MADRID, August 25. /Dunyo IA/.  Secretary-General of Paneuropa España and a professor of law at Rey Juan Carlos University in Spain Carlos Uriarte Sánchez commented for Dunyo IA on the outcomes of the State Visit of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan, which took place on August 23–24^th:

-  State visit of the President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan and the third meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council became a significant event in the development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations. The high-level talks demonstrated a high level of mutual trust, political proximity and the commitment of both states to further strengthening strategic partnership and alliance.

Consistent and visionary policy of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, aimed at strengthening the international prestige of the country, expanding the circle of strategic partners, and translating the achieved political agreements into concrete, practical results, deserves special attention. It is precisely this approach that has made it possible to elevate relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan to a qualitatively new level.

One of the most significant outcomes of the visit was the signing of the Treaty on Eternal Friendship between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. This document holds historical significance and stands as a symbol of the special relationship between the two brotherly nations. It consolidates mutual respect, trust and the commitment to long-term cooperation, establishing a solid foundation for the further development of strategic partnership and alliance.

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that the most important indicator of partnership is not only political declarations but also concrete, tangible achievements. The agreements reached fully comply with this principle. Over the past five years, the volume of mutual trade between the two countries has increased threefold. At the same time, an ambitious goal has been set to bring the trade turnover to 1 billion USD by 2030. To achieve this, a special program with specific practical measures is being adopted.

Expansion of investment and industrial cooperation is of particular importance. Currently, new projects are being implemented and planned in energy, chemical and mining industries, the textile sector, agriculture, urban planning and other fields. The active involvement of funds from the Joint Investment Company will allow for the support of new initiatives and expand the business presence of both countries.

Agreement on enhancing transport connectivity and the joint development of the Middle Corridor holds distinct strategic importance. In the context of growing international trade and evolving logistics routes, the cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan in this field unlocks vast opportunities for expanding external economic ties, increasing transit potential and strengthening the role of both states in regional transportation processes.

Humanitarian cooperation remains an equally significant area. The leaders of the two countries agreed to continue active exchanges in the fields of culture, education, youth policy and sports. The opening of the new building of the National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi and the construction of the “Azerbaijan” Park in New Tashkent stand as bright symbols of close humanitarian ties.

Initiative to create a joint feature film, “The Literary Bridge between Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi”, deserves special attention. The creative heritage of these great thinkers unites the cultural traditions of the two nations. Such projects hold significant importance for strengthening spiritual proximity and familiarizing the younger generation with shared historical and cultural values.

Cooperation in the field of education is also becoming an important direction. Holding the second Forum of Rectors of Leading Universities in Azerbaijan will create additional opportunities for establishing direct ties between higher education institutions, exchanging experience, implementing joint educational programs and developing academic cooperation.

Collaboration in the sports sector is also highly promising. In connection with the hosting of the FIFA U-20 World Cup in 2027, the implementation of a large-scale program titled “Two Countries - One Championship” is planned, providing for joint sporting, cultural, and youth events. This will allow for the intensification of contacts among the youth and strengthen mutual understanding between the two countries.

Ceremony of reciprocal presentation of the highest state awards to the heads of state held a special symbolic significance. The President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, was presented with the Order of “Oliy Darajali Do‘stlik” (Highest Degree of Friendship), while the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was decorated with the highest state award of Azerbaijan – the Order of “Heydar Aliyev”.

Presentation of these awards represents a high assessment of the personal contribution of both leaders to strengthening the relations of friendship, strategic partnership, and alliance. It is particularly significant that the Order of “Heydar Aliyev” bears the name of the outstanding statesman of Azerbaijan, who played an exceptional role in the development of the country and the consolidation of its international standing. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev noted with profound respect the merits of Heydar Aliyev and his contribution to bringing the Uzbek and Azerbaijani peoples closer together.

Another important outcome of the visit was the signing of a comprehensive package of bilateral documents. Among them are agreements on cooperation in the field of pension provision, culture, and tourism, a program to increase trade turnover to 1 billion USD, a practical action plan in the area of investment and trade, cooperation programs between the ministries of foreign affairs and justice, as well as other documents.

Protocols on establishing twin-city relations between Urgench and Khankendi, Bukhara and Lachin and Urgench and Nakhchivan deserve special attention. The development of direct ties between the cities will allow for the expansion of cooperation at the regional level and the implementation of joint projects in tourism, culture, trade, and education.

Thus, the outcomes of the state visit demonstrate that Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations have today acquired a truly strategic character. The signing of the Treaty on Eternal Friendship stands as a historic step, while the economic, investment, transport, cultural and humanitarian agreements reached establish a solid foundation for the further rapprochement of the two countries.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, plays a special role in this process. Thanks to his consistent foreign policy, Uzbekistan is strengthening its positions on the international stage, expanding the circle of reliable partners, and shaping new growth points for the national economy. At the same time, relations with Azerbaijan are developing not only at the level of political dialogue but also through concrete investment projects, trade growth, humanitarian initiatives, and direct contacts between regions.

It can be noted with confidence that the current stage of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations is the result of mutual trust and the political will of the leaders of the two states. With such an approach, the Treaty on Eternal Friendship will become not only a historic document but also the basis for new joint achievements. Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan demonstrate an example of how shared history, culture and brotherly ties can serve as the foundation for modern and mutually beneficial strategic cooperation.