BAKU, Azerbaijan, August 27. Uzbekistan's participation in the Middle Corridor project is crucial, Chairman of the Center of Analysis of International Relations of Azerbaijan Farid Shafiyev said at the "Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan: New prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation" online conference,TurkicWorld reports.
Shafiyev highlighted the growing transportation relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, noting the increasing trade turnover along the Middle Corridor.
"It is essential for Uzbekistan to be more actively involved in this project. Over the past two years, we have seen practical and financial benefits from the Middle Corridor," Shafiyev said.
He emphasized that certain investments are necessary to make the Middle Corridor more reliable and profitable.
"The importance of alternative energy is growing now, and we can focus on its development. However, while focusing on alternative energy, we should not forget about traditional energy. Although Uzbekistan has traditional energy sources, Azerbaijan should also continue to develop them," he added.
Baku hosts the "Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan: New prospects for mutually beneficial cooperation" online conference. The event is organized by the Center and the Institute for Strategic and Regional Studies under the President of Uzbekistan.
Moreover, the Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan business forum took place in Tashkent on August 22, resulting in a project portfolio worth $2 billion. The following day, during President Ilham Aliyev's visit to Tashkent, he and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with business representatives from both countries. As a result, seven projects worth $520 million were prepared for launch.
