AGP Executive Report

World Urban Forum Afterglow: Azerbaijan’s WUF13 in Baku wrapped with the Baku Call to Action on the global housing crisis, flag-lowering ceremonies, and a push for safer, resilient cities—while officials say the forum’s scale (tens of thousands of delegates) boosted Azerbaijan’s international standing. Aviation & Safety: AZAL chairman Samir Rzayev reiterated that flight safety is the core of the airline’s strategy, alongside fleet expansion plans and responses to public concerns over delays and ticket prices. Diplomatic Loss: Azerbaijan’s consul in Tabriz was killed in a traffic accident on the Julfa–Tabriz highway. Regional Politics: Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary vote is unfolding in a polarized environment, with OSCE/ODIHR flagging unresolved issues around the political and legal climate. Energy Watch: Azeri Light crude prices slipped on world markets, as Azerbaijan and partners continue work on green energy connectivity. Sports: Azerbaijan’s U-15 wrestlers added medals at the European Championship, including a dramatic gold win.

Diplomatic & military ties: A Kazakh delegation led by the head of Kazakhstan’s National Defense University visited Azerbaijan, laying flowers at the Alley of Shehids and touring key defense education sites, as both sides stressed exchanging experience in military training. Education cooperation: Azerbaijan’s education ministry delegation visited the University of Warwick in the UK to expand research and partnerships, including a renewable energy dual-degree master’s program. Energy & economy: Azerbaijan increased automobile gasoline production, while “Azeri Light” crude prices slipped on global markets; Azerbaijan also boosted regional outreach as AZPROMO met Eswatini’s investment agency ahead of Eswatini’s July investment conference. WUF13 afterglow: President Ilham Aliyev shared a post hailing WUF13’s record turnout and outcome documents, while UN-Habitat opened the bidding for WUF15 in 2030. Regional energy project: Türkiye, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Bulgaria agreed to create a joint company for the Green Electricity Transmission and Trade initiative linking Caspian power to European markets.

Diplomatic Moves: Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova has left for Russia to attend CIS IPA meetings in St. Petersburg. Cybersecurity: A new telecom espionage campaign using China-linked Linux and Windows malware (“Showboat” and “JFMBackdoor”) has been traced to attacks across the Asia-Pacific and Middle East. UN Diplomacy: Azerbaijan is expected to send FM Jeyhun Bayramov to a China-chaired UN Security Council ministerial on US-Iran de-escalation, with Ishaq Dar also set to attend. Urban Housing: The World Urban Forum in Baku wrapped up with the “Baku Call to Action” focused on the global housing crisis; chairmanship has now officially transferred from Azerbaijan to Mexico for WUF14 in 2028. Energy & Regional Ties: Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov pushed grid-and-corridor thinking at INRES and met Türkiye and Moldova counterparts, while Azerbaijan also signaled interest in investing in Punjab’s clean energy projects. Karabakh Updates: Another relocation convoy moved 17 families (65 people) to Khojavand, with apartment keys handed over. Public Services: Azerbaijan Railways announced free/discounted child travel on the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route.

World Urban Forum handover: Azerbaijan officially passed the UN World Urban Forum (WUF) chairmanship to Mexico during WUF13’s closing in Baku, with the next WUF due in Mexico City in 2028. WUF13 closes in Baku: The forum wrapped with a flag-lowering ceremony for Azerbaijan and the UN at the Baku Olympic Stadium, after a week that drew 57,000+ participants from 176 countries under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and communities.” Baku transport boost: Azerbaijan Railways says 1,000+ tickets have already been sold for the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route, and it’s adding an extra carriage as demand rises—while some ticket-system delays are being reported. Regional energy push: Türkiye used the Istanbul Natural Resources Summit to argue for new energy corridors amid an “age of uncertainty,” including expanded links that Azerbaijan, Georgia, Türkiye and Bulgaria are set to strengthen. Armenia tensions: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan denied claims about any Azerbaijani resettlement in Armenia, while separate reports say an Armenian probe was launched over a Jermuk-related video.

Cyber & Telecom Governance: President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree setting the process for approving tariffs for services of Azerbaijan’s Special Communication and Information Security State Service, with current tariffs staying valid until new ones are approved within four months. Independence Day Diplomacy: A wave of congratulatory messages poured in for Azerbaijan’s Independence Day, including from Saudi King Salman, Czech President Petr Pavel, Morocco’s King Mohammed VI, Croatia’s Zoran Milanović, Sweden’s Carl XVI Gustaf, South Korea’s Lee Jae Myung, and leaders across Africa, Europe and Asia. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan Railways says the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku service will run in three classes—Luxury, Comfort Plus and Comfort—with onboard amenities like Wi‑Fi, multimedia and shower cabins in Luxury, and meals available for extra charge. EU Security Dialogue: Azerbaijan and the EU held their 7th Security Dialogue in Baku, discussing partnership priorities, regional security, connectivity and energy cooperation.

World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan: Delegations kept flooding Baku as WUF13 pushed “housing the world” talks—Palestinian officials said the forum is a practical hub for crisis-ready urban solutions, while Azerbaijan highlighted inclusive planning and digital housing allocation. Armenia Tensions: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan escalated election-era accusations, alleging “spy networks” and claiming Azerbaijan is the only real external influence on Armenia’s domestic politics, as opposition figures pushed back. Geopolitics & Transport: Armenia’s TRIPP corridor plans were again in the spotlight, with Russia floating a “Putin road” idea—while the wider region watches how corridors reshape leverage. Economy & Daily Life: Azerbaijan saw butter imports overtake domestic output for the first time in years, and travel data showed Türkiye staying the top destination for Azerbaijani travelers in early 2026. Culture & Youth: A new “Heritage Friend” volunteer program opened, and the Azercell CUP 2026 programming competition began registration.

World Bank Push: Azerbaijan’s Finance Minister Sahil Babayev met World Bank South Caucasus chief Rolande Pryce to map new support for energy transition, transport connectivity, and sustainable urban development under WUF13, highlighting the “AZURE” grid-integration push and road corridor upgrades like Salyan–Bilasuvar. Border Reset: Azerbaijan reopened its land border with Georgia and will resume passenger rail from May 26, calling it a humanitarian step for families separated since the Covid-era closures—while stressing other crossings stay sealed. Regional Economic Ties: Punjab’s Maryam Nawaz Sharif and Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov agreed to form a joint working group covering trade, investment, urban development, agriculture, logistics, tourism, and infrastructure. WUF13 Urban Agenda: In Baku, SPECA Cities Forum sessions focused on housing solutions, data-driven city governance, and water-centered planning, with Azerbaijan positioning itself as a bridge for sustainable urban cooperation. Rights & Politics Abroad: Armenia-related coverage intensified with claims of election interference and calls to end politically motivated prosecutions.

Energy Finance Boost: Moody’s and Fitch have marked a major milestone for Azerbaijan’s Southern Gas Corridor, granting investment-grade ratings that shift the conversation from geopolitics to long-term commercial reliability. WUF13 Green Agenda: In Baku, Azerbaijan’s energy and development officials used the World Urban Forum to push renewable expansion and grid upgrades, while Leyla Aliyeva’s clean-air forum highlighted tree planting, greener transport, and healthier cities. EU Security Talks: Azerbaijan’s FM met the EEAS to discuss EU ties, regional security, and normalization with Armenia, with energy and transport connectivity again on the agenda. World Bank Cooperation: Separate meetings with the World Bank focused on renewable energy, power grid modernization, and regional interconnectors. Parliament-Russia Link: Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova begins a working visit to Russia for CIS parliamentary meetings. Regional Trade Pulse: Reports say Russia–Azerbaijan border cargo volumes rose 14% year-on-year since the start of 2026, as the North–South route gains pace.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Azerbaijan is using WUF13 to push its urban-reconstruction and connectivity agenda, with President Ilham Aliyev and officials highlighting Turkic cooperation, digital/AI plans, and transport corridors as the forum’s big themes. Pakistan–Azerbaijan ties: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif inaugurated the Punjab Pavilion at WUF13, spotlighting Pakistan’s affordable housing push, while Azerbaijan’s agriculture and economy ministers also met Punjab officials to expand trade and farm cooperation. Regional transport: Georgia and Azerbaijan signed energy and transport deals, including a plan to restore passenger rail on the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route from May 26, and the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars rail section is set to start by month-end. Armenia election pressure: Armenia’s June 7 parliamentary vote is framed as a test for democracy, with renewed campaign rhetoric and international debate over how far incumbents will go. Legal and human-rights dispute: A newly released ICJ report again challenges the fairness of trials tied to Baku’s Nagorno-Karabakh cases, while fresh claims of church demolitions keep the cultural-rights fight in the spotlight.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Azerbaijan is using WUF13 to push a clear message: reconstruction is about people, connectivity, and climate-ready cities. Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov linked transport corridors and digital networks to long-term peace and regional cooperation, while officials highlighted rapid rebuilding in Shusha and other liberated areas, including restored monuments and new housing projects. Shusha Resettlement & Infrastructure: Plans include new residential complexes in Shusha and continued relocation, alongside ongoing social infrastructure work. Energy Diplomacy: Ilham Aliyev met Slovakia’s environment deputy PM, with both sides stressing Azerbaijan’s gas reliability and the importance of WUF13; Azerbaijan also reiterated its role as a growing energy hub for Europe. Regional Trade Signals: Turkey’s ambassador says the Turkey-Armenia land border could open after Armenia’s June 7 elections and constitutional changes. Domestic Policy: Aliyev approved amendments increasing employer responsibility to prevent hiring drug addicts. Human Rights Watch: Iran’s court sentenced 13 Azerbaijani Turk activists to a combined 81 years and five months.

World Urban Forum in Baku: President Iliana Iotova set the tone at WUF13, saying cities should be judged by whether the most vulnerable have “home and security,” with technology serving people—not replacing them. Diplomacy & infrastructure: Azerbaijan and Georgia signed a fresh package on energy and transport, including a 20-year gas supply deal and steps to restart passenger rail between Tbilisi and Baku from May 26 after a six-year pause; the Baku-Supsa oil pipeline deal also aims to revive Central Asia-to-Europe oil transit. Regional cooperation: Kazakhstan’s PM Olzhas Bektenov highlighted people-centered “cities for citizens,” while Qatar’s municipal minister pushed integrated planning linking housing, transport and sustainability. Urban showcases: Azerbaijan’s pavilion at WUF13 is now open to visitors, spotlighting smart city/village projects and reconstruction in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur. Armenia tensions: Pashinian again signaled more territorial concessions, a line his opponents say could deepen Armenia’s losses. Other headlines: Iran seized assets of 129 people accused of US-Israeli links, and Kurdish opposition groups denied IRGC weapons-smuggling claims.

World Urban Forum in Baku: WUF13 is driving the week’s biggest headlines, with leaders using the housing-and-cities agenda to push partnerships and new commitments. Azerbaijan–Georgia ties: Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze met President Ilham Aliyev, and the two sides agreed to extend energy and transport cooperation, including a 20-year gas deal extension and a 20-year electricity supply/transit framework. Rail restart: After a six-year gap, daily passenger rail between Tbilisi and Baku resumes from May 26. Energy diversification: Slovakia is negotiating a minimum 10-year gas supply contract with Azerbaijan, while Baku–Tbilisi–Kars rail and long-term energy deals underline the same connectivity push. Turkic heritage & resilience: At WUF13, a panel on “From Heritage to Resilience: Turkic Houses” highlighted traditional architecture as a tool for urban resilience. Regional spotlight: Türkiye showcased the “Azerbaijan neighborhood” reconstruction project at the Turkish pavilion, linking solidarity with rebuilding. Local life at WUF13: Electric buses shuttled thousands of passengers between the airport and venues. Politics in the background: Investigative journalist Hafiz Babali and economist Fazil Gasimov began a hunger strike on WUF13 opening day, calling for attention to political prisoners.

World Urban Forum in Baku: WUF13 is now in full swing at the Baku Olympic Stadium, with delegates from 100+ countries pushing solutions for “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” while local leaders argue cities must lead the change on financing, inclusion, and climate-ready urban planning. Diplomacy on the sidelines: President Ilham Aliyev met Pakistan’s Punjab CM Maryam Nawaz in Baku, and also held talks with Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić and Bulgaria’s Iliana Iotova—each stressing stronger trade, energy cooperation, and new partnership paths. Regional momentum: Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev arrived for a working visit tied to WUF13, and more heads of delegation are landing in Baku. Environment watch: New reporting warns the Caspian Sea is shrinking fast, with Azerbaijan’s low-lying coastlines already showing visible retreat. Sports: Azerbaijan’s U17 freestyle wrestling team added two medals, including gold and bronze. Food security pressure: Separate coverage flags a potential urea shortfall ahead of the Aman planting season unless fresh imports are secured.

World Urban Forum momentum: Baku’s WUF13 is pulling in top leaders and ministers, with Azerbaijan using the platform to push housing, climate-resilient cities, and reconstruction know-how—UN and Azerbaijani flags were raised at the Olympic Stadium as the forum continues through May 22. High-level diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev met with Kenya’s William Ruto, Eswatini’s King Mswati III, and Turkmenistan’s Arkadag construction chief, while also receiving Serbia’s Aleksandar Vučić and Pakistan’s Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz; Aliyev also called Kazakhstan’s Tokayev on his birthday, underscoring Turkic solidarity. Energy + cities: Azerbaijan highlighted a fast rise in renewables—renewable share projected to jump sharply—while AZAL resumed Nakhchivan flights after weather delays. Economic signals: ING says Azerbaijan’s current account surplus could reach 9–10% of GDP in 2026 on higher oil prices, and non-oil exports grew 13% in early 2026. Regional business push: A US–Turkic Business Alliance was launched in New York to connect Turkic entrepreneurs with US partners and investment opportunities.

World Urban Forum in Baku: WUF13 is now in full swing, with Azerbaijan positioning housing as the bridge between climate resilience and safe city planning after COP29—UN-Habitat leaders say the host has set up a “strong foundation” for practical outcomes. Pakistan at WUF13: Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif arrived in Baku to represent Pakistan, meet President Ilham Aliyev, and present Punjab’s affordable housing model “Apni Chhat, Apna Ghar” at the World Leaders Summit. Turkic civil society push: Azerbaijan kicked off the 2nd Solidarity Forum of NGOs of OTS member states in Baku, bringing together groups from eight countries and launching new cooperation forums. Great Return housing continues: Another relocation convoy delivered apartment keys in Jabrayil’s Shukurbeyli and in Khojaly’s villages, extending the phased return of former IDPs. Energy & finance backdrop: Talks and panels around sustainable finance and clean energy cooperation are running alongside the forum, as Azerbaijan and partners look to fund the next wave of urban upgrades.

World Urban Forum Countdown: Azerbaijan is gearing up for WUF13 in Baku, with UN-Habitat praising the “innovative approaches” behind preparations after President Ilham Aliyev met UN-Habitat Executive Director Anacláudia Rossbach; the forum opens May 17 under “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities,” and Azerbaijan has signed a Letter of Intent with UN-Habitat to turn Baku’s WUF13 operational standards into guidelines for future hosts. Rebuilding in Karabakh: In Kalbajar, the Zar village project is set to host 855 families, with modern schools and kindergartens planned; in Fuzuli, missing First Karabakh War servicemen Rafig Jafarov plus two others were laid to rest; and in Jabrayil, a 150-bed hospital complex is under construction. Resettlement Continues: More families received apartment keys as relocation convoys arrived in Shukurbeyli and Khojaly villages. Turkic Cooperation Push: The 2nd Solidarity Forum of OTS NGOs opened in Baku, with Azerbaijan inviting joint NGO grant competitions across Turkic states. Disaster-Ready Planning: A deputy minister stressed that urban planning in Azerbaijan’s seismically active zones must meet sustainability and seismic resilience standards.