Baku: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are emerging as "natural" partners along strategic routes connecting East and West due to their strategic locations in the South Caucasus and Central Asia, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev stated.

According to Anadolu Agency, President Aliyev emphasized in an interview with Uzbekistan's national news agency UzA that the cooperation between Baku and Tashkent holds significant promise, particularly in the transport and logistics sectors. The transcript of this interview was published by Azerbaijan's presidency, highlighting the geographical advantage both nations share in facilitating crucial East-West connections.

Aliyev pointed out the potential synergies from integrating the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project with the Middle Corridor and the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP). This integration is expected to unlock new economic and transit opportunities for the entire region, enhancing connectivity and trade.

The Azerbaijani leader also highlighted the importance of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) as a platform for fostering cooperation. He noted that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan view the OTS not only as a venue for interstate collaboration but also as a means of preserving and promoting shared historical, cultural, and spiritual values.

Furthermore, Aliyev underscored the contributions both countries make towards advancing political dialogue, economic cooperation, transport and logistics connectivity, as well as collaboration in education and humanitarian fields within the framework of the OTS. These efforts are seen as vital to strengthening integration among Turkic states.

In discussing Azerbaijan's relations with Central Asian countries, Aliyev highlighted their rapid development in recent years, attributing this growth to historical and cultural ties. He expressed Azerbaijan's commitment to expanding political dialogue, deepening economic relations, and enhancing connectivity in transport and communications with Central Asian countries.

Azerbaijan's active participation in the C6 consultative format underscores the strategic importance it places on relations with Central Asia. The C6, comprising Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan, first convened in 2018, and Azerbaijan joined this platform at its 7th summit held in Tashkent last November.