Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — At a meeting with members of the media, the Presidents of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Ilham Aliyev, shared their impressions of the recent negotiations.

At the outset, the President of Uzbekistan expressed sincere admiration for the extensive transformations and significant achievements made by Azerbaijan under the leadership of Ilham Aliyev.

He emphasized that the Azerbaijani leadership has fulfilled a long-cherished dream of its people and every Azerbaijani — the restoration of territorial integrity — while actively working on modernizing the economy and infrastructure of the liberated territories.

Azerbaijan was named a reliable ally and strategic partner of Uzbekistan, united by shared goals, views, and aspirations. Special attention was given to the unity of the peoples, bound by a common history, close values, language, and culture — the foundations of fraternal and trusting relations.

The President of Uzbekistan highly appreciated the outcomes of the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, noting the adoption of important decisions and agreements. He stressed that thorough preparatory work had been carried out ahead of the current summit, including the successful holding of the first Interparliamentary Forum, the meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission, regional and rectors’ forums, political consultations, and a series of cultural events.

During the talks, particular focus was placed on the full implementation of the Treaty on Allied Relations between the two countries. Mutual commitment was confirmed to strengthen close ties and continue supporting each other on the international stage.

Alignment of positions on key global and regional issues was noted. In this regard, the President of Uzbekistan emphasized the country’s stance in favor of resolving all acute conflicts exclusively through peaceful means and diplomacy.

Agreements were reached on adopting joint practical measures aimed at increasing bilateral trade turnover and investment volumes to one billion dollars in the coming years. Accordingly, a separate program for the development of trade and industrial cooperation was approved.

To enhance cooperation efficiency, plans were made to expand existing and launch new forms of interaction, including holding a Council of Entrepreneurs and a Forum of Industrial and Economic Zones.

Special importance was given to the development of transport connectivity. Active progress of the Middle Corridor, which links countries and provides access to other strategic routes, was noted. Since spring of this year, an electronic permit system has been operating along the corridor, and the volume of Uzbek cargo shipments has grown by 25 percent, already exceeding one million tons annually.

Progress was recorded in implementing a joint project to export "green" electricity to Europe.

Additionally, during the visit, the launch of construction for the “Uzbekistan” park in Baku and the opening of a new building of the Uzbek Embassy in Azerbaijan are planned. Concurrently, active preparations are underway for projects to create the “Azerbaijan” park and a unique tourist complex “Sea Breeze” on the territory of Uzbekistan.

In connection with the upcoming 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the fraternal countries, an agreement was reached to hold a series of large-scale joint events, including concerts and youth forums dedicated to this significant milestone.

In conclusion, the President of Uzbekistan expressed gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for supporting joint initiatives and cooperation programs, expressing confidence that the outcomes of the current state visit will contribute to the further strengthening of allied relations and promote sustainable development and prosperity of the two peoples.