Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan Discuss Strengthening Defense Cooperation

A meeting in Baku between Uzbek Defense Minister Shuhrat Kharmuhamedov and National Security Committee Secretary Viktor Mahmudov and Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Gasanov marks a shift in bilateral defense cooperation from general exchanges to substantive joint operations.

On December 10, Uzbek Defense Minister Shuhrat Kharmuhamedov and National Security Committee Secretary Viktor Mahmudov held talks in Baku with Azerbaijani Defense Minister Zakir Gasanov. This meeting further demonstrates that cooperation between the two countries in the defense field is steadily expanding and developing towards a long-term strategic partnership.

During the talks, the two sides discussed the progress of current military cooperation and exchanged views on several key areas, including developing military education systems, advancing military-technical cooperation, promoting the modernization of the armed forces, and enhancing defense capabilities.

The Uzbek delegation pointed out that deepening bilateral cooperation helps enhance the combat capabilities of both militaries and strengthen their resilience in responding to current security threats.

01 Geostrategic Layout: A New Model of Trans-regional Defense Cooperation

The deepening of defense cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan occurs against a specific geopolitical backdrop. Although the two countries do not share a border, they are both located on a vital strategic corridor connecting Eurasia. In recent years, with changes in the regional security situation, this model of trans-regional defense cooperation has gradually emerged.

The Seventh Consultative Conference of Central Asian Heads of State decided to admit Azerbaijan as a full member of the cooperation mechanism, providing a broader regional framework for this defense cooperation.

During the visit, the Uzbek delegation also visited the General Staff of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces, learning about the work of its main departments, drawing on its experience in troop command and management, and exchanging views on issues of mutual concern. Both sides paid particular attention to the application of modern technology, digital management, and the standardization of personnel training.

This cooperation is not limited to the bilateral level but also resonates with broader regional initiatives. Uzbek President Mirziyoyev emphasized that, against the backdrop of an increasingly complex international situation, Central Asian countries need to unite and cooperate to better address security and development challenges.

02. Institutionalization: From Dialogue to Joint Action

Defense cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is rapidly becoming institutionalized. Following the talks, the two sides signed and confirmed the "Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Ministry of Defense 2026 Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan."

According to the plan, the two countries will expand joint operations, conduct personnel exchanges, hold command and staff exercises, and strengthen coordination mechanisms between their armed forces.

This institutionalized cooperation did not happen suddenly. In April 2024, officials from the defense ministries of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan held a planning meeting for the "Joint-2024" exercise. These actions indicate that regional defense cooperation is becoming a regular practice.

During their talks in July, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening coordination and cooperation in international affairs. Uzbekistan supports Azerbaijan's peaceful resolution of disputes through diplomatic means and is willing to work with Azerbaijan to maintain regional security and stability. This mutual support at the political level has laid a solid foundation for defense cooperation.

03 Security and Economic Linkage: Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

The cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is characterized by a dual-track approach of security and economic cooperation. In August 2024, the two countries concluded an alliance treaty. Uzbek President Mirziyoyev stated that the two sides have elevated bilateral relations to the highest level of state-to-state relations in just a few years.

The two countries have established a joint investment fund and launched several cooperative projects covering energy, agriculture, hotels, and construction. In July 2025, both sides confirmed their commitment to accelerating the construction of the "Middle Corridor" to improve cross-border transportation efficiency. These economic ties provide solid support for defense cooperation.

Meanwhile, the two countries are also jointly promoting cooperative projects for the export of green energy to Europe and expanding cooperation in the field of new energy. This approach of linking economic and security ties reflects the depth of their comprehensive strategic partnership.

04 Reshaping the Regional Security Architecture: From Bilateral to Multilateral

The deepening defense cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan is influencing the broader regional security architecture. Within multilateral frameworks such as the Russia-Central Asia Summit, regional countries are discussing strengthening security cooperation.

At the summit, participating countries emphasized the need to continue promoting coordination and cooperation to facilitate Afghanistan's integration into the regional economic cooperation process. This issue is of significant security importance to both Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, CIS countries are discussing and adopting security documents such as the "2026–2030 External Border Security Cooperation Plan" and the "2026–2028 Counter-Terrorism and Counter-Extremism Cooperation Plan." The bilateral defense cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan complements these multilateral initiatives, jointly shaping a new regional security architecture.

05 Strategic Symbolism and Future Prospects

Delegations from Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan visited the tree-lined path of the Mausoleum of Honor to lay wreaths and flowers in remembrance of the late Heydar Aliyev, a symbol of Azerbaijan's national spirit, and scholar Zarifa Aliyeva. This gesture carries significant symbolic meaning, demonstrating that the relationship between the two countries encompasses historical and cultural dimensions.

The defense dialogue between Tashkent and Baku is gradually moving towards a normalized strategic partnership, which not only benefits the security of both countries but also contributes to building a new framework for military cooperation in Central Asia and the South Caucasus.

With Azerbaijan's formal accession to the Central Asian Heads of State Consultative Mechanism, cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan will unfold within a broader multilateral framework. The next Central Asian Heads of State Consultative Conference will continue to be held in the "Central Asia + Azerbaijan" format, providing institutional guarantees for this cross-regional cooperation.

Cooperation between the two countries in military education, technological cooperation, and the modernization of their armed forces will enhance their ability to respond to non-traditional security threats and contribute to regional stability.

With the signing of the "Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Bilateral Military Cooperation Plan for 2026," defense cooperation between the two countries has entered a new stage of institutionalization and substantive implementation. The strategic alignment between Tashkent and Baku not only enhances bilateral defense capabilities but also weaves a new security network in the heart of Eurasia.

The deepening development of multiple defense cooperation relationships among regional countries is quietly reshaping the strategic landscape of Central Asia and the South Caucasus.