On 22 August 2025, a trilateral summit in the Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan-Uzbekistan format was held in the “Awaza” National Tourism Zone in Turkmenistan.
The summit was attended by the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
During the summit, discussions focused on the development of multilateral cooperation in trade-economic, transport-communication, energy, and humanitarian spheres.
Following the meeting, six documents were signed covering transport, aviation, shipbuilding, trade, and regional cooperation.
Ilham Aliyev, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and Shavkat Mirziyoyev also delivered press statements on the outcomes of the high-level meeting.
The summit marked a qualitative leap forward in the relations between the countries of the region.
Currently, Turkmenistan, the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan effectively cooperate in various fields, including the political-diplomatic sphere, which is a key condition for ensuring universal peace and sustainable development in the region.
Joint Press Conference and Key Outcomes of the Summit
Following the trilateral talks, a press conference was held with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and the National Leader of the Turkmen People, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov. The leaders summarized the outcomes of the summit and outlined key directions for further cooperation.
Transport and Logistics
The development of transit corridors and the integration of regional transport systems came under the spotlight of the summit. The parties discussed the effective use of the ports of Turkmenbashi and Baku, as well as the joint creation of modern logistics infrastructure. Particular emphasis was placed on aligning existing and prospective routes to deepen the integration of national transport systems.
In particular, the parties agreed to collaborate on projects aimed at developing logistics infrastructure and ferry transportation across the Caspian Sea.
Energy Cooperation
Another key topic was cooperation in the energy sector. The leaders discussed opportunities for the joint development of hydrocarbon deposits and the export of electricity. A readiness to discuss issues of cooperation in the gas sector was also expressed.
Trade and Industrial Cooperation
A central focus of the talks was on increasing trade volumes and expanding industrial cooperation. The leaders agreed to promote mutual supplies of high-quality products from national producers and to create conditions for the implementation of new investment projects leveraging the potential of the regions of the three countries.
The National Leader of Turkmenistan proposed the development of a Joint Investment Program for industrial projects across the territories of three countries for the period 2026–2035, in the context of fostering industrial cooperation.
Ecology, Water Resources, Culture and Tourism
The parties also addressed issues related to the rational use of water resources and countering environmental threats. A decision was made to develop a joint program in the areas of tourism and cultural exchanges.
A mosque will be built in the Azerbaijani city of Fuzuli as a gift from Turkmenistan. As stated by the President of Azerbaijan during a press conference, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov proposed constructing a mosque in this city as a gift from Turkmenistan. Within a month, an architectural sketch of the mosque was drafted, and its foundation will be laid in the near future.
Roadmap and Trilateral Cooperation Format
To implement the agreements reached, a “roadmap” will be developed, with its implementation assigned to the ministries of the three countries.
Additionally, relevant state authorities have been instructed to establish a trilateral cooperation format and to present proposals on specific areas for the next summit.
Documents signed
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev adopted the “Joint Statement of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and the Republic of Uzbekistan.”
Several bilateral and multilateral documents covering transport, aviation, shipbuilding, trade and regional cooperation have also been inked:
• The Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Service “Turkmenhowayollary” [Turkmen Airlines] on the future development of international air transport was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Chairman of the State Service ” Turkmenhowayollary” Dovran Saburov.
• “Protocol on the establishment of twinning relations between the city of Fuzuli (Republic of Azerbaijan) and the city of Arkadag (Turkmenistan)” was signed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag under the President of Turkmenistan Deryageldi Orazov.
• The Memorandum of Understanding on the development of cooperation in the field of shipbuilding was signed by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of Turkmenistan Mammetkan Chakiyev and Minister of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ilkhom Makhkamov.
• The “Protocol on the Development of cooperation in the field of civil aviation” was signed by Dovran Saburov, Chairman of the Turkmenhowayollary State Service, and Ilkhom Makhkamov, Minister of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
• The “Agreement on Cooperation between Exchanges” was signed by Batyr Volsakhatov, Chairman of the State Commodity and Raw Materials Exchange of Turkmenistan, and Laziz Kudratov, Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of the Republic of Uzbekistan.
• The “Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan and the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan in the field of transport and logistics cooperation” was signed by Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC Rovshan Rustamov, Minister of Railway Transport of Turkmenistan Mammed Akmamedov and Minister of Transport of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ilkhom Makhkamov.
Addresses at the Joint Press Conference
National Leader of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov:
Dear representatives of the media! Dear members of the delegations! Ladies and gentlemen!
I express my deep gratitude to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev, and the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, for accepting the invitation to participate in this trilateral meeting.
Truly, today’s meeting is a historically significant event, as during the negotiations we discussed pressing issues of strengthening cooperation, including the most critical aspects in the political-economic and cultural-humanitarian spheres.
At present, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan pursue a just and open policy not only in the region but also globally, within the framework of authoritative international organizations, particularly the United Nations. The core policy we implement is based on mutual respect, equality, and mutual benefit, aimed at strengthening peace and prosperity in the region and the world at large.
Touching upon the economic aspect, we agreed that the great potential of our countries is poised to provide a new impetus to the realization of geoeconomic interests, not only in the region but across the entire Eurasian continent. In this regard, several examples can be cited.
Speaking of the energy sector, there is a positive, time-tested experience of cooperation in this field. We also noted the prospects for strategic interaction in the gas sector among our three countries and expressed readiness to discuss issues in this area.
One of the priority vectors of partnership among our three states is the transport sector. We also highlighted significant opportunities for actively utilizing the infrastructural potential of transport corridors connecting Asia and Europe along the route of the Great Silk Road. In particular, the importance of effectively leveraging the transit potential of Central Asia and the Caspian region was emphasized.
During the high-level meeting, we reached agreements on creating favorable conditions for the further development of extensive humanitarian ties among the peoples of our three fraternal countries. Undoubtedly, cooperation in this area encompasses humanitarian fields such as science, education, healthcare, sports, culture, song and music arts, carpet weaving, horse breeding, and more.
Dear friends!
Overall, these meetings open new opportunities. In this regard, I express firm confidence that all conditions are currently in place for our countries to achieve the goals we have set for ourselves.
Taking this opportunity, on behalf of myself, the President of Turkmenistan, and the Turkmen people, I wish peace and prosperity to the fraternal peoples of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan!
Thank you very much, dear brother Ilham Heydar oglu and dear brother Shavkat Miromonovich!
President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev:
Dear representatives of the media, Ladies and gentlemen,
First and foremost, allow me to express my sincere gratitude to the National Leader of the Turkmen people, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty, esteemed Gurbanguly Myalikgulyyevich Berdimuhamedov, for organizing today’s high-level meeting and for the warm hospitality.
Just two weeks ago, here in the unique Awaza, an important United Nations forum was held at a high level – the Third International Conference on Landlocked Developing Countries.
In the International Year of Peace and Trust, issues of critical importance to our region were at the center of global discussions.
Once again, I congratulate the fraternal people of Turkmenistan on this significant achievement of their policy of positive neutrality.
Taking this opportunity, I also extend heartfelt congratulations to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, esteemed Ilham Heydarovich Aliyev, and the fraternal Azerbaijani people on a historic event – the signing of the Joint Declaration with Armenia in Washington. This is a vivid testament to the realization of the cherished aspirations of the courageous and resilient Azerbaijani people. We believe that the establishment of long-term peace and stability in the South Caucasus will fully unlock the immense potential for our cooperation in the economic, transport, energy, and humanitarian spheres.
Dear journalists,
I would like to emphasize that I am deeply satisfied with today’s constructive and productive negotiations in the trilateral format. Our meeting clearly demonstrated a firm political will to deepen strategic partnerships in the interests of our peoples.
Considering our geographical proximity, the complementarity of our economies, and our interconnected transport and communication systems, such cooperation will benefit all of us.
I would like to note that, amidst unpredictable global political processes and shifting global economic conditions, our partnership is aimed at ensuring sustainable development.
During the negotiations, we paid special attention to the development of transit corridors, including the effective use of the capabilities of the Turkmenbashi and Baku ports and the establishment of modern logistical infrastructure.
We thoroughly discussed plans to align existing and prospective routes in our region to deepen the integration of national transport systems. Uzbekistan advocates for a coordinated policy in this area, particularly regarding tariff policies and creating favorable conditions for businesses to access international markets. We agreed to jointly work on projects to develop logistical infrastructure and ferry transportation across the Caspian Sea.
Furthermore, we explored opportunities for cooperation among our three countries in the energy sector. This includes promising projects for the development of hydrocarbon deposits and the export of generated electricity.
A central focus of the negotiations was the task of significantly increasing trade volumes and expanding industrial cooperation. We agreed to stimulate mutual supplies of high-quality products manufactured by our national enterprises.
Conditions will be created to implement new investment projects, fully leveraging the potential of our countries’ regions. We will also expand cooperation in the rational use of water resources and countering environmental challenges.
Additionally, we proposed adopting a joint program in the areas of tourism and cultural exchanges.
The implementation of the agreements reached and the signed documents will be carried out by the relevant ministries based on a “roadmap.”
Dear participants of the event,
In conclusion, I would like to emphasize that today’s historic meeting will contribute to deepening mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries, creating sustainable trade, transport, and energy corridors, and accelerating regional integration processes.
Thank you for your attention.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev:
Dear Gurbanguly Myalikgulyyevich, Dear Shavkat Miromonovich, Dear friends,
First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to my brother Gurbanguly Myalikgulyyevich for the invitation and hospitality.
This is my second visit to the city of Awaza, and the development taking place here clearly demonstrates that the country is in reliable hands. Thanks to the wise leadership of Gurbanguly Myalikgulyyevich, Awaza, as well as other cities and villages, is flourishing, and new cities are being built.
Among the documents signed today is one establishing sister-city relations between the cities of Arkadag and Fuzuli. In essence, this is a symbol of our brotherhood. For centuries, the Turkmen and Azerbaijani peoples have lived and created as one family, as brothers. Today, our two independent states remain true to these traditions, preserve them, and together move toward new horizons.
At my invitation, Gurbanguly Myalikgulyyevich visited Azerbaijan in July. Over two days, we were together in Baku and the Karabakh region, discussing many issues. Our positions are also aligned. Most importantly, Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan will continue to move forward shoulder to shoulder as two fraternal countries, addressing all issues in a friendly and brotherly atmosphere, and expanding opportunities not only for bilateral but also multilateral cooperation.
While in Fuzuli, Gurbanguly Myalikgulyyevich proposed building a mosque in the city as a gift from Turkmenistan. I gratefully accepted this proposal. Although only a month has passed, the architectural design of the mosque is already prepared, and its foundation will be laid soon. This is an example of the support of the Turkmen people and the leader of Turkmenistan for the Azerbaijani people and Azerbaijan, a true embodiment of our brotherhood.
Recently, with the same brotherly feelings, we welcomed my brother Shavkat Miromonovich. We were together at the ECO summit in Khankendi. While in Khankendi, we visited a large garment factory established at the initiative of Shavkat Miromonovich. Currently, more than two hundred people are employed there, the vast majority of whom are women. With the factory’s expansion, the number of employees will increase several times. This is a significant gift from the fraternal Uzbek people to Azerbaijan and the reviving Karabakh region. The first such gift on the path to Karabakh’s revival was a secondary school for 960 students in Fuzuli, also built at the initiative of Shavkat Miromonovich, named after the great Uzbek thinker Mirzo Ulugbek. This school was opened with our participation, and hundreds of young Karabakh residents are already studying there. Every time they pass by this school, they express their gratitude to the fraternal Uzbek people and their leader, Shavkat Miromonovich.
This is friendship and brotherhood not in words, but in deeds. Our brothers have always stood by us on the most important and challenging issues. This remains true today. As has already been mentioned here, this is a historic meeting, a historic summit. I would like to once again express my gratitude to its initiator, my brother Gurbanguly Myalikgulyyevich.
The issues discussed have already been mentioned, and I will not repeat them. But I can say one thing: instructions have already been given to the relevant state authorities to establish a trilateral cooperation format and to present proposals on specific areas for our next meeting. All instructions have been issued. As has been noted, these include transport, transit, logistics, energy, oil and gas sectors, and cultural ties. I have no doubt that all these instructions will be fulfilled within the set timelines.
Joining the sentiments of my colleagues, in conclusion, I want to reiterate that this is a historic day. A new, highly promising format of cooperation aimed at peace and partnership is being created in our region. As they say, may it bring benefits and success.
Thank you./// nCa, 23 August 2025