Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) -- On 8 August, a round table was held in Baku on the topic "Uzbekistan - Azerbaijan: new horizons for cooperation".

The event was organized by the International Institute of Central Asia (ICA) and the Center for Analysis of International Relations of Azerbaijan (CAMO).

The forum was attended by more than 30 specialists and political scientists from leading analytical and research structures of the two countries, representatives of the diplomatic corps, deputies of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, and the media.

Among them are the Center for Analysis of International Relations of Azerbaijan (CAMO), the Center for Strategic and International Studies of Azerbaijan (CSMI), the Caucasus Center for International Relations and Strategic Studies (QAFSAM), the Azerbaijan Economic Research Institute (ESRI), the South Caucasus Research Center, etc.

At the conference, the Uzbek side was represented by experts from MICA, the Center for Economic Research and Reforms, the Institute for Strategic and Interregional Studies, the Information and Analytical Center for International Relations, IMRI.

In his opening speech, the head of the CAMO board, F. Shafiev, highly assessed the state of cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, noting the "good foundation" that was laid during the last year’s visit of President I. Aliyev to Tashkent.

It was emphasized that the forthcoming state visit of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Azerbaijan would give a new impetus to the strategic partnership between the two countries, contribute to the strengthening of ties between Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

Deputy Director of the International Institute of Central Asia Sh. Faiziev noted the consistent strengthening and expansion of the Uzbek-Azerbaijani cooperation, which was given impetus by last year’s historic visit of the President of Azerbaijan I. Aliyev to Uzbekistan and negotiations with President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

It was emphasized that one of the key outcomes was the signing by the Presidents of the Declaration on deepening the strategic partnership and building up comprehensive cooperation, which demonstrated the readiness of the countries to strengthen and develop their relations at various levels.

It was indicated that the ongoing large-scale reforms in Uzbekistan and the positive changes achieved in Central Asia create additional conditions for further building up mutually beneficial Uzbek-Azerbaijani cooperation in all areas, including a constructive dialogue between the regions.

Representatives of Azerbaijani expert circles highly assessed the state and prospects of bilateral relations.

They highly appreciated the New Uzbekistan Development Strategy aimed at building a strong civil society and modernizing the economy.

It was emphasized that, thanks to the new regional course of Uzbekistan, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, a favorable political atmosphere has been created in Central Asia, which helps to strengthen mutual trust and establish mutually beneficial cooperation. The processes that have taken shape in the region open up good opportunities for building up bilateral and multilateral partnerships between Azerbaijan and the Central Asian countries.

During the meeting, the Azerbaijani side also paid special attention to the prospects for expanding economic ties between the two countries. Significant interest is indicated for cooperation in such areas as transport, industrial cooperation, energy, textile, mining, electrical and chemical industries.

As part of the discussions, the participants analyzed in detail the state and prospects for cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, outlined priority areas that require development and consistent build-up, made proposals that would further strengthen bilateral and multilateral relations.

The participants of the event noted the relevance of the exchange of views and agreed to continue close contacts in a similar format.

As a result of a joint round table with Azerbaijani analytical structures, the International Institute of Central Asia (ICA) signed a cooperation agreement with the Center for Analysis of International Relations of Azerbaijan (CAMO).

The agreement is intended to give cooperation between MICA and TsAMO a systemic character, which provides for holding joint round tables, seminars, conferences, research, etc.

CAMO was established by the Decree of the President of Azerbaijan in 2019. Its main goal is to analyze important international processes in Azerbaijan and in the world, prepare research materials and reports on international issues, expand research on Azerbaijan, study security processes and issues in the South Caucasus and discuss them with international public and academic circles.