live U.S. President Trump asks NATO allies for urgent support in Hormuz, diplomats say - Thursday 9 April
Iran suggested it would be "unreasonable" to proceed with talks to forge a permanent peace d...
Lithuania’s Prime Minister’s visit to Azerbaijan on 9 April signals a deepening strategic dialogue between Baku and European partners. Analysts say economic interests and geopolitical shifts are driving closer engagement.
Speaking to AnewZ, Alexandra Filippenko, political analyst, said that “we assess current relations and we agree to form a stronger cooperation and further expansion,” highlighting growing interest from both Lithuania and the broader European Union.
She emphasised that increasing trade turnover and promoting mutual investments are now key priorities, noting that “the financial part plays the biggest role.”
Filippenko pointed out that Europe is seeking to diversify its partnerships amid shifting global dynamics, adding that “it’s very important to turn to the other side… first of all, of course, to Azerbaijan.”
On Azerbaijan’s regional role, she stressed its strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Central Asia, calling it “very important” for EU member states.
She warned against external influence, stating that Lithuania understands “how important it is not to allow Russia to influence the relations between Azerbaijan and European countries.”

Discussing the role of smaller EU states, the analyst said they are becoming more influential in shaping policy, particularly in NATO and regional cooperation. She added that Azerbaijan is now “a power player not only in the region but internationally.”
She also underlined the importance of connectivity projects, logistics, and cooperation across the South Caucasus and Central Asia, noting that European countries must strengthen partnerships in response to shifting U.S. priorities.
Energy security remains a central issue, with Filippenko stating that Azerbaijan plays “a very big role” in helping Europe diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on Russia.
Finally, she highlighted the importance of cultural and academic ties, stressing that “we cannot say enough about the importance of people to people communications,” as these exchanges are essential for building long-term partnerships.
China and Russia vetoed a United Nations Security Council resolution on Tuesday aimed at coordinating defensive efforts to protect commercial shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, leaving no agreed international framework for securing the vital route.
Lebanon’s Hezbollah said it had stopped firing on northern Israel and Israeli forces on Wednesday as part of a two-week ceasefire in the Middle East brokered between the United States and Iran. However, a Hezbollah lawmaker warned that the pause could collapse if Tel Aviv does not adhere to it.
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said Iran and the United States, along with their allies, have agreed to an immediate two-week ceasefire covering all areas, but Israel says the deal excludes Lebanon. Tel Aviv says the U.S. is committed to achieving shared goals in upcoming negotiations.
Construction has begun on a major new solar power project in Xizang, as China continues to expand its renewable energy capacity and push towards a greener future.
Iran suggested it would be "unreasonable" to proceed with talks to forge a permanent peace deal with the U.S. after Israel pounded Lebanon with its heaviest strikes yet on Wednesday, killing hundreds of people. The warning came from Iran's lead negotiator, parliament speaker Mohammed Bager Qalibaf.
Afghanistan and Pakistan have agreed to continue dialogue and avoid steps that could worsen tensions after China-hosted talks in Urumqi, with Kabul and Beijing saying the meetings focused on easing differences and improving relations.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said on Thursday (9 April) that restoring freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz is a vital interest for both Italy and the European Union, pledging coordination with international partners to ensure safe passage.
Kazakhstan says oil exports via the Caspian Pipeline Consortium (CPC) remain stable after drone strikes on facilities near Novorossiysk, despite damage to key infrastructure and rising risks to a major export route.
Israel launched its heaviest strikes on Lebanon since hostilities escalated last month, killing over 100 people, even as Hezbollah halted attacks under a disputed U.S.-Iran ceasefire.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has said Türkiye aims to rank among the world’s top ten exporters of defence technology within the next two years.
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