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 World Urban Forum (WUF13) continues in Baku, Azerbaijan on 18 May, addressing the global housing crisis. The day’s agenda includes the official opening press conference, the WUF13 Urban Expo opening and a ministerial dialogue on the Nairobi Declaration to advance Africa's urban agenda.
The global housing crisis has reached what UN officials describe as “staggering” proportions, with nearly 2.8 billion people, around 40 per cent of the world’s population, lacking access to adequate housing, secure land, or basic services such as water and sanitation.
The 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) opened in Baku with ministers, UN officials and urban policy leaders. Participants call for action on housing, sustainable development and resilient cities, as rapid urbanisation is placing pressure on infrastructure, services and living conditions.
The World Urban Forum (WUF) opens this week in Baku, Azerbaijan, bringing together governments, city leaders, urban planners, researchers and civil society to exchange ideas on how cities can become more inclusive, resilient and sustainable.
Bulgaria has won the Eurovision Song Contest for the first time, taking victory in a final overshadowed by a boycott over Israel’s participation and the war in Gaza.
At least eight people were injured after a driver rammed a car into pedestrians in the northern Italian city of Modena, authorities said on Saturday. Four of the victims were reported to be in serious condition.
U.S. President Donald Trump said Washington could destroy Iran’s infrastructure “in two days,” while Tehran warned the U.S. would face growing economic costs from the conflict. The remarks came as Hezbollah reported new attacks on Israeli forces despite an extended Lebanon ceasefire.
At least eight people have died and 32 others were injured after a freight train collided with a public bus at a railway crossing in Bangkok on Saturday (16 May), triggering a fire that quickly spread through the vehicle.
U.S. President Donald Trump says China's Xi Jinping agreed Iran must reopen the Strait of Hormuz, as Tehran prepares a new shipping mechanism. Tensions over the U.S. blockade and stalled nuclear talks continue to disrupt global oil supplies.
Thousands of displaced families in Gaza are facing growing infestations of rats and insects as worsening sanitation conditions and mounting waste deepen the humanitarian crisis across overcrowded camps, according to the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East.
Uzbekistan has launched a nationwide environmental initiative titled ‘Day Without Cars’, which will take place twice a month as part of efforts to improve air quality and reduce vehicle emissions.
The thirteenth session of the World Urban Forum will open in Baku on Sunday, bringing together government representatives, city leaders, urban planners, international organisations, businesses and civil society to discuss the future of sustainable urban development.
Matiul Haq Khalis, Director General of Afghanistan’s National Environmental Protection Agency, has travelled to Baku to attend the 13th World Urban Forum, where climate change and safer cities will be discussed.
Children laughed, applauded and watched wide-eyed as animated characters lit up the screen at the opening of the ninth Animafilm International Animation Festival in Baku, where filmmakers and audiences from around the world gathered to celebrate the growing influence of animated cinema.
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