On July 1, the First Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Forum successfully took place in the city of Khiva.

In her address, Sahiba Gafarova, Chair of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, stated: “Thanks to the far-sighted policies and ongoing reforms of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is rapidly advancing along the path of socio-economic development, achieving significant milestones across various sectors.”

Throughout the day, forum participants discussed a wide range of pressing issues. These included the role of parliaments in strengthening strategic partnerships, expanding socio-economic cooperation, advancing digitalization and innovation, promoting sustainable agriculture, and enhancing collaboration in education, healthcare, gender equality, humanitarian affairs, and environmental protection.

The discussions also focused on the outcomes of current initiatives, shared experiences, existing challenges, and proposals for effective solutions. Both sides emphasized that strengthening interparliamentary cooperation would further solidify the friendly relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, contributing to shared prosperity and development.

Special attention was given to expanding economic and investment partnerships, enhancing cooperation in education, healthcare, culture, and tourism, protecting the environment, addressing climate change, and empowering women and youth in public and civic life.

A number of concrete initiatives were proposed and supported during the forum. These included the development of joint recommendations to improve the investment climate and support small businesses; the establishment of Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan trade houses abroad; the organization of regular business missions; the simplification of visa procedures and creation of a digital tourism platform; the formation of a shared educational and scientific framework for Turkic-speaking nations; the establishment of electronic libraries, and the development of cooperation in medical insurance and cross-border treatment of patients.

The forum concluded with the adoption of three key documents:

The Khiva Declaration, outlining common principles and priority areas for cooperation;

A 2025–2026 Action Plan (Roadmap), detailing specific initiatives to be carried out through parliamentary diplomacy;

The Regulations of the Inter-Parliamentary Commission, which will serve as an essential mechanism for coordinating and implementing joint decisions.

Participants described the forum as a significant step toward strengthening interparliamentary dialogue between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, aimed at promoting mutual interests and deepening bilateral ties.