Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Ties Reach Unprecedented Heights, Cooperation Expands Across Sectors

Uzbek Energy Minister Jurabek Mirzamahmudov has said that first and foremost, it is important to highlight that, thanks to the Uzbek and Azerbaijani leaders, relations between the two countries reached an unprecedented level.

He noted that this trusting and collaborative format between the presidents has facilitated active cooperation between ministries and companies of both countries across all sectors, The Caspian Post reports via local media.

"While our previous engagement with Azerbaijani companies primarily focused on trade and logistics, we are now discussing joint investment projects. These include the participation of the State Oil Company of the Azerbaijan Republic [SOCAR] in geological exploration on the promising Ustyurt plateau. In addition, a joint venture among Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan, and Kazakhstan has been established to construct and operate power transmission lines for supplying “green” energy to Europe. Practical steps on this project are already underway, and it has attracted interest from other international players. Notably, Saudi Arabia joined the initiative at COP29," he said.

"We are also actively developing cooperation in workforce training, knowledge exchange, and scientific research. Looking ahead, petrochemicals are expected to become another key area of collaboration with SOCAR and other partners. In summary, our partnership now spans all areas-from exploration and production to processing and the development of renewable energy-demonstrating a comprehensive and forward-looking approach to Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan cooperation," he stressed.

There is the potential for localizing oil and gas processing, as well as petrochemical production, with the participation of Azerbaijani companies.

"Once oil reserves are confirmed, the next step will be the construction of a refinery. In addition, projects in small-scale chemical production are actively being developed. We remain fully open to cooperation with SOCAR and other partners," he added.