OREANDA-NEWS. September 30, 2010. President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Tashkent on an official visit on the invitation of the President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov.

The strong bonds of friendship and brotherhood of peoples of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, the proximity of cultures, languages, religions and traditions provide a good basis for a broad and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries. The relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan after their independence rose to a new, qualitatively higher level. The relations based on the principles of trust, mutual understanding and respect are valued in Tashkent and Baku. The heads of the two states hold meetings on a regular basis.

The ceremony of the official meeting of the President of Azerbaijan was held in Kuksaroy residence on 27 September. The guard of honor was lined up to welcome the honorary guest. Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliyev rose to the podium. The national anthems of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan were glorified, after which the heads of the states reviewed the guard of honor.

In one-on-one, the two leaders had a conversation, exchanged views on the status and prospects of bilateral relations and discussed the bilateral cooperation within the frame of international organizations, problems of regional and international significance, as well as many other issues of mutual interest.

“We see your visit to Uzbekistan as a landmark event, a natural continuation of the dynamically developing relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan,” Islam Karimov said. “In my view, our meeting with you and exchange of views, discussion of extremely important and sensitive issues, in which our countries are interested, are of great importance. There are still untapped opportunities that are important to the interests of both Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. Of course, we will find the opportunity to exchange views on a wide range of issues of regional and international importance.”

In turn, the leader of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to Islam Karimov for the invitation to visit Uzbekistan and highlighted the mutual understanding of the relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

“We are very please with the success of your country,” Ilham Aliyev said. “During the period of independence of Uzbekistan had formed as a powerful leader, a key country in the region. Under your leadership, thanks to your principled and wise policy, Uzbekistan has achieved great results. Today it is impossible not to notice. Even the most biased observers recognize and reckon with this. We respect the independent course of Uzbekistan, the fundamental policy issues of regional importance and international perspective. As we all know, we do not always see such an approach in the world. We are determined to develop our relations in all areas,” Ilham Aliyev said.

Further, presidents have continued the talks in expanded format with participation of official delegations. The sides discussed the trade-economic and humanitarian issues. Despite the global financial crisis, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are among the few countries in the world with high growth economy. This is a vivid testimony to the vitality and efficiency of each country’s own development models.

During the negotiations at Kuksaroy residence, the sides noted the capacity to increase the bilateral trade. The regular meeting of Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan intergovernmental commission for cooperation, which identified the prospects for expanding the trade and economic mutual relations, preceded the visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan.

At present, Uzbekistan supplies Azerbaijan with vehicles, nonferrous metals, electric and mechanical devices, various optics, agricultural products as well as provides services in transportation, tourism and other spheres. Azerbaijan’s export to Uzbekistan mainly consists of mechanical devices, pharmaceuticals, plastic, sugar, confectionery and various organic chemicals, tanning and dyeing extracts.

The two countries are cooperating in the field of civil aviation in such areas as a supply of spare parts for aircraft repair and maintenance of aircraft, training pilots and technical staff.

The investment capacity of industrial free-trade zone Navoi also represents good opportunities to deepen the cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. The joint construction of new production facilities and the work in the field of intercontinental air travel in the future will be particularly advantageous for Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

At the end of the negotiations at Kuksaroy residence Islam Karimov and Ilhom Aliyev signed the Joint Declaration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan and President of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Also, an intergovernmental agreement on economic cooperation in 2011-2015, the Agreement on Cooperation between the broadcasting companies, the Agreement on Cooperation between the Academy of Arts of Uzbekistan and the Institute of art and architecture of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan, as well as other documents testifying to further strengthen bilateral cooperation in different areas were signed.

At a meeting with representatives of the media, Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliev noted that the talks were constructive, held in a spirit of mutual trust and friendship. They noted the agreements will further contribute to the development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations and the welfare of both countries’ people. Islam Karimov also noted that the national exhibition of achievements of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will be held in near future in Tashkent and Baku, respectively.

In the afternoon, Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliyev visited the Independence Square. Azerbaijani President laid a wreath at the Monument of Independence and Humanism, which symbolizes the freedom of Uzbekistan and its people’s noble aspirations and sincere belief in brighter future. Ilham Aliyev praised the broad constructive work carried out under the leadership of President Islam Karimov at the Independence Square.

President Ilham Aliyev got acquainted with the activities of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis. The close cooperation has been established between the Legislative Chamber of Uzbekistan Oliy Majlis and the Parliament of Azerbaijan Milli Majlis. Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary working group was established in the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan. The parliament members of the two countries regularly participate as observers during elections and referendums in both countries.

Islam Karimov and Ilham Aliyev visited the Uzbekistan Palace of international forums, which was built in Tashkent in 2009 on the initiative of Uzbek President. The palace meets all international standards for major international conferences, cultural and educational events and concerts. Landscape design that surrounds this majestic building, gives it a special beauty. Azerbaijani President praised the architecture and design, combining modern style and national character. Ilham Aliyev noted that this majestic building is yet another confirmation of the high potential of Uzbekistan in all respects.

Then the two heads of states visited the Hazrati Imam complex and examined the Hazrati Imam Mosque. Ilham Aliyev got acquainted with the unique manuscript of the Holy Quran – Usmon Mushafi and left a note in the book of honorable guests of the complex.

Later President of Azerbaijan attended the opening ceremony of a new building of the Azerbaijan Culture Center in Tashkent named after Azerbaijan’s national leader Heydar Aliyev.