Baku: An award ceremony for the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan was held in Tashkent on August 23, APA reports. The ceremony marked a significant milestone in the relationship between the two nations, celebrating their achievements and future collaborative efforts. According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev addressed the event, highlighting the historic nature of the meeting and the progress made in bilateral relations. He emphasized the adoption of a new roadmap aimed at increasing trade turnover to $1 billion and expressed admiration for Azerbaijan's achievements under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership. Mirziyoyev presented Aliyev with the highest degree of the 'Dostlik' (Friendship) Order, acknowledging his substantial contributions to the growth of Uzbek-Azerbaijani ties. President Ilham Aliyev reciprocated with gratitude and pledged to continue fostering the friendship and cooperation between the two countries. He noted the strategic and allied nature of their relations and recognized President Mirziyoyev's pivotal role in this partnership. Aliyev presented him with Azerbaijan's highest state order, the Heydar Aliyev Order, as a token of appreciation for his efforts. The award ceremony underscored the deep-rooted fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, anchored in shared history, culture, and aspirations. Both leaders discussed various joint projects in agriculture, industry, mining, and energy, with a focus on future investments poised to reach billions of dollars. This commitment to collaboration is set to further strengthen their alliance and contribute to the economic growth of both nations. The event concluded with mutual expressions of admiration and dedication to continuing the path of progress and unity, marking a new chapter in the enduring friendship between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.