Turkmenbashi: A high-level meeting was held on August 22 in the city of Turkmenbashi between Turkmenistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Chairman of the Halk Maslakhaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev posed for a joint photo before engaging in discussions.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the meeting was marked by speeches from Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and Shavkat Mirziyoyev, followed by an address from President Ilham Aliyev. The discussions emphasized the cultural and historical ties among the three nations, highlighting shared values and strategic interests. President Aliyev expressed gratitude to Berdimuhamedov for the organization of the summit and for initiating the trilateral meeting.
Aliyev's speech underscored the achievements of Turkmenistan under Berdimuhamedov's leadership, noting the country's socioeconomic development and increased international influence. He also reflected on the recent fruitful visit of Berdimuhamedov to Azerbaijan, where they discussed various initiatives, including the decision to build a mosque in Fuzuli and the establishment of twinning relations between Fuzuli and Arkadag.
The relationship with Uzbekistan, Aliyev noted, is anchored by a Treaty on Allied Relations. He praised the dynamic development of Uzbekistan under Mirziyoyev's leadership, citing significant progress in political dialogue, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. Aliyev expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan's contributions to the restoration of liberated territories in Azerbaijan, including the construction of a secondary school in Fuzuli and a sewing factory in Khankendi.
The meeting also focused on transport and transit cooperation, with discussions on the Middle Corridor and the expansion of ports and railways. Energy cooperation was another key topic, with Aliyev noting traditional energy ties with Turkmenistan and new developments with Uzbekistan, as Azerbaijan's state oil company SOCAR has begun operations in Uzbekistan.
The trilateral summit in Turkmenbashi highlighted the strategic importance of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan in connecting East and West, North and South, and laid the groundwork for continued cooperation in various sectors.