Presidents of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan hold talks behind closed doors

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held talks in an expanded format with the participation of delegations from the two countries noting that the two countries share a common religion, spiritual values, similar traditions, language and culture.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev expressed deep satisfaction with the achieved level of mutually beneficial cooperation, the strengthening bonds of friendship and mutual understanding between our countries. He reaffirmed his commitment to further building up the Uzbek-Azerbaijani strategic partnership and filling it with new practical content.

In particular, they were invited to increase the volume of mutual trade, expand industrial cooperation, and implement a number of projects in machine-building, electrical engineering, textile, wine-making, food, construction, oil and gas, petrochemical, pharmaceutical, agro-industrial and other industries. An agreement was reached to create a joint Investment Fund in order to develop and promote promising cooperation projects in our countries.

Another promising area of cooperation is agriculture. Pointing to the opportunities available here, the relevant ministers were instructed to agree on a roadmap for creating a silk production cluster, promoting projects in the field of cotton growing, and introducing innovative developments.

Direct interregional ties play an important role in expanding multifaceted cooperation. The parties agreed that in the near future the capitals and major cities of the two countries will establish partnerships. The head of our state proposed to hold the first Forum of Regions and an exhibition of their industrial potential in Tashkent this year.

It was noted that the expansion of cooperation in the field of tourism will also serve to further strengthen business and humanitarian ties. The Presidents supported the adoption of a separate program and the holding of a joint tourism fair.

During the talks, a number of other agreements were reached aimed at strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties, in particular, on holding the Days of Culture and Cinema, and strengthening contacts between universities, scientific institutions, sports and youth organizations.