President of Uzbekistan: Never in history have our relations been at such a high level as they are today

Today, at the "Zagulba" residence President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a meeting in a narrow format and the second meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

According to the press service of the Head of our state, the issues of further strengthening Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations of friendship, strategic partnership and alliance, as well as expansion of cooperation and exchanges in priority areas of cooperation were considered.

The Head of our state emphasized that the current state visit and the second session of the Supreme Interstate Council are taking place in the year of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

 Never in history have our relations been at such a high level as they are today, - emphasized the Leader of Uzbekistan.

The presidents have noted the dynamic development of multifaceted cooperation at all levels. Yesterday, the first Inter-Parliamentary Forum was held in Khiva. The Intergovernmental Commission and the Forum of Regions have been fruitfully held in Baku. Recently, the first Rectors’ Forum was organized in Andijan, where more than 60 agreements were signed. Azerbaijani ensemble "Shirvan" won the Grand Prix of Bakhshi Festival in Khiva.

In the Year of Economic Cooperation, trade turnover increased by 25%. The portfolio of projects reached $4 billion. About 300 joint ventures are operating.

During the visit, the construction of "Uzbekistan" Park in Baku will be launched and a new building of our country’s embassy in Azerbaijan will be opened.

An agreement has been reached to continue practical interaction at the level of parliaments, governments, ministries and regions. The importance of mutual support within international structures has been confirmed.

The possibilities of bringing the volume of trade turnover and investments up to $1 billion annually were discussed in detail. It was noted that a separate Cooperation Program is being adopted, which will include projects in industry, infrastructure, agriculture, healthcare, tourism, banking sector and other areas.

The importance of expanding the activities of the joint Investment Company was emphasized. Such new formats of interaction as the Council of Entrepreneurs and the Forum of Industrial and Economic Zones were supported.

Special attention was paid to partnership in the sphere of transportation and communications. Projects of participation in the development of the Middle Corridor were discussed.

The growth of Uzbek cargo transportation through this corridor by 25% - more than 1 million tons - has been noted with satisfaction. In addition, the transition to electronic permits for cargo transportation has been ensured since March this year.

An agreement was also reached to accelerate the preparation of a joint project on electricity export to Europe.

In order to properly celebrate the anniversary of diplomatic relations, the sides decided to hold a number of joint cultural and youth events this fall.

The Heads of state also exchanged views on the international and regional agenda.

During the meeting the reports of the co-chairmen of the Intergovernmental Commission, the Ministers of transport, energy and culture on the agenda of the negotiations were heard.

As a result of the session it was decided to adopt a "road map" on timely and quality implementation of the reached agreements.