Ilham Aliyev lays flowers at the monument to Heydar Aliyev in Tashkent. uza.uz
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, accompanied by First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, arrived in the Republic of Uzbekistan on Thursday, marking a state visit aimed at deepening bilateral ties between the two historically and strategically aligned nations.
The Azerbaijani head of state and the First Lady were greeted at Tashkent International Airport by Uzbek Prime Minister Abdullah Aripov and other senior officials, underscoring the significance both countries attribute to the visit. The ceremonial welcome featured traditional displays of hospitality, highlighting the enduring relationship between the two Turkic-speaking nations.
Aliyev's first stop was the Heydar Aliyev Memorial Complex, where he paid respects to his father, Azerbaijan's former president, who is widely credited with laying the foundation for Azerbaijan's modern-day statehood and strategic vision. The visit to the memorial underscores the personal and political legacy President Aliyev continues to uphold in his leadership, which has seen Azerbaijan expand its regional influence through energy diplomacy, transport initiatives, and economic partnerships.
The state visit comes at a time of evolving regional dynamics, as both Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan seek to leverage their geostrategic positions along key transport corridors linking Europe and Asia. For Azerbaijan, cultivating relationships in Central Asia is central to its ambitions within the Middle Corridor project, a crucial component of the broader initiative to boost trade and transit routes across the Caspian Sea region.
With an itinerary that includes high-level meetings and potential agreements in trade, energy, and culture, the visit is expected to further solidify the growing cooperation between the two countries. Both Baku and Tashkent have shared interests in bolstering economic ties, particularly in sectors such as energy, logistics, and agriculture.
This state visit signals an opportunity for both nations to reaffirm their commitments to multilateral initiatives and foster stronger partnerships in an increasingly interconnected region.
Politics
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An international conference titled "Bonaire's Path to Self-Determination in the UN General Assembly, Passing Through Baku" concluded in Baku. The event was organized by the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) and the Movement for Human Rights and Change on the Island of Bonaire.
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On August 22, the trial of activist Ilhamiz Guliyev, who was arrested on drug charges, continued at the Baku Serious Crimes Court. During the trial, a witness, former deputy chief of the 27th Police Department of the Yasamal district, Anar Rustamov, testified. He stated that he had not personally seen Guliyev but had received information that Guliyev had been detained and found in possession of drugs. However, Guliyev claimed that Rustamov had personally exerted psychological pressure on him, demanding that he confess to owning the drugs; otherwise, he would face severe violence. The police officer denied these allegations. The next hearing in Guliyev's case is scheduled for September 12, when the final witness is expected to be questioned.
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The economist and scholar is requesting the president's assistance in securing his release and has reported being subjected to torture by law enforcement authorities. Gasimov expressed his belief that the president and his team aim to "lead the country not into the darkness of the Middle Ages, but into a bright future." He hopes that the head of state will show humanity in his case, stating, "Humanity is not a sign of weakness, but a trait characteristic of strong people."
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Today, the Khatai District Court of Baku rejected the defense's petition to transfer investigative journalist Hafiz Babali to house arrest. The defense argued that the preliminary investigation is coming to an end, and there is no reason to keep the activist in custody, Rashad Aliyev, Babali's lawyer, told Turan. Moreover, Babali has serious health problems; he is visually impaired. Additionally, his health has also worsened because of varicose veins in his leg. Babali rejects the new charges, as well as the previous one of smuggling, and attributes his arrest to his professional journalistic activities and investigations into corruption.
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