Azerbaijan plays strategic bridge role in Turkic world, Turkish expert says

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan possess significant resources whose potential can be expanded through deeper bilateral cooperation, according to Güray Alpar, a retired major general, associate professor and head of the Ankara Institute of Political Thought.

Speaking to the Report news agency, Alpar was commenting on the signing in Tashkent of the Treaty on Allied Relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

He said Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev had taken an important step by strengthening strategic partnership and regional cooperation between the two countries.

Alpar said Azerbaijan had been implementing large-scale, forward-looking projects, particularly in recent years, significantly strengthening its regional position.

“Azerbaijan, having achieved a great victory by liberating its territories that had been under occupation for a long time in a short period, is carrying out enormous work to rebuild those territories. Azerbaijan truly plays the role of a strategic bridge in the Turkic world and, thanks to this position, makes a very significant contribution to ensuring regional security.”

Alpar said statements made at the Supreme Intergovernmental Council meeting in Tashkent also sent important signals about expanding bilateral relations. At the meeting, Aliyev stressed the importance of regional cooperation, while Mirziyoyev described Azerbaijan as a reliable ally, strategic partner and brotherly state.

He said the two countries’ shared historical roots, centuries-old friendship, common spiritual values, and similarities in culture and traditions would further strengthen bilateral ties.

“Referring to the common historical roots, centuries-old friendship, common spiritual values, as well as the similar culture and traditions of the two countries contributes to further strengthening bilateral relations. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are countries possessing very significant resources. As mutual cooperation deepens, the opportunities to utilise these resources also expand significantly.”

By Tamilla Hasanova