Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan regional cooperation initiatives

During the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan outlined strategic roles in regional and global cooperation. Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov discussed the implementation of the Khankendi Communiqué and Action Plan, emphasizing Azerbaijan’s role in the Middle Corridor through the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway and Alat Port. He also noted the Digital Silk Way initiative and the launch of the ECO Clean Energy Centre.

Uzbekistan’s Saida Mirziyoyeva emphasized a foreign policy of openness and dialogue, connecting domestic reforms to global challenges like climate change and food security.

Subsequent discussions at the assembly highlighted the expanding importance of the Middle Corridor as a logistics hub. Minister Bayramov reported that cargo volumes along this route have increased by nearly 90 percent since 2022, citing the Baku International Sea Trade Port and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway as essential for supply chain resilience. He also noted the potential for regional economic integration via the Zangazur corridor.

Recent developments indicate continued growth in transport connectivity between Uzbekistan and Europe via Azerbaijan. Uzbekistan’s Investment, Industry and Trade Minister Laziz Kudratov reported that cargo volumes on this route have nearly doubled over the last two to three years, with a growth rate of approximately 30 percent this year. Both nations are focusing on increasing Caspian Sea cargo transportation, industrial cooperation, and mutual investment, specifically within the textile and automotive sectors.