I rejoice seeing Uzbekistan rapidly developing in all spheres — Ilham Aliyev

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, in an interview given on the eve of his state visit to Uzbekistan, expressed his views on the allied relations between the two countries, trade and economic cooperation, and ties with Central Asia.

 

Aliyev emphasized that relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have risen to the highest level in recent years — the level of alliance.

 

"Every time I come to fraternal Uzbekistan, especially in recent years, I rejoice to see the country developing rapidly in all spheres," said the Azerbaijani president.

 

He noted that over the past five years, 15 mutual visits at the highest level have been carried out between the leaders of the two countries. In August 2024, Aliyev made a state visit to Uzbekistan, and in July 2025, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a state visit to Azerbaijan.

 

Aliyev also specifically highlighted his relations with Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

 

"President Mirziyoyev's tireless and resolute efforts for the brotherhood, unity, and alliance of our countries have evoked deep respect and affection for him in Azerbaijan," he said.

 

The Azerbaijani president stated that trade and economic ties between the two countries are also developing rapidly. According to him, in 2025, the volume of trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan increased more than threefold, reaching $795 million. In January-May 2026, the trade volume grew by 33 percent year-on-year, amounting to $144 million.

 

Aliyev noted that the Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Investment Company has become an important platform for cooperation. The company was established three years ago with an authorized capital of $500 million.

 

Furthermore, the two countries are expanding projects in the energy and transport sectors. In 2025, a joint company was established by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan aimed at developing a "green" energy corridor.

 

Aliyev also highlighted cooperation in the transport and logistics sector as one of the promising directions. He stated that the integration of the China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan railway with the Middle Corridor would create new economic and transit opportunities for the entire region.

 

The Azerbaijani president also touched upon his country's relations with Central Asian states. He emphasized that Azerbaijan's full accession to the consultative meetings format of Central Asian leaders has created new opportunities for interregional cooperation.

 

"The cooperation format previously called 'C5' has in practice become the 'C6' format, and regional dialogue and strategic partnership have acquired new substance and scope," said Aliyev.

 

He also noted that Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have been supporting each other within the framework of international organizations.

 

At the end of the interview, Ilham Aliyev congratulated the people of Uzbekistan on the 35th anniversary of the country's state independence, wishing them peace, prosperity, progress, and new achievements.