Uzbek, Azerbaijani presidents launch joint projects in key economic sectors

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and his Azerbaijani counterpart Ilham Aliyev on Sunday agreed to deepen strategic partnership, launching new joint projects across key economic sectors.

The presidents held a meeting in a restricted format and the third session of the Supreme Interstate Council at the Kuksaroy presidential residence in the capital Tashkent, according to the Uzbek presidential press service.

Mirziyoyev called Aliyev's state visit a historic event, highlighting plans to sign a Treaty of Eternal Friendship following the summit.

The presidents noted that bilateral trade has tripled over the past five years, with cooperation expanding in energy, chemicals, mining, textiles, agriculture and urban development.

They identified potential to increase annual trade to $1 billion and agreed to adopt a program outlining measures to reach the target. They also emphasized closer economic connectivity and joint development of the Middle Corridor trade route.

New cooperation projects were launched in banking and finance, construction materials, education, oil and gas, tourism, housing, mining and agriculture. The leaders also agreed to strengthen cultural, educational and sports exchanges.

They also discussed regional and international issues, and agreed to continue cooperation through intergovernmental and business forums.