In recent years, comprehensive cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan has been developing dynamically. These relations are being further strengthened through large-scale cooperation initiatives in the fields of economy, industry, agriculture, transport, logistics, energy, science, education, culture, and other areas.

The historically established friendly and fraternal relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have also created favorable conditions for the development of scientific cooperation. In this regard, cooperation between the Institute of Geography under the Ministry of Science and Education and leading scientific and higher education institutions of Uzbekistan has expanded further.

These views were expressed to AZERTAC by Zaur Imrani, Acting Director of the Institute of Geography, Doctor of Geographical Sciences and Associate Professor. He noted that one of the important stages in the Institute of Geography’s scientific relations with Uzbekistan was the signing of a memorandum on mutual scientific cooperation with the Institute of Geography of the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek.

The document has provided an important basis for developing cooperation between the two scientific institutions in such areas as conducting joint research, organizing mutual visits of scientists and specialists, exchanging scientific information and experience, jointly participating in international scientific events, and other areas.

Zaur Imrani noted that cooperation with Uzbekistan is not limited to the memorandum:

“Representatives of Uzbekistan’s scientific and higher education institutions regularly participate in international scientific and practical conferences organized by the Institute of Geography. In 2023, international scientific events were organized within the framework of cooperation with the Jizzakh State Pedagogical Institute of Uzbekistan. In 2025, the 4th International Scientific and Practical Conference entitled ‘Modern Problems of Geography: Integration of Science and Education’ was held jointly by the Institute of Geography and the National University of Uzbekistan.

I have participated in online teaching for students of the National University of Uzbekistan named after Mirzo Ulugbek. In 2026, I was elected to the Dissertation Council in the field of Geographical Sciences under the Higher Attestation Commission of Uzbekistan and have regularly participated in the defenses of PhD dissertations. At the same time, together with Natiq Babayev, PhD in Geography, and Mukhriddin Avazov, PhD in Geography at the National University of Uzbekistan, we are working on a monograph entitled ‘Toponyms of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.’ We are also participating in a joint scientific grant project for Azerbaijani and Uzbek scientists within the framework of scientific cooperation between the State Agency for Science and Higher Education and the Agency for Innovative Development under the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovation of the Republic of Uzbekistan.”

Z. Imrani added that the main areas of cooperation between geographers of the two countries include the comparative study of geographical and environmental problems, climate change, water resource management, the protection of soils and landscapes, desertification processes, regional development, urbanization, tourism and recreation, environmental assessment, the application of geographic information systems, and other research areas.

Strengthening scientific ties between Azerbaijani and Uzbek scientists will contribute not only to the development of geographical science but also significantly to the scientifically based study of the similar environmental, socio-economic, and regional development challenges faced by the two countries.