Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev has held a series of high‑level meetings with world leaders and delegations on the sidelines of the World Urban Forum (WUF) in Baku, with discussions focusing on energy, economic cooperation and international partnerships.
The forum, attended by representatives from more than 180 countries, has provided a platform not only for urban development discussions but also for strengthening bilateral relations.
In talks with Bulgaria’s President Iliana Iotova, both sides highlighted growing cooperation based on mutual trust, with a particular focus on energy security and the “Solidarity Ring” project.
President Iotova also pointed to strong cultural and humanitarian links, including the teaching of the Bulgarian language in Azerbaijan and restoration projects supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The leaders discussed expanding ties in areas such as agriculture, tourism and electricity exports.
Meeting Serbia’s President Aleksandar Vučić, Aliyev reviewed progress following his February visit to Belgrade, noting concrete steps taken since then.
The two leaders emphasised strong political ties and opportunities to expand cooperation in energy, investment and joint projects. Direct flights between Belgrade and Baku, operated by Air Serbia, were highlighted as boosting tourism and strengthening people‑to‑people links.
Aliyev also received the United Arab Emirate’s Minister of Energy and Infrastructure, Suhail Al Mazrouei, with discussions focusing on expanding strategic partnership across political, economic and energy sectors.
Both sides underlined the growing importance of cooperation in renewable energy, reflecting a shared focus on long‑term energy transitions.
In talks with Turkmenistan’s Deryageldi Orazov, Chairman of the State Committee for the Construction of the City of Arkadag in Turkmenistan, Aliyev expressed appreciation for support in rebuilding Azerbaijan’s post‑conflict territories, including the construction of a mosque in Fuzuli.
He noted the scale of reconstruction efforts underway in areas heavily damaged during years of conflict, with Turkmen representatives expected to visit the region to assess development projects.
Aliyev’s meeting with Kenya’s President William Ruto focused on strengthening ties in energy, defence, agriculture and trade. Ruto invited the Azerbaijani leader to visit Kenya, while also praising efforts to advance peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
In discussions with King Mswati III of Eswatini, the focus was on expanding bilateral cooperation, particularly in energy and mining.
Across the meetings, a common theme emerged: Azerbaijan’s push to expand its international partnerships alongside hosting a major global forum.
Leaders repeatedly highlighted the role of the World Urban Forum as a platform not only for addressing urban challenges, but also for reinforcing diplomatic, economic and energy cooperation at a time of heightened global uncertainty.
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Four people were killed, including a child, in Ukrainian strikes on the Russian port city of Novorossiysk overnight, according to the governor of the Krasnodar region. Ukraine's drone forces commander, Robert Brovdi, said Russian military ships were destroyed in the attacks.
A TV channel was struck during a live broadcast on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, as Russian strikes on Kyiv killed at least three people, the city's Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. Meanwhile, drones hit civilian infrastructure in Russia's southwestern Saratov region.
U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces destroyed five Iranian crude oil carriers after the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) allegedly launched two ballistic missile attacks against a U.S. Navy warship over the past two days.
Wildfires have broken out in Türkiye’s Antalya province, forcing hundreds of people to evacuate as strong winds fuelled the flames.
Indonesia has reopened Jakarta's main airport and four others after volcanic ash from Mount Anak Krakatau forced widespread flight cancellations, though fresh eruptions have kept authorities on alert.
Kazakhstan is stepping up investment in the Middle Corridor as rising freight volumes and demand for more diverse trade links drive the rapid expansion of the route connecting Asia and Europe.
Georgia’s International Maritime Forum has closed in Batumi with officials setting out investment targets, timelines and technical plans aimed at expanding the Middle Corridor and strengthening the country’s role in global trade.
Iran says it has delivered on its promise of a “faster, heavier and more painful” response to Washington, striking U.S. bases, warships and commercial vessels early on Wednesday.
Central Asian foreign ministers have marked 20 years since a landmark nuclear-free treaty, reaffirming their commitment to regional security, nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament.
Saudi Arabia’s international leisure tourism industry is forecast to grow by 93 per cent between 2025 and 2030, as the kingdom expands beyond religious travel. The figures were presented during WTM Spotlight Riyadh, where industry leaders discussed the growing tourism market.
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