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...
Syrian President Ahmad al‑Sharaa held separate telephone discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Friday (9 January), focusing on Syria’s internal security situation, reconstruction efforts and broader regional developments.
In the call with Macron, al‑Sharaa discussed prospects for bilateral cooperation and Syria’s role on the international stage, according to official statements.
He thanked France for its support during Syria’s transitional phase and its backing for reconstruction, underscoring the importance of safeguarding all segments of Syrian society, including the Kurdish community.
Macron has previously reaffirmed France’s commitment to supporting a “free and stable” Syria and indicated willingness to consider easing European Union sanctions if conditions on stability and rights are met.
During his conversation with Erdoğan, the focus was on security issues, particularly around Aleppo, where clashes between Syrian government forces and Kurdish‑led fighters have driven tens of thousands of people from their homes in recent days, according to media reports.
The leaders discussed efforts to curb “illegal armed activities” that officials say are hindering reconstruction and agreed on the importance of close coordination to address shared challenges and threats.
Erdoğan reiterated Türkiye’s support for strengthening security and stabilisation, noting Ankara’s interest in joint efforts to tackle militancy and preserve territorial integrity.
Both sides agreed to maintain close cooperation between relevant government institutions going forward.
The calls come as al‑Sharaa’s administration works to consolidate authority following the collapse of the Assad regime in late 2024 and amid stalled negotiations over integration of the Kurdish‑led Syrian Democratic Forces into the national army.
Internationally, al‑Sharaa has sought to rebuild diplomatic ties since assuming office, including urging the lifting of sanctions imposed during the Assad era. France has hosted him in Paris, and Türkiye has repeatedly highlighted its support for Syria’s recovery.
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.
In a sweeping diplomatic push in Baku, Georgia and Azerbaijan have signed a landmark package of energy and transport agreements, cementing a partnership set to shape the South Caucasus corridor for decades to come.
Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has called for closer security coordination between Central Asia and China, warning that expanding trade and infrastructure links are exposing the region to increasingly sophisticated cross-border threats.
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.
Israeli forces intercepted dozens of Gaza-bound aid vessels in the eastern Mediterranean on Monday (18 May), prompting condemnation from the United Nations and Türkiye, while flotilla organisers said several ships continued sailing toward Gaza despite the operation.
Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources familiar with the arrangement.
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