Obid Khakimov: Uzbekistan’s initiatives energize cooperation in bilateral and multilateral formats

From July 2 to 4, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev paid a state visit to Azerbaijan, during which the second meeting of the High-Level Intergovernmental Council was held. On July 4, the Uzbek leader also took part in the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), where he outlined priorities for the organization’s development amid growing geopolitical instability.

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are both members of ECO. Therefore, the alignment of the Uzbek President’s state visit with participation in the ECO Summit allowed for a coordinated review of cooperation priorities, not only with strategic partner Azerbaijan but also with other ECO member states.

In recent years, Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have seen dynamic growth in trade, economic, and investment cooperation, highlighting the strategic nature of their bilateral relationship.

Uzbekistan Technological Metals Complex (TMK) strengthens international cooperation

TMK has carried out its first export of metallic rhenium based on a contract signed with the Estonian company “VLCor Baltic OU”.

This marks the actual beginning of metallic rhenium exports from Uzbekistan.

Rhenium is considered a globally recognized strategic metal used in advanced technologies, the aerospace industry, and the production of high-temperature superalloys.

The total volume of TMK exports for the first half of 2025 will amount to 21.3 million US dollars (an increase of 118%).

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan submit joint bid to host the FIFA U-20 World Cup

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have jointly submitted a bid to host the 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup.

On the development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani cooperation

Azerbaijan is located at the crossroads of East-West and North-South transport corridors and has a favorable geostrategic position.

Reconstruction of roads and railroads, construction of international airports in Baku and regions, Baku International Sea Trade Port, development of East-West and North-South transport corridors have played an important role in the development of transport infrastructure not only in Azerbaijan, but also in the entire region.

In turn, relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are rapidly developing in all spheres - from politics to economy. One of the key areas of bilateral interaction is transportation and logistics. This cooperation plays an important role not only for the two countries, but also for the whole Eurasia, opening new transit corridors between East and West.

Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan: stable friendship and reliable partnership

The modern relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan represent an example of a dynamically developing strategic partnership based on a solid historical foundation, spiritual closeness and mutual political will to deepen comprehensive cooperation.

For centuries, the Uzbek and Azerbaijani nations have been closely linked by historical and cultural ties, common Turkic roots, similar traditions, language, customs and values. These factors serve as the foundation for sustainable dialogue and comprehensive mutual understanding between the two countries, strengthening the atmosphere of trust and good neighborliness.

This year, two countries celebrate the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Nowadays, the relations between Tashkent and Baku clearly demonstrate an illustrative example of cooperation between the two fraternal countries. Moreover, with the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations in 2024, they rapidly reached the highest level of interstate cooperation.

Uzbekistan-EAEU: Further Steps to Expand Multilateral Cooperation within Regional Structures

On June 26–27, the President of Uzbekistan to pay a working visit to Belarus

At the invitation of the President of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev will pay a working visit to the city of Minsk on June 26–27.

According to the press service of the leader of our country, the President of Uzbekistan will participate in the regular meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council in the status of the Head of an observer state.

The summit’s agenda includes discussions on the further expansion of multilateral cooperation within the framework of the organization. Priority areas of practical interaction will also be considered

The Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU) is an international integration economic association created on the basis of the Customs Union and the Common Economic Space. It began its work on January 1, 2015, following the entry into force of the Treaty on the Eurasian Economic Union, signed by the heads of Belarus, Kazakhstan, and Russia on May 29, 2014, in Astana. Armenia and Kyrgyzstan joined the treaty in 2015.

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PARLIAMENTARISM: SIGNIFICANCE, CHALLENGES, AND PROSPECTS IN THE GLOBAL DEMOCRATIC AGENDA

Parliamentarianism in the Face of Global Challenges

Parliaments play a key role in the system of democratic governance, ensuring the representation of citizens' interests, exercising oversight of the executive branch, and carrying out legislative functions. In the context of increasing global polarization, declining trust in state institutions, and growing pressure on freedom of expression and parliamentary independence, the question of rethinking and strengthening the role of parliaments becomes particularly relevant.

In this context, the International Day of Parliamentarism, observed annually on June 30, takes on not only symbolic but also practical significance. It underscores the role of parliaments as key pillars of democratic transformations while simultaneously serving as a global platform for addressing current challenges, advancing institutional reforms, and developing innovative models of representation that align with the political and social realities of the 21st century.

Modern parliaments are expanding beyond internal regulatory institutions to become active participants in the global political and legal architecture, engaging in the resolution of transnational challenges such as climate change, digital transformation, migration crises, public health protection, and human rights safeguarding. In this context, parliamentary diplomacy, transparency, and inclusiveness are acquiring a new dimension.