Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan seek to deepen strategic cooperation

The leaders of Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan have reaffirmed their shared commitment to strengthening regional cooperation, highlighting Azerbaijan’s growing role within Central Asia and beyond.

During a trilateral meeting in Awaza, Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Both Central Asian leaders underscored Azerbaijan’s unique position in the region and within the Consultative Council of Heads of State.

According to a statement from the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers, the two visiting leaders praised President Ilham Aliyev’s substantial contributions to advancing regional ties. They emphasised that cooperation among Azerbaijan and Central Asian states carries strategic significance for the wider Eurasian space and global affairs.

Berdimuhamedov noted that a de facto cooperation framework already exists between Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries. He described the trilateral format as a timely necessity and called for institutionalising it as a permanent practice.

Highlighting President Aliyev’s vision, he stressed the importance of the Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan–Uzbekistan partnership, describing the current meeting as laying the groundwork for a new strategic platform.

Discussions also covered economic, humanitarian, and cultural cooperation, with a particular focus on strengthening ties in transport, logistics, and the energy sector—areas considered critical for regional integration and development.

Berdimuhamedov further revealed that during a previous visit to Azerbaijan, he had reached an agreement with President Aliyev on constructing a mosque in the Fuzuli district and establishing a sister-city relationship between Fuzuli and Arkadag.

By Aghakazim Guliyev