AGP Executive Report

Azerbaijan-Armenia Peace Track: Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan said the “first” Armenia-to-Azerbaijan goods export deal is already concluded in practice, but companies are still completing internal procedures before details are made public; he also insisted Armenia’s constitution is not on the bilateral agenda. OSCE Parliamentary Assembly: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met OSCE PA President Pere Joan Pons Sanpietro, discussing security challenges and the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agenda, with mine threats highlighted as a key humanitarian issue. Humanitarian Demining: At Baku’s 4th International Mine Action Conference, UN-Habitat officials praised Azerbaijan’s state-led demining model and mine-detection dog donations (60+ dogs in five years), while Israeli Ambassador Ronen Krausz said Israeli firms could support clearance using AI, drones and advanced equipment. Regional Energy & Investment: SOCAR, EPS and Srbijagas advanced a Serbia gas-fired power plant joint venture (up to 500 MW), while Azerbaijan’s economy also drew attention via a new index forecasting food inflation two months ahead. Media Freedom: Meta was urged to investigate complaints tied to blocks on independent Azerbaijani media pages on Instagram/Facebook, amid claims of coordinated pressure on exiled outlets. Diplomacy & Mobility: Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan held consular consultations in Ashgabat, signing a protocol to deepen cooperation on citizens’ rights, migration and legal affairs. Tourism & Real Estate: Marriott and PASHA announced a Ritz-Carlton expansion on Baku’s Caspian coast, adding a new Zagulba beach resort and hundreds of branded residences.

Military & Security (Azerbaijan): President Ilham Aliyev signed an order launching October 1–30, 2026 conscription for citizens born in 2008 (now 18) and eligible men born 1996–2007, while active servicemen completing their term will be discharged to the reserve in the same window. Regional Conflict & Humanitarian Issues: Artsakh’s acting parliamentary speaker Gagik Bagunts said new elections are “impossible” under pressure from Armenian authorities and amid the occupation and de-Armenization of Artsakh, with the parliament continuing in its current composition. International Diplomacy (SCO): At the SCO summit in Bishkek, leaders including Xi, Putin, Modi and others adopted the Bishkek Declaration, focusing on security, counter-terrorism, trade facilitation and economic integration. Connectivity & Transport Politics: Armenia-Azerbaijan TRIPP talks remain in focus as the plan is framed as a U.S.-brokered route to restore transport links and reshape regional leverage. Economy & Governance (Azerbaijan): Azerbaijan approved a decree on a statistics cooperation memorandum with Kyrgyzstan, tasking the State Statistical Committee to implement it. Education & Science: AzTU opened the 14th Global Conference on Global Warming in Baku, bringing nearly 200 researchers from 30 countries. International Business (VTB/TSMU): VTB and Pacific State Medical University signed a deal to expand university banking services and create an endowment fund, alongside internships and financial literacy programs.

Mine Action & Urban Recovery: President Ilham Aliyev opened Baku’s 4th International Mine Action Conference, stressing that mines still affect over 13% of Azerbaijan and citing 437 mine victims since 2020; ANAMA says about $590m has been allocated since November 2020, with only ~4% from abroad, while UN officials argue demining must build peace and restore livelihoods. UN Diplomacy: Aliyev met newly appointed UN Resident Coordinator Dmytro Shlapachenko, highlighting UN support for reconstruction in Garabagh and East Zangezur and mine-related cooperation. Public Safety & Fraud: Azerbaijan Railways warned passengers about fake tickets for the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route, urging purchases only via official ADY channels. Regional Politics (SCO): Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan said his Bishkek meeting with Putin was “very good” and that Armenia-Russia ties need “reformulation” amid a changed regional environment. Energy/Business: Comstock signed an LoI with SOCAR for $1.65bn in stakes tied to Haynesville assets, with closing expected by end-2026. Security Incident: An explosion and fire hit an ammunition depot near Nizami in Goranboy; about 5,000 residents were evacuated as authorities brought the situation under control.

SCO Diplomacy in Bishkek: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev wrapped up a Kyrgyzstan visit as the SCO+ summit advanced a multipolar agenda, while Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan met Aliyev and India’s Modi on the margins—focusing on TRIPP connectivity, border delimitation work, and steps toward a final peace deal. Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process: Reports say Armenia and Azerbaijan agreed to keep implementing TRIPP and normalization through direct bilateral engagement, with emphasis on Azerbaijani petroleum exports to Armenia and transit of third-country goods. Legal Pressure on Prisoners: An attorney filed a complaint at the ECHR over alleged rights violations for 15 Artsakh Armenians held in Baku, while Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry said consular work continues but details won’t be public. Regional Security & Iran: SCO leaders backed a unanimous condemnation of US-Israeli aggression against Iran; Iran’s Pezeshkian said the bloc reaffirmed members’ sovereignty and territorial integrity. Energy & Trade: SOCAR and China’s CNOOC signed an MoU to expand oil and gas cooperation, and Comstock announced a partnership with Azerbaijan’s SOCAR for Haynesville shale development. Domestic/International Messaging: Azerbaijan protested foreign media coverage, accusing coordinated “information campaign” narratives.

SCO+ Diplomacy in Bishkek: President Ilham Aliyev used the SCO+ meeting to frame Azerbaijan as a “zone of peace” after the Aug. 8 Armenia-Azerbaijan deal, calling for faster UN Security Council mechanisms and stressing multilateralism; he also highlighted the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan Treaty on Allied Relations as lifting ties to a “highest level.” Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace & TRIPP: Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan reiterated a “multipolar” approach and said TRIPP connectivity will open transport routes benefiting the whole region, while both sides pointed to practical steps on border delimitation and implementation. Trade Normalization Signals: Armenia’s FM Ararat Mirzoyan said Azerbaijani firms have started buying Armenian goods, with reciprocal sales expected—following earlier Azerbaijan oil-product supplies and transit arrangements. Energy Cooperation: SOCAR and China’s CNOOC signed an MoU for joint upstream projects and expanded oil-and-gas cooperation; Azerbaijan also discussed further energy and environmental ties with Bahrain. Humanitarian Accounting: Azerbaijan’s state commission reported 4,010 missing persons linked to the First and Second Karabakh Wars, with ongoing searches, identifications, and mass-burial site discoveries. Digital Integration: Azerbaijan was admitted to the Digital Cooperation Organization, aiming for shared digital standards, training, and market access for local startups. Industrial Output: Azerbaijan’s industrial zones hit 1.94 billion manats in production in H1 2026, with 554.7 million manats exported.

Azerbaijan–Armenia Peace Track: In Bishkek on the SCO sidelines, President Ilham Aliyev and PM Nikol Pashinyan reaffirmed the Washington peace framework and discussed practical steps for TRIPP, including Azerbaijani petroleum exports to Armenia, grain transit via Azerbaijan, and continued work of border demarcation commissions. Human Rights & Legal Pressure: An Armenian human rights activist filed a collective complaint with the ECHR over alleged unfair “trials” of 15 Armenians held in Azerbaijan, while an exhibition in Paris spotlighted 19 Armenian political prisoners. Armenian Opposition Claims Political Motive: Armenian faction leader Anna Grigoryan linked Robert Kocharyan’s arrest to a bid to neutralize opposition amid expectations of new concessions to Baku. Diplomatic Outreach: Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev met China’s top prosecutor, signing a memorandum to expand legal cooperation and fight transnational crime. Education & Language Policy: An Azerbaijani MP backed starting Armenian-language instruction at Baku Slavic University, arguing Azerbaijan will need Armenian-speaking specialists for future diplomacy and institutions. Media & Information Environment: Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency criticized UK outlets and the BBC for allegedly biased reporting and said it will investigate. Regional Stage: Aliyev attended the opening of the 6th World Nomad Games in Bishkek, underscoring Azerbaijan’s cultural and diplomatic presence alongside SCO events.

Azerbaijan–Armenia Talks in Bishkek: President Ilham Aliyev met Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan on the SCO sidelines, stressing the Washington Peace Summit outcomes, the peace agreement framework, and practical “dividends of peace” like Azerbaijani oil product exports and transit of grain and other goods through Azerbaijan; both sides also highlighted border delimitation state commissions and discussed next steps under TRIPP. SCO Diplomacy in Kyrgyzstan: Aliyev arrived in Bishkek for the SCO summit and SCO Plus format, with leaders including Xi, Putin, Modi, and Pezeshkian expected to shape the Bishkek Declaration for the bloc’s 25th anniversary, while Azerbaijan’s journalists also arrived to cover the events. EU Security Role in Armenia: An EU mission in Armenia (EUPM) is set to begin work focused on “resilience against hybrid threats,” including cyber and information interference, as Yerevan deepens its EU security posture. Human Rights at the ECtHR: An Armenian group complaint was filed with the ECtHR over alleged unfair “trials” of 15 Armenians held in Azerbaijan, including claims of lack of independent and impartial review. Regional Energy Watch: Bulgaria approved a 5.5% September natural gas price rise, citing Azerbaijani gas supply as a factor keeping prices below international levels.

SCO Summit Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev’s regional agenda is set against a wider Eurasian push as Vladimir Putin heads to Bishkek for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, with planned talks involving Iran’s Pezeshkian, China’s Xi, India’s Modi and Turkey’s Erdogan. Human Rights & Missing Persons: Azerbaijan marked the International Day of Victims of Enforced Disappearances with statements from Hikmet Hajiyev and the Ombudsman stressing that 4,010 Azerbaijanis remain registered as missing; officials cite 32 mass graves found and 328 identifications via DNA, calling on Armenia to provide full burial-site information. Prison Conditions Allegations: The family of detained opposition leader Ali Karimli says authorities are “deliberately trying to break him” by denying safe drinking water in prison. Defense Cooperation: Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov attended graduation ceremonies at Türkiye’s military academies, presenting diplomas to Azerbaijani graduates. Sports Infrastructure & Events: Ganja Stadium received UEFA Category 4 status after modernization, enabling higher-level international matches. Business & Services: Azerbaijan’s Land Transport Agency (AYNA) reported thousands of services delivered to entrepreneurs and carriers in Baku and regions, including permits and tachograph cards. International Ties: Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova sought support for her IPU presidency bid during a Cambodia call.

Enforced Disappearances: Azerbaijan marks Aug. 30 with renewed pressure on Armenia to provide information on missing persons from the former conflict; Hikmet Hajiyev says 4,010 Azerbaijanis remain registered as missing, citing 32 mass graves found and 328 identifications via DNA, while the Ombudsman also calls for truth, justice and dignified burial. Prison Conditions Allegations: Family of detained opposition figure Ali Karimli says authorities are “deliberately trying to break him,” including denial of safe drinking water in Baku prison. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Speaker Sahiba Gafarova seeks Cambodia’s backing for her bid for IPU presidency, with the IPU vote set for Oct. 9. Media Regulation: Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency says Ajmedia.news is not registered in the Media Registry and was deemed unlawful by court. Business & Transport Services: AYNA reports nearly 3,945 services for 500 Baku entrepreneurs and 2,882 freight-related services for 468 carriers (Aug. 17–21), plus 744 services in regions. International Engagement: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry congratulates Türkiye on Victory Day; Azerbaijan also warns media outlets against false claims on minority representation.

SCO Summit in Bishkek: Leaders from 17 countries and UN chief António Guterres are set to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit on September 1, with Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev among the expected participants alongside Xi Jinping, Vladimir Putin, Narendra Modi, Masoud Pezeshkian and Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Media Regulation: Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency warned that “Ajmedia.news” is not registered in the Media Registry and said a court decision has deemed its activity unlawful, urging all community-representing outlets to follow the Law on Media. Baku–Poland Row: Azerbaijan summoned Poland’s ambassador over TVP World’s “Eastern Express” broadcast, calling the claims “biased and unacceptable” and warning it could harm bilateral relations amid ongoing Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization. Karabakh Refugees’ Housing Crisis: Armenian officials face renewed pressure as Karabakh refugees report being priced out by rising rental costs, with authorities linking the trend to diaspora and investment demand. Digital Cooperation Expansion: The Digital Cooperation Organization approved eight new member states including Azerbaijan, and welcomed Tajikistan as an associate member, expanding the bloc’s digital-economy footprint. Finance Watch: Azerbaijan’s banks are growing credit far faster than the economy, while profits rise and a bad-loan surge appears to have stalled. Energy Transition: Azerbaijan is pushing a clean-energy expansion, backed by World Bank financing under the AZURE renewable project to diversify beyond oil and gas. Sports Diplomacy: The 2026 World Judo Championships will be held in Baku (Oct 4–11), while Lausanne hosts the 2028 edition.

Digital Diplomacy: The Digital Cooperation Organization (DCO) approved eight new member states—Albania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Zambia—potentially lifting its footprint from 16 to 24 countries and reaching about 980 million people, with Tajikistan joining as an associate member. Finance & Regulation: Azerbaijan’s banks are expanding credit far faster than the economy, while the Central Bank data also points to a profit boost alongside a sudden stall in bad-loan trends; separately, Baku’s bond market is moving toward more active secondary trading as automation plans gain momentum. Foreign Policy Clash: Azerbaijan summoned Poland’s ambassador over TVP World’s “Eastern Express” broadcast, protesting what Baku calls biased claims about Azerbaijan’s state and leadership, and warning the move could damage bilateral ties. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Azerbaijan is expected to attend the Sept. 1 SCO summit in Bishkek, where leaders from major Eurasian states and UN officials will discuss security, economy and cooperation. Human Rights: Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman marked the International Day of the Victims of Enforced Disappearances, stressing families’ right to truth and obligations under international humanitarian law. Trade & Connectivity: Baku and Astrakhan agreed to strengthen freight transport along the North-South Transport Corridor, with cultural cooperation also on the agenda. Domestic Oversight: Azerbaijan tightened import controls for non-food consumer goods, requiring conformity documents at customs from Sept. 5 to protect consumer safety.

Azerbaijan–Russia Tensions: Baku says a protest outside the Azerbaijani embassy guesthouse in Moscow sparked “hysteria” in Baku and demands a legal probe by Russian authorities after posters accused Azerbaijan’s leadership of covering up alleged security service abuses. Diplomatic Pushback: Azerbaijan also summoned Poland’s ambassador over TVP World’s “Eastern Express” segment, calling the broadcast biased and unacceptable, and handed a formal note of protest. Regional Trade & Transit: Azerbaijan is set to transit another Russian wheat and barley shipment to Armenia via its rail network, with thousands of tons already moved in transit through Azerbaijan. Armenia’s Russia Break: Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan reiterated that Armenia no longer treats Russia as a strategic partner and linked the shift to CSTO/Russia failing security obligations after 2022, while Russian FM spokeswoman Maria Zakharova accused Yerevan of shifting blame. Middle Corridor Momentum: Armenia’s TRIPP “Zangezur Corridor” talks continue, with an Armenian delegation scheduled to coordinate the Charter and Shareholders Agreement in Washington, as the project is positioned alongside the Middle Corridor. Finance & Business: ABB Bank launched its Davr Bank acquisition project in Uzbekistan, expanding ABB’s regional banking footprint. Energy & Security: Azerbaijan added Iran to a list of countries where its diplomats work under special wartime conditions. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova addressed an inter-parliamentary conference in Cambodia, stressing peace through international law and peaceful conflict resolution.

Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Finance: ABB Davr Bank was launched in Tashkent as Azerbaijan’s ABB moves into Uzbekistan by buying a controlling stake in Davr Bank, with President Ilham Aliyev and Mirziyoyev attending online. Middle Corridor Logistics: Euronews spotlights how Azerbaijan is turning the Middle Corridor into a faster, more reliable trade route, citing rising Port of Baku transshipment and growing use of digital cargo tracking. UN & Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Deputy FM Yalchin Rafiyev attended an OIC extraordinary foreign ministers session in Jeddah, backing the election of Mauritania’s Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed as new secretary-general and flagging Azerbaijan’s 2027 OIC summit plans. UNESCO Cultural Role: Azerbaijan’s new UNESCO envoy Fakhraddin Ismayilov presented credentials to Director-General Khaled El-Enany, discussing expanded cooperation and preparations for Baku’s 7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue. Balligaya Commemoration: Azerbaijan marked the 34th anniversary of the Balliqaya massacre, calling for a legal assessment of crimes against humanity and accountability. Regional Security Tensions: Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan said Yerevan has grounds to stop treating Russia as a strategic partner, citing CSTO failures after the 2022 escalation. Education & Mobility: The first 37 BEU–BUCT dual-degree students departed for China under a 2+2 model across six specialties.

SCO Summit Focus: As the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation turns 25, its Bishkek leaders’ summit (Aug 31–Sep 1) is framed as a test of regional “sustainable peace” amid Russia-Ukraine fallout and the US-Israel-Iran crisis, with India seeking strategic autonomy and Eurasian connectivity. Azerbaijan-Russia Tensions: Baku condemned a “provocative” incident outside its embassy guesthouse in Moscow and urged Russian authorities to investigate and prevent recurrence, warning it could be part of a broader anti-Azerbaijan campaign. Armenia’s Strategic Pivot: Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia has grounds to stop treating Russia as a strategic partner, pointing to CSTO failures during the Sept 2022 escalation; he also reiterated EU-oriented steps and a “balanced” foreign policy. TRIPP & Regional Connectivity: Commentary and reporting marked the first anniversary of the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, linking Azerbaijan to Nakhchivan via Armenia’s Syunik and tying it to wider transport and investment plans. Energy Cooperation Talks: Azerbaijan and Armenia discussed cross-border electricity trade options in Lachin, while Armenia’s 2026–2031 programme was approved with peace and normalization priorities. Iran Sanctions Pressure: Multiple reports assessed the US push to isolate Iran through tougher financial measures, with regional partners’ choices likely hinging on secondary sanctions risk. SOCAR-China Energy Finance: SOCAR met China’s Export-Import Bank to explore further energy-sector cooperation, including refining and future projects.

Diplomatic Fallout in Moscow: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry strongly condemned the placement of “provocative images” outside the Guest House of its embassy in Moscow on Aug. 27, saying it may be part of a biased campaign and urging Russia to investigate and prevent recurrence, citing Vienna Convention obligations. Security & Regional Balancing: A Jerusalem Post report frames Azerbaijan’s situation as a tightrope amid Iran’s southern pressure, Baku’s ties with Turkey, and economic links with Russia, noting military cooperation with Israel at “all-time high.” Armenia-EU Pivot Signals: Armenian PM Nikol Pashinyan said border talks with Azerbaijan will make enclaves/exclaves a “normal working issue,” while also discussing electricity imports (including from Azerbaijan) and signaling deeper EU direction. Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Finance Push: ABB Davr Bank was launched in Tashkent with presidents Aliyev and Mirziyoyev, as ABB moves into Uzbekistan via acquisition of a controlling stake in Davr Bank. Middle Corridor Logistics: A GADOT Group CEO said a China–Kyrgyzstan–Uzbekistan rail link could boost connectivity for the Middle Corridor, depending on capacity, borders, terminals, and reliability. Education Link: Garabagh University will start an English-taught dual-degree engineering program with Istanbul Technical University from 2026/27. Sports & Culture: Azerbaijan named squads for international beach wrestling in Baku; the Lachin International Film Festival wrapped with awards, including Uzbek film “Rise of the Conqueror” screened in Karabakh. Digital Economy Tax Move: Azerbaijan completed VAT registration for non-resident digital providers including Zoho, Zoom, and OpenAI, with VAT effective Sept. 1, 2026.

CSTO Watch: CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov said there’s “no need to anticipate” Armenia’s possible withdrawal, stressing any expulsion decision rests with member-state leaders at the November Collective Security Council. Regional Security & Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s foreign-policy balancing act is highlighted amid a crowded security map involving Russia, Iran, Turkey and Armenia, with analysts noting Baku keeps multiple doors open while pursuing peace. Israel–Turkey–Syria Stakes: Coverage focuses on how Turkey’s growing role in Syria is reshaping regional threat perceptions, with US envoy Tom Barrack singled out for his unusual cross-files across Turkey, Iraq and Syria. Iran Pressure & Energy: Reports say the US is shifting from strikes to economic pressure on Iran, easing immediate oil-supply fears but keeping Hormuz uncertainty in play; separate analysis warns a full trade ban on Iran could destabilize the global economy. ADEX 2026 Defense: Azerbaijan’s ADEX 2026 is set to expand with major new US debuts—Lockheed Martin and SIG SAUER—plus more countries joining national pavilions. Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Connectivity: The “Treaty on Eternal Friendship” and new trade and transport plans are framed as building a wider Central Asia–South Caucasus economic bridge. Sanctions & Finance: S&P Global says TRIPP could strengthen regional connectivity, while US sanctions moves on Iran are again linked to wider costs and secondary pressure.