Eternal Friendship in an Era of Change: Why the Alliance Between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan Has Become a Key Event for the Entire Region

The outcomes of the visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan turned out to be so sweeping that they are capable of influencing not only the further development of the two countries but also the political processes across the entire region.

Undoubtedly, the main political result of the visit was the signing of the Treaty on Eternal Friendship. This document does not merely confirm the special nature of relations between Baku and Tashkent but also consolidates their transition to a qualitatively new level, writes the newspaper "Caspiy".

Friendship in the status of a treaty

It is notable that a special place in the treaty is devoted to security issues. According to its provisions, Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan commit not to participate in blocs and alliances that could harm the sovereignty, security, and territorial integrity of the other side, and also not to allow the use of their territory by third states against the partner.

In the current geopolitical conditions, this takes on particular significance. In effect, the sides are consolidating the obligation to take into account each other's security interests not only in bilateral relations but also in shaping their own foreign policies and interactions with third states.

At the same time, the Treaty on Eternal Friendship became a logical continuation of the process of rapprochement between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, which had been developing consistently over the past several years. In 2023, the sides established the Supreme Interstate Council, which became a permanent mechanism for coordinating bilateral cooperation. Just a year later, in 2024, relations between Baku and Tashkent reached the level of an alliance. The current treaty became the next step on this path, consolidating the established format of relations and outlining their further development on a strategic horizon.

A solid foundation for a new stage

It should be noted that the new stage of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan is built on a solid historical and cultural foundation. The political rapprochement of recent years did not emerge from nothing. Its foundation has been the shared history, culture, and traditions, as well as centuries-old ties between the two peoples.

It was precisely this theme that the humanitarian program of the state visit emphasized. On the very first day, Ilham Aliyev visited the Monument of Independence at the "New Uzbekistan" complex, and then together with First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva laid flowers at the memorial to Azerbaijan's national leader Heydar Aliyev in Tashkent. Later, the presidents laid the foundation of the "Azerbaijan" park in New Tashkent, similar to the one being created in Baku under the name "Uzbekistan."

Of particular symbolic significance in this regard was the opening of the new campus of the National Pedagogical University of Uzbekistan named after Niz