On July 2nd, President 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 at the “Zagulba” residence. This was reported by the presidential press service.
The discussions centered on further strengthening Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations of friendship, strategic partnership, and alliance, as well as expanding cooperation and exchanges in priority areas.
The Head of State emphasized that the current state visit and the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council are taking place in the year marking 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,” the leader of Uzbekistan emphasized.
The Presidents acknowledged the dynamic development of multifaceted cooperation at all levels. The first Inter-Parliamentary Forum was held yesterday in Khiva. A meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Forum of Regions were held fruitfully in Baku. Recently, the first Forum of Rectors was organized in Andijan, where more than 60 agreements were signed.
The Azerbaijani ensemble “Shirvan” won the Grand Prix of the Bakhshi festival in Khiva.
In the Year of Economic Cooperation, trade turnover increased by 25 percent. The portfolio of projects reached $4 billion. There are about 300 joint ventures in operation.
During the visit, the construction of the “Uzbekistan” park in Baku will be launched, and a new building of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Azerbaijan will be opened.
An agreement was reached on continuing practical interaction at the level of parliaments, governments, ministries, and regions. The importance of mutual support within international structures was reaffirmed.
The possibilities of bringing the volume of trade and investment to $1 billion annually were considered in detail. It was noted that a separate Cooperation Program is being adopted, which will include projects in the fields of industry, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, the banking sector, and other areas.
The importance of expanding the activities of the joint investment company was emphasized. New formats of interaction, such as the Business Council and the Forum of Industrial and Economic Zones, were supported.
Particular attention was paid to partnership in the field of transport and communications. Projects for participation in the development of the Middle Corridor were discussed.
The increase in the transportation of Uzbek cargo through this corridor by 25 percent – more than 1 million tons – was noted with satisfaction. In addition, since March of this year, the transition to electronic permits for freight transport has been ensured.
An agreement was also reached on accelerating the preparation of a joint project for the export of electricity to Europe.
In order to celebrate the anniversary of diplomatic relations in a worthy manner, the parties decided to hold a series of joint cultural and youth events this fall.
The Heads of State also exchanged views on the international and regional agenda.
During the meeting, reports were heard from the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission, ministers of transport, energy, and culture on the agenda of the negotiations.
As a result of the meeting, it was decided to adopt a “roadmap” for the timely and high-quality implementation of the agreements reached.