BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 23. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev is paying a state visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan on August 23–24, 2026.
Azerbaijan’s foreign policy attaches particular importance to developing relations with the countries of Central Asia, including Uzbekistan. Relations between the two countries, based on friendship and brotherhood, have now reached the level of allied relations.
The Azerbaijani and Uzbek peoples share a common history, language, religion, culture and traditions. This closeness has created a strong foundation for developing ties between the two countries in the political, economic, humanitarian and other spheres.
National Leader Heydar Aliyev also made a significant contribution to the development of Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations. His official visit to Uzbekistan on June 18–19, 1997 played an important role in defining the future directions of bilateral cooperation.
Through the political will and attention of President Ilham Aliyev, relations between the two countries have entered a new stage of development. The relations between President Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, based on mutual trust and respect, make an important contribution to expanding cooperation.
Over the past five years, President Ilham Aliyev has made two state and four working visits to Uzbekistan. During the same period, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev has made two state and seven working visits to Azerbaijan. Such intensive political dialogue demonstrates the high level of relations between the two countries.
The legal framework for strategic partnership and allied relations between the two countries has also expanded significantly in recent years. Numerous documents have been signed, including the Declaration on Deepening Strategic Partnership and Expanding Comprehensive Cooperation, the Treaty on the Establishment of the Supreme Interstate Council, and the Treaty on Allied Relations. In total, around 220 documents have been signed between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan also cooperate effectively within international and regional organizations. The two countries interact within the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Organization of Turkic States, the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Non-Aligned Movement and other multilateral platforms.
The Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia are also of particular importance for deepening Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the countries of Central Asia. At the 7th Consultative Meeting, held in Tashkent on November 16, 2025, a decision was made on Azerbaijan’s full participation in this format. Thus, the cooperation format was effectively expanded from C5 to C6.
Economic ties are also among the key areas of Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations. More than 130 Uzbek companies currently operate in Azerbaijan. Some of these companies are also involved in implementing economic projects in the territories liberated from occupation.
In 2025, trade turnover between the two countries increased more than threefold compared with 2024, reaching $795 million. In January–May 2026, trade turnover amounted to $144 million, up 33 percent compared with the same period of the previous year.
The Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company, established in 2023, has also become an important platform for developing investment cooperation between the two countries. The Intergovernmental Commission plays an important role in expanding economic, trade and investment ties. Its 15th meeting was held in Tashkent on July 17, 2026.
Cooperation is also developing in the energy and transport sectors. The Neftgaztechnology joint venture, operating since 2016, is one example of cooperation in the oil and gas sector. In 2025, the volume of transit transportation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan amounted to 1.4 million tons.
The two countries are also continuing cooperation on the reconstruction and development of the territories liberated from occupation. The Garden of Friendship project is planned to be implemented on an area of 100 hectares in the Fuzuli district. At Uzbekistan’s initiative, the Mirza Ulugbek School, designed for 960 students, has also been built in Fuzuli.
Cultural and humanitarian ties are also among the important areas of relations between the two countries. Mutual cultural days have been held in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, while sister-city ties have been established between cities of the two countries. Cooperation in education is also expanding. In the 2025/2026 academic year, around 70 Uzbek citizens studied in Azerbaijan, while around 180 Azerbaijani citizens studied in Uzbekistan.
Thus, the allied relations that have developed between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have evolved from political dialogue into a broad model of cooperation covering the economy, energy, transport, investment, culture, education and other areas. President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Uzbekistan is also of significant importance for further strengthening relations between the two brotherly countries.
