AnewZ Morning Brief - 18 January, 2026
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for 18 January, covering the latest developments you need to know....
Armenia is considering the possibility of exporting goods to Azerbaijan, as discussions between the two countries continue over potential trade supplies, officials said.
Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan said competitive transit costs via Georgian Railways could create favourable conditions for future deliveries, opening new commercial routes between the long-time rivals.
Possible Armenian export items include aluminium products, agricultural goods, beverages and textiles, according to officials familiar with the talks. Papoyan said negotiations were ongoing and that specific terms would be agreed at a later stage.
The discussions follow a recent milestone in bilateral trade, when a fuel shipment from Azerbaijan reached Armenia by rail. The delivery marked the first direct trade deal between the two countries, signalling a potential shift in economic relations after years of political tension.
Officials cautioned that the talks remain at an early stage, but said the development could pave the way for broader economic cooperation if agreements are finalised.
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.
Tens of thousands of users were left unable to access Elon Musk’s social media platform X on Friday, with outages reported across multiple countries including the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada and Australia.
Armenia has reaffirmed that it has no intention of taking any actions directed against Iran, with senior officials stressing that relations with Tehran remain friendly and constructive.
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.
The Kremlin has welcomed recent signals from several major European capitals suggesting a renewed openness to dialogue with Moscow, calling the shift a “positive evolution” in Europe’s stance towards Russia.
Syrian government forces have moved into the northern towns of Deir Hafer and Maskana as Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) withdraw, amid renewed clashes and accusations that withdrawal terms were violated.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa has signed a decree aimed at safeguarding the rights of Kurds, including recognition of their language and citizenship restoration, as clashes persist between US-backed Kurdish forces and government troops.
Syrian troops swept through dozens of towns and villages in the country's north on Saturday after Kurdish fighters withdrew under an agreement that aimed to avoid a bloody showdown between the rival forces.
Fitch Ratings, one of the world’s three major credit rating agencies, says the start of trade and economic relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan could improve Armenia’s economic prospects, citing reduced geopolitical risks following recent steps towards peace.
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.
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