Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed deep satisfaction that the visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan has become a significant event in the history of centuries-old friendly relations between our countries.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev shared their impressions of the negotiations with media representatives.

The President of Uzbekistan noted that one of the key outcomes of the visit was the signing of the Treaty of Allied Relations, which symbolizes the beginning of a new chapter in interstate cooperation and confirms both parties’ strong commitment to the comprehensive development of multifaceted partnership.

During the visit, the first meeting of the High Interstate Council was also held, which, according to Mirziyoyev, should become an effective tool for developing and implementing new initiatives to deepen allied ties.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that since the beginning of the year, as part of Uzbek-Azerbaijani cooperation, meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, political and security consultations, meetings of parliamentarians, a regional forum, as well as various cultural and business events have already been held, ensuring the success of the current summit.

Uzbekistan highly values the achievements of brotherly Azerbaijan. Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted the dynamic development of the economy and industry, as well as the improvement of the standard of living in Azerbaijan. He also congratulated Ilham Aliyev on the restoration of Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and the return of historic Azerbaijani lands.

Special attention was paid to the restoration of Karabakh, where social infrastructure and production facilities are actively being built. Uzbekistan is ready to continue supporting Azerbaijan in this noble cause.

"Azerbaijan is our important strategic partner and ally. We are united by common historical roots and centuries-old friendship; we share the same religion, similar culture, and traditions. All of this serves as a reliable foundation for deepening comprehensive cooperation," Mirziyoyev emphasized.

During the talks, the presidents discussed a wide range of bilateral relations, including trade, industrial cooperation, energy, transport, agriculture, and culture.

The parties agreed to strengthen political dialogue, support each other in multilateral forums, and continue active contacts at the level of parliaments, governments, relevant departments, and regions.

The importance of increasing trade and economic interaction, which is showing steady growth, was emphasized. In this regard, it was decided to declare the next year the Year of Economic Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan and to develop a program in 20 priority areas.

At the business forum held, dozens of contracts and agreements were signed. As part of these agreements, projects such as the construction of a hotel, the creation of textile clusters and a sewing factory, the production of building materials, and others will be implemented.

Opportunities for joint participation in promising projects in third countries were also considered. In this context, the successful work of a joint investment company created to support such initiatives was noted.

Special attention was paid to the development of transport connectivity, including through the implementation of the Trans-Caspian Corridor.

The leaders agreed to accelerate the implementation of a major regional project for the production of "green" energy and its export through Azerbaijan to Europe.

To activate interregional contacts, a "road map" for interregional cooperation will be adopted, and the next Regional Forum will be held in the city of Kokand.

The heads of state agreed to expand contacts in the fields of culture, youth and information policy, science, education, and sports.

An agreement was reached to continue the tradition of holding mutual Days of Culture and Cinema, as well as exhibitions and tours of creative teams in both countries, not only in the capitals but also in the regions, where most of the population lives.

As a sign of recognition of the merits of legendary figures of art Farrukh Zakirov and Polad Bulbuloglu, the presidents decided to award them the honorary titles of People’s Artists of the two countries.

At the end of the meeting, Shavkat Mirziyoyev thanked Ilham Aliyev for his support of the initiatives and expressed confidence that the results of the productive talks would give a powerful impetus to the further development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations and strengthen friendly and allied ties between our countries.