Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 24 December, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev had a telephone conversation with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

During the conversation, the head of the Uzbek state sincerely congratulated the leader of Azerbaijan on his birthday, expressing his best wishes for well-being and prosperity to the brotherly Azerbaijani people.

The personal contribution and historical role of President Ilham Aliyev in ensuring the territorial integrity and rapid development of modern Azerbaijan was especially noted.

The heads of the two countries emphasized with satisfaction the high level of Uzbek-Azerbaijani strategic partnership relations. Trade turnover in 2023 increased by 30 percent, the preparation and implementation of promising projects in various fields is actively underway, including mechanical engineering, textile production, sericulture, agriculture, oil and gas complex, tourism and others.

The leaders of both countries agreed to further develop 10 new areas of practical cooperation in the Year of Intensive Development of Bilateral Relations.

The schedule of events for 2024 was also discussed. The President of Uzbekistan expressed wishes for the successful holding of the upcoming presidential elections in Azerbaijan.