The Presidents of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan held the first meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council

At the ‘‘Kuksaroy’’ residence, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyeva and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a meeting in a narrow format and the first session of the Supreme Interstate Council, the press service of the head of our state reports.

The issues of further deepening and expanding the Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations of strategic partnership and multifaceted cooperation were discussed.

The head of our state especially emphasized that the current state visit of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan is a historic event.

– Today we will sign the Treaty on Allied Relations. In just a few years, we have managed to raise the Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations to the highest level of interstate cooperation, – Shavkat Mirziyoyev said.

They also noted with satisfaction the holding of the first session of the Supreme Interstate Council, which is designed to become an effective mechanism for promoting multifaceted cooperation and enriching it with specific content.

The leaders noted the dynamic development of bilateral ties. Close contacts have been established between parliaments, governments, industry departments and regions. The meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission and the Business Council have become regular, forums and exhibitions, numerous cultural events are held. The partnership between business circles is expanding.

As part of the business program, the Presidents will meet with representatives of leading companies of the two countries and new cooperation projects will be launched.

It was noted that next year marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

In order to widely celebrate this significant date, the Head of our state proposed to prepare a Program of Events and an annual Schedule of intensive interdepartmental contacts and exchanges.

In addition, an agreement was reached to declare next year the Year of Economic Cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan and to adopt a comprehensive Program covering 20 priority areas.

The tasks were set to significantly increase the volume of trade turnover and move to a new phase of industrial cooperation, including the implementation of projects in third countries.

The parties welcomed the results of the business forum held the day before: a portfolio of promising projects worth over 2 billion dollars has been formed. This concerns cooperation in the energy, chemical, mining, textile industries, agriculture, urban development and other areas.

In this context, the effective work of the Uzbek-Azerbaijani investment company as a tool for supporting such projects was noted.

The need to strengthen the interconnectedness of the two countries through the implementation of transport and communications, energy and other infrastructure projects, including in a multilateral format, was noted.

The parties agreed to increase the frequency of flights, simplify procedures for land and air transportation as much as possible, and implement digital solutions.

The importance of intensifying interregional contacts was noted. An agreement was reached to adopt a separate Interregional Cooperation Plan for 2025, a Partnership Program for the Development of Industrial Potential and Infrastructure of the Regions of the Two Countries, and to hold the next Forum of Regions in the city of Kokand.

The leaders of the states agreed to continue active exchanges in the fields of culture and art, education, healthcare, youth and information policy, and sports.

It was noted with satisfaction that by the decisions of the Presidents, famous cultural figures Farrukh Zakirov and Polad Bulbul oglu were awarded the titles of ‘‘People’s Artists’’ of our countries.

The head of our state proposed to launch a mechanism of regular meetings of rectors of leading universities of the two countries, as well as to hold a joint media forum.

The prospects for the construction of tourism and business complexes in our capitals in order to increase mutual tourist flow, humanitarian and business exchanges were also discussed.

The importance of information and analytical support for the development of bilateral relations, the implementation of joint projects for in-depth analysis and unlocking the potential for cooperation was emphasized.

The heads of state also exchanged views on the international and regional agenda, discussed issues of continuing intensive dialogue and mutual support within the framework of multilateral structures.

Following the meeting, it was decided to adopt a ‘‘road map’’ for the timely and high-quality implementation of the agreements reached.