Georgia and Azerbaijan are stepping up efforts to boost trade, strengthen transport links between Asia and Europe and resolve a longstanding border dispute, as both countries seek to deepen their strategic partnership.
Opium poppy cultivation in Afghanistan surged by 330 per cent in 2026 despite a four-year ban, the United Nations said on Thursday. Afghan authorities disputed the findings, while Japan urged continued support for farmers seeking alternative livelihoods.
Israeli military prosecutors on Thursday indicted a serving soldier accused of spying for Iran and selling sensitive military information for cryptocurrency, The Times of Israel reported, citing Israeli security authorities.
Central Asia could gain up to $640 million a year from closer energy cooperation, but strained electricity grids threaten to limit those gains, with Kazakhstan particularly exposed to regional power shortages and growing pressure on its network.
People travelling between Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Azerbaijan could soon be able to pay for purchases using their usual banking apps. Central banks from the five countries are working on linking their national payment systems.
Azerbaijan has called for closer political, economic and security ties among members of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), urging greater regional unity, stronger coordination and a more prominent international role for the bloc.
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday as part of efforts to reach a deal between the U.S. and Iran, according to an official briefed on the talks.
The Middle East conflict remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue alongside renewed Houthi attacks. Iran says it remains open to mediation, while the Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the kingdom.
The Middle East conflict remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue alongside renewed Houthi attacks. Iran says it remains open to mediation, while the Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the kingdom.
Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday as part of efforts to reach a deal between the U.S. and Iran, according to an official briefed on the talks.
Demonstrators carrying Iranian flags and placards supporting the hijab gathered outside the Azerbaijani Embassy in London.
Azerbaijan has called for closer political, economic and security ties among members of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), urging greater regional unity, stronger coordination and a more prominent international role for the bloc.
The Middle East conflict remains tense as diplomatic efforts continue alongside renewed Houthi attacks. Iran says it remains open to mediation, while the Saudi-led coalition says it intercepted a ballistic missile fired towards the kingdom.
Evacuations and the provision of humanitarian aid in the Russian-occupied southern Ukrainian town of Oleshky have begun, a senior Ukrainian official said on Friday. In a statement on Telegram, David Arakhamia said a six-day ceasefire was holding, and that more details would follow.
Rescuers searched the wreckage of two high-speed trains in central Spain on Thursday as the death toll rose to a provisional 74, making it the country's second fatal high-speed rail disaster this year.
Qatari mediators returned to Tehran on Friday as part of efforts to reach a deal between the U.S. and Iran, according to an official briefed on the talks.
UN human rights experts comprising a group including Special Rapporteurs and independent experts who are part of the UN Human Rights Council, have criticised French authorities over their handling of nationwide student protests.
Foreign ministers from the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) gathered in Ankara on Thursday to strengthen regional cooperation and finalise preparations for Friday's leaders' summit.
Iran and Russia are moving ahead with plans to build small modular nuclear reactors, with Tehran announcing that the two countries are preparing to sign an agreement to accelerate their cooperation.
Georgia’s Constitutional Court is hearing a case to ban five opposition parties, amid disputes over election protests, judicial impartiality and political freedoms. As the legal battle intensifies, opposition groups are preparing fresh street protests.
Afghanistan’s government has claimed progress on women’s rights, citing efforts to tackle forced marriage and inheritance disputes, after United Nations officials criticised restrictions on Afghan women and girls during a Security Council debate in New York.
Azerbaijan is expanding its tourism links with the Asia-Pacific region as more than 50 international tourism professionals gather in Baku for the PATA Hosted Buyers Summit 2026, aimed at forging new partnerships and showcasing the country's attractions.
Türkiye aims to increase bilateral trade with Kazakhstan to $15 billion and expand investment cooperation, President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan said during talks with his Kazakh counterpart, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, who was on an official visit to Ankara.
Uzbekistan is launching a new fashion academy in Tashkent to help local clothing manufacturers build their own brands, sharpen design skills and compete in international markets.
Kazakhstan’s President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has unveiled plans to modernise infrastructure, strengthen trade links and boost electricity production in his annual address to the nation, outlining his economic priorities against a backdrop of global uncertainty.
Georgia is laying the groundwork for a digital version of its national currency, with parliament approving a legal framework and the central bank preparing pilot projects. But a nationwide launch remains years away.
Kyrgyzstan has unveiled plans to significantly expand its protected natural areas, bringing more high-altitude glaciers, mountain landscapes and state-owned forests under environmental protection as part of a draft strategy for 2026–2035.
Uzbekistan has launched Apple Pay and Google Pay, allowing customers at several local banks to make contactless payments using their smartphones and other compatible devices.
Iran says a “new and positive atmosphere” has emerged following rare security talks in Tehran with senior officials from Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and Türkiye, as regional tensions continue to escalate.
