Ilham Aliyev: Azerbaijan prioritizes deeper ties with Central Asian countries

Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to expanding political dialogue, deepening economic ties, increasing transport and communication capabilities, and developing cooperation in the energy and humanitarian spheres with Central Asian countries, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said in an interview with Uzbekistan's National Information Agency (UzA), Report informs.

"As for Azerbaijan's relations with the countries of Central Asia, it is worth noting that in recent years these ties have been developing rapidly on the basis of the principles of alliance, strategic partnership and mutually beneficial cooperation," the president said.

According to Aliyev, historical and cultural affinity and shared spiritual values form a strong foundation for existing ties between Azerbaijan and the Central Asian states.

"Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to expanding political dialogue, deepening economic ties, expanding transport and communications connectivity, as well as developing cooperation in the energy and humanitarian spheres with the countries of Central Asia. From this point of view, the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia are an important and influential platform for promoting regional cooperation, coordinating cooperation and discussing joint initiatives," Aliyev said.

He recalled that in November last year, in Tashkent, under the chairmanship of Uzbekistan, at the 7th Consultative Meeting, a decision was adopted on the full-fledged participation of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Consultative Meetings of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

"I once again express my sincere gratitude to the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, as well as to the heads of the other states of Central Asia, for the support provided in this process. As a result of Azerbaijan's active involvement in this process, the cooperation format formerly known as the 'C5' format has in fact evolved into the 'C6' format, and regional dialogue and strategic partnership have taken on new substance and a broader scope," the president said.

According to him, Azerbaijan's full participation in the format demonstrates the strategic importance the country attaches to its relations with Central Asia.

"Discussions held within the framework of the Consultative Meetings allow us to further strengthen mutual trust among the countries of the region, identify new areas of cooperation and implement important initiatives for regional development," the president said.

He added that Azerbaijan's full-fledged participation in the format also demonstrates the country's contribution to strengthening interregional cooperation.

"The discussions held within the framework of the Consultative Meetings help further strengthen mutual trust among the countries of the region, identify new areas of cooperation and implement important initiatives for regional development. Azerbaijan's participation in this format also demonstrates our country's contribution to strengthening interregional cooperation. The dialogue and cooperation mechanisms established within the framework of this platform serve not only to develop interstate relations, but also to promote peace, stability and sustainable progress throughout the Eurasian space," Aliyev emphasized.

The president said the comprehensive cooperation developing between Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia is a strong example of strategic partnership based on mutual respect, trust and common interests.