Georgia and Azerbaijan sign landmark energy and transport agreements in Baku
In a sweeping diplomatic push in Baku, Georgia and Azerbaijan have signed a landmark package of energy and transport agreements, cementing a partne...
EU President Ursula von der Leyen and His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates agreed to launch negotiations on a free trade agreement. Commissioner Maroš Šefčovič will soon visit the UAE to take the talks forward.
"This marks a positive step forward in EU–UAE relations and, alongside the negotiation of broader Strategic Partnership Agreements, can serve as a catalyst for stronger ties between the EU and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)," - EU statement reads.
President von der Leyen emphasised the European Union's strong track record of delivering high-standard trade agreements and building partnerships based on open trade and mutual benefit.
"The UAE shares strong and longstanding ties with the European Union and its member states, and today we agreed to launch negotiations towards a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU. Through this agreement, we aim to deepen bilateral relations and promote economic growth for the benefit of our countries and peoples," - UAE President stated via platform X.
The upcoming negotiations will focus on liberalising trade in goods, services, and investment, while deepening cooperation in strategic sectors such as renewable energy, green hydrogen and critical raw materials.
The World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
United Nations World Urban Forum 13 continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 19 May with sessions and roundtable discussions focused on strengthening dialogue and advancing cooperation in urban development. Organisers say there are nearly 3 billion people globally who face some form of housing inadequacy.
U.S. President Donald Trump said on Monday he had paused a planned attack on Iran after appeals from the leaders of Qatar, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, allowing negotiations to continue over a possible deal to end the conflict.
A 5.2 magnitude earthquake struck China’s Guangxi region early on Monday, killing two people and forcing more than 7,000 residents in Liuzhou to evacuate as rescue efforts continued.
Azerbaijan and Georgia have agreed to resume daily passenger train services on the Baku-Tbilisi-Baku route from 26 May, 2026, marking a major step in restoring regional rail connectivity after services were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Government bond markets from Tokyo to New York extended losses on Monday (18 May) as rising energy prices linked to the Middle East conflict heightened inflation concerns and reinforced expectations that major central banks could keep interest rates higher for longer.
Negotiations between Samsung Electronics and its workforce on Wednesday have broken down, officials said, raising fresh concerns over potential disruption to South Korea’s export-heavy economy.
By the time American shoppers began noticing higher prices on everything from trainers to televisions, the world's two largest economies were already deep in a trade war that left the world wondering how it would end.
The Strait of Hormuz remains a vital maritime chokepoint and serves as the primary artery linking the Persian Gulf to international energy markets. With approximately 20% of global oil and gas shipments transiting this waterway, it is the backbone of energy security for Asia, Europe, and beyond.
China’s exports grew faster than expected in April, as overseas buyers moved quickly to secure supplies amid fears that the conflict involving Iran could drive up global energy and transport costs.
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