Tashkent: The 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State in the ‘Central Asia + Azerbaijan’ format took place in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan. President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan addressed the gathering, highlighting the significance of the event and extending gratitude to the host, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, President Aliyev expressed appreciation for Uzbekistan’s hospitality and praised the country’s development under President Mirziyoyev’s leadership. He highlighted Uzbekistan’s achievements in international standing, economic reforms, and contributions to sports. President Aliyev also commended President Mirziyoyev for fostering Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations and promoting cooperation between Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan.
President Aliyev mentioned his visits to the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent, emphasizing its role in showcasing the contributions of the Islamic world to global culture and science. He underscored Azerbaijan’s active participation in Central Asian summits, emphasizing the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties that bind Azerbaijan and Central Asian states.
President Aliyev noted the strategic partnerships formed through treaties and high-level visits, underscoring the collaborative efforts in culture, transportation, and economic resilience. He highlighted Azerbaijan’s role as a transport hub and the importance of the Middle Corridor, citing the increased cargo transportation and infrastructure developments.
The President acknowledged the support from Central Asian countries in Azerbaijan’s efforts to revitalize liberated territories. He recognized the symbolic projects, such as schools and mosques, established with the support of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan.
Concluding his address, President Aliyev expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s inclusion in the Central Asian cooperation format and congratulated Turkmenistan on its upcoming chairmanship. He affirmed the continued commitment to strengthening relations and cooperation across the region.