KHANKENDI, Azerbaijan, September 11. Investors
from Uzbekistan are exploring opportunities to operate, invest, and
implement new projects in Azerbaijan's Karabakh, Uzbekistan's
Ambassador Bahrom Ashrafkhanov told Trend in an exclusive interview during the
visit of the representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in
the country to Karabakh and East Zangezur.


According to him, Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan relations are currently
at their peak, an unprecedented level.


"Over the past five years, trade turnover between our countries
has increased significantly, and relations have developed at all
levels. Most importantly, in 2024, we signed a treaty on allied
relations. Furthermore, a treaty on eternal friendship was signed
during the state visit of the President of the Republic of
Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, to Uzbekistan. In other words, our
relations are on an upward trajectory.


If we look at all areas and spheres of activity, whether in
politics, the economy, or the cultural-humanitarian realm—we see
ongoing development. Our trade turnover is also growing rapidly.
There are currently numerous projects involving export-import
agreements and investments," the ambassador said.


Ashrafkhanov pointed out that important projects are being
implemented not only in Uzbekistan but also in Azerbaijan.


"Uzbek companies are investing in Azerbaijan, while Azerbaijani
investors are showing increasing interest in the Uzbek market with
each passing day. There are many opportunities here. Extensive
opportunities are currently being created for investors to come and
invest," he also said.


The ambassador noted that this is his 13th visit to
Karabakh.


"This is my 13th visit. I have been to Karabakh many times. I
have visited the region to participate in both bilateral events
between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan and multilateral gatherings. As
you know, international forums and conferences are held not only in
Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan, but also in the regions. We have
visited Shusha and Khankendi and participated in many multilateral
events held there," Ashrafkhanov recalled.


He emphasized that such visits provide representatives of the
diplomatic corps with the opportunity to closely observe the
large-scale reconstruction and restoration work underway in
Karabakh.


"We are always grateful to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of
Azerbaijan for organizing such visits, as they enable us to witness
firsthand the large-scale reconstruction efforts and positive
changes taking place.


The changes aren't limited solely to the reconstruction and
restoration of Karabakh; we also see the creation of new jobs and
business centers, as well as the emergence of new opportunities for
economic activity," the ambassador noted.


Ashrafkhanov also highlighted Uzbekistan's active participation
in the restoration of Karabakh.







"Uzbekistan is actively involved in the restoration of Karabakh.
A school was built in Fuzuli at the initiative of the President of
Uzbekistan. At the same time, Uzbek textile companies are operating
in Khankendi.


Currently, our investors are seeking new opportunities to
operate, invest, and consider new projects in Karabakh," he
explained.


Speaking about the state of historical and cultural heritage in
Karabakh, the ambassador underscored that Azerbaijan attaches great
importance to the restoration and preservation of this
heritage.


"We have visited many places in Karabakh. Wherever we go, we see
that the Azerbaijani government pays great attention to the
preservation of historical and cultural heritage.


For instance, we visited numerous historical, religious, and
cultural sites in Khankendi. We also visited Shusha. Shusha is the
heart of Karabakh. Here, we witnessed not only newly constructed
facilities but also the restoration of old and historical sites,"
said Ashrafkhanov.


The ambassador noted that Garabagh University made a strong
impression on him.


"I have visited Garabagh University twice. I see that this
university holds strategic importance for Azerbaijan. While the
construction of roads, schools, and houses is one matter, the
cultivation of a new generation of scholars and specialists is
another—and an extremely important—issue. This demonstrates the
great attention Azerbaijan pays to its future.


Great opportunities have been created for young people in
Khankendi, and new buildings have been constructed for the
university. We see that young people are actively participating in
the development of Karabakh," Ashrafkhanov added.


On September 11, a two-day visit by representatives of the
diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan to Karabakh and East
Zangezur began, accompanied by the Assistant to the President of
the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs
Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev.


The visit is attended by a delegation of 150 people representing
58 countries and 9 international organizations.


During the visit, representatives of the diplomatic corps will
familiarize themselves with social and economic infrastructure
projects being implemented as part of the large-scale
reconstruction, development and construction efforts in the cities
of Khankendi and Shusha, as well as in the Aghdara and Kalbajar
districts under the leadership of President of Azerbaijan Ilham
Aliyev. They will also review the current condition of historical
and cultural heritage sites and the measures being taken to
preserve and restore them.