Kyiv struggles as Russian strikes halve city’s electricity supply
Kyiv is facing its most severe wartime energy crisis, with the capital receiving only about half the electricity it needs, Mayor Vitali Klitschko told...
Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has welcomed Azerbaijan’s decision to lift all transit restrictions on cargo shipments to Armenia, calling it a major step toward regional peace and economic cooperation.
Speaking at the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, Pashinyan said, “The President of Azerbaijan has taken a very important and positive step. This decision holds great importance for restoring trust and developing economic ties in the region. Peace in the region is of utmost importance,” he said.
According to Report’s Georgian bureau, Pashinyan noted that thanks to this platform, Armenia has moved closer to achieving peace with Azerbaijan.
He described the Tbilisi Silk Road Forum as an essential initiative connecting regional nations and deepening mutual ties.
“This major project is not only economic but also a significant step towards peace and stability. One of its outcomes will be the opening of the peace route connecting Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan.”
The remarks came a day after Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev announced the removal of all transit restrictions for Armenian-bound cargo. Speaking in Astana, Aliyev said a shipment of Kazakh grain via Azerbaijan to Armenia marked the first such consignment since the late Soviet era.
“I think this is also a good indicator that peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia is no longer on paper, but in practice,” Aliyev said.
A spokeswoman for the Armenian prime minister also hailed the move as a “step of great importance for opening regional communications, strengthening mutual trust, and institutionalising the peace established between Armenia and Azerbaijan.”
Pashinyan further expressed appreciation to Georgia and Kazakhstan for their role in fostering dialogue and regional stability.
“I want to express my gratitude to the President of Azerbaijan for this step, as well as to the President of Kazakhstan and the Prime Minister of Georgia,” he said.
Highlighting the broader implications for the South Caucasus, Pashinyan emphasised that developing communications, transport routes, and economic ties will consolidate peace and prosperity:
“Building connections and expanding cooperation will bring more opportunities, growth, and prosperity to the countries of the region. This will further strengthen peace in the South Caucasus,” he said.
The lifting of transit restrictions marks one of the most tangible signs of progress since the U.S.-brokered peace agreement signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in August, as both countries seek to normalise relations after decades of conflict.
At least four people were injured after a large fire and explosions hit a residential building in the Dutch city of Utrecht, authorities said.
Ukraine has declared a state of emergency in its energy sector after sustained Russian attacks severely damaged power and heating infrastructure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said on Wednesday.
A railway power outage in Tokyo disrupted the morning commute for roughly 673,000 passengers on Friday (16 January) as two main lines with some of the world's busiest stations were halted after reports of a fire.
Iran reopened its airspace late on Wednesday after a near five-hour closure that disrupted airline traffic, amid heightened concerns over possible military escalation involving the United States.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has warned that the international situation is worsening and that the world is becoming more dangerous, while avoiding public comment on events in Venezuela and Iran.
The Regional Environmental Summit 2026 will be held in Astana from 22-24 April, bringing together Central Asian countries to strengthen regional dialogue on climate and environmental challenges.
Kazakhstan has begun recalibrating its oil export logistics amid ongoing restrictions affecting the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC), a vital conduit for the country’s crude supplies to global markets.
Reza Pahlavi, the exiled son of Iran’s last shah, has called for support for protesters seeking to overthrow Iran’s government. Speaking at a press conference in Washington on 16 January, Pahlavi outlined plans to return to Iran and called for action against the country’s Revolutionary Guards.
The Turkish Defence Ministry has voiced its support for recent military operations by Syrian government forces against the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF), which enjoy the support of the United States.
Uzbekistan plans to establish production facilities in Qatar as part of a strategy to expand exports and strengthen its presence in Gulf markets.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment