Aliyev calls Mirziyoyev a “far-sighted leader” (video)

Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev praised Uzbekistan’s President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his achievements, describing him as a far-sighted leader. He made these remarks during his speech at the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian heads of state on 16 November.

“First of all, I would like to express my deep gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for inviting me to participate in the Seventh Consultative Meeting of Central Asian heads of state. I also thank Uzbekistan for its traditional hospitality. Under the wise leadership of my brother, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is confidently progressing along the path of development and reconstruction,” Aliyev said.

According to Aliyev, Mirziyoyev’s high international standing, effective economic reforms, and large-scale projects in industry, transport, and agriculture have elevated Uzbekistan to a leading regional position.

“Thanks to the President’s daily attention, Uzbekistan has become one of the world’s leading sports nations. The recent Summer Olympics clearly demonstrated this. Shavkat Mirziyoyev is not only a wise statesman but also a person who has greatly contributed to the development of Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan relations,” Aliyev noted.

He added that Mirziyoyev is admired and respected in Azerbaijan for his decisive actions and genuine care for the Azerbaijani people.

“The far-sighted leader, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, clearly sees the need for closer cooperation between Central Asian countries and Azerbaijan. Once again, I sincerely thank you, dear Shavkat Mirziyoyev, for everything,” Aliyev said.

Aliyev also highlighted his visit with other leaders to the Tashkent Islamic Civilization Center, emphasizing that the center reflects Mirziyoyev’s commitment to Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage.

“At a time when attacks on our religion are increasing in some countries and Islamophobia is becoming systemic, the opening of the Islamic Civilization Center demonstrates to the world that Islam is a religion of creativity, tolerance, friendship, and brotherhood. Prominent figures in the Islamic world have made significant contributions to global science and culture, and the Islamic Civilization Center showcases this. I am confident that with its unique exhibitions, the Tashkent center will become a source of pride for the entire Islamic world,” Aliyev said.

Additionally, Azerbaijan has been accepted as a full member of the Consultative Meeting format of Central Asian heads of state.

Earlier, Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov noted that he always feels a special connection when visiting Uzbekistan, while Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed full support for all of Mirziyoyev’s proposals at the Seventh Consultative Meeting.

It is worth noting that Aliyev visited Tashkent as an honorary guest at the meeting following an invitation from President Mirziyoyev and held talks with him.

Kazakhstan’s President Tokayev, Kyrgyzstan’s President Japarov, and Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon also traveled to Tashkent to participate in the meeting. They visited the Tashkent Islamic Civilization Center and attended the award ceremony for the winners of the “Heritage of the Future” international prize.

Furthermore, Turkmenistan’s President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Tashkent on 16 November for a state visit at the invitation of President Mirziyoyev.

During the Seventh Consultative Meeting, President Mirziyoyev put forward a number of new regional initiatives.