Baku: An informal meeting of the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries was held in the city of Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, APA reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived at the Congress Center in Cholpon-Ata to attend the Informal Meeting of the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries. President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov welcomed President Ilham Aliyev and other heads of state participating in the meeting.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the Presidents of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan posed for photographs together, marking the beginning of the gathering. President Ilham Aliyev addressed the meeting, expressing his gratitude to President Zhaparov for the invitation and congratulating him on Kyrgyzstan's socio-economic development and transformation of the Lake Issyk-Kul area into an international tourist destination.
President Aliyev highlighted his state visit to Kyrgyzstan, during which comprehensive discussions with President Zhaparov led to the signing of a major package of documents, including the Treaty on Allied Relations. This treaty elevates the relationship between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan to the level of an alliance. He also noted the successful development of trade and economic relations between the two countries, supported by the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund, which has seen its capital increase from $100 million to $200 million.
Furthermore, President Aliyev expressed pride in the construction of the first five-star hotel on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul by the Azerbaijani side. The 'Baku' hotel is poised to become a major tourism center, ready to welcome guests. He emphasized that relations with Central Asian countries are a priority for Azerbaijan's foreign policy, as evidenced by the frequent mutual visits in recent years.
President Aliyev expressed his gratitude for Azerbaijan's inclusion as a full member of the Consultative Meeting format, a decision made in Uzbekistan last year. He assured that Azerbaijan will be an active member, working to expand cooperation and strengthen ties among the countries and peoples involved.
Following President Aliyev's address, other presidents made their speeches. The meeting concluded with the signing of the Cholpon-Ata Declaration, marking a significant step in regional cooperation.