A trilateral meeting between the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev took place in the ‘Avaza’ National Tourist Zone. This was reported by the state news agency TDH.

During the negotiation, the prospects for cooperation in the political, economic, transport and logistics, energy and humanitarian spheres were discussed. Particular attention was paid to the development of trade and economic ties, the strengthening of East-West and North-South transport corridors, the expansion of energy and electricity exports, as well as joint projects in the fields of industry and investment.

The parties noted the advantageous geographical location of the three states at the crossroads of Eurasia and stressed the importance of coordinating efforts to enhance the transit potential of the region. In this regard, it was proposed to develop a unified transport strategy and a programme of joint investment in industrial projects in the territories of the three countries for the period 2026–2035.

The role of cultural and humanitarian cooperation was also emphasised, including the preservation of common heritage and the development of science, education, sports, arts and national traditions. According to the participants of the meeting, this will contribute to further rapprochement between the peoples.

Following the negotiation, memoranda and protocols on cooperation in aviation, shipbuilding, rail and maritime transport were signed, as well as an agreement between the commodity and raw materials exchanges of Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. A separate document confirmed the twinning of the Turkmen city of Arkadag and the Azerbaijani city of Fizuli. The leaders adopted a joint statement in which they emphasised their commitment to strengthening Peace and Trust and stability in the region.

The meeting programme also included a cultural part: the guests attended a performance by the national equestrian games group ‘Galkynysh’. As a sign of friendship, Ilham Aliyev was presented with an Akhal-Teke horse, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev with a female camel and a camel calf.

The sides noted that the negotiation in Avaza was an important step towards deepening the strategic partnership and opening up new opportunities for the implementation of joint projects in the interests of the entire region.