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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The 13th edition of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku showed Azerbaijan’s “meaningful contribution to multilateralism,” the country’s President Ilham Aliyev has said.
As the 13th edition of the World Urban Forum ended, Azerbaijan's Pavilion showcased reconstruction efforts in its liberated territories and foregrounded the importance of mine removal in resettlement efforts.
The 13th session of the World Urban Forum concluded in Baku on 22 May after six days of discussions focused on housing, climate resilience, urban governance and social inclusion, bringing together tens of thousands of participants from around the world to shape the future of sustainable cities.
Details of a reported draft memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran offer the clearest picture yet of how both sides plan to end months of conflict and move towards a longer-term settlement.
The U.S. and Iran say they have reached a deal to end their conflict, with an immediate ceasefire and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz after the lifting of the U.S. naval blockade. Talks will continue over the next 60 days to finalise the agreement
A senior U.S. official said on Monday that the memorandum of understanding linked to the U.S.-Iran agreement had been signed by President Donald Trump, Vice President JD Vance and Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Qalibaf.
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Switzerland on Sunday rejected a referendum proposal to cap its population at 10 million, a projection showed, as voters prioritised economic stability and the country's ties with the European Union over immigration concerns.
An armed unmanned aerial vehicle crashed on a Black Sea beach in northern Türkiye on Sunday, prompting a security operation and the controlled detonation of its munitions.
Fighting in southern Lebanon eased on Monday after a U.S.-Iran agreement aimed at ending months of regional conflict was announced, although uncertainty remained over how the deal would be implemented on the ground.
United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk on Monday welcomed the newly announced peace agreement between the U.S. and Iran, urging all parties to exercise restraint and work towards a lasting settlement.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has told U.S. President Donald Trump that Israel does not consider itself bound by a Lebanon-related provision in an emerging agreement with Iran, according to Israeli officials.
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