Ilham Aliyev: Shavkat Mirziyoyev first to aid Karabakh reconstruction

Friendship and brotherhood stand at the foundation of Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan relations. The friendly relations with President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, have elevated these ties to an even higher level, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said at the opening ceremony of the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, entitled "The Mission of the Media in Promoting Peace: Restoring Truth and Rebuilding Trust."

"I should also note that it was precisely the President of Uzbekistan who was the first to assist Azerbaijan in the reconstruction of Karabakh. A beautiful, large school named after Mirza Ulughbeg was built in Fuzuli, and the two of us inaugurated that school. After that, other brotherly states - countries such as Kazakhstan, Turkmenistan, and Kyrgyzstan - presented us with gifts," the president emphasized.

The head of state added that when he visits Uzbekistan, he witnesses the closeness and bond between the peoples: "When I look at the inscriptions there, I see that no translation is needed; our languages are also similar to each other. There are differences in pronunciation, but everything is understandable. We are united by very deep historical ties, and the development of relations with Uzbekistan is one of our priorities."

Aliyev further stated that the first large industrial enterprise in the city of Khankandi - a sewing factory - was also opened with Uzbekistanchr("39")s investment:

"We are implementing many economic and industrial projects; we have established a joint investment fund worth $500 million. This fund is engaged in the implementation of various projects both in Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan. The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) is investing in a very important exploration field in Uzbekistan, and I hope that in the near future we will receive good, joyful news. Because today energy security, especially gas supply, is important for many countries, and I hope that the exploration work at the Ustyurt field will be completed with good results."

Aliyev also noted that President Mirziyoyev has exceptional merits and a special role in the Azerbaijan-Central Asia format.

"Azerbaijan has already joined this consultative council as a full-fledged member. I joined twice as an honorary guest, and the last time, the Azerbaijan-Central Asia unified Consultative Council had already been established. This makes us very proud and happy. This is a very unique event, because we are a South Caucasus country, but the cultural, historical, ethnic, and political ties are so strong and multifaceted that the friendly Central Asian countries decided to accept us. This will also have a positive impact on geopolitical and geo-economic relations. Because Central Asia is uniting with Azerbaijan in a single economic and political space, and at the same time, this has great significance in terms of the implementation of transport and logistics projects," Ilham Aliyev emphasized.

The president stressed that the foresight of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev played a role in the realization of all this: "I visit Uzbekistan frequently, and I will probably visit this year as well. Every time I see the innovations during my visits, I am very pleased. I know that the brotherly Uzbek people and state are advancing with success and confidence under the leadership of President Mirziyoyev."