Relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan go far beyond diplomatic frameworks; these ties represent a deep strategic partnership built upon shared history, cultural roots, political will, and mutual trust. President Ilham Aliyev’s interview with the National Information Agency of Uzbekistan (UzA) once again highlighted the current level of these relations and their significance amid regional and global challenges. The interview also signaled a new stage of political and economic integration between the two countries. In his remarks, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized two concepts that most accurately reflect the essence of Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan relations: brotherhood and reliable alliance. This is not a simple diplomatic courtesy — as the Head of State noted, these relations stem from mutual respect between the two peoples, shared moral values, and the sincere political dialogue established between the leaders. High-level visits, signed strategic documents, and joint humanitarian initiatives in recent years clearly demonstrate that bilateral relations have risen to a qualitatively new stage. President Aliyev’s visits and special attention to cities such as Andijan and Samarkand, as well as the visits of the President of Uzbekistan to Baku, have further strengthened the personal trust between the two leaders. This alliance is not limited to the region alone but has also become one of the key pillars within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are two major actors complementing each other in the integration of the Turkic world, energy and transport corridors, as well as issues of defense and security. The political trust established between the two leaders is also reflected in economic indicators. As President Ilham Aliyev stated, the trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan has shown dynamic growth in recent years, which is a direct result of mutual political determination.

Key Directions:

Expansion of multilateral trade:

Cooperation continues to grow in agriculture, industrial products, chemicals, textiles, machinery, and metal processing sectors.

Joint industrial enterprises and investment projects:

The participation of Uzbek companies in industrial zones in Baku and Fuzuli opens new perspectives. The active role of the Uzbek side in the reconstruction of the Karabakh region is also a clear example of strategic partnership.

Development of the transport and logistics corridor:

Cooperation within the Middle Corridor increases the transit potential of both the region and the Eurasian economic space. The Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway and transport infrastructure across the Caspian Sea remain among the main priorities requiring coordinated efforts of both countries.

As President Aliyev underlined, economic cooperation does not merely reflect the current stage — forward-looking plans indicate that this partnership will deepen even further. Azerbaijan’s energy infrastructure — including the export of natural gas, oil, and electricity — also holds strategic importance for Uzbekistan. Azerbaijan is ready to share its extensive experience gained from international energy projects with its Uzbek partners.

President Ilham Aliyev’s interview with UzA demonstrates once again that Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan relations continue to develop along a rising trajectory. These relations are no longer limited to bilateral partnership; they have evolved into a strategic platform that contributes to the unity of the Turkic world, regional security, and Eurasian economic integration. The path from brotherhood to alliance continues to strengthen thanks to political will, mutual trust, and sustainable economic cooperation. The interview clearly shows that new goals have been set in this direction and that these goals are expected to become reality in the coming years.

Bayram Khudayarov,

Researcher at the Physics Institute of the Ministry of Science and Education,

Founder and admin of the Facebook group “Followers of the Heydar Aliyev School”, Active member of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP).