A meeting was held in Tashkent between Orkhan Yolchuyev, Director of the CASPIA Analytical Center, and Mirshohid Aslanov, Head of the Center for Progressive Reforms, to discuss prospects for further developing expert cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

The meeting took place against the backdrop of the state visit of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to Uzbekistan on August 23–24, 2026, which marked an important milestone in the development of bilateral relations.

During the meeting, Orkhan Yolchuyev and Mirshohid Aslanov discussed opportunities for joint initiatives aimed at strengthening the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as expanding professional ties between the two countries’ expert communities.

The sides exchanged views on the growing role of analytical centers in contemporary interstate relations. It was noted that the deepening political and allied cooperation between Baku and Tashkent creates new opportunities for expert engagement, joint research, and the development of new initiatives.

Particular attention was paid to how analytical centers can complement interstate dialogue by creating professional platforms for the exchange of views, conducting joint research, and discussing pressing issues of regional development.

“Today, relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are at an exceptionally high level. President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Tashkent and the agreements reached during the visit open up new opportunities for further expanding bilateral cooperation. In these circumstances, it is important that the development of interstate relations is accompanied by an active and substantive expert dialogue,” said Orkhan Yolchuyev, Director of CASPIA.

Following the meeting, the sides discussed plans to implement a number of joint projects between CASPIA and the Center for Progressive Reforms. Key areas under consideration include expert exchanges, joint analytical initiatives, and the organization of professional events.