Uzbek envoy praises Baku forum, highlights growing ties with Azerbaijan

Uzbekistan's Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Bahrom Ashrafkhanov, has praised the organisation of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, describing it as a valuable platform for exchanging expertise and exploring new approaches to urban development and governance.

Speaking to journalists ahead of training sessions for Uzbek civil servants in Azerbaijan on public policy issues, Ashrafkhanov said Uzbekistan's participation in the forum offered important opportunities for learning and cooperation, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

"WUF13 in Baku was held at a very high level. Uzbekistan's participation in the forum created a good opportunity to study new experience and exchange knowledge," Ashrafkhanov noted.

The ambassador emphasised the importance of sharing knowledge and practical skills, particularly in public administration and the development of future generations of civil servants.

He also pointed to Uzbekistan's active participation in international events hosted by Azerbaijan, including Baku Energy Week, where the country is represented by a large delegation.

According to Ashrafkhanov, such international platforms help strengthen professional networks, expand interagency cooperation, and promote the adoption of advanced management practices.

The ambassador also highlighted the rapid development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, describing the current stage as unprecedented.

"Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are now experiencing an unprecedented, highest stage of development in bilateral relations across all areas. Trade turnover is growing rapidly, investments are increasing on both sides, and cooperation is developing from transport to education, science, and public administration," the ambassador noted.

Ashrafkhanov said that growing digitalisation and technological transformation are making cooperation between state institutions increasingly important.

"We see that in recent years Azerbaijan has achieved significant success in the digital transformation of the economy and public life, in the implementation of e-government, and in developing effective mechanisms of governance and interaction between the state and citizens. These results are confirmed by the practical implementation of new projects that have already proven their effectiveness, such as ASAN Service, DOST, and others," Ashrafkhanov said.

He added that the visit of a delegation from the Academy of Public Administration under the President of Uzbekistan to Baku would provide an opportunity to study Azerbaijan's experience firsthand and establish new professional contacts, paving the way for deeper cooperation between institutions in both countries.

By Sabina Mammadli