On August 23-24 in Uzbekistan, Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev marked what they described as a historic new chapter in Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations, signing the Treaty on Eternal Friendship, setting a $1 billion trade target, expanding investment, industrial and Middle Corridor cooperation, advancing cultural and interregional ties, praising each other's reforms and support for Garabagh's reconstruction, exchanging the countries' highest state honors, inaugurating and launching major Azerbaijani-backed projects, and concluding the visit with a joint tour of Bukhara's historic landmarks.

Third Meeting of Supreme Interstate Council of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan

On August 23, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Uzbekistan for a state visit, where he was officially welcomed by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev at the Kuksaroy State Residence in Tashkent. A guard of honor was lined up for Aliyev against a backdrop of the national flags of the two countries. The visit included a one-on-one meeting between the two presidents, followed by the third meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

The council meeting opened with a video presentation highlighting cooperation between the two countries in friendship, trade, and investment. Mirziyoyev welcomed Aliyev and the Azerbaijani delegation, describing the two countries as spiritually close states linked by common history, cultural affinity, and mutual respect. He emphasized that the functioning of the Supreme Interstate Council reflected the high level of the strategic partnership and alliance between Baku and Tashkent.

Mirziyoyev congratulated Aliyev on Azerbaijan's economic development and reforms, as well as on the country's growing international role. He also praised Azerbaijan's contribution to the peace agenda in the South Caucasus, calling the August meeting of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the US in Washington and the signing of the Joint Declaration a "brilliant victory" for Aliyev's diplomacy.

According to Mirziyoyev, bilateral relations have reached a "truly historic peak," reinforced by the signing of the Treaty on Eternal Friendship. He noted that bilateral trade had tripled over the past five years, while the portfolio of joint projects had surpassed $5 billion. Meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, Business Council, and Forum of Regions held ahead of Aliyev's visit produced new initiatives, with both governments tasked with ensuring their implementation.

Among the main priorities, Mirziyoyev highlighted closer coordination between the two countries' foreign ministries and stronger links between parliaments, governments, state agencies, and regions. He said the immediate economic objective was to raise bilateral trade turnover to $1 billion under a program adopted during the visit.

Industrial cooperation was another major focus. Existing projects cover geology, energy, chemicals, finance, construction, agriculture, and other sectors, while additional initiatives were expected to be launched during the meeting. Mirziyoyev stressed the need to make active use of the Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Investment Fund, whose capital currently stands at $500 million, and said the two sides should use these resources rapidly before considering an expansion of the fund.

Transport cooperation was also identified as a priority, particularly within the Middle Corridor. Mirziyoyev called for accelerating the creation of a joint fleet in the Caspian Sea and proposed establishing a dedicated Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan maritime corridor operated by a single company.

The Uzbek president also placed strong emphasis on humanitarian and cultural ties, describing the countries' shared history and cultural values as an important foundation of their alliance. He proposed expanding reciprocal Days of Culture beyond the capitals, while Aliyev and Mirziyoyev were scheduled to open the new building of the National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi and launch construction of the "Azerbaijan" Park in New Tashkent.

Mirziyoyev further proposed producing joint films and creating a literary bridge between Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi. He supported holding the second forum of leading university rectors in Azerbaijan and suggested organizing a broad "Two Countries—One Championship" program around next year's FIFA World Youth Championship. He also proposed creating Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Sports Games combining athletic and intellectual competitions.

Turning to regional cooperation, Mirziyoyev said Baku and Tashkent were playing key roles in promoting interregional integration. He described Azerbaijan's participation in the Consultative Meetings of Central Asian Heads of State as opening new opportunities for economic and humanitarian cooperation. According to him, the two countries were contributing to the emergence of a "unified, self-sufficient macro-region" with substantial potential for joint development.

Aliyev thanked Mirziyoyev for inviting him to Uzbekistan and for the hospitality extended to the Azerbaijani delegation. Referring to the video presentation shown at the beginning of the meeting, he said it effectively demonstrated the scale of existing projects and the potential for further cooperation. "The main point is that we have a concrete agenda for strengthening our interaction," Aliyev stated, adding that the implementation of existing projects would create opportunities for new initiatives.

Aliyev also congratulated Mirziyoyev and the Uzbek people on the country's socioeconomic progress and growing international influence. He described Uzbekistan as a state with "great international authority" and attributed much of this progress to Mirziyoyev's efforts. The Azerbaijani president stressed that Baku and Tashkent consistently support each other both bilaterally and within international organizations.

Welcoming Uzbekistan's assessment of developments in the South Caucasus, Aliyev said the establishment of peace would allow the region to move toward peaceful development and benefit from greater stability. He also discussed the Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Investment Fund, noting that approximately $160 million of its $500 million capital had already been allocated. According to Aliyev, the volume of planned and contracted projects had already exceeded the fund's capacity. He cited major investment plans in Uzbekistan's tourism sector, including a planned $5 billion portfolio, as well as hotel and residential projects in Tashkent that fall outside the fund's framework.

Aliyev expressed particular appreciation for Uzbekistan's assistance in the restoration and reconstruction of Garabagh, emphasizing that Uzbekistan was the first country to provide practical support to the liberated territories. He highlighted the Mirzo Ulugbek school, which has a capacity of nearly 1,000 pupils, as a symbol of the countries' friendship and brotherhood. He also referred to the garment factory established by Uzbek partners in Khankendi, stressing the importance of creating employment, particularly for women, in the region. Aliyev emphasized that the project, which represents the first Uzbek investment in a modern production facility there, has created more than 200 jobs.

The Azerbaijani president also highlighted cooperation in the automotive industry. He noted that Uzbekistan's experience was being transferred to Azerbaijan and that the initial cooperation had progressed toward full-cycle production. A second plant is being constructed in Hajigabul with an investment of more than $80 million, which Aliyev said would significantly contribute to the development of Azerbaijan's automotive sector.

Agricultural cooperation was also described as producing positive results, while transport and transit ties were expanding. Aliyev said the volume of Uzbek cargo passing through Azerbaijan was increasing and called for the construction of a dedicated ferry for Uzbekistan to be accelerated. He said the issue had already been resolved in principle and that the project should be placed among the priorities of Azerbaijan's shipbuilding program.

Discussing broader transport connectivity, Aliyev highlighted ongoing work on the Zangezur Corridor. He said the main section of the project in Azerbaijan was expected to be completed next year, while work had also begun in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. He explained that the Nakhchivan railway was being treated as an integral part of Azerbaijan's railway system and that an international consortium could be established involving companies and countries interested in investing in the route and ensuring sufficient freight volumes.

Aliyev added that work was also expected to begin on the Armenian section of the route, reportedly either at the end of the year or early next year. He noted that the Armenian section would be around 42 kilometers, compared with approximately 194 kilometers in Nakhchivan, where Azerbaijan had already begun construction. He said that interested companies would have an opportunity to participate in the proposed consortium.

Azerbaijan is also modernizing approximately 400 kilometers of railway between Baku and the Armenian border, while the Nakhchivan section covers roughly 200 kilometers. Aliyev said the upgraded infrastructure would become an important component of the Middle Corridor.

The Azerbaijani president further thanked Mirziyoyev for his role in securing Azerbaijan's full participation in the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asian countries. He described the decision taken in Tashkent as symbolically important and praised Mirziyoyev's personal contribution to Azerbaijan's inclusion in the format. Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan approaches its cooperation with Central Asian states with "great responsibility and enthusiasm."

Bilateral Documents

On August 23, a ceremony was held in Tashkent for the signing and exchange of bilateral documents between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. The ceremony marked a further expansion of cooperation between the two countries across political, economic, cultural, social, and regional areas.

Aliyev and Mirziyoyev signed the "Treaty on Eternal Friendship between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan" and the "Decision of the Third Meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan," formally strengthening the institutional framework of bilateral relations.

Several agreements were also concluded in economic and sectoral areas. Rashad Mammadov, the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Uzbekistan, and Akmalkhuja Mavlonov, the Chairman of the Customs Committee under Uzbekistan's Ministry of Economy and Finance, exchanged a memorandum on cooperation and experience-sharing in cynology between the customs authorities of the two countries.

Mammadov and Abdulaziz Akkulov, the Chairman of Uzbekistan's Tourism Committee, exchanged an agreement on cooperation in tourism. Meanwhile, Adil Karimli, the Azerbaijani Minister of Culture, and Ozodbek Nazarbekov, the Uzbek Minister of Culture, signed an agreement establishing cooperation between the two governments in the cultural sphere.

Economic cooperation was addressed through two documents exchanged by Mikayil Jabbarov, the Azerbaijani Minister of Economy, and Laziz Kudratov, the Uzbek Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade. These included a program aimed at increasing bilateral trade turnover to $1 billion by 2030 and a practical action plan, or roadmap, for implementing joint investment and trade projects.

The two countries also expanded cooperation in social protection, diplomatic coordination, public services, and relations between cities. Jeyhun Bayramov, the Azerbaijani Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Bakhtiyor Saidov, the Uzbek Minister of Foreign Affairs, exchanged an agreement on cooperation in pension provision, as well as a foreign ministries' cooperation program for 2027-2028.

The two ministers also exchanged a cooperation program between Azerbaijan's State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President and Uzbekistan's Ministry of Justice for 2027-2028. In addition, protocols were signed establishing sister-city relations between Khankendi and Urgench, Nakhchivan and Urgench, and Lachin and Bukhara, further expanding direct ties between the cities of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Press Statements

On August 23, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered press statements in Tashkent following their talks and the third meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. Mirziyoyev described Aliyev's state visit as "of historic significance," emphasizing that the signing of the Treaty on Eternal Friendship marked a new stage in bilateral relations.

Mirziyoyev stated that the treaty reflected the two countries' commitment to deepening cooperation and building a common future. He praised Azerbaijan's economic development and growing international standing, while particularly highlighting Aliyev's political course, which he said had contributed to the restoration of Azerbaijan's territorial integrity and the establishment of peace. He also pointed to the reconstruction of Garabagh, including the development of infrastructure, creation of jobs, and efforts to facilitate the return of residents.

According to Mirziyoyev, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan's relations are based on common historical roots, cultural and spiritual ties, shared values, and centuries of friendship. He said these foundations make the partnership resilient and capable of withstanding external circumstances. The Uzbek president also noted that the state visit followed extensive preparatory work involving the Intergovernmental Commission, Business Council, and Regional Forum.

Mirziyoyev emphasized that the Supreme Interstate Council had reviewed virtually all major areas of cooperation, including trade, industry, energy, transport, and culture. The two sides agreed to strengthen political contacts and cooperation between parliaments, governments, state agencies, and regions. He identified increasing bilateral trade turnover to $1 billion as an immediate objective, while stressing that the target could eventually be exceeded several times.

The Uzbek president said the two countries had developed a substantial portfolio of projects in energy, geology, chemicals, construction, finance, agriculture, and other sectors. He also highlighted the role of the bilateral investment fund, which he described as an effective mechanism for supporting joint business initiatives. Mirziyoyev emphasized that regional cooperation would also be expanded, noting that officials from Tashkent, Bukhara, and Namangan had recently visited Azerbaijan and achieved "tangible results."

Transport and transit cooperation was identified as another important area, particularly the development of the Trans-Caspian Corridor. Mirziyoyev said Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan would work to improve logistics infrastructure and increase transportation volumes, including through intensified efforts to establish a joint fleet in the Caspian Sea.

He also emphasized the importance of cultural and humanitarian relations. Mirziyoyev said he and Aliyev would inaugurate the new building of the Nizami Ganjavi Pedagogical University and launch construction of the Azerbaijan Park in New Tashkent. He described the projects as symbols of the "unbreakable brotherhood" between the two peoples. The two sides also plan to hold Azerbaijani Culture Days in Uzbekistan, the Second Forum of University Rectors in Azerbaijan, and produce a joint feature film dedicated to Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi.

Mirziyoyev further highlighted youth and sports cooperation ahead of next year's FIFA World Youth Championship, which Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are expected to jointly host. He said the two countries had proposed the "Two Countries — One Championship" state program to accompany the tournament with cultural, sporting, and youth initiatives.

The Uzbek president also stressed that bilateral cooperation had expanded beyond the two countries' direct agenda. He described Azerbaijan's inclusion in the consultative meetings of Central Asian heads of state as an important step toward establishing greater connectivity between Central Asia and the South Caucasus. Mirziyoyev added that Baku and Tashkent coordinate their positions within organizations including the United Nations, Non-Aligned Movement, Organization of Turkic States, Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and Commonwealth of Independent States.

Aliyev, in turn, thanked Mirziyoyev for the invitation and hospitality, saying that Azerbaijan shared the same "warm, fraternal feelings" toward Uzbekistan. He praised the country's rapid transformation, particularly the development of Tashkent and other parts of the country, and attributed these changes to Mirziyoyev's reforms and efforts to strengthen Uzbekistan's economy and international position.

Aliyev stated that when Mirziyoyev assumed leadership, Uzbekistan faced a substantially different economic situation and required extensive reforms to diversify its economy, expand industry and agriculture, and attract investment. He argued that these reforms had created the conditions necessary for the current level of Azerbaijani-Uzbek cooperation. Aliyev noted that there had been no joint projects between the two countries before Mirziyoyev's leadership, whereas the two sides are now working toward $1 billion in annual trade turnover and developing numerous investment initiatives.

The Azerbaijani president emphasized that the parallel development of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan had broader geopolitical significance. Following Azerbaijan's inclusion in the Central Asian cooperation format, he said, Central Asia and Azerbaijan could increasingly be viewed as "a single geopolitical and geo-economic region." Aliyev stated that close cooperation between Baku and Tashkent would contribute significantly to the development of this emerging and increasingly integrated regional space.

Aliyev also outlined the breadth of bilateral projects, covering energy, transportation, investment, tourism, mining, automotive production, agriculture, food processing, and banking. He noted that a leading Azerbaijani bank was entering the Uzbek market and that SOCAR was preparing to enter Uzbekistan's retail market. Cooperation in oil and gas exploration was also nearing an important stage, with hopes of beginning production drilling next year if ongoing exploration produces positive results.

According to Aliyev, the relationship now rests on both material and spiritual foundations. He described this combination as unusual in international politics and emphasized that the commitment of both governments to economic development, improved living standards, and joint initiatives would remain a key factor behind further progress.

Aliyev once again highlighted Uzbekistan's role in the reconstruction of Garabagh, particularly Mirziyoyev's personal contribution. He noted that Uzbekistan was the first country to provide practical assistance by building the Mirzo Ulugbek School for 960 students in Fuzuli and investing in a garment manufacturing facility in Khankendi. He added that further Uzbek-backed projects were planned in Garabagh and other Azerbaijani regions.

The Azerbaijani president also stressed the importance of interregional cooperation, noting that joint projects were no longer concentrated solely in Baku and Tashkent. Referring to the interregional cooperation forum held the previous day, Aliyev stated that the two countries had developed a clear action plan and were "joining forces and creating synergy." He added that the investment fund was already backed by projects equivalent to roughly one-third of its resources, while other initiatives in tourism and automotive production represented investment worth billions of dollars.

Aliyev attributed Uzbekistan's growing attractiveness to foreign investors to Mirziyoyev's reforms and the investment climate created under his leadership. He said international financial institutions and major global companies increasingly view Uzbekistan as a country undergoing successful development. Aliyev expressed confidence that the plans agreed upon during the visit would be implemented and further strengthen ties between the two countries and their peoples.

At the end of his statement, Aliyev invited Mirziyoyev to pay a state visit to Azerbaijan at a time convenient for him.

Awards

On August 23, an award ceremony was held in Tashkent honoring the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for their contributions to strengthening bilateral relations. Mirziyoyev addressed the event first, describing Aliyev's state visit as a "historic event" and highlighting the agreements reached during the visit, including a new roadmap and the decision to increase bilateral trade turnover to $1 billion.

The Uzbek president praised Azerbaijan's development and growing international standing under Aliyev's leadership. He particularly emphasized Azerbaijan's restoration of territorial integrity and the reconstruction of Garabagh, saying that his visits to Azerbaijan had allowed him to personally witness the region's transformation. Mirziyoyev also praised Aliyev's continuation of the legacy of Heydar Aliyev and described Azerbaijan as a "close, reliable and time-tested friend and partner."

Mirziyoyev then presented Aliyev with Uzbekistan's highest state award, the highest degree of the "Dostlik" (Friendship) Order. He described the decoration as recognition of Aliyev's contribution to strengthening Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations on the basis of "eternal friendship, strategic partnership and alliance." Mirziyoyev congratulated Aliyev and wished him continued success in his state activities and peace and progress for the Azerbaijani people.

Aliyev thanked Mirziyoyev for the award, describing the highest degree of the "Dostlik" Order as a great honor and expressing appreciation for the "brotherly attitude" of the Uzbek leadership. He pledged to continue working to strengthen friendship and brotherhood between the two countries and their peoples.

According to Aliyev, the shared foundations of the relationship include the closeness of the Azerbaijani and Uzbek peoples, their cultures, languages and traditions, sincere mutual feelings, and centuries-old friendship. He stated that the key task was to build upon these foundations through concrete projects and joint initiatives that contribute to the development of both countries.

Aliyev also highlighted Mirziyoyev's personal role in strengthening bilateral relations and his assistance in the reconstruction of Garabagh. He reiterated that Uzbekistan was the first country to provide practical assistance to Azerbaijan in the restoration of the liberated territories, emphasizing that this contribution was widely recognized in Azerbaijan.

Aliyev congratulated Mirziyoyev on Uzbekistan's achievements and expressed Azerbaijan's appreciation for his contribution to bilateral relations. In recognition of these efforts, Aliyev announced that he had signed a decree awarding Mirziyoyev Azerbaijan's highest state decoration, the Heydar Aliyev Order.

Aliyev subsequently presented the Heydar Aliyev Order to Mirziyoyev.

Other Events

On August 23, Presidents of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated in Tashkent in an online ceremony marking the inauguration and groundbreaking of several projects implemented by Azerbaijani companies in Uzbekistan.

The ceremony saw the opening of Davr Bank, operated by AR International Bank, a gypsum production plant established by Matanat-A, and two STEAM schools named after Landau and operated by the Landau Education Group. The projects reflect the expanding presence of Azerbaijani businesses in Uzbekistan's banking, industrial, and education sectors.

Groundbreaking ceremonies were also held for five new SOCAR filling stations, the Sea Breeze Uzbekistan residential and recreational complex being developed by Agalarov Development, and the Baku City residential complex by TuranAZ. In addition, construction began on a silver ore processing and concentration plant under the Sur Gold and Silver Project and new fruit orchards to be developed by Gold Fresh Fruits.

Later, on August 23, Aliyev and Mirziyoyev attended the opening of the National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi in Tashkent. The presidents jointly cut the ribbon marking the inauguration of the university, after which they planted a tree in its courtyard. They were also briefed on the institution's history and the facilities available at the newly opened university.

The two presidents subsequently laid the foundation stone for the Azerbaijan Park in New Tashkent. The future public space is intended to showcase Azerbaijan's culture, centuries-old history, and traditions while serving as a venue for cultural interaction between the two peoples.

The establishment of the Azerbaijan Park in New Tashkent, alongside the Uzbekistan Park in Baku, is intended to symbolize the longstanding friendship, mutual respect, and cultural affinity between Azerbaijanis and Uzbeks. The projects are also presented as expressions of the strengthening and expanding bilateral relations between the two countries.

Visit to Bukhara

On August 24, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva arrived in Bukhara from Tashkent, where they were welcomed at Bukhara International Airport by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and First Lady Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva.

The two presidential couples, accompanied by family members, visited several of Bukhara's major historical and architectural landmarks. Their first stop was the Ismail Samani Mausoleum, regarded as one of the oldest surviving Islamic architectural monuments in Central Asia. Built between the late 9th and early 10th centuries, the mausoleum is notable for its distinctive design and extensive use of baked brick, with researchers identifying 18 different brickwork patterns throughout the structure. According to historical tradition, Ismail Samani, the founder and one of the leading figures of the Samanid dynasty, was buried there alongside his father and grandson.

The presidential families also visited the Ark Fortress, one of Bukhara's oldest historical sites. Originally constructed in the 4th century BCE, the fortress acquired much of its current appearance during the 17th and 18th centuries and later served as the winter residence of Bukhara's rulers. Covering approximately four hectares today, a significant part of the fortress was destroyed in 1920. Since 1947, the site has housed the Bukhara State Museum-Reserve.

The visit continued at the Poi-Kalyan Complex, whose name means "the pedestal of the Great." The complex includes several prominent monuments, among them the Kalyan Minaret, constructed in 1127. The Kalyan Mosque, built in the 16th century, is the largest mosque in Bukhara and can accommodate up to 12,000 worshippers. The complex also contains the Mir-i Arab Madrasah, a religious educational institution built in the 16th century by Abdullah Yamani, known as Mir-i Arab.