Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are forging tighter partnerships as they look to bypass Russian trade routes. The landmark deal outlines joint projects in the oil and gas, petrochemical and renewable energy sectors. The roadmap also envisages “cooperation in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan.” It has been clear for some time that Russia’s war in Ukraine is driving the Central Asian states and Azerbaijan to forge tighter partnerships, as countries in Moscow’s orbit cast around for new trade routes bypassing their internationally isolated former colonial master. Now, news that Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan have signed a landmark deal to boost energy sector cooperation confirms that the drive for closer integration is only gaining impetus. On August 29 their Energy Ministries signed a roadmap outlining their goals and plans up to the end of 2023. They will pursue joint projects in the oil and gas, petrochemical and renewable energy sectors, an Uzbek Energy […]