Tashkent, Uzbekistan (UzDaily.com) — On 9 August, the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, held a phone conversation with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

The Uzbek head of state warmly congratulated his Azerbaijani counterpart and the brotherly nation on the important historic event—the signing of the peace declaration between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which took place the previous day in Washington.

Both sides expressed confidence that the imminent official signing of the peace agreement will be an important step toward ensuring lasting peace, stability, and prosperity in the South Caucasus region.

During the conversation, they also discussed pressing issues related to further development and strengthening of the Uzbek-Azerbaijani strategic partnership and alliance, based on the agreements reached during the State Visit of the President of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan in July of this year.

An intensification of mutual contacts and exchanges at all levels was noted. Over the past period, trade turnover between the two countries increased by 30 percent. A portfolio of promising joint projects in various sectors of the economy is being formed based on the agreed “roadmap.” Practical work continues under the signed Production Sharing Agreement related to the strategic oil and gas project.

The leaders also discussed the schedule of upcoming high-level meetings and events.