A delegation led by Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, visited Uzbekistan to attend the official opening ceremony of the “Termez” International Trade Center.
As part of the event, Deputy Prime Minister Mustafayev met with Abdulla Aripov, Prime Minister of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
During the meeting, both sides hailed the steady development of friendly and brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, attributing this progress to the visionary policies, mutual visits, and regular contacts of Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
They emphasized that the signing of the “Treaty on Allied Relation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan” during President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Uzbekistan on August 22-23 marked a new chapter, elevating bilateral ties to new heights.
The importance of the decisions made during the inaugural meeting of the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan High Intergovernmental Council was also stressed. The two agreed on the need for continued governmental cooperation to fulfill the assignments set by the heads of state.
They identified the drawing up and signing of a new five-year road map to deepen the comprehensive strategic partnership as a key priority.
The sides appreciated the successful results of joint projects implemented by Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in various fields, especially in investment, industry, agriculture, transport, and oil and gas sectors.
They underscored the significance of launching new projects in several areas during the Azerbaijani President’s state visit.
The parties commended the dynamic development of economic and commercial cooperation between the two countries, underlining that trade turnover increased by 28 percent from January to July 2024.
Additionally, they highly appreciated the level of cooperation in transportation and transit, noting that the volume of transit transportation between the two countries rose by 37 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the same period the previous year.
They emphasized the importance of the newly opened "Termez" International Trade Center for expanding trade and facilitating collaborative projects.
During the visit, Shahin Mustafayev also met with Abdul Ghani Baradar, the acting Prime Minister of Afghanistan.
At the meeting, both sides emphasized the historical and cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Afghanistan.
Mustafayev highlighted Azerbaijan’s continuous contributions to promoting stability and development in Afghanistan, as well as its efforts in addressing humanitarian issues, both bilaterally and within international organizations.
The parties discussed the prospects for trade, economic, and investment relations between the two countries and expressed mutual interest in expanding these areas of cooperation. The two also explored the possibilities of cooperation in the field of transport and transit, emphasizing the importance of developing the Lapis Lazuli international transport corridor.
The sides expressed hope that the opening of the "Termez" International Trade Center would further expand trade and economic relations with Afghanistan.
