live Sustainable reconstruction on the agenda as WUF13 comes to a close in Azerbaijan
As the 13th edition of the World Urban Forum nears an end, Azerbaijan's Pavilion will showcase reconstruction efforts in its liberated territor...
Russian President Vladimir Putin held separate calls with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian on 16 January, offering Russia’s help to mediate tensions and promote dialogue in the Middle East.
In his conversation with Netanyahu, Putin outlined proposals for active political and diplomatic steps to ensure regional stability and security, according to the official website of the Kremlin.
During the call with Pezeshkian, the Iranian president informed Putin about Tehran’s active efforts to normalise the domestic situation. Both sides emphasised their shared position in favour of rapid de-escalation in Iran and the wider region through exclusively political and diplomatic means.
The leaders confirmed a mutual commitment to strengthen the Russian-Iranian strategic partnership and implement joint economic projects across various sectors.
The discussions took place amid nationwide protests in Iran and global concern over the government’s crackdown.
Analysts note that any threat to the survival of Iran’s leadership would be a matter of serious concern for Moscow, especially in light of Russia’s diplomatic and strategic ties with Tehran.
Russia has publicly voiced support for Iran’s stability and emphasised its interest in resolving tensions through diplomacy amid widespread protests in the country.
Ties between Russia and Iran have been evolving in recent years, including the signing a 20‑year strategic partnership agreement in 2025 covering economic, political, and security cooperation.
Asked what support Russia could provide to Iran, Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov said, “Russia is already providing assistance not only to Iran but also to the entire region, and to the cause of regional stability and peace."
"This is partly thanks to the president’s efforts to help de‑escalate tensions,” he added.
Moscow has also underscored its backing for Iran’s right to peaceful nuclear energy while calling for political solutions to regional challenges.
Asian stocks surged on Thursday as some vessels resumed passage through the Strait of Hormuz, while forecast-beating results at Nvidia and a suspended workers' strike at Samsung Electronics lifted shares of chipmakers.
At least 21 people have been killed and thousands evacuated after torrential rain triggered flooding, landslides and transport disruption across southern and central China, with authorities warning that more heavy rainfall is expected along the Yangtze River.
The penultimate day of the World Urban Forum 13 in Baku will see Azerbaijan's Pavilion highlight post-construction efforts in Garabagh and East Zangezur, as well as host events on the future of Baku and architectural education.
Russia’s ambassador to the United Nations Vasily Nebenzya warned on Tuesday (19 May) that Moscow could retaliate against Baltic states if Ukraine launches military drones from that region. Latvia, the United States and Ukraine responded strongly during a UN Security Council meeting.
Russia is considering the possibility of joint projects with the United States and China, Kirill Dmitriev, Head of the Russian Direct Investment Fund, (Russia's sovereign wealth fund), was quoted as saying by state media on Wednesday.
Azerbaijan is stepping up efforts to strengthen its position as a regional hub for investment and connectivity ahead of the second Azerbaijan International Investment Forum in Baku this September.
Iran and Pakistan discussed developments in stalled Iran-U.S. negotiations during a visit to Tehran by Pakistani Interior Minister Mohsen Raza Naqvi, amid Islamabad’s ongoing mediation efforts.
President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday (21 May), with both leaders discussing bilateral ties, regional developments and ongoing peace efforts in the South Caucasus.
Georgia’s parliament speaker has accused Britain of “blatant hypocrisy” after London quietly allowed Russian-origin oil products into the country - a move UK officials had reportedly urged Tbilisi to avoid.
Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan will attend a meeting of NATO foreign ministers in the Swedish city of Helsingborg on Thursday and Friday, diplomatic sources said.
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