Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan step up coordination ahead of ECO summit

On June 30, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, held a meeting in Baku with Bobur Usmanov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Uzbekistan.

The talks focused on advancing joint projects and initiatives stemming from the strategic partnership between the two countries, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The sides discussed preparations for upcoming high-level bilateral visits, the multilateral cooperation agenda, and organisational matters related to the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), which is set to take place in Azerbaijan.

The importance of the close ties between the leaders of both nations was underscored, as well as the role of the intergovernmental commission and the political consultation mechanism in deepening the alliance, which is rooted in shared values of friendship and fraternity.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on a range of bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest.

Azerbaijan is set to host the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organisation (ECO) on July 3–4, 2025, in Khankendi, reaffirming its growing role in fostering regional cooperation and sustainable development. 

The high-level gathering will bring together ECO Heads of State and Government, ministers, observer states, special guests from non-member countries, and senior representatives of international organisations to address the challenges and opportunities of economic integration across the region.

In the lead-up to the Summit, an inclusive ECO Week will take place from July 1 to 4 across several cities in Azerbaijan. The Week will comprise thematic forums focusing on youth, gender, and economic connectivity, underscoring the importance of inclusive development.

• The ECO Youth Forum, themed “Enhancing the Role of Youth for Building a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future”, will be held in Aghdam on July 1.

• The ECO Women’s Forum, centred on “Enhancing the Role of Women for Building a Sustainable and Climate-Resilient Future”, will convene in Lachin on July 2.

• The 6th ECO Business Forum, taking place in Fuzuli on 2 July, will bring together business leaders and investors to explore “Investment and Trade Promotion as a Catalyst for Sustainable Development in the ECO Region.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev