Iran sends reply to U.S. peace plan as tensions persist in Strait of Hormuz
Iran said on Sunday (10 May) that it had sent its response to a U.S. proposal aimed at launching peace talks to end the war, as signs of tentative ...
Azerbaijan has taken centre stage in regional diplomacy after chairing a key UN session in Bangkok, highlighting inclusive growth and cooperation. The country’s leadership used the platform to underline global challenges and its own development vision.
At the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), chaired by Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, delegates emphasised the need for stronger regional cooperation to ensure inclusive and sustainable development.
Held under the theme “Leaving no one behind: advancing a society for all ages in Asia and the Pacific,” the session focused on addressing inequality, advancing digital transformation and promoting the green energy transition.
A written address by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev was delivered at the opening of the session.
In his message, President Aliyev underscored the importance of multilateralism amid global instability, stating that “escalating geopolitical tensions… underscore the fragility of international peace and security.”
He highlighted Azerbaijan’s restored territorial integrity and ongoing peace efforts with Armenia, noting that “we are witnessing the dividends of peace,” including the launch of trade relations and regional transit cooperation.
The President also drew attention to reconstruction efforts in Garabagh and East Zangezur, where more than 80,000 people have returned, while warning that landmines remain a serious humanitarian threat.
President Aliyev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to sustainable development, citing economic growth, reduced poverty levels and progress in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
He also emphasised Azerbaijan’s expanding role as a regional connectivity hub, noting the growing importance of the Middle Corridor in the current geopolitical environment.
According to Aliyev, the Zangezur Corridor will further strengthen links between Asia and Europe, contributing to transport, energy and digital networks aligned with ESCAP priorities.
In his remarks, Foreign Minister Bayramov outlined the country’s key priorities, including inclusive growth, digitalisation, the green energy transition and peacebuilding.
He also stressed the importance of regional cooperation and connectivity initiatives, particularly the Middle Corridor.

Outcomes of the session
The meeting brought together high-level representatives of member states, international organisations and UN partners to advance dialogue on inclusive growth and social development.
A key outcome of the session was the adoption of the Baku- Bangkok Declaration, reflecting a shared commitment to promoting social inclusion and sustainable progress across the Asia-Pacific region.
Efforts to end the U.S.-Iran war appeared to stall as the two sides exchanged fire in and around the Strait of Hormuz. A reported CIA assessment suggested Tehran could withstand a U.S. naval blockade for months despite mounting sanctions and renewed Gulf attacks.
British paratroopers and military medics have been deployed to Tristan da Cunha after a suspected hantavirus case was confirmed, as first evacuation flights carrying passengers from the stricken MV Hondius cruise ship left Tenerife for Madrid and Paris.
Russia is holding a significantly scaled-back Victory Day parade in Moscow on 9 May 2026, reflecting heightened security concerns and the ongoing war in Ukraine, now in its fourth year.
Indonesian rescue teams have located two Singaporeans who went missing after Mount Dukono erupted on Friday (8 May) on the island of Halmahera, though authorities say it remains unclear whether they are alive.
The U.S. Defense Department has released dozens of previously classified files on unidentified anomalous phenomena (UAP) on Friday (8 May), following an order from President Donald Trump. U.S. officials described as a push for “unprecedented transparency”.
Iran said on Sunday (10 May) that it had sent its response to a U.S. proposal aimed at launching peace talks to end the war, as signs of tentative movement emerged around the Strait of Hormuz despite renewed security incidents across the Gulf.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has cited Azerbaijan as an example of what he described as a sovereign foreign policy, recalling remarks made by President Ilham Aliyev during talks in Yerevan, where he sharply criticised resolutions adopted against his country by the European Parliament.
SOCAR has completed the acquisition of a 99.82% stake in Italiana Petroli (IP) from API Holding after receiving all required regulatory approvals.
Fuel exports from Azerbaijan to Armenia are continuing, with eight rail wagons carrying 479 tonnes of diesel fuel dispatched as part of the latest shipment between the two South Caucasus neighbours.
A Kyrgyz–Japanese archaeological expedition has uncovered the remains of a Buddhist temple complex at the medieval settlement of Ak-Beshim, also known as Suyab, in Kyrgyzstan’s Chui Region.
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