Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are preparing a Treaty of Eternal Friendship: they want to increase trade to $1 billion.

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are preparing to sign a Treaty of Eternal Friendship, aiming to increase trade to $1 billion.

The third meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan took place on August 23 in Tashkent. Presidents Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Ilham Aliyev held talks at the Kuksaroy residence.

A key outcome of the meeting was the announcement of preparations for the signing of a Treaty of Eternal Friendship between the two countries. Mirziyoyev described Aliyev's state visit as a historic event, emphasizing the need to translate the strategic partnership into concrete joint projects.

Over the past five years, mutual trade between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan has tripled. The countries now aim to increase trade turnover to $1 billion. To achieve this goal, they plan to develop a special program with specific measures, as well as launch new projects in sectors such as energy, chemicals, mining, textiles, agriculture, and construction.

The parties placed particular emphasis on developing the Middle Corridor and strengthening transport connectivity between the two countries.

Cooperation will also expand beyond the economic sphere. Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan agreed to intensify contacts in culture, education, sports, and youth policy. Construction of the "Azerbaijan" park will begin in New Tashkent, and a joint film dedicated to the literary legacy of Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi was proposed.

Following the meeting, the parties agreed to adopt a roadmap for implementing the agreements reached. New joint projects were also launched in banking and finance, tourism, education, the oil and gas industry, housing construction, mining, and agriculture.