Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan: Intensive Dialogue Based on a Solid Foundation of Historical Ties of Friendship and Cooperation
At the invitation of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev will pay a state visit to Uzbekistan on August 22–23.
Azerbaijan is a strategic partner of Uzbekistan in the South Caucasus and a brotherly nation with which Uzbekistan has maintained close and friendly ties throughout both ancient and modern history.
The special place Azerbaijan holds among Uzbekistan’s international partners is evidenced by the active dialogue taking place between the two countries at all levels.
In 2022, President Aliyev visited Uzbekistan three times: in June on a state visit, in September as an honorary guest at the SCO Summit, and in November for the OIC Heads of State Summit.
Likewise, President Mirziyoyev visited Azerbaijan three times in 2023: in March for the Non-Aligned Movement Contact Group Summit, in August on a state visit, and in November for the first SPECA Summit. Most recently, on July 5–6, 2024, the President of Uzbekistan took part in the informal summit of the Organization of Turkic States in the Azerbaijani city of Shusha.
This regular exchange of high-level visits has elevated bilateral relations to a qualitatively new level. As a result, dozens of agreements have been signed, including the Declaration on Deepening Strategic Partnership and Expanding Comprehensive Cooperation, as well as a Treaty on the Establishment of the Supreme Interstate Council.
The intensification of top-level dialogue has also boosted parliamentary cooperation, interaction within international organizations, and multilateral formats.
With their vast potential and strategically important positions in their respective regions, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have become economically promising partners. This is reflected in the growing mutual interest in expanding bilateral ties. Since 2017, mutual trade turnover has increased more than 5.5 times, and an additional 15% growth has been recorded since the beginning of this year.
To strengthen economic cooperation, the Uzbek-Azerbaijani Business Council was established in 2020, and in 2023, the two sides launched a Joint Investment Company to finance high-potential projects in both countries.
Currently, 240 enterprises with Azerbaijani capital operate in Uzbekistan across sectors such as trade, engineering and metalworking, finance and insurance, real estate, energy, services, jewelry production, food, and textiles, contributing to the country's economic development.
Both countries place special emphasis on transport cooperation, recognizing the strategic value of their locations at the crossroads of historic trade routes and the long-term economic opportunities this offers. The implementation of joint projects to develop reliable logistics infrastructure and transit corridors is a strategic priority.
Uzbekistan actively uses the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway, which facilitates access to global markets. Azerbaijan also supports the construction of the Uzbekistan–Kyrgyzstan–China railway, which would open new prospects for expanded cooperation.
Direct flights from Baku to Tashkent, Samarkand, Urgench, and Fergana are also fostering bilateral contacts.
Since 2019, regional cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan has intensified, with regular exchanges of delegations.
Cultural and humanitarian ties between the two nations are underpinned by a shared heritage of religion, language, culture, and traditions. Monuments to Alisher Navoi have been erected in Baku, and to Nizami Ganjavi and Heydar Aliyev in Tashkent. Uzbekistan’s State Pedagogical University is named after Nizami Ganjavi, while a village in Azerbaijan bears the name of Alisher Navoi.
In 2023, as a symbol of enduring friendship between the Uzbek and Azerbaijani peoples, a modern school named after Mirzo Ulugbek for 960 students was opened in the city of Fuzuli, initiated by the President of Uzbekistan.
The Azerbaijani diaspora in Uzbekistan also contributes to strengthening friendly ties. The Association of Azerbaijani Cultural Centers works to preserve their cultural heritage and traditions.
In summary, the multifaceted and fruitful partnership between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is built on a strong foundation that enables both sides to confidently pursue deeper cooperation. The upcoming state visit of the President of Azerbaijan and high-level talks are expected to give fresh impetus to this process and elevate bilateral relations to a new, more advanced level of alliance.
