AGP Executive Report

Israel-Azerbaijan Diplomatic Pressure: Haaretz reports the Israeli Knesset removed a planned vote on “Armenian genocide” recognition after contact via Hikmet Hajiyev, with Israeli officials assuring Baku the issue would not reach a plenary vote. Azerbaijan-Russia Alignment: Russia’s Foreign Ministry welcomed Bayramov’s Moscow visit, stressing preparation to fully implement the 2022 “Declaration on Allied Cooperation.” Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Talks: Reuters cites Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev saying “real peace” exists, but Armenia must drop territorial claims through constitutional or other legal mechanisms before a treaty. UN Sustainable Development: Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev spoke at the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York, highlighting SDG progress, demining as a national goal, and Great Return initiatives. Kyiv Embassy Hit: Russian ballistic strikes damaged areas near Azerbaijan’s embassy in Kyiv; one person died and seven were injured, with fires reported near the Lukianivska metro station. Regional Security & Logistics: With Hormuz tensions rising, IRGC claims drone and missile actions, while Russia points to the North-South Transport Corridor as vital for trade amid disruptions. Youth & Culture Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s youth delegation took part in UN HLPF events on SDG implementation, and Azerbaijan also promoted Silk Road cultural ties at a Beijing literature congress.

Azerbaijan Diplomacy at the UN: Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev wrapped a New York trip (July 13–17), stressing Azerbaijan’s SDG progress, the Great Return Program, and demining as a prerequisite for sustainable development, while urging practical implementation of the UN “Pact for the Future.” Armenia Peace Process: In remarks carried by Reuters, Hikmet Hajiyev said Armenia and Azerbaijan are already in “real peace,” but peace talks hinge on Armenia dropping territorial claims via constitutional or other legal mechanisms. Kyiv Embassy Hit: Russian ballistic strikes damaged areas around Azerbaijan’s embassy in Kyiv near the Lukianivska metro station; one person died and seven were injured, with no reported damage to embassy staff. Mine Action Milestone: ANAMA marked the 28th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s mine action agency, highlighting expanded clearance responsibilities after the 2020 war and ongoing efforts to make liberated areas safe. Energy & Regional Spotlight: Turkmenistan’s OGT 2026 in Ashgabat (Oct 21–23) added award-winning journalist John Defterios as anchor moderator, with SOCAR joining as premier partner. Defense Modernization: Azerbaijan’s Air Force continued training flights using JF-17C Block-III “Thunder” alongside legacy aircraft, signaling accelerated integration of the new fighters. Visa Policy Update: Azerbaijan’s e-visa portal lists only five African countries eligible for 2026 (Algeria, Djibouti, Mauritius, Seychelles, South Africa).

Russia-Azerbaijan Normalization: Foreign ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Sergey Lavrov met in Moscow, with both sides saying the “difficult period” is over and relations are fully normalized, including plans for a 2026–2027 consultations plan and discussion of South Caucasus issues and transport/economic unblocking. Armenia Peace Process: In a Reuters interview, presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev said Armenia and Azerbaijan already live in “real peace,” but Armenia must drop territorial claims via constitutional or other legal mechanisms before a peace treaty—while a political scientist argued this is a political pretext that can’t guarantee peace. UN Sustainable Development: Deputy FM Fariz Rzayev took part in the UN High-Level Political Forum in New York, highlighting Azerbaijan’s Great Return Program, smart/green city development, demining as a prerequisite, and hosting COP29 and the World Urban Forum. AI Cooperation: Azerbaijan-backed digital cooperation moves forward: a Baku-based AI solutions platform is planned under a memorandum with Polygraf AI, aligned with the 2025–2028 AI strategy, while a new World AI Cooperation Organization is set to be headquartered in Shanghai. Mine Action: ANAMA marked the 28th anniversary of its founding, stressing expanded demining responsibilities after the 2020 war and continued work to make liberated areas safer. Defense & Training: Azerbaijan’s Air Force continued integration of JF-17C Block-III jets through training flights alongside legacy aircraft, signaling accelerated modernization. Sports (Youth Boxing): Azerbaijan won 13 medals at a U-17 boxing tournament in Georgia, including five golds. Visa Policy: Azerbaijan’s e-visa portal published 2026 eligibility, listing only five African countries for e-visas.

Russia-Azerbaijan Normalization: Foreign ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Sergey Lavrov met in Moscow and signed a 2026–2027 consultations plan, with Lavrov saying Russia supports full normalization and readiness to unblock transport and economic links. Armenian Detainees in Baku: The Baku Court of Appeal continued hearings in appeals by former Artsakh officials and other Armenian detainees; the next session is set for July 21 after partial rulings on defense motions. Mine Clearance Milestone: ANAMA marked the 28th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s mine action agency, highlighting expanded post-2020 demining responsibilities and progress clearing hundreds of thousands of hectares. AI and Digital Policy: Azerbaijan plans a regional AI center and signed an MOU in Baku to build an AI solutions platform with Polygraf AI, including training and AI security work. US Tariff Pressure on Russian Oil: A US Senate bill backed by 60+ lawmakers proposes 100% tariffs on top Russian oil buyers/facilitators, including Azerbaijan, while exempting some European gas importers; India and others are closely watching. Regional Security Signals: UK designated Iran’s IRGC and other groups as “threats to national security,” while reports also say four drones targeting the US consulate in Erbil were intercepted. Economy Watch: Moody’s reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s credit rating rationale and projected about 1.5% growth in 2026, citing SOFAZ assets and fiscal resilience alongside remaining oil dependence and geopolitical risks.

Azerbaijan-Russia Aviation & Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said direct flights from Baku to several Russian cities will resume soon after issues tied to the 2024 AZAL crash were resolved; the routes include Grozny, Makhachkala, Vladikavkaz, Mineralnye Vody, Sochi and Volgograd, while Lavrov called the Moscow talks “substantive” and stressed normalization. Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Framing: Bayramov told Lavrov the 44-day war created a new security framework and that “de facto peace” exists with Armenia, with lasting stability now tied to remaining steps in the peace process. Moody’s on Azerbaijan’s Economy: Moody’s reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s credit rationale, citing SOFAZ assets and fiscal resilience, while warning oil dependence and geopolitical risks remain; it also projected ~1.5% growth in 2026 supported by non-oil sectors and connectivity reforms. TRIPP/“Trump Route” Legal Steps: Armenia advanced ratification of the TRIPP framework, setting a 49-year development arrangement and a 74% U.S. stake in TRIPP Development Co., while keeping Armenia’s border and customs sovereignty. Regional Security & Trade Routes: Lavrov warned that any closure of Bab al-Mandeb would damage global oil trade; separately, U.S. envoy Tom Barrack argued Iraq can link the Gulf, Levant, Türkiye and Egypt via overland logistics, boosting the Middle Corridor through Azerbaijan. Digital Governance: Azerbaijan adopted amendments tightening social media rules for under-16s and requiring platform age verification and local presence, alongside expanded grounds for temporary internet blocking. Military Readiness: Azerbaijan’s Air Force conducted tactical training flights using JF-17C, Su-25ML and L-39 aircraft, and Azerbaijan will host the “Power of Unity – 2026” joint exercise planning conference.

Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev received credentials from newly appointed ambassadors of Brazil, Cambodia, Ireland, and Oman, urging expanded cooperation in politics, trade, investment, and tourism. Russia-Azerbaijan Talks: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov is in Moscow for talks with Sergey Lavrov, with a joint press conference expected as both sides review bilateral prospects and regional issues. Regional Security & Economy: An Armenian economist warns that rising tensions around Iran could hit Armenia’s logistics, passenger transport, tourism, and fuel-linked inflation. US Sanctions & Energy Trade: A US Senate bill backed by 60+ lawmakers proposes up to 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian oil—including Azerbaijan—raising new uncertainty for energy-linked trade. Governance & Accountability: An investigation by exiled journalist Afgan Mukhtarli alleges Aliyev’s grandsons used presidential-state security and limousines, sparking a legal debate over misuse of state resources. Urban Development: Azerbaijan’s national statement was delivered at a UN General Assembly high-level meeting on the New Urban Agenda, highlighting Karabakh and East Zangazur reconstruction under the “Great Return” program. Public Order: Baku prosecutors report 6,909 criminal offenses registered in the first half of 2026, with 93.2% solved and AZN 6.43 mln recovered in compensation.

Military Diplomacy: Azerbaijan hosted the Azerbaijan–Serbia Joint High-Level Working Group on Military Cooperation in Baku, with talks covering a “Digital Army,” AI, cybersecurity, air defense, unmanned systems, and joint training plans. Regional Drills: A main planning conference for the “Eternity-2026” computer-assisted command-and-staff exercise (Nov 2026) was held in Azerbaijan under the trilateral defense cooperation framework with Georgia and Türkiye, including protection of strategic facilities and communication lines. Peace Process: Azerbaijan’s Hikmet Hajiyev said Baku sees “real peace” with Armenia and wants a final agreement, but insists Armenia must amend its constitution to remove provisions tied to territorial claims. Armenian POW Health: An Armenian POW in Azerbaijani custody, Lyudvig Mkrtchyan, is reported by his lawyer to face life-threatening heart and inflammation issues, with claims of restricted access to independent doctors. Palestine Support: President Ilham Aliyev reaffirmed support for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as capital during talks with Palestinian PM Mohammad Mustafa. International Media: D-8 Secretary-General called for stronger media cooperation at the Shusha Global Media Forum, framing the D-8 Media Excellence Center as a hub for ethical journalism and capacity-building. Trade & Connectivity: Azerbaijan’s Middle Corridor push got a boost as Georgia reported a 33% rise in container traffic via the route and nearly sixfold growth on the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway. Energy Policy: Azerbaijan’s energy minister said the country’s policy is aligned with OPEC+ goals as Baku hosted the OPEC+ Charter of Cooperation technical committee meeting.

South Caucasus Peace Talks: Azerbaijan says it is in “real peace” with Armenia and rebuilding trade, but insists Yerevan must amend its constitution before a final treaty, with the sticking point tied to the constitution’s preamble referencing Nagorno-Karabakh. Digital Trade & Logistics: Azerbaijan is rolling out its “Single Window” digital logistics platform, starting with export procedures for plants and plant products, and now moving into a second phase that integrates short import and transit customs declarations to cut duplicate submissions and speed clearance. Regional Integration: The Single Window is set to connect with Middle Corridor partner countries, including plans for digital transport document exchange with Türkiye and Russia and broader corridor coverage. Energy & Transport Diplomacy: Azerbaijan is in talks with Türkiye and Russia on transport digitalization, while Slovakia signals a push for long-term Azerbaijani gas supplies after EU timelines for ending Russian pipeline and LNG imports. Pipeline Operator Shift: BTC pipeline operatorship is transferring from BP to SOCAR Midstream Operations from 1 July 2026, with Sangachal terminal operations staying under BP. Foreign Policy Moves: Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov heads to Russia for talks with Sergey Lavrov, as Baku and Moscow coordinate on regional issues including the 3+3 format. Middle East Outreach: President Ilham Aliyev met Palestine’s PM Mohammad Mustafa, reiterating support for an independent Palestinian state with East Jerusalem as capital, and noted humanitarian assistance including a planned secondary school. EU Pressure on Captives: A Brussels conference says the EU has not applied enough pressure for the release of Armenian captives held in Azerbaijan. US Sanctions Watch: A revised US Senate bill proposes 100% tariffs on major Russian oil buyers, naming India and China and also including Azerbaijan among targeted countries.

Azerbaijan–Slovakia Strategic Push: Prime Minister Ali Asadov met Slovak President Peter Pellegrini as the visit wraps up, with both sides stressing deeper political, trade, energy and transport cooperation, including Slovak firms’ role in reconstruction in Aghdam’s Bash Garvand and plans for a direct Baku–Bratislava air link. Council of Europe Tensions: President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan may withdraw from the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, citing loss of voting rights and “punishment” over PACE steps tied to the Karabakh process and the Zangezur corridor. Armenian Genocide Vote Delayed: Israel postponed a Knesset vote on recognizing the Armenian Genocide amid wider regional strain, with reports saying Azerbaijan opposed the move. TRIPP+ Corridor Funding: The U.S. State Department named Konstantin Sokolov to chair the TRIPP+ Enterprise Fund, a $201m vehicle for investments tied to the southern Caucasus trade corridor. Black Sea Safety Warning: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry urged citizens to avoid conflict zones, warning of risks to civilian shipping and UAV/missile threats in the Black Sea basin. Domestic Rights & Courts: The wife of jailed political scientist Azer Gasymly, Samira Gasymly, became a defendant in a defamation/insult case. Economy & Money: The Central Bank of Azerbaijan put a redesigned 100-manat banknote into circulation with updated security features. Social Support: Azerbaijan’s Women’s Support Hot Line reported nearly 2,500 calls in the first half of 2026, nearly double last year, mostly about violence and psychological help.

Council of Europe: President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan is “unequivocally considering leaving” the Council of Europe, while also demanding restoration of voting rights for its PACE delegation. Energy Diplomacy: Baku hosted the first meeting of the OPEC+ Charter of Cooperation Technical Committee, with Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov calling the city a hub for global energy dialogue. Digital Economy: Parliament approved tax and legal changes to formalize Azerbaijan’s digital economy, including incentives for startups and crowdfunding, plus myGov integration of more government services. UK Extradition: Azerbaijan reached an extradition agreement with the UK for Pakistani citizen Qasim Sohail Mohammad, accused of cyber-enabled fraud and money laundering. Armenian POWs in Focus: A Brussels European Parliament conference renewed pressure on the EU over Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, with claims that information on health and conditions remains unclear. US Sanctions Watch: A revised US Russia sanctions bill would cap potential tariffs on major Russian oil buyers—including Azerbaijan—at up to 100%. Regional Connectivity: Armenia’s PM Pashinyan said work on the TRIPP corridor could start this fall despite Iran’s concerns.

Shusha Global Media Forum: President Ilham Aliyev wrapped up the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, stressing media’s role in peace, truth and rebuilding trust, with 160 participants from 53 countries. EU-Azerbaijan & human rights: A European Parliament event in Brussels focused on Armenian prisoners held in Azerbaijan, including claims by a lawyer that POW Ludwig Mkrtchyan is suffering serious health problems; separate reporting also highlights EU scrutiny of detainees and EU engagement. Azerbaijan–Slovakia ties: Slovak President Peter Pellegrini met Aliyev in Shusha, calling Azerbaijan a key regional stability hub; the visit also included talks on long-term gas supply and inspection of reconstruction work in Aghdam’s Bash Garvand. Tax and compliance push: Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis adopted third-reading amendments extending protections for taxpayers with startup certificates and introducing tax incentives for digital nomads, while also approving fines for failure to submit documents on foreign transfers and for cybersecurity requirement violations. Regulation on e-cigarettes: E-cigarettes and components were added to the list of items prohibited from civil circulation. Justice cooperation: Azerbaijan extradited an internationally wanted Turkmen citizen and moved forward with extradition procedures for an Azerbaijani suspect detained in Montenegro. Regional energy & sanctions spillover: US senators unveiled an updated Russia sanctions bill easing tariff threats on major Russian energy buyers, listing Azerbaijan among top oil purchasers.

Azerbaijan-Slovakia Diplomacy in Shusha: President Ilham Aliyev told Slovak President Peter Pellegrini that bilateral ties are at a “very high level,” with regular political contacts and continued cooperation, as the leaders inspected construction in Aghdam’s Bash Garvand village and laid the foundation for a new 840-student school. Garabagh Reconstruction as Policy Priority: Coverage highlights how Garabagh and East Zangazur are shifting from rebuilding to creating a new regional economy, with infrastructure and social projects accelerating under Aliyev’s regular visits. Shusha Global Media Forum: Hikmat Hajiyev said conflicts are fought in the information space and warned Azerbaijan is targeted by disinformation, while panels focused on urban narratives and media responsibility for peacebuilding. Transport & Energy Leverage: Azerbaijan’s logistics push was tied to Caspian port expansion and international cargo revenues, alongside reports that Washington-Baku energy cooperation is gaining attention after an $8 billion deal. Regional Security Context: Iran reiterated it will safeguard the Strait of Hormuz, rejecting a proposed transit fee, as Israel postponed a Knesset vote on Armenian genocide recognition amid Middle East tensions. Media & Institutions: TRT’s Azerbaijan office named a new head, and Azerbaijan’s media reforms were framed as strengthening professional journalism and media literacy.

Trans-Caspian Trade Push: Azerbaijan is accelerating Middle Corridor connectivity, with talks on a joint trans-Caspian cargo fleet and a Baku-area logistics hub to cut transit times and costs for Central Asian exports. TRIPP Customs Control: The US State Department says all border security and customs functions on the TRIPP route remain under Armenian control, with Armenia making key decisions. Shusha Global Media Forum Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev used the forum to argue peace is possible, call for UNSC reform with NAM, OIC and AU representation, and highlight Azerbaijan’s role as a regional connector. D-8 Media Excellence Center: The D-8 strategy for a Media Excellence Center was presented in Shusha, with officials saying it will train, research and promote new media technologies. Digital Governance & Online Safety: Azerbaijan reported major TikTok removals for rule violations and discussed cooperation with TikTok and LinkedIn, while the Women Helpline saw requests nearly double in early 2026. Council of Europe Standoff: Aliyev said Azerbaijan is considering leaving the Council of Europe unless voting rights for its lawmakers are fully restored. Defense Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Chief of General Staff Karim Valiyev visited Belarus, and Slovak President Peter Pellegrini arrived for an official visit. Domestic Policy: Parliament approved amendments allowing non-oil private firms to move VAT deposit funds to the State Social Protection Fund starting 2027. Human Rights Claim: Relatives of Talysh researcher Iqbal Abilov allege torture in Baku pre-trial detention, with plans to appeal to the ECHR.

Shusha Diplomacy & Media Peace Agenda: President Ilham Aliyev opened the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, urging “restoring truth and rebuilding trust,” praising Jordan’s King Abdullah II for Middle East peace efforts, and linking the forum to Azerbaijan’s wider cooperation push ahead of its OIC chairmanship. Council of Europe Exit Talk: Aliyev said Azerbaijan is considering leaving the Council of Europe, citing the 2024 suspension of voting rights in PACE and demanding restoration before any return. Parliament Watch: Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis convenes an extraordinary session to review 22 legislative proposals, including a visa-exemption deal with Sudan and a crowdfunding law. Landmine Crisis Focus: A new report highlights Azerbaijan’s severe post-conflict landmine contamination, blaming missing mine maps and continued laying after the 2020 ceasefire for delays in safe returns. Regional Connectivity & Jobs Claims: Commentary around the Zangazur corridor and TRIPP frames faster China-to-Europe delivery times and major job creation as the corridor’s payoff. Health & Business: Santhera expands its AGAMREE® distribution agreement via Biomedica to additional markets including Azerbaijan, aiming to widen Duchenne muscular dystrophy treatment access. International Security Noise: Iran reports explosions near Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island, while separate coverage alleges China and Russia are exploring ways to disrupt Starlink.

Azerbaijan–Aviation Tech: Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) signed an agreement with Amadeus to roll out revenue management, shopping and distribution tools, aiming to speed up digital transformation and improve pricing and ticket sales channels. Regional Transport & Trade: Uzbekistan plans a joint Caspian fleet with Azerbaijan and a new venture between Uztemiryulkargo and ASCO to strengthen multimodal freight under the Middle Corridor, with talks on exporter support and port handling. Defense & Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry released a weekly video review of last week’s activities, while the Azerbaijani defense minister continued official engagement with Türkiye, including meetings tied to deepening defense cooperation. Armenia–Israel Genocide Politics: Israel reportedly suspended progress on recognizing the 1915 Armenian events as genocide, with commentary linking the move to concerns about worsening ties with Azerbaijan. Middle Corridor Push: PMCG says the Middle Corridor must evolve from a transport route into a full economic corridor to attract investment and drive industrial growth. Energy Security Watch: Central Asia faces a potential fuel squeeze as Russia restricts diesel exports amid refinery pressure, pushing countries to seek alternative supplies including from Azerbaijan. International Conflict Spillover: US strikes on Iran continued after attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, with CENTCOM saying hundreds of targets were hit across multiple rounds.

U.S.-Iran Escalation: CENTCOM says it carried out the third airstrike phase of the week against Iran, hitting about 140 targets in one round and more than 300 across three rounds, citing an incident in the Strait of Hormuz. Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan Strategy: President Berdimuhamedov’s visit to Baku produced 12 agreements across energy, transport, customs, agriculture and social protection, framing the partnership as a key Eurasian connectivity and stability project. Israel–Armenian Genocide Politics: Reports say Israel suspended progress on recognizing the 1915 events as genocide, with Baku opposition cited as a factor tied to protecting strategic ties. Regional Security & War Impact: Russia struck Ukrainian ports and infrastructure while Ukraine says it hit Russian oil tankers in the Sea of Azov; separately, UNICEF warns about 500,000 civilians at risk in Sudan’s El-Obeid as violence escalates. Azerbaijan in Defense Cooperation: Azerbaijan’s Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov attended a military graduation in Türkiye, while Azerbaijan and Türkiye deepen defense ties with Baykar talks. Sports & Culture: Ruslan Lunyov won gold in Estonia at the Lapua European Cup; Azerbaijan’s Flame team took gold in Italy’s Gym for Life Challenge; and Baku hosted international media and decolonization events.