Turkmenbashi:The 8th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and Central Asia took place in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan, with President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan attending the event at the Awaza Complex.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov welcomed President Aliyev and opened the meeting by inviting him to speak. President Aliyev expressed gratitude for the invitation and highlighted the dynamic relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. He acknowledged recent high-level visits and collaborative projects, including the construction of a mosque in Fuzuli and various educational facilities built with assistance from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan.
President Aliyev emphasized the importance of expanding Azerbaijan's cooperation with Central Asia, noting significant increases in trade and the operation of over 400 companies from Central Asia in Azerbaijan. He pointed out the development of joint investment funds with Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan and highlighted the growing role of transport and energy sectors, including the Caspian Sea's importance in transport connectivity and energy resource transportation.
Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev proposed a Declaration on the Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence and suggested creating a unified calendar for cultural and tourism events to promote regional interaction. Kyrgyzstan's President Sadyr Zhaparov supported the idea of a unified e-commerce platform and emphasized the region's tourism potential. He congratulated Azerbaijan on its upcoming chairmanship of the Consultative Meeting in 2027.
Tajikistan's President Emomali Rahmon highlighted the potential for enhanced economic and industrial cooperation, while Uzbekistan's President Shavkat Mirziyoyev proposed hosting a 'Central Asia - Azerbaijan' Business Forum in Khiva in 2027 and congratulated Azerbaijan on its new role as chair. The meeting underscored the commitment to strengthening regional cooperation and unity.