Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — A meeting in a narrow format took place at the Kuksaroy residence between the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, marking the first session of the Supreme Intergovernmental Council.

The meeting focused on deepening and expanding the strategic partnership and multifaceted cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

President Mirziyoyev emphasized the historical significance of the Azerbaijani leader’s visit.

"Today we will sign a Treaty on Allied Relations. In a short period, we have managed to elevate Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations to a high level of intergovernmental cooperation," Shavkat Mirziyoyev highlighted.

The first session of the Supreme Intergovernmental Council was noted as a crucial step in advancing cooperation and giving it new substance.

The leaders highlighted the active development of bilateral ties: close contacts have been established between parliaments, governments, sectoral agencies, and regions. Regular meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and Business Council are held, forums, exhibitions, and cultural events are organized, and partnerships between business communities are expanding.

As part of the business agenda, a meeting between the presidents and representatives of leading companies from both countries is planned, along with the launch of new cooperative projects.

Next year will mark the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. In this regard, it was proposed to develop a Program of Events and a Schedule of Intensive Interagency Contacts for the year.

Additionally, an agreement was reached to declare the coming year as the Year of Economic Cooperation between the two countries and to develop a Program covering 20 priority areas.

The parties aim to significantly increase trade turnover and move to a new phase of industrial cooperation, including implementing projects in third countries.

The leaders welcomed the results of the recent business forum, where a portfolio of projects totaling over US$2 billion was formed in sectors such as energy, chemicals, mining, textiles, agriculture, and urban development.

The significant role of the Uzbek-Azerbaijani Investment Company in supporting such projects was noted.

The need to strengthen transport, communication, energy, and other infrastructure, as well as to implement joint projects in a multilateral format, was emphasized.

The parties agreed to increase the number of flights, simplify procedures for ground and air transportation, and implement digital solutions.

A key area of cooperation recognized was the activation of interregional contacts. An agreement was reached to develop a Plan for Interregional Cooperation for 2025, a Program for the Development of Industrial Potential and Infrastructure of Regions, and to hold a Forum of Regions in Kokand.

The leaders agreed to continue cultural and educational exchanges, as well as cooperation in healthcare, youth policy, and sports.

The appointment of Farukh Zakirov and Polad Bulbuloglu as People’s Artists by the presidents was noted with satisfaction.

President Mirziyoyev proposed organizing regular meetings of rectors of leading universities from both countries and holding a joint media forum.

Prospects for creating tourism and business complexes in the capitals to increase mutual tourist flows and exchanges in humanitarian and business spheres were also discussed.

The importance of information and analytical work for deepening bilateral relations and developing joint projects was emphasized.

The heads of state exchanged views on international and regional issues, discussed continuing dialogue and mutual support within multilateral frameworks.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a "road map" for implementing the agreements reached was adopted.