Baku: An informal meeting of the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries took place in the city of Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, attended the meeting at the Congress Center in Cholpon-Ata, where he was warmly welcomed by President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, alongside other participating heads of state.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the meeting saw the participation of the Presidents of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan, who posed for photographs together. During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev addressed his counterparts, expressing gratitude to the President of Kyrgyzstan for the invitation and congratulating him on the socio-economic achievements of Kyrgyzstan, including the transformation of the Lake Issyk-Kul area into a prominent tourist destination.
President Aliyev highlighted his state visit to Kyrgyzstan, emphasizing the signing of a major package of documents aimed at enhancing bilateral ties. He particularly noted the Treaty on Allied Relations, which elevates the relationship between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan to the level of an alliance. He also pointed out the fruitful trade and economic relations between the two nations, citing an increase in the capital of the joint Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund from $100 million to $200 million.
In addition, 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, ready to welcome guests, marks a significant development in the tourism sector.
Emphasizing the importance of relations with Central Asian countries, President Aliyev remarked on the frequency of mutual visits, indicating a strong bond between Azerbaijan and Central Asia. He noted that he has visited Central Asian countries 16 times since the beginning of 2023, while leaders from these countries have visited Azerbaijan 26 times in the same period.
This meeting marked President Aliyev's first participation as a full member of the 3rd Consultative Meeting format. He expressed gratitude for the decision made in Uzbekistan last year to include Azerbaijan as a full member, having previously participated as a guest of honor. President Aliyev assured his counterparts that Azerbaijan would actively contribute to this consultative format, aiming to enhance cooperation and foster closer ties among the countries and their peoples.