ISLAMABAD (PEN) : Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan met in a contracted format today in Tashkent for the second session of the Supreme Interstate Council. The high-level gathering marked a milestone in bilateral ties as the two nations celebrate the 30th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship.
Strategic Partnership and Economic Milestones
During the meeting, both leaders highlighted the exceptional progress of their partnership in recent years. President Mirziyoyev remarked,
“Never in history have our relations been at such a high level as they are today.”
Economic cooperation continues to expand robustly. Bilateral trade has surged by 25% this year, reaching a project portfolio of \$4 billion. Presently, approximately 300 joint ventures are active across diverse sectors.
Major Agreements and Joint Ventures
Several key agreements were finalized during the session:
The launch of a new “Uzbekistan Park” in Baku and the inauguration of Uzbekistan’s new embassy building in Azerbaijan.
Endorsement of a comprehensive Cooperation Program spanning industry, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, and banking.
Plans to elevate annual trade and investment to \$1 billion.
Enhancement of the joint Investment Company, and establishment of mechanisms such as the Council of Entrepreneurs and the Forum of Industrial and Economic Zones.
Transportation, Energy, and Cultural Collaboration
The presidents placed special emphasis on transport and communications, including active engagement in the Middle Corridor project. Notably, Uzbek freight transit has risen by 25%, surpassing 1 million tons, with electronic permits for cargo introduced since March.
The two nations also agreed to accelerate plans for a joint electricity export initiative targeting Europe. Cultural and youth-focused events are scheduled for this fall to commemorate the 30th diplomatic anniversary.
Institutional and Diplomatic Coordination
The session featured reports from the Intergovernmental Commission’s co-chairs and the ministers of transport, energy, and culture. Following the meeting, the presidents approved a roadmap to ensure timely execution of the agreements. They reaffirmed the importance of mutual backing in international affairs, and pledged ongoing collaboration across governments, parliaments, ministries, and regions.
