Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan elevate ties with landmark Eternal Friendship treaty
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have elevated bilateral ties with a Treaty on Eternal Friendship signed by Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev...
A vast undersea power link across the Black Sea is gaining momentum, strengthening Georgia’s ambitions to become a key energy bridge between East and West.
After securing Project of Mutual Interest (PMI) status from the European Union, the Black Sea Submarine Cable is no longer just a regional concept. It is rapidly emerging as a strategic initiative with geopolitical weight, economic potential, and significant implications for Europe’s energy future.
The Black Sea Submarine Cable Project is among the most ambitious energy infrastructure plans in the wider region. Designed to connect Georgia directly to European electricity markets, it involves a 1,155-kilometre high-voltage cable - most of it laid along the seabed - capable of transmitting 1,300 megawatts of power.
At its core, the project focuses on exporting clean energy. Georgia, rich in hydropower resources, has long sought access to European markets. The cable offers a direct route, enabling electricity generated in the South Caucasus to flow into the EU.
Deputy Minister of Economy Mariam Kvrivishvili described the cable as a “strategic” national initiative, stressing that it will not only boost Georgia’s export potential but also strengthen the country’s energy sector. At the same time, she underlined its wider impact: reinforcing EU energy security and giving fresh momentum to the region’s energy development.
The project also aligns with the broader Middle Corridor - a growing trade and transit route linking Europe and Asia. By adding an energy dimension to this corridor, Georgia deepens its role as a critical connector between regions.
The groundwork was laid in 2022, when Georgia, Romania, Hungary and Azerbaijan signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the cable, with strong EU backing. Since then, it has been incorporated into long-term planning by the European Network of Transmission System Operators for Electricity, covering the period from 2026 to 2036.
The timing of the latest development is notable. Despite strained political relations between Tbilisi and Western partners, the EU’s decision to grant PMI status sends a clear signal that Georgia remains strategically important.
With feasibility studies completed and preparatory work already under way, including seabed surveys, the project is moving from concept to execution. If delivered as planned, the Black Sea cable could reshape regional energy flows - and firmly place Georgia on Europe’s energy map.
Russia is open to listening to new proposals on how to reach a settlement on the Ukraine conflict, a senior Russian diplomat said, but any proposals should reflect the "realities on the ground".
Iran on Saturday denounced U.S. plans to announce new sanctions that could put further strain on the Islamic Republic's economy and have an impact on its most important trading partners including China.
A large-scale drone attack has hit Russia's Samara region, damaging facilities and disrupting operations at an Ozon logistics complex, according to regional authorities and the company.
Nordic and Baltic leaders arrived in Kyiv for Ukraine’s Flag Day on Sunday as Russia continued its drone campaign and Kyiv warned of a potential new Russian mobilisation.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Iran was not ready to make what he called the "right deal" with Washington as tensions persisted over the war and the Strait of Hormuz.
Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan have elevated bilateral ties with a Treaty on Eternal Friendship signed by Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent on 23 August. The leaders also agreed to expand trade, investment, transport, and regional cooperation.
Syria has called for international action after an Israeli drone strike hit a civilian vehicle near Damascus, warning that continued Israeli attacks could deepen instability and put civilians at greater risk.
Pakistan says it has added 12 sites to its UNESCO World Heritage Tentative List, taking the total from 25 to 37 and widening the country's roster of potential future nominations.
Uzbekistan and Georgia have launched an electronic permit system for international road freight, replacing paper documents in a move aimed at speeding up cross-border transport and cutting bureaucracy.
Kazakhstan accounts for 45% of Central Asia’s road and rail infrastructure investment, with around $32.3 billion committed as the region expands key transport links across Eurasia.
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