Baku: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have taken significant steps to strengthen their bilateral relationship with the signing of a Treaty on Eternal Friendship. This development was highlighted in an article published by Euronews, which detailed President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Uzbekistan. The two nations are set to collaborate on numerous projects in sectors such as banking, energy, tourism, and mining.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the historic treaty was signed by Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Ilham Aliyev in Tashkent. The agreement aims to enhance economic and transport ties between the two countries, with a target to boost bilateral trade to $1 billion by 2030. The establishment of the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company in 2023 and increased cooperation in energy, geology, chemicals, construction, finance, and agriculture sectors underscore the depth of their economic partnership.
The article also emphasized the significance of Trans-Caspian cooperation, with both leaders committing to strengthen the Middle Corridor. This initiative focuses on improving logistics infrastructure and increasing freight traffic along the Trans-Caspian network, linking Central Asia with the South Caucasus and Europe. The European Union's interest in the Middle Corridor was also noted, with substantial investments in transport and energy links intended to connect Europe and Central Asia more efficiently.
Additionally, the article highlighted plans for a joint fleet on the Caspian Sea and the progress in transit freight between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev shared figures indicating substantial growth in freight volumes, and he discussed the potential connectivity of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway with the Middle Corridor.
In the realm of energy cooperation, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are working on a 'green energy corridor' to integrate their power systems. This project aims to transmit renewable electricity across the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan and potentially to European markets.
The article also mentioned that Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will co-host the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2027, following a FIFA Council decision. Preparations for the event include a joint programme titled 'Two countries - one championship.'
Cultural and tourism exchange is also on the agenda, with agreements signed in these areas and initiatives to bolster city-to-city cooperation. Educational ties were strengthened with the inauguration of a new campus of the Nizami National Pedagogical University in New Tashkent. Additionally, the development of an Azerbaijan Park in New Tashkent and an Uzbekistan Park in Baku highlights the symbolic connection between the two nations.