Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaIly.com) - President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev held a meeting with President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on his arrival in Baku.

The Azerbaijani leader sincerely thanked the head of our state for his support and personal participation in a summit of the Non-Aligned Movement to be held tomorrow, 2 March, in the country's capital.

Shavkat Mirziyoyev, in turn, highlighted Azerbaijan's effective chairmanship in this structure.

The presidents reviewed in detail the implementation of agreements reached at the highest level. It has been noted with deep satisfaction that owing to systemic and productive contacts, the Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations of strategic partnership have reached a qualitatively new level and been filled with concrete content.

Trade turnover between the two nations grew by more than 50% last year. Cooperation projects in top-priority spheres like automotive industry, textile and silkworm making have been actively pursued. Prospective projects in the oil and gas, transport and logistics sectors are being elaborated.

An agreement on setting up a joint investment fund was signed as part of the first Forum of Regions that was held in Tashkent in February this year.

An interest in the exchange of experiences in the development of free economic zones and tax administration system was also noted.

The importance of further expansion of cultural and humanitarian exchanges was emphasized.

The heads of state discussed current international and regional issues and reviewed the schedule of upcoming events.

The meeting was held in a traditionally open, warm and friendly atmosphere.