Baku is picking allies
A summit of leaders of states interested in new trade and transport links will be held in Baku
**Baku selects its allies**
Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev of Uzbekistan and Sadyr Japarov of Kyrgyzstan held a meeting with the head of the republic, Ilham Aliyev, during a working visit to Azerbaijan on October 14. Tashkent is preparing new agreements on economic cooperation and the development of Karabakh, while the Azerbaijani parliament approved an alliance treaty with Kyrgyzstan and an increase in the capital of a joint fund. In addition, they will take part in the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which will take place in Baku on October 15.
The First Deputy Chairman of the Senate of Uzbekistan, Sadyk Safaev, reported that during Shavkat Mirziyoyev's visit to Azerbaijan, a package of agreements on economic cooperation and joint development of Karabakh is planned to be signed, the Trend agency reports.
Uzbek projects in Karabakh are already operational. A school named after Mirza Ulugh Beg was built in Fuzuli, and a sewing production facility was organized in Khankendi. In August, Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev specifically highlighted Tashkent's contribution to the restoration of the region and the creation of jobs. The new agreements could continue this line, where economic involvement simultaneously serves as a sign of political support for Baku.
Relations between the two countries received additional formalization in August 2026, when the presidents signed the Treaty on Eternal Friendship. At that time, Mirziyoyev estimated the portfolio of joint projects at more than $5 billion. The governments intend to bring trade turnover to $1 billion. However, the project portfolio is not equal to the funds already invested: a portion of the initiatives has yet to be implemented.
A joint investment company with a capital of $500 million is used for financing. At the August meeting, Aliyev reported that about $160 million had already been allocated for projects. Among them are hotel and residential complexes in Uzbekistan. Thus, Azerbaijan is expanding its presence in the Uzbek market, while Tashkent receives an additional source of capital for construction and services development.
Another step is the entry of the Azerbaijani bank ABB into the Uzbek market. In August, the parties launched the ABB Darv project (a merger of two banks — the Azerbaijani ABB and the Uzbek Davr Bank), which provides for the acquisition of a controlling stake in Davr Bank. Such a partnership could make it easier for businesses to operate in the markets of both countries. Cooperation is gradually expanding to cover not only manufacturing and trade, but also banking services.
Transport plans are also becoming more specific. According to Aliyev, transit transport between the countries reached 1.4 million tons in 2025, and in the first half of 2026 amounted to 675,000 tons — 12.2% more than a year earlier. In August, Mirziyoyev stated his intention to step up the creation of a joint fleet on the Caspian.
For Tashkent, this is a chance to connect its production facilities to external markets more reliably. Baku is interested in additional cargo and loading its port infrastructure. At the same time, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan are promoting a green energy corridor designed to transmit electricity across the Caspian with the prospect of exporting to Europe. For now, this involves preparing the project rather than active deliveries.
In relations with Kyrgyzstan, an important event took place on the eve of Japarov's visit. On October 13, the Azerbaijani parliament approved the Treaty on Allied Relations, signed on July 31, 2026, in Cholpon-Ata, an agreement on international road transport, and amendments to the agreement on the joint development fund. The parliamentary decision advances the implementation of the July agreements, but in itself does not yet mean the completion of all procedures for the treaty's entry into force.
The rapprochement has a practical basis. Uzbekistan is interested in production and export routes, Kyrgyzstan in investment, tourism, and transport links. Azerbaijan is strengthening its position between Central Asia and Europe. Now, the terms of the new agreements and the timelines for launching projects will be what matters: they will show what economic return the political alliance will bring.
On October 15, Baku will host the 7th Summit of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA), which brings together 28 states, including China, Russia, India, Turkey, Iran, and all Central Asian republics, with the exception of Turkmenistan, which holds observer status. This is an intergovernmental forum for discussing security, strengthening confidence, and economic ties. Countries are currently preparing the transformation of the forum into a full-fledged international organization.
In addition to Mirziyoyev and Japarov, participation in CICA has been confirmed by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who will represent Chinese President Xi Jinping, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, and Minister of State for Foreign Affairs of the UAE (United Arab Emirates) Khalifa Shaheen Almarar. President of Laos Thongloun Sisoulith is already in Baku. CICA Secretary General Kairat Sarybay expects the leaders of all Central Asian countries.
Summit participants will discuss security, transport links, digitalization, and sustainable economic growth. Plans include adopting the Baku Declaration and decisions on the further development of CICA.