Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDailuy.com) -- A meeting between the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in a contracted format was held at the Zagulba Residence.

The President of Uzbekistan thanked the President of Azerbaijan for the invitation and the warm hospitality extended to the delegation of Uzbekistan.

The presidents exchanged views on further enhancing the strategic partnership between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

The intensification of contacts at the level of parliaments, governments, regions, foreign policy, other agencies, and analytical circles was noted with satisfaction.

The trade turnover between the two countries has been steadily growing in recent years. The number of joint ventures increased 4 times.

Projects to organize the assembly of Uzbek cars, sericulture, and textile clusters in Azerbaijan have become successful examples of fruitful interaction.

Following the Business Forum held on the eve of the visit, a solid portfolio of new cooperation projects and trade contracts was formed.

The leaders of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan discussed the prospects for deepening industrial cooperation in energy, mechanical engineering, metallurgy, urban planning, agriculture, mining, textile, sericulture, pharmaceutical, electrical and other industries.

The importance of ensuring the effective operation of the established Uzbekistan – Azerbaijan Investment Company to support and promote joint projects was emphasized.

The primary attention was paid to developing cooperation in transport and transit. The need for increasing cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor, joint development of logistics and port infrastructure was noted.

The Presidents stated the importance of developing interregional collaboration and organizing regular meetings of the leaders of the regions of the two countries for the joint development and promotion of new cooperation projects.

The mutual commitment was expressed to developing cultural and humanitarian exchanges and the practical implementation of joint programs in education and science.

The importance of joining efforts in the fight against international terrorism, extremism, drug trafficking, and cybercrime was emphasized.

The heads of state also exchanged views on the international and regional agenda and discussed the issues of continuing an intensive dialogue and mutual support within the framework of multilateral structures.