AGP Executive Report

Azerbaijan-Armenia trade: Azerbaijan sent another 977 tons of diesel to Armenia in 16 rail wagons from Bilajari toward Boyuk Kesik, as part of ongoing fuel deliveries; transit cargo also moved via Azerbaijan, including wheat, fertilizer and timber from Russia to Armenia. Peace process diplomacy: Armenia’s PM spokesperson says Nikol Pashinyan has a clear public mandate to pursue peace with Azerbaijan, while the Wall Street Journal reports the U.S. used expanded access to Nvidia AI chips as an incentive in Washington talks. UN engagement: President Ilham Aliyev met the newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator, Dmytro Shlapachenko, discussing UN cooperation, reconstruction in post-conflict areas, humanitarian demining and environmental challenges; Aliyev also met OSCE PA chief Pere Joan Pons Sampietro on peace, security and mine action. Digital cooperation: Azerbaijan and Senegal agreed to deepen cooperation in digital public services, including experience-sharing on Azerbaijan’s myGov platform and skills in AI and cybersecurity. Sports & youth: Azerbaijan added judo gold at the U21 European Championships in Podgorica; Sabah FC pledged AZN 10 million to boost youth football after qualifying for the UEFA Champions League league phase. Climate week: Baku will host the 4th UNFCCC Climate Week on Sept. 7-11 alongside Baku Climate Action Week 2026.

Fuel & Transit to Armenia: Azerbaijan is sending another 977 tons of diesel to Armenia by rail, with 16 wagons departing Bilajari toward Boyuk Kesik, while Russia-to-Armenia shipments (wheat, fertilizer, timber) will also transit through Azerbaijan. Energy Prices: Azeri Light crude slipped to about $104.20 per barrel at Italy’s Augusta port. Climate Diplomacy: Baku will host UN Climate Week 2026 (Sept 7–11) and Baku Climate Action Week, with sessions on climate finance and COP31 prep. Tech & Peace Talks: A WSJ report says US negotiators linked Armenia’s access to NVIDIA AI chips for the Firebird project to progress in Armenia-Azerbaijan peace talks. Humanitarian & Rights: An activist linked to the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party was arrested for 30 days, while Armenian prisoner-rights claims continue to draw attention. Regional Links: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan discussed expanding strategic cooperation by phone, and transit traffic with Tajikistan rose 17% in early 2026.

Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov congratulated Kazakhstan’s new FM Mukhtar Tleuberdi and discussed expanding strategic cooperation and coordination in regional and international forums. Armenian POW Rights at ECHR: Armenian rights advocate Siranush Sahakyan said the ECHR has sought information on Ali Kerimli’s detention health and renewed claims that Armenian prisoners in Baku face coercion, restricted access to medical care and outside contacts, and alleged religious mistreatment. Ukraine Energy Support: Ukraine received 36.55 tons of high-voltage cables from Azerbaijan to repair power infrastructure in the Kyiv region. Baku Metro Milestone: A new Baku Metro station will be named “September 20,” marking restored state sovereignty. Italy–Azerbaijan Strategic Ties: Italian PM Giorgia Meloni thanked President Ilham Aliyev and signalled plans to deepen cooperation across energy, trade, investment and connectivity. Energy/Trade Links: Azerbaijan and Moldova’s energy regulators discussed electricity-sector oversight and commissioning/operational clearance practices. Sports & Youth: Azerbaijan named 17 boxers for the U15 European Championships in Türkiye and set junior taekwondo fighters for a Swiss Open event. Business & Climate: COP29 follow-up included a push for $300bn climate finance by 2035, with Azerbaijan’s COP29 role highlighted.

Azerbaijan–EU diplomacy: EU Delegation head Marijana Kujundžić says work on the EU-Azerbaijan “Partnership Priorities” document is preliminarily completed and a new bilateral agreement is being negotiated, while analysts Farid Shafiyev and others argue relations have moved beyond energy toward transport and wider cooperation. Peace process & regional impact: US President Donald Trump shared Steve Witkoff’s message praising the one-year anniversary of the Azerbaijan–Armenia Joint Declaration of Peace; Dennis Sammut calls it a new era for the South Caucasus and Europe. Information war over Karabakh: Azerbaijan’s human rights advocate Amir Aliyev urges The Guardian to include displaced Azerbaijanis’ and Khojaly victims’ perspectives after objections to distortions in the outlet’s “Black Garden” film coverage. Mine action in focus: Baku hosted the 4th International Mine Action Conference, with panels stressing safer, more effective demining and technology, as Azerbaijan pushes mine clearance as “peace infrastructure.” Energy & industry: SOCAR and Lummus are drafting a roadmap to expand refining and petrochemicals; S&P says SOCAR’s $1.65bn Comstock deal is credit-positive. Business & tourism: PASHA Real Estate and Marriott signed a multi-property agreement across Azerbaijan and Georgia; Shamakhi will host its Grape and Wine Festival on Sept. 19–20.

Mine Action & Urban Recovery: Azerbaijan’s 4th International Mine Action Conference wrapped up in Baku, with officials stressing that humanitarian demining has become a peacebuilding mission and calling for stronger international solidarity as mines still threaten safe settlement and livelihoods. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova met UN Geneva officials, highlighting momentum behind the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship and the role of parliamentary diplomacy in multilateral cooperation. OSCE/TURKPA Cooperation: TURKPA and OSCE PA leaders met in Azerbaijan to discuss observer-status steps and future joint work on dialogue, peace, and stability. Energy Deals: Azerbaijan and Serbia advanced cooperation on a new gas-fired power plant in Nis, with a joint venture expected to be signed soon and aimed at boosting electricity and heat supply. Transport/Transit: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan discussed expanding energy transit through Azerbaijan and joint logistics projects, including plans around the Port of Alat and intermodal terminals. Information War Claims: Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency accused Western outlets, including Poland-based Nexta, of running a disinformation campaign over a Goranboy fire. Humanitarian Focus: A report renewed attention on the fate of 4,010 missing Azerbaijani citizens from the First Karabakh War, noting DNA identifications have found some remains but many cases remain unresolved.

Mine Action & Peacebuilding: Azerbaijan urged stronger international funding for demining, saying “peace can’t be built on unsafe ground” as landmines still threaten lives and block returns and normalization; the 4th International Mine Action Conference opened in Baku with President Ilham Aliyev stressing large-scale clearance and the human cost since 2020. Humanitarian Demining Cooperation: ANAMA and ARMAC signed an MoU to expand capacity building, technical exchange, and victim assistance under the conference theme on safe urban recovery. Energy & Finance: The government signed a $1bn IsDB loan for Eastern Refinery expansion aimed at cutting refined fuel import costs, while Azeri Light oil climbed to about $102 per barrel. Regional Diplomacy: President Aliyev met OSCE Parliamentary Assembly head Pere Joan Pons Sampietro, highlighting Azerbaijan’s view that the OSCE Minsk Group failed to deliver results and that Azerbaijan ended the conflict through military and political means. Sports & Culture: Azerbaijan’s European Judo Championships junior draw set first opponents for its 14-strong team; meanwhile, Ali Seyran Imanzade’s exhibition opened in Baku drawing attention for its blend of Eastern traditions and European avant-garde. Education Links: Azerbaijan’s student in Melbourne says part of her tuition support has not been transferred for months, while Kazakhstan welcomed the first batch of Azerbaijani students for 2026 studies.

Arms & Safety: Azerbaijan evacuated 5,000 people after a fire and explosions at an ammunition depot near Nizami village in Goranboy, with no casualties reported and security measures tightened. Energy & Trade: Azerbaijan is sending multiple diesel shipments to Armenia, while SOCAR prepares a major US upstream move via a $1.65bn Comstock farm-in tied to Haynesville assets; Azerbaijan also continues expanding energy cooperation with partners including CNOOC. Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan held consular consultations in Ashgabat, discussing citizen protection and possible visa simplification, with the next round set for Baku. Green Growth: Universal secured Sinosure-backed financing for a 100MW Gobustan solar project, and ABB Bank highlighted support for Azerbaijan’s renewable pipeline. Humanitarian De-mining: Azerbaijan’s mine-clearance push stays in focus, with major funding figures and international cooperation efforts reiterated. Policy Updates: President Ilham Aliyev signed orders on conscription and changes to fines for failing to return foreign currency funds from abroad, including an exemption if funds are returned before a decision. Regional Security: Azerbaijan’s role in Middle Corridor connectivity and the TRIPP transport track remains a key theme amid wider SCO-era diplomacy. Education & Tech: UNEC launched an AI train-the-trainer program led by Israeli experts to help faculty integrate AI responsibly.

Mine Action in Baku: President Ilham Aliyev opened the 4th International Mine Action Conference, stressing that urban recovery can’t start until land is safe, and calling for stronger international solidarity as Azerbaijan bears the main demining burden. He said more than 298,000 hectares have been cleared and over 260,000 mines and unexploded ordnance neutralized, with 3,500+ citizens affected by mines since the aggression began. UK Support for Demining: The UK Ambassador said London has backed ANAMA since 2020 and will keep supporting clearance efforts. Azerbaijan Mine Action Funding: UN officials highlighted Azerbaijan’s major national spending and progress, while noting more partnership is needed. Security Incident: An explosion and fire hit an ammunition depot near Nizami village in Goranboy; authorities brought it under control, evacuated nearby residents, and reported no casualties. Innovation for Transport: Plug and Play and Azerbaijan’s innovation agency will seek startup solutions to tackle operational challenges at Azerbaijan Railways and Baku Metro. Sports: Azerbaijan’s national judokas topped the Cracow Judo Open 2026 team standings with seven gold medals. Oil Prices: Azeri Light crude rose above $97 per barrel, with implications for the 2026 budget assumption.

SCO Diplomacy in Bishkek: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev wrapped up a working visit to Kyrgyzstan and used the SCO+ platform to stress the South Caucasus is becoming a “zone of peace,” while also pushing connectivity and normalization steps with Armenia under TRIPP. India-Azerbaijan Reset: Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Aliyev for the first time on SCO margins, signaling a fresh push to improve political ties. Armenian Prisoners in Focus: A Paris exhibition opened featuring portraits of 19 Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan, while an attorney filed a complaint at the European Court of Human Rights over alleged rights violations for Artsakh prisoners. Energy & Trade with China: SOCAR and China’s CNOOC signed an MoU to expand oil and gas cooperation, with talks also covering green energy and offshore projects. Local Recovery & Safety: ANAMA reported 7,568.9 hectares cleared of mines and explosive ordnance in August. Sports: Türkiye beat Azerbaijan 3-0 in EuroVolley women’s quarterfinal qualification; Azerbaijan’s Polina Rahimova was among the top scorers for the home side.

SCO Diplomacy in Bishkek: Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev is attending the 26th SCO summit, with the “SCO Plus” format also under way, as regional leaders push security, connectivity and economic cooperation. Azerbaijan-Türkiye Alliance: Erdoğan met Aliyev in Bishkek, stressing energy, infrastructure and transport ties and reaffirming support for the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process; Aliyev was also invited to COP31 in Antalya. Armenia Peace Track: Azerbaijan’s Hikmet Hajiyev met Armenia’s Security Council Secretary Alen Simonyan in Bishkek to continue the peace agenda after Aliyev and Pashinyan’s talks, while Mirzoyan said Armenian goods will soon be sold to Azerbaijan, signaling more two-way trade. Regional Security Message: PM Modi told SCO leaders to dismantle the “ecosystem” of terrorism—financing, recruitment, radicalisation and safe havens—saying there can be no double standards. Great Return Update: Azerbaijan continues resettlement under the Great Return program, with 117 families (362 people) moved to Agdam. Human Rights Legal Move: A complaint has been filed with the ECHR over alleged rights violations involving 15 Armenians held in Azerbaijan. Culture & Youth: The SALAM International Children’s and Youth Film Festival wrapped up in Baku with an awards ceremony.

SCO Diplomacy in Bishkek: President Ilham Aliyev met Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian, with Tehran saying it wants to expand ties with Azerbaijan across all areas, while Aliyev urged peaceful, negotiated solutions for Iran. Armenia Peace Talks: Aliyev and Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan held talks on continuing normalization, border delimitation work, and TRIPP connectivity, highlighting Azerbaijani petroleum exports to Armenia and transit of grain and other goods. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan also used the SCO setting to stress the Middle Corridor’s role, with Kyrgyz experts saying the route will be a key agenda item. Trade & Economy: Azerbaijan’s ICT imports fell to $992.1m in 2025 (down 10.2%), while Türkiye’s OTS trade rose 6.6% to $10.1bn in early 2026, with Azerbaijan among top partners. Humanitarian & Justice: Baku will host the 4th International Conference under the Baku Dialogue on Missing Persons, focused on practical mechanisms to resolve missing persons cases. Domestic News: An ANAMA employee died in a road accident in Fuzuli.

SCO Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev arrived in Kyrgyzstan for a working visit tied to the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, with meetings expected to shape Eurasian trade and connectivity. International Messages: Aliyev sent condolences to Northern Cyprus President Tufan Erhürman after a boat capsized near Kyrenia, and congratulated leaders in Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, and Trinidad and Tobago on national holidays. Parliamentary Links: Azerbaijan and Cambodia agreed to strengthen inter-parliamentary cooperation via international forums, with Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova inviting Cambodia’s Senate chief to visit Baku. Sports & Infrastructure: Ganja City Stadium earned UEFA Category 4 status after a two-year modernization push, while the Azerbaijan Premier League’s third round wraps with Araz-Nakhchivan vs Sabah and Sumgayit vs Qarabag. Culture & Community: The Azerbaijan Filmmakers Union set its upcoming conference for September 11 and temporarily entrusted Shafiga Mammadova with chair duties. Business & Water Tech: Acwa and Veolia signed an MoU to cut desalination energy costs through efficiency upgrades across the full project value chain.

Humanitarian Focus: On International Day of the Disappeared, Azerbaijan’s presidential foreign policy chief Hikmet Hajiyev said 4,010 Azerbaijani citizens remain registered as missing and noted 32 mass graves discovered and 328 identities confirmed via DNA, urging Armenia to provide accurate burial-site information. Defense & Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov visited Türkiye to attend graduation ceremonies at Turkish military academies, presenting diplomas to Azerbaijani graduates. Sports & Infrastructure: Ganja Stadium earned UEFA Category 4 status, clearing the way for higher-level international matches. Culture & Community: The Azerbaijan Automobile Federation staged a classic car exhibition and parade at Baku’s Seaside National Park/Sea Breeze with 100+ vehicles made before 1986, featuring Leyla Aliyeva and other officials. Weather & Safety: Emergency services warned of unstable conditions from Aug. 30 to Sept. 1, including heavy rain, strong winds, and thunderstorms, urging people to avoid flood-prone areas and take lightning precautions. Regional Ties: Azerbaijan and Bulgaria discussed expanding scientific cooperation through updated academy frameworks, with talks focused on humanities and research projects. Economy Watch: Azerbaijan’s manat held steady vs. the dollar in Aug. 24–28, while gold prices in Azerbaijan saw a weekly dip.

Champions League Fixtures: UEFA published the full 2026-27 Champions League league-phase schedule, with Azerbaijan’s debutant Sabah set to open at Manchester United on Sept. 10, while Real Madrid host Inter Milan on Sept. 8 and Liverpool begin at home vs Atlético. Victory Day Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry sent formal congratulations to Türkiye on Victory Day, honoring martyrs and reaffirming close ties. Border Rescue: Azerbaijan’s State Border Service said a Dutch tourist was rescued after a dog attack in the Shaki mountains; a helicopter evacuated her for emergency surgery. Parliament & Peace Talks: Speaker Sahiba Gafarova delivered a video address to the Inter-Parliamentary Speakers’ Conference in Cambodia, stressing international law and peaceful conflict resolution. Human Rights: The Ombudsman marked the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances, calling for truth and accountability for missing persons. Media Regulation: Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency said Ajmedia.news is not registered in the Media Registry and its activity was deemed unlawful by court. Digital Cooperation: The DCO approved Azerbaijan’s accession as a member state, expanding digital cooperation to more countries.

Poland-Azerbaijan Tensions: Azerbaijan summoned Poland’s ambassador over a TVP World “Eastern Express” segment it says pushed biased claims about Azerbaijan and its leadership, warning it could harm bilateral ties. Media Regulation: Azerbaijan also warned outlets against false claims of representing minorities, stressing all media must be registered and follow the Law on Media. Digital Cooperation: The Digital Cooperation Organization approved eight countries—including Azerbaijan—for full membership, with Tajikistan set as an associate member, expanding the group’s digital-economy reach. Energy & Economy: Azerbaijan’s banks are expanding credit far faster than the economy, while reports highlight a push to diversify energy with a clean/renewables boom. Sports & Culture: Azerbaijan’s Gozal Zutova won belt wrestling world gold in Bishkek; and UEFA confirmed Champions League fixtures, with debutants Sabah set to open against Manchester United. Regional Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova held a video call with Cambodia’s Senate president, underscoring growing parliamentary ties.

EuroVolley 2026: Azerbaijan booked its Women’s EuroVolley Round of 16 spot after the group stage, with the knockout schedule set for Aug 30–Sept 1; Turkey also advanced and will face Azerbaijan in the Round of 16. Diplomacy & media: Azerbaijan summoned Poland’s ambassador over what it called biased TVP World coverage, handing over a formal note of protest. Regional ties: An Azerbaijani MP met Kazakhstan’s deputy PM and culture minister in Astana, highlighting growing Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan strategic partnership and cultural cooperation. Security & information pressure: Eight independent Azerbaijani media outlets say their social media accounts were hit by coordinated attacks and copyright complaints, with pages reportedly blocked on Instagram/Facebook. Trade & regulation: Azerbaijan approved tighter import controls for non-food consumer goods, requiring customs to verify conformity documents from Sept 5. Sports (global): Champions League fixtures were drawn, with Azerbaijan’s Sabah set to face a tough European trip in the main phase.