Aliyev calls Azerbaijan-Central Asian relations strategic

BAKU. Aug 21 (Interfax) - Relations between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries are dynamically developing on the principles of alliance, strategic partnership and mutually advantageous cooperation, and the full-fledged participation of Azerbaijan in Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia is important, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.

"Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to the expansion of political dialogue, the deepening of economic ties, the enhancement of transport and communication capabilities, and the development of energy and humanitarian cooperation with Central Asian states. From this point of view, Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia are a reputable platform, significant for the promotion of regional cooperation, coordinated interaction, and discussion of joint initiatives," Aliyev said in an interview with the Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA).

Such important factors as the historical and cultural closeness and shared spiritual values lay a solid foundation for the existent connections between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries, he said.

A decision on Azerbaijan's full-fledged participation in the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia was made at the 7th Consultative Meeting chaired by Uzbekistan in Tashkent in November last year, Aliyev said.

"Once again, I sincerely thank the president of the Republic of Uzbekistan and other heads of state of Central Asia for their support in this process. Azerbaijan's active involvement in the process has practically turned the cooperation format, formerly known as C5, into C6 and has given a new content and scale to the regional dialogue and strategic partnership," he said.

"The full-fledge participation of Azerbaijan in the format reflects the strategic significance our country attaches to the relations with Central Asia. Discussions held at the Consultative Meetings allow further strengthening of mutual confidence between countries of the region, defining new cooperation areas, and implementing the initiatives important for the regional development. Azerbaijan's involvement in this format also indicates our country's contribution to the strengthening of interregional cooperation," Aliyev said.

The dialogue and cooperation mechanisms, elaborated within the framework of this platform, contribute to the development of interstate relations and the provision of peace, stability and sustainable progress throughout the Eurasian space, he said.

Hence, the emerging comprehensive cooperation between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries sets an example of the strategic partnership based on mutual respect, trust and shared interests, Aliyev said.

Azerbaijani-Uzbek trade reached $795 million in 2025, having more than tripled since 2024, he said.

"The volume of trade between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan more than tripled in 2025, compared to the previous year, and reached $795 million. This is a fine indicator. Besides, trade grew 33% in January-May 2026, versus the respective period of last year, and amounted to $144 million," Aliyev said.

Transit between the two countries has also been growing, he said. It increased by 6.7% to 1.4 million tonnes in 2025 and another 12.2% to 675,000 tonnes in January-June this year, he said.

The Azerbaijani-Uzbek investment company, established three years ago with a joint capital of $500 million, has become an essential platform fostering bilateral investment cooperation, Aliyev said. The company makes a significant input in the financing and implementation of projects in various economic sectors of both Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, he said.

The intergovernmental commission also plays an important role in the development of economic, trade, investment and other relations, Aliyev said.

"The commission has held 15 meetings to date. The latest meeting in Tashkent addressed the state of Azerbaijani-Uzbek trade and economic cooperation, the achieved results, and the areas of further development in detail," he said.