Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan expanding cooperation in transport and energy - Aliyev
BAKU. Nov 13 (Interfax) - Diversified transport and logistics infrastructure coupled with the expansion of transit capabilities are among the key areas of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev said.
"Azerbaijan is interested in further expanding cooperation with Uzbekistan across all economic sectors. There is strong political will and significant potential for this. To date, almost 200 documents have been signed, creating a reliable legal framework for further development of our economic relations. Azerbaijan will continue to support mutually beneficial cooperation that meets the interests of both sides and contributes to strengthening the friendship and partnership between our peoples," Aliyev said in an interview with the Uzbekistan National News Agency (UzA).
One of the key areas of cooperation between our countries is the development of diversified transport and logistics infrastructure coupled with the expansion of transit capabilities, he said. "The participation of our countries in the Middle Corridor International Transport Route is of particular importance for this sphere, where Azerbaijan is serving as an important transit country for Uzbekistan and countries of Central Asia. In recent years, increasing export opportunities and shipments through the Middle Corridor have acquired particular strategic significance," Aliyev said.
He said that in 2024, the volume of transit traffic between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan increased by over 18% compared with 2023, exceeding 1.3 million tonnes. In the first nine months of 2025, this figure reached around 1 million tonnes, demonstrating dynamic growth in transport exchange.
"Azerbaijan's modern transport infrastructure, including its commercial fleet, the Alat International Trade Port, whose capacity will reach 25 million tonnes in the coming years, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and the country's nine international airports are all seen as factors to enhance Azerbaijan's role as a global transport and logistical hub. Furthermore, the opening of the Zangezur Corridor will benefit all Central Asian countries," Aliyev said.
Cooperation in the energy sector and the development of green energy also remain as priorities, he said. State Oil Company of the Azerbaijani Republic (SOCAR) exports Azerbaijani petroleum products and petrochemicals to Uzbekistan. The joint venture Neftegaztekhnologiya, created by the Ozlitineftgaz Institute and SOCAR NIPI Nefteqaz, has been successfully operating since 2016.
In 2024, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan signed a series of strategic agreements and memoranda aimed at integrating energy systems and promoting renewable energy, thereby opening up opportunities for the sustainable development of the region and strengthening energy cooperation.
Aliyev said trade between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan was growing rapidly. In 2024, that trade amounted to $252 million, and in the period from January to September 2025, it rose 87.5% year-on-year to $319 million.
"Investment cooperation also continues to ramp up. To date, Uzbekistan has invested $21.8 million in Azerbaijan's economy, while Azerbaijan has invested $183.5 million in the Uzbek economy. In 2023, a joint Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company was established with a total capital of $500 million, envisaging investments both within our own countries and in third countries," Aliyev said.
