BAKU, October 10. /Dunyo IA/. Murad Sadaddinov, Azerbaijani political observer, international relations analyst and founder of the “BIZ CLUB” Intellectual Platform, commented to Dunyo IA on the outcomes of the working visit paid by the President of Uzbekistan to Turkmenistan on October 7–9^th:

- Working visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Turkmenistan on October 7–9^th takes place at a crucial juncture for Central Asia. In the “Avaza” National Tourist Zone, President participated in the eighth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, the session of the Council of Heads of State of the CIS and held bilateral meetings.

Visit demonstrates the proactive role of Uzbekistan in shaping the regional agenda and its commitment to translating political dialogue into tangible economic and humanitarian projects.

One of the key events was the meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan, where issues of trade, investment, transport, energy, ecology, culture, education, science and security were discussed.

Participation of Azerbaijan in the summit holds special significance. In November 2025, a decision was made in Tashkent regarding its full participation in the Consultative Meetings. Today, this decision has found practical continuation in Avaza.

Uzbekistan consistently advocates for the development of trade, transport connectivity, investment ties and joint projects. Cooperation with Azerbaijan opens up additional opportunities for access through the Caspian Sea to the South Caucasus, Türkiye and European markets.

Transport corridors, energy, industrial cooperation and investments are of particular importance. It is the economic substance of political agreements that will determine the effectiveness of the new format.

In my view, it is appropriate to speak of the “Tashkent Spirit” here – an approach to regional cooperation based on openness, mutual trust, and the consolidation of the capabilities of neighbouring regions. Initiative to include Azerbaijan in the Consultative Meetings has become one of the manifestations of this approach.

Main task now is to fill the new format with practical content: to develop transport routes, increase trade turnover, implement investment and energy projects, establish joint ventures and expand educational and scientific cooperation.

In this context, visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev is of particular importance. Uzbekistan seeks not only to participate in regional processes but also to shape their long-term agenda, transforming political agreements into concrete projects and sustainable ties.