Tashkent: President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan has confirmed his participation in the upcoming 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, marking his third attendance at this significant event. In an interview with Uzbekistan’s UzA agency, President Aliyev extended his gratitude to his counterparts, particularly the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for inviting and supporting Azerbaijan’s involvement in this gathering.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev emphasized the integrated historical, cultural, geographical, and geopolitical ties between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries, highlighting their growing strategic significance. He pointed out that the Caspian Sea, which might seem to separate these nations, actually serves as a unifying factor, symbolizing strategic unity, economic potential, and historical cooperation.

President Aliyev stressed the importance Azerbaijan places on developing comprehensive collaborations with regional countries at the highest level. He noted that strategic partnerships and allied relations on a bilateral basis, along with active political dialogue and reciprocal visits, are crucial for successful cooperation. Over the past three years, there have been about 30 visits by Central Asian heads of state to Azerbaijan, and President Aliyev himself has visited these fraternal countries 13 times.

The Azerbaijani leader also pointed out the significance of the Middle Corridor, which presents new opportunities for expanding cooperation. He expressed confidence that the 7th Consultative Meeting would further cement the long-standing friendship between participating countries and enhance cooperation across various fields, including politics, economy, transport, investment, energy, culture, and digital transformation.