Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A significant event in international tourism cooperation took place in Samarkand with the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

The ceremony was held as part of a meeting between the Chairman of the Uzbekistan Tourism Committee, Umid Shadiev, and the Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan's State Tourism Agency, Azada Guseynova.

The document, signed between Uzbekistan's State Unitary Enterprise "National PR Center" and Azerbaijan's Tourism Bureau, aims to develop a joint tourism product under the "Joint Silk Road Highlights Tour" project. The primary focus is on promoting a unified route along the Great Silk Road, linking the historic gems of both countries: Baku, Shemakha, Sheki, Khiva, Bukhara, and Samarkand.

The parties agreed on the following:

Organizing joint B2B meetings, roadshows, and participation in international tourism exhibitions.

Consolidating efforts to attract tourists from Central Europe.

Enhancing the recognition of the cultural and historical heritage of the Silk Road.

After the memorandum was signed, the Azerbaijani delegation visited the Tourism Academy in Samarkand, where they familiarized themselves with the modern educational programs and infrastructure for preparing specialists in the tourism industry.

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, key players on the central segment of the Silk Road, are strengthening their partnership to increase competitiveness in the global tourism market. The signing of this document opens new opportunities for the development of the industry and strengthens the cultural and economic ties between the two countries.

This step highlights the growing role of Central Asia and the Caucasus in global tourism and lays a strong foundation for long-term cooperation.