A trilateral meeting of the leaders of Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan was held in Avaza

The National Tourist Zone “Avaza” hosted a trilateral meeting between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, the National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

According to the press service of the President of Uzbekistan, the parties discussed the development of multilateral cooperation in trade and economy, transport and communications, energy, and humanitarian spheres.

At the beginning of his speech, the President of Uzbekistan once again warmly congratulated Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov on the successful holding earlier this month of the Third United Nations Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.

The President of Uzbekistan also sincerely congratulated the leader of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, on the recent signing in Washington of the peace declaration with Armenia.

The Head of State put forward a number of specific proposals aimed at expanding multilateral cooperation.

The importance of fully utilizing the significant transit potential of the three countries was highlighted.

Confidence was expressed that aligning existing and prospective corridors would help form a sustainable and efficient transcontinental route, linking China through the territories of our states with South Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

At present, construction of the China–Uzbekistan railway has already begun. In addition, a memorandum on the Trans-Afghan Corridor project was recently signed with Pakistan and Afghanistan.

It was emphasized that new cargo flows are expected to ensure effective utilization of infrastructure, particularly in Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

Support was expressed for the development of the Middle Corridor, including the Zangezur Corridor.

It was proposed to begin joint expert consultations on the most important issues.

This includes expanding throughput capacity and developing modern logistics infrastructure, in particular in the ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku, implementing a coordinated tariff policy, digitalizing procedures, and ensuring effective cargo control.

The Uzbek side expressed readiness, on a reciprocal basis, to reduce freight tariffs in order to secure the shortest and most advantageous routes to major markets for businesses.

Furthermore, it was noted that a consolidated approach would make it possible to build pragmatic cooperation with states and international organizations – potential donors for the development of logistics infrastructure.

Alongside this, Uzbekistan expressed interest in establishing its own ferry fleet for transporting goods across the Caspian Sea.

To ensure energy security, the need for deeper cooperation and the development of corridors for energy exports to third countries was stressed.

In this regard, the project of supplying “green” energy to Europe was described as highly promising.

As for traditional hydrocarbons, it was proposed to explore opportunities for cooperation in geological exploration and the development of Caspian offshore fields.

Another priority area identified was a substantial increase in mutual trade turnover and industrial cooperation. It was noted that in recent years, Uzbekistan’s trade with Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan has doubled, while the share of industrial goods in trade turnover has reached 40 percent.

It was proposed to jointly draft a Comprehensive Action Plan providing for the development of sustainable trade and logistics chains, the establishment of wholesale distribution centers and access to major retail networks, the unification of phytosanitary and quarantine standards, the introduction of digital product labeling, the launch of joint electronic platforms, and expanded cooperation between commodity exchanges.

As part of strengthening humanitarian ties, a trilateral program of tourism and cultural exchanges was proposed. This would increase tourist flows from our countries and third states, showcasing our shared rich cultural heritage as well as the common traditions and customs of our peoples.

In conclusion, to ensure practical implementation of the initiatives and agreements reached, the President of Uzbekistan proposed preparing a “roadmap” and launching a mechanism of joint ministerial meetings in key areas.