperation, coordinating
cooperation and discussing joint initiatives.
In November of last year, in Tashkent, under the chairmanship of
Uzbekistan, at the 7th Consultative Meeting, a decision was adopted
on the full-fledged participation of the Republic of Azerbaijan in
the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia. I
once again express my sincere gratitude to the President of the
Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as to the heads of the other states
of Central Asia, for the support provided in this process.
As a result of Azerbaijan’s active involvement in this process,
the cooperation format formerly known as the “C5” format has in
fact evolved into the “C6” format, and regional dialogue and
strategic partnership have taken on new substance and a broader
scope.
Azerbaijan’s full-fledged participation in this format
demonstrates the strategic importance our country attaches to its
relations with Central Asia. The discussions held within the
framework of the Consultative Meetings help further strengthen
mutual trust among the countries of the region, identify new areas
of cooperation and implement important initiatives for regional
development.
Azerbaijan’s participation in this format also demonstrates our
country’s contribution to strengthening interregional cooperation.
The dialogue and cooperation mechanisms established within the
framework of this platform serve not only to develop interstate
relations, but also to promote peace, stability and sustainable
progress throughout the Eurasian space.
Thus, the comprehensive cooperation developing between
Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia is a strong example of
strategic partnership based on mutual respect, trust and common
interests.
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan also cooperate effectively within the
framework of virtually all international organizations and
multilateral platforms in which they participate, in particular the
UN, the OIC, the OTS, the ECO, the CICA and the Non-Aligned
Movement.
— Esteemed Mr. President, thank you for the interesting
and substantive interview. On the eve of your state visit to
Uzbekistan, what would you like to wish the brotherly
people?
— Taking this wonderful opportunity, I would like to sincerely
congratulate the brotherly people of Uzbekistan on the upcoming
35th anniversary of the country’s state independence and convey my
deep respect and best wishes for peace, well-being, prosperity and
new achievements.
Will be updated
