AGP Executive Report

Climate Diplomacy in Baku: Azerbaijan hosted UNFCCC Climate Week and the parallel Baku Climate Action Week, drawing nearly 2,700 delegates from 140+ countries and running 68 events, including consultations under the “Belém Mission 1.5” Troika on NAPs and NDCs. Karabakh & East Zangezur Outreach: A diplomatic corps visit to Garabagh and East Zangezur wrapped up with tours of Gandzasar and Khudavang monasteries, briefings on monument interference, and stops at the Istisu mineral water plant and Kalbajar’s Honey Festival. Cultural Diplomacy: Azerbaijan held its first-ever Culture Days at Switzerland’s Montreux Classical Music Festival, featuring Azerbaijani musicians and a jazz night. Regional Security Cooperation: Turkey proposed TÜRKPOL, a joint Turkic law-enforcement body for intelligence sharing and joint operations, with Azerbaijan among the supporters. Political Rights at Issue: Opposition PFPA deputy Seymur Khazi says he was hit with a travel ban before a Vilnius event, despite an earlier ECHR ruling finding his prosecution unlawful. Energy & Trade Context: US CENTCOM says it redirected 100 commercial vessels since July after reimposing its Iran naval blockade, underscoring ongoing Strait of Hormuz risk management.

Turkic Security Cooperation: Turkey’s interior minister proposed TÜRKPOL, a joint law-enforcement body for Turkic states, to share intelligence and run coordinated operations against terrorism, drugs, illegal migration and organized crime; Azerbaijan backed the plan alongside Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. Karabakh Reconstruction & Heritage Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev told diplomats Kalbajar is being rebuilt into a “beautiful city,” while a diplomatic corps tour in Garabagh and East Zangezur highlighted restoration work and heritage protection at Ganjasar and Khudavang churches and included briefings on the Istisu mineral water plant. Climate Diplomacy in Baku: UNFCCC Climate Week and Baku Climate Action Week wrapped up with 68 events, nearly 2,700 participants from 140+ countries, and consultations under the “Belém Mission 1.5” Troika on adaptation plans and NDCs. Regional Political Pressure: Opposition PFPA deputy Seymur Khazi says Azerbaijan imposed a travel ban ahead of a Vilnius journalism event, which he calls illegal. Energy & Connectivity Talks: Azerbaijan and Türkiye reaffirmed plans to deepen energy cooperation at the Azerbaijan–Türkiye Energy Forum, linking hydrocarbons transit with new green power ambitions. International Mobility: Georgia detained 59 foreign nationals in immigration enforcement operations, including Azerbaijani citizens, with deportation procedures underway.

Diplomatic Outreach in Karabakh: Azerbaijan’s presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev hosted a large diplomatic corps visit, showing the Ganjasar and Khudavang churches and stressing their place in Caucasian Albanian heritage, while foreign representatives toured restoration work across Aghdara and Kalbajar. US Peace Messaging: The U.S. Chargé d’Affaires said reciprocal Azerbaijan-Armenia visits are part of Washington’s push for durable South Caucasus peace, pointing to progress since the Aug. 8, 2025 Washington meeting. Poland Relations: Poland’s ambassador Pawel Radomski played down media “incidents,” saying Baku-Warsaw ties remain strong and highlighting reconstruction progress in Shusha. Regional Security & Law: Georgia detained 59 foreign nationals in immigration control operations, including citizens of Azerbaijan, as deportation procedures begin. Energy/Geopolitics Watch: Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian urged protection of peaceful nuclear facilities at BRICS, warning against attacks on critical infrastructure. Diaspora Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Türkiye signed a diaspora-policy memorandum to expand joint events and youth involvement.

U.S.-Azerbaijan Counterterrorism: The U.S. Embassy in Baku marked the 25th anniversary of 9/11, thanking Azerbaijan for its role in the fight against international terrorism and recalling joint service in Afghanistan. SOFAZ & Eurasian Finance: Euronews highlights SOFAZ as a bridge between Asia and Europe, noting its role in launching the China-ASEAN Joint Investment Council and pointing to SOFAZ’s expanding portfolio. Azerbaijan–Mexico Pivot to Trade: Mexico’s ambassador said both sides want to boost trade and investment, with Independence Day events in Shusha attended by Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev and a large diplomatic delegation. Diplomats in Karabakh/East Zangazur: Foreign diplomats wrapped day one of a tour, visiting Khankandi and Shusha reconstruction sites, infrastructure projects and cultural venues. Armenia Tensions Over Karki/Tigranashen: Armenian PM Pashinyan warned that opponents of Karki’s transfer to Azerbaijan are “provoking war,” while Armenia’s “Strong Armenia” faction rejected any handover and floated a tourism-focused development plan. De-mining Cooperation: Slovakia will send defence ministry specialists to Azerbaijan to help clear mines in Karabakh, with gas cooperation talks also on the agenda. Baku Climate Week: UNFCCC Climate Week concluded in Baku after five days of talks on COP29–COP31 continuity, climate finance and implementation. Energy & Connectivity: Azerbaijan-Türkiye energy cooperation was stressed at the 5th Azerbaijan–Türkiye Energy Forum, as both sides framed it as key to energy security amid global crises. Transport & Trade Routes: Kazakhstan increased oil transit via the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan pipeline by 12% year-on-year, underscoring the Middle Corridor’s growing role.

Karabakh Diplomacy: A delegation of foreign diplomats (150 reps from 58 countries and nine international organisations) has started a visit to Azerbaijan’s Karabakh and East Zangezur, inspecting reconstruction in Khankendi and Shusha and infrastructure and heritage sites across Aghdara and Kalbajar. Reconstruction & Security: Assistant to the President Hikmet Hajiyev told the diplomatic corps that reconstruction is moving fast despite mine contamination, citing over 40,000 returns and dozens of restored settlements since 2020. Regional Investment Push: Saudi Ambassador Essam bin Saleh Al-Jutaili says Saudi businesspeople plan to visit Karabakh to identify investment projects, including work on transport facilities. South Caucasus Energy: At the 5th Azerbaijan–Türkiye Energy Forum, Azerbaijan and Türkiye stressed electricity interconnections and Eurasian connectivity, with ministers linking cooperation to Europe’s energy security amid global crises. Parliament Watch: Azerbaijan is set to ratify a classified information protection deal with Slovakia, and to approve air services with Mongolia plus an alliance treaty with Kyrgyzstan. Visa Liberalisation: Azerbaijan and Jordan are moving toward abolishing visa requirements for ordinary passport holders. Oil & Finance: Azeri Light crude jumped 5.5% to $119.54/bbl; meanwhile, S&P upgraded Uzbekistan’s Davr-Bank after ABB acquired a 51% stake. Sports (Local Interest): Sabah made a historic Champions League debut at Old Trafford, losing 4–0 to Manchester United.

Black Sea Security: Russia’s drone attack on a foreign-flagged tugboat in the Odesa region killed two Azerbaijani sailors and injured others, prompting Baku’s Foreign Ministry to warn citizens to avoid unstable areas and coordinate with relevant authorities. EU Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov met EU South Caucasus envoy Magdalena Grono to expand cooperation, complete the Partnership Priorities work, and push a new bilateral agreement, with regional peace and Armenia normalization on the agenda. Climate & Energy Diplomacy: UN officials praised Azerbaijan’s climate leadership and practical regional energy projects, including plans for an undersea electricity cable linking Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania and EU markets. COP29-to-COP31 Link: Türkiye’s environment minister called Azerbaijan’s COP29 experience “highly valuable” for preparations for COP31, citing close coordination between the two countries. Humanitarian Demining: Azerbaijan and Ukraine discussed UN-backed cooperation on humanitarian demining, with Kyiv seeking ANAMA’s urban demining experience and inviting it to a Brussels conference. Business Environment: Azerbaijan’s economy leadership said entrepreneurship and a better business climate hinge on optimizing and digitalizing services and transferring more support functions to private-sector delivery. Regional Security Cooperation: Kazakhstan’s Tokayev met Turkic states’ interior chiefs, urging stronger law-enforcement coordination amid global instability.

Black Sea Security: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry says two citizens were killed and two injured after a drone attack on the foreign-flagged cargo ship TEDY; the wounded were taken to Chornomorsk, and Baku is coordinating consular support and repatriation while urging citizens to avoid unstable military zones. Regional Diplomacy: US lawmaker Abraham Hamadeh says the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process could yield a final deal before the end of President Trump’s term, framing TRIPP as both infrastructure and political-economic binding. Humanitarian Development: At AIDA’s 15th anniversary events, Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov says Azerbaijan has supported 140+ countries over 15 years (about $400m since 2020), and AIDA and TİKA signed an MoU to expand humanitarian and development cooperation. Climate Governance: Azerbaijan approved a UN-Habitat contribution agreement for smart, sustainable urban planning in East Zangezur, while officials stress that city climate action needs predictable finance and local capacity ahead of COP31. Economy & Policy: The Central Bank’s reserves hit a historic high (USD 15.3bn), and a presidential decree sets tighter rules on how extra-budgetary funds can be used for employee social protection. Education Benchmark: PISA 2025 results show Azerbaijan leading the region in reading and logic among Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Georgia, though all remain below OECD averages. International Outreach: Azerbaijan promotes investment and business ties at CIFIT 2026 in China, and Ilham Aliyev congratulated the new OIC secretary-general, signaling continued multilateral engagement.

Arab Media Summit Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev will speak at the Arab Media Summit 2026 in Dubai, including at the Euronews Forum, as Baku pushes its foreign-policy messaging through international media platforms. Green Transition & Water Security: At Baku Climate Action Week, COP29 President Mukhtar Babayev urged more efficient water use and stronger monitoring, while UNECE officials backed Azerbaijan’s push to treat the Middle Corridor as a “green corridor.” Private Sector Climate Role: A Baku roundtable focused on getting banks and businesses to make climate finance a core business and speed up the green transition through real investment, not just pledges. Azerbaijan–China Energy Talks: AzerEnerji met China Energy International Group to expand renewable and green energy cooperation and deepen Chinese company involvement in Azerbaijan. Military Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan discussed expanding military cooperation under their 2026 plan and outlined a draft cooperation framework for 2027. Armenia–Azerbaijan Peace Process: Armenia’s foreign ministry spokesperson confirmed work toward a possible Mirzoyan–Bayramov meeting, while Bayramov reiterated Baku’s position on Armenia’s constitutional process tied to peace. UN Multilateral Outreach: Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova met UN General Assembly President Khalilur Rahman in New York to highlight Azerbaijan’s parliamentary diplomacy and UN engagement. Caspian Connectivity & Ports: China’s Lianyungang Port officials said they want closer integration with Azerbaijan Railways and the Port of Baku to strengthen China-Europe logistics via the Caspian.

Climate Diplomacy in Baku: Climate Week 4 officially opened in Baku, with COP30’s Ana Toni saying the event marks “the decade of implementation” and a shift from building Paris Agreement architecture to delivering on it. UNFCCC Push for Delivery: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov used the UNFCCC Climate Week platform to urge faster, practical climate action, linking it to economic diversification, energy resilience, and the Caspian Sea’s decline. BCAW 2026—Finance and Industry: Mukhtar Babayev told a Baku Sustainable Business roundtable that climate finance must move into banks’ core business, while UNECE’s Dmitry Mariyasin praised Azerbaijan’s leadership and urged climate-proof design for transport infrastructure. Geothermal Bet: SOCAR said it is seeking an equity partner for risk-sharing in geothermal projects, citing new legislation work and studies with Schlumberger and Baker Hughes. Middle Corridor, Ports and Connectivity: China’s Lianyungang Port vice president highlighted plans to integrate with Azerbaijan Railways and Baku Port to strengthen China-Europe logistics via the Caspian. TRIPP and Peace Process: Deputy FM Elnur Mammadov met the US chargé d’affaires in Armenia on TRIPP implementation and regional stability; Bayramov reiterated TRIPP’s start is now set for 2027 and that physical work depends on Azerbaijan’s participation. Armenia Normalization Timeline: Bayramov said Baku is monitoring Armenia’s constitutional change process after the Washington joint declaration, stressing Azerbaijan’s position remains unchanged. World Bank Leadership: World Bank Group appointed Sacha Backes to lead its unified country representation in Azerbaijan. Regional Transport: Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan began work to restore passenger ferry service across the Caspian between Aktau and Baku. Energy Logistics Update: KazTransOil reported 4% growth in oil transportation in the first eight months of 2026.

Azerbaijan–Armenia Peace Track: Deputy FM Elnur Mammadov met US Chargé d’Affaires David Allen (in Armenia) and Amy Carlon (in Azerbaijan) to discuss normalization steps, long-term peace, regional stability, and progress on TRIPP, including plans for a TRIPP Development Corporation to oversee related infrastructure. OIC Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov congratulated newly elected OIC Secretary-General Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed and invited him to visit Azerbaijan, stressing OIC support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity. Energy & Regional Trade: Azerbaijan and Algeria advanced preparations for the first Azerbaijan–Algeria Joint Commission meeting in early 2027, focusing on hydrocarbons plus petrochemicals, electricity, and renewables, with SOCAR–Sonatrach cooperation highlighted. Climate Governance in Baku: Baku Climate Action Week continued with sessions on Caspian Sea impacts, turning climate ambition into real policy, and data-driven investment decisions. Urban Resilience: Baku plans to expand public green spaces to about 2,500 hectares by 2040, including roughly 1,000 hectares of new areas, alongside energy-efficiency building standards. Education Benchmark: Azerbaijan (Baku) posted major gains in PISA 2025—second-highest overall improvement—boosting math, science, and reading scores. Legal Rights: The ECHR awarded compensation in the “Nardaran case” to defendants Agil Ismayilov and Shamil Abdulaliyev, citing violations of rights. Culture & Soft Power: Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency sent filmmakers to the Venice Film Festival to build international ties and promote Azerbaijani cinema abroad.

Sanctions & Iran: Britain published legislation for tougher sanctions on Iran, tightening access to the UK financial system, expanding trade bans, and restricting Iranian aircraft landings unless exemptions apply. Armenia-Azerbaijan War Data: Armenia’s casualty figures remain disputed as officials again clarify numbers from the 2020 war, with activists pushing for a complete public list. AI/Science Diplomacy: Azerbaijan awarded Turkish Nobel laureate Aziz Sancar the “Shohrat” Order for strengthening international scientific and humanitarian cooperation. Government Appointments: Ruslan Alikhanov was dismissed as CEO of Azerbaijan Investment Holding; Dayanat Sadullayev was named acting CEO. Middle Corridor Logistics: Experts say the Middle Corridor needs better cross-border coordination, especially “soft” measures, to cut border queues and unlock transit potential. Baku Climate Week: BCAW 2026 panels focused on climate-resilient agriculture, Caspian Sea water risks, and farmer-centered adaptation, alongside UNFCCC Climate Week programming. Agriculture Subsidy Shift: Azerbaijan’s agriculture minister said new subsidy rules will reward productivity—modern irrigation, certified seeds, and better practices—rather than just paying more. Regional Security/Travel: Israel’s National Security Council warned Israelis against travel to Bangladesh and flagged Azerbaijan among areas of particular concern. Education Metrics: Azerbaijan’s education ministry highlighted PISA 2025 results, saying impacts will be clearer over the next decade.

Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Trade: Deputy PM Shahin Mustafayev said bilateral trade has tripled in five years and joint projects now top $5 billion, citing President Ilham Aliyev’s August visit to Uzbekistan and a “strategic partnership” with Mirziyoyev. Armenia–Latvia Diplomacy: Armenia’s FM Ararat Mirzoyan met Latvia’s President Edgars Rinkēvičs in Riga to expand trade, diversify exports to Europe, and discuss EU integration plus regional cooperation linked to the Armenia–Azerbaijan peace process and TRIPP. Peace Talks, “Chip Diplomacy”: The WSJ reports the US used Nvidia chip access as an incentive in the Armenia–Azerbaijan talks; Azerbaijan’s side also received pledges and Section 907 suspension, while questions remain about what Baku gained from the Washington framework. Human Rights Crackdown: Human rights defender Anar Mammadli was sentenced to 13 years (and Anar Abdulla to 12) in Baku, with Amnesty and others calling it politically motivated retaliation against election monitoring and dissent. ECHR Complaint: Armenian prisoner-of-war representative Siranush Sahakyan filed a group complaint to the European Court of Human Rights over alleged unfair “trials” of 15 Armenians in Azerbaijan. Humanitarian Access: ICRC said it has not yet received approval to revisit Armenians held in Azerbaijan, though it could arrange a visit quickly if authorization is granted. Climate Governance in Baku: UNFCCC transparency chief Xuehong Wang praised Azerbaijan’s Baku Climate Week and reiterated the Dec. 31 deadline for transparency reports. Green Energy Connectivity: Baku Climate Action Week panels focused on cross-border renewable energy certificates and interoperable REC/Guarantees of Origin systems for regional power trade. Regional Air Link: AZAL will restart Baku–Astrakhan flights Sept. 30, three times weekly, boosting travel between Azerbaijan and Russia’s Caspian region.

Climate Diplomacy & COP31 Prep: Azerbaijan’s COP29 leadership and transparency push stayed in focus as officials opened Baku Climate Action Week, stressing “ambition, transparency and finance” and urging countries to submit Biennial Transparency Reports on time. Green Energy Build-Out: The same forum heard that Azerbaijan expects a major wind ramp-up, aims to deliver green power from Karabakh and East Zangezur to export markets (including Nakhchivan via the Zangezur corridor), and targets 2 GW of green projects by 2027. Carbon Market Policy: Central Bank economist Ali Ahmadzada said Azerbaijan lacks a domestic carbon market and should start building infrastructure now, while SOCAR Green highlighted the need for reliable, high-quality voluntary credits and safeguards against double counting. Azerbaijan Economy & Budget: VAT and other refunds totaling AZN 224.2 million were returned from the state budget in Jan–Aug 2026. Agriculture Support: New subsidy mechanisms were approved for wheat, potatoes, cotton, greenhouses and fisheries/livestock, with rates varying by irrigation and technology. Defense & Security: Azerbaijan’s Army began a new training period with a focus on modern equipment use under day/night and difficult terrain. Regional Military Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Bulgaria met under their 2026 military cooperation plan to exchange practices on personnel leisure and cultural-social affairs. Energy Infrastructure Modernization: SOCAR said it plans to replace offshore gas turbines with electric compressors to boost efficiency and electrify operations. Local Governance via Sports: Baku hosted its first IRONMAN 70.3, drawing 1,500 athletes from 62 countries and triggering city traffic restrictions.

Azerbaijan Defense & Industry: President Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva visited the Azerbaijani Navy and a joint Azerbaijani-Turkish production facility where MIRAS and DEARSAN are building unmanned surface vessels SALVO and KAYRA, signaling a shift from importing Turkish naval drones to domestic production. US-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Ties: Speaker Sahiba Gafarova led a Milli Majlis delegation arriving in the United States for a working visit, with meetings expected in New York. Energy Strategy: SOCAR and China Eximbank move into a “new chapter” for Azerbaijan’s industrial future, while separate coverage highlights Azerbaijan’s growing role in Europe’s energy security and downstream ambitions. Regional Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Iran reviewed transit, border infrastructure, and energy cooperation, including railway progress toward the Iranian connection. Security & Information War: Azerbaijan’s AIR Center chairman Farid Shafiyev criticized The Guardian’s “The Black Garden” review as one-sided, while Armenian media was accused of recycling an old incident to claim a new “Azerbaijani advance.” Sports & Culture: Guba hosted the Guba Open 2026 international chess festival, and Azerbaijan’s VI World Nomad Games saw wrestler Aibek Kasmanbetov win bronze for Kyrgyzstan in Azerbaijani wrestling.

Azerbaijan-Iran Talks: Azerbaijan and Iran reviewed transit, border infrastructure, and energy cooperation by phone, with both sides stressing joint work on gas, electricity, and freight routes. Military Modernization: President Ilham Aliyev and Mehriban Aliyeva visited the Azerbaijani Navy, where they were briefed on new unmanned surface vessel projects and reviewed production progress. Energy Strategy: SOCAR’s leadership met China National Petroleum Corporation, signaling a push toward downstream processing and higher-value industrial output. Armenia-Azerbaijan Normalization & Trade: Armenia’s PM says there is a clear public mandate for peace with Azerbaijan, while analysts and social media discussed Azerbaijan’s diesel and gasoline shipments to Armenia as a political and economic signal. International Narrative Clash: AIR Center chief Farid Shafiyev criticized The Guardian’s “Black Garden” portrayal of the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict as one-sided. Regional Security Watch: Israel’s National Security Council flagged rising terror threats to Israelis and Jews abroad, naming Azerbaijan among countries near Iran. Sports & Culture: The Guba Open 2026 International Chess Festival kicked off with 300+ players, and Azerbaijan’s Navy visit and other state events dominated the week’s political-government coverage.

SCO Diplomacy: Xi Jinping urged SCO leaders in Bishkek to back an “irreversible” multipolar trend as Pakistan took the SCO chair for 2026-27, a move analysts say lets Islamabad showcase its role in regional governance. Armenia-Azerbaijan Narrative War: AIR Center chief Farid Shafiyev sent a letter to The Guardian rejecting its “Black Garden” framing and calling it one-sided on the occupation and displacement issue. Peace Process & US “Chip Diplomacy”: Armenia’s PM spokesperson told WSJ that US-linked access to Nvidia AI chips was used as an incentive in talks, while Yerevan also reiterated readiness to open the Turkey border. Border/Regional Security Signals: Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman rejected Armenian rights claims as unfounded, and reports also highlighted an ammunition depot fire in Goranboy amid ongoing investigation. Humanitarian Demining & UN Ties: President Ilham Aliyev met the new UN Resident Coordinator, focusing on reconstruction and demining, while OSCE PA leaders discussed the peace process and mine action. Climate Agenda in Baku: Azerbaijan will host UNFCCC Climate Week (Sept 7-11) alongside Baku Climate Action Week ahead of COP31. Energy/Trade Politics: Social media debated Azerbaijan’s diesel shipments to Armenia as analysts noted price effects and a possible political signal.