Baku: Samarkand will be hosting the International Forum of Sister Cities on July 24, bringing together participants from different countries, including city officials, experts, business representatives, scholars, and Azerbaijani municipal delegations, Abidov Zakir, Chairperson of the Uzbekistan Friendship Cities Alliance, told AZERTAC.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the Forum will provide an influential platform for the exchange of best practices, discussion of prospects for cooperation across the trade, economic, investment, tourism, scientific-educational, and cultural-humanitarian spheres, as well as the establishment of new direct ties between cities and regions.

Abidov Zakir noted that as part of the event, the issue of establishing sister city relations between the cities of Khankendi and Namangan, as well as Astara and Nukus, will also be considered. The implementation of these initiatives will enhance interregional cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, creating a solid foundation for the implementation of joint projects in the fields of economy, entrepreneurship, tourism, culture, education, and innovation.