President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, held a narrow-circle meeting and the second session of the Supreme Intergovernmental Council at the “Zagulba” residence. The President's press service reported this.
Issues of further strengthening Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan friendship, strategic partnership, and alliance relations, expanding cooperation and exchanges in priority areas of collaboration were discussed.
The leader of Uzbekistan specially emphasized that this state visit and the second session of the Supreme Intergovernmental Council are taking place in the year marking the 30th anniversary of establishing diplomatic relations between the countries.
“Our relations have never been at such a high level as they are today,” said the leader of Uzbekistan.
Presidents noted that multifaceted cooperation is developing rapidly at all levels. Yesterday, the first Inter-Parliamentary Forum took place in the city of Khiva. Meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Forum of Regions were successfully held in Baku. Recently, the first Rectors' Forum was organized in Andijan, where more than 60 agreements were signed. Azerbaijan's “Shirvan” ensemble won the grand prize at the Khiva Bakhshi Arts Festival.
Economic cooperation saw a 25 percent increase in trade volume this year. The project portfolio has reached 4 billion dollars. Nearly 300 joint ventures are operating.
During the visit, the construction of the “Uzbekistan” park will start in Baku city, and the new building of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Azerbaijan will be opened.
It was agreed to continue practical cooperation at the levels of parliaments, governments, ministries, and regions. The importance of mutual support within the framework of international structures was emphasized.
The possibilities of increasing trade and investment volume to 1 billion dollars a year were thoroughly reviewed. A special Cooperation Program, encompassing industrial, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, banking, and other sectors' projects, is being adopted.
The importance of expanding the activities of the joint investment company was noted. New formats of collaboration such as the Business Council and the Forum of Industrial and Economic Zones were supported.
Special attention was paid to partnership in the transport-communication sector. Projects for participating in the development of the Middle Corridor were discussed.
The increase in the volume of Uzbekistan's goods transported through this corridor by 25 percent — to more than 1 million tons was noted with satisfaction. Moreover, from March this year, the transition to electronic permits for cargo transportation was ensured.
It was also agreed to accelerate the preparation of a joint project for exporting electric energy to Europe.
With the aim of adequately celebrating the anniversary of diplomatic relations, the parties agreed to hold a series of joint cultural and youth events this fall.
State leaders exchanged views on international and regional issues of significance.
Reports on the agenda of negotiations from the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission, transport, energy, and culture ministers were heard at the meeting.
It was agreed to adopt a “road map” based on the outcomes of the meeting.
