AGP Executive Report

EU-Azerbaijan Human Rights Push: Seven imprisoned Azerbaijani activists urged EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen to keep human rights central during her July 1 visit, warning that ties shouldn’t rest only on energy and transport. Digital Governance Upgrade: Azerbaijan launched its Digital Development Council chaired by Mehriban Aliyeva, setting a 3-year roadmap for AI, cybersecurity and innovation; officials also announced a National Data Pool, mygov expansion to 3.5 million users, and a virtual citizen assistant. Israel-Armenia Genocide Row: Baku condemned Israel’s unanimous decision to recognize the Armenian genocide, calling it a serious concern and urging reconsideration, as the move further strains regional reconciliation. Regional Connectivity Politics: Russia’s deputy FM Mikhail Galuzin said the “Trump Route” TRIPP should account for Russian and EEU positions and suggested rail gauge alignment to ensure uninterrupted connectivity with Azerbaijan. Parliamentary Oversight: Azerbaijan’s Shura Council discussed draft legislation including a double-taxation agreement with Oman and measures tied to social housing and economic diplomacy. International Telecom Bid: Azerbaijan submitted candidacy for the ITU Council (2027–2030) and nominated a representative for the Radio Regulations Board.

Israel-Armenia Row: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry condemned Israel’s unanimous cabinet decision to recognize the “Armenian genocide,” calling it an unacceptable distortion of 1915 history and urging Israel to reconsider, warning it will deepen divisions and undermine regional peace. Turkic Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev addressed the Turkic World Week in Baku, marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress and tying the event to Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Organization of Turkic States. Digital Finance Push: Azerbaijan’s Central Bank says a draft law on virtual assets and crypto markets is ready and could be approved by year-end, aiming to finally regulate a sector that has so far lacked a legal framework. Middle Corridor & Trade: Analysts highlight China’s investment in a Caspian Sea route to Europe that bypasses Russia, with Azerbaijan’s ports and logistics playing a key role in faster China-EU shipping. Regional Security/Defense: Azerbaijan held demonstration classes for officer trainees covering firearms, reconnaissance, engineering, artillery, and combat vehicle driving to boost practical skills and resilience. International Business: Baku will host the BSTDB annual meeting and business forum, with discussions focused on Azerbaijan as a regional hub for connectivity and development finance.

EU Connectivity Push: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will visit Armenia and Azerbaijan on July 1–2 to focus on turning the South Caucasus into a “corridor from Central Asia to Europe,” linking the peace process with EU transport investments. Judicial Appointments: Azerbaijan has appointed 254 new judges since early 2023, with fresh transparent testing underway for candidates at the State Examination Center. Tax Cooperation: Oman’s Shura Council will review a draft Azerbaijan-Oman double-taxation deal aimed at cutting tax burdens and preventing evasion. Regional Diplomacy: Ilham Aliyev met Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf in Baku, stressing solidarity after the conflict and hopes for no new wars. Transport Modernization: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are moving fully to electronic freight permits, ending paper-based exchanges next year. Armenia-Related Friction: Azerbaijan’s MFA hit back at France over statements on Armenians displaced from Nagorno-Karabakh and the peace process, accusing bias. Armed Forces Day & Defense: Azerbaijan marked Armed Forces Day with major military marches, while “Caucasus Eagle-2026” special forces drills concluded with Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye.

Azerbaijan–France Row: Azerbaijan’s MFA hit back at France’s National Assembly after statements on Armenians from Nagorno-Karabakh, Armenian detainees and heritage, saying France shows “bias and double standards” while ignoring occupation damage, refugees and mine threats. Armenia Peace Process: The dispute underscores how Baku is framing normalization as tied to security, missing persons and demining—not just detainee issues. Diplomacy in Baku: President Ilham Aliyev met Iran’s parliament speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, stressing Azerbaijan’s solidarity during Iran’s conflict and urging no new wars in the region; the meeting also flagged Azerbaijan’s role in hosting an OIC summit. Regional Security Drills: “Caucasus Eagle-2026” concluded near Tbilisi with Azerbaijani, Georgian and Turkish special forces, highlighting interoperability and readiness. Middle Corridor Push: Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Georgia are working on a unified long-term tariff model for the Trans-Caspian route, with port upgrades and Caspian capacity expansion. EU/Europe Outreach: Azerbaijan held political consultations with the Netherlands in The Hague, covering the peace process, reconstruction and demining. Legal-Education: Azerbaijan Bar Association chief Anar Baghirov chaired master’s thesis defenses at Baku State University, reinforcing ties between the bar and law faculties. Transport Modernization: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan agreed to fully replace paper permits with electronic permit exchange for international road freight starting next year.

Azerbaijan–Turkey Diplomacy: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a phone call with Turkish FM Hakan Fidan, stressing alliance ties, regional security, and post-conflict cooperation. Armed Forces & Regional Drills: Azerbaijan, Georgia and Turkey wrapped up the “Caucasian Eagle 2026” special forces exercise in Georgia, with next year’s host set for Azerbaijan. Conscription Policy: Azerbaijan’s conscription age cut from 35 to 30 is said to have lowered state expenses, with officials citing health and employment realities for the older group. Military Cooperation Signals: Egypt and Turkey signed a military cooperation agreement as joint aerial drills began; the report also notes a growing defense coordination trend. Maritime Environment Governance: Azerbaijan acceded to the International Convention on the Control of Harmful Anti-Fouling Systems on Ships, aiming to modernize maritime rules and curb hull-related pollution. Transit & Regional Trade: Russian wheat is being shipped to Armenia via Azerbaijan, reflecting Baku’s continued role in regional connectivity after lifting transit restrictions. Security Flashpoints: UKMTO warned of floating mines in the Strait of Hormuz after a tanker was attacked, while Ukraine’s SBU reported a repeat drone strike on Russia’s Vtorovo oil pumping station. International Climate Spotlight: Azerbaijan’s UK ambassador praised King Charles’ “visionary” climate leadership after a St James’s Palace reception attended by UN chief António Guterres and other global leaders.

Armed Forces Day Diplomacy: Azerbaijan marked 108th anniversary of its Armed Forces with military marches and a NATO-hosted reception, with officials stressing interoperability with NATO standards and renewed momentum in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process. Oil Markets: Azeri Light crude slid nearly 4% as global oil prices weakened, adding pressure to the region’s energy-linked outlook. Islamic Finance Push: Azerbaijan is moving to integrate Islamic finance into its secular framework, with IsDB-backed plans for sukuk issuance and regulatory work with the Central Bank. Armenia-Azerbaijan Narratives: Baku analysts dismissed claims about the “We Are Our Mountains” monument being demolished as AI-generated and politically useful for Armenian opposition. Artsakh Politics: Coverage highlighted Nikol Pashinyan’s post-election remarks on Artsakh, framing them as a deliberate escalation narrative by critics. Regional Security & Law: Russia signed a law protecting foreign contract soldiers from deportation, while CSTO officials warned Afghanistan’s northern border remains a key militant threat. Global Tensions: Iran launched retaliatory strikes on U.S. military positions, as Washington accused Tehran of ceasefire violations. EU/Travel: The UK issued “do not travel” alerts that included Azerbaijan, citing heightened security concerns. Sports & Politics: UFC’s Baku event and a Türkiye fan zone in Los Angeles both drew attention—one for Azerbaijan’s growing sports profile, the other for renewed Armenian political backlash.

Armed Forces Day & Defense Leadership: Azerbaijan marked 26 June with military ceremonies and top Defense Ministry visits to the Alley of Honor, Victory Park, and the Military Memorial Cemetery, while Zakir Hasanov presented senior ranks to servicemen under a June 25 presidential decree. EU Diplomacy for Peace & Connectivity: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen is set to visit Azerbaijan and Armenia in early July, with Brussels framing the trip around peace, transport links, and economic integration across the South Caucasus and the Middle Corridor. Media Freedom Pressure: Azerbaijan blocked access to OC Media nationwide, with press freedom watchdogs condemning the move and calling it a crackdown on independent reporting. Karabakh Memory Politics: Baku analysts disputed claims about the “We Are Our Mountains” monument being demolished, saying an AI-generated image fueled misinformation and political messaging. International Outreach: Jeyhun Bayramov spoke by phone with Italy’s Antonio Tajani on expanding Azerbaijan-Italy cooperation, including trade, energy, transport, and a business forum planned for autumn. Regional Security Lens: CSTO Secretary-General figures warned that Afghanistan’s northern border remains a “complicated” source of militant threats affecting Central Asia.

Armed Forces Day & Military Posture: Azerbaijan marked 108th Armed Forces Day with official receptions and military marches across Baku, Khankendi and other cities, while Defense Minister Zakir Hasanov and President Ilham Aliyev signed orders awarding servicemen and civilian defense personnel. EU–Azerbaijan Diplomacy: European Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen is reported to visit Armenia and Azerbaijan next week to strengthen EU ties and counter Russian influence, with Ilham Aliyev expected to meet her. Armenia Peace Process: Azerbaijan’s MFA urged use of existing opportunities to finalize the peace process with Armenia, stressing timely commitments and confidence-building. Regional Security Signals: Iran’s top military command warned it will respond to “dangerous” Israeli air movements near Iran, as the Pentagon weighs relocating some bases in the Middle East to reduce vulnerability. Turkmenistan–Azerbaijan Ties: Ilham Aliyev held a phone call with Turkmen leader Arkadag, highlighting cooperation after Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s recent state visit. Agriculture Policy: Azerbaijan plans insurance mechanisms for cotton farming to cut risks from global price swings, alongside irrigation and laser leveling upgrades. Innovation & Culture: Leyla Aliyeva met Vatican officials to expand cooperation on digitizing rare manuscripts. Humanitarian Note: Azerbaijan sent condolences to Venezuela after deadly earthquakes.

Azerbaijan–EU Peace Agenda: Deputy FM Elnur Mammadov met EU Special Representative Magdalena Grono in Baku, reviewing cooperation across politics, energy, transport and communications, and urging use of existing opportunities to finalize the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace process. OIC Parliamentary Diplomacy: Qatar’s Shura Council and Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis held talks in Baku on deepening bilateral parliamentary cooperation on the sidelines of the PUIC conference; Iraq also voiced reservations over parts of the Baku Declaration, including the “two-state solution” wording. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan agreed to fully switch from paper to electronic road transport permits, aiming for faster, more transparent freight operations. Turkmenistan Partnership: President Serdar Berdimuhamedov’s state visit to Azerbaijan produced multiple agreements and reinforced Caspian transport and logistics cooperation tied to the Middle Corridor. Armed Forces Day Narrative: Coverage marked Azerbaijan’s Armed Forces Day with emphasis on the 44-day outcome and long-term modernization under President Ilham Aliyev. Human Rights Pressure: Rights groups in Istanbul demanded international protection for deported Azerbaijani activist Nana Babazade, alleging pressure in Turkish detention and risk after return. Sports & Politics: FIFA confirmed Azerbaijan as host of the 2026 U-15 World Cup and opened the tournament to all FIFA member associations, a move Russia is treating as a step toward broader return.

Council of Europe Pressure: PACE adopted a resolution “Silencing Critical Voices in Azerbaijan,” urging Baku to release political prisoners and stop persecution of journalists and human rights defenders, with the vote passing 68–8 (6 abstentions). Diplomacy & Security: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met Poland’s FM Radosław Sikorski in Gdansk, discussing regional security, the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, and post-conflict reconstruction, alongside plans to expand economic and humanitarian cooperation. Caspian Transit Politics: A TRACECA official said Turkmenbashi port is using only 25–30% capacity, blaming visa and permit hurdles for carriers, as interest in the Trans-Caspian route grows amid Hormuz disruption. Regional Forums in Baku: Azerbaijan hosted the second “Turkmen Heritage: Solidarity of Civil Societies” forum, while PUIC meetings continued in the capital, with Turkish parliament speaker Numan Kurtulmuş arriving for the OIC parliamentary conference. Humanitarian & Society: Azerbaijan marked Ashura with guidance on permitted religious practices and blood donation campaigns; it also resettled 58 families (237 people) from temporary accommodation into liberated territories under the Great Return program. Sports & International Recognition: FIFA selected Azerbaijan to host the inaugural U-15 World Cup (Oct 22–31, 2026) and the 2026 FIFA Festival. Energy Watch: Azeri Light crude fell more than 4% on global oil price declines.

Otay Mesa Medical Care Dispute: Court records from a U.S. habeas challenge allege detainees at San Diego’s Otay Mesa were placed in isolated cells despite doctors recommending release, raising serious health and due-process concerns. UFC Fight Night Baku Build-Up: UFC hosted massive open workouts and a fan zone in Baku ahead of Fight Night on June 27, spotlighting local fighters and international headliners. OIC Parliamentary Summit in Baku: Shura Council speaker Hassan Al Ghanim backed dialogue and negotiation as the route to crisis resolution, while President Ilham Aliyev used the 20th OIC Parliamentary Union session to stress Islamic solidarity and Azerbaijan’s stance on Armenia. Azerbaijan-Iran High-Level Contacts: President Aliyev met Iran’s Majlis speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, with both sides framing regional stability and the end of war; Ghalibaf called the U.S.-Iran deal “America’s declaration of defeat,” and Turkish counterpart Numan Kurtulmuş urged broader reform across the Islamic world. Armenia-ECHR and Court Pressure: Azerbaijan protested an ECHR decision over terminology tied to the “NKR,” while an appeals court hearing continued in Baku involving Armenian defendants. Regional Security Flashpoint: Israel’s defense minister reiterated troops will not withdraw from southern Lebanon, complicating U.S.-Iran diplomacy. Transit & Connectivity Push: Azerbaijan Railways promoted the Middle Corridor and logistics upgrades at Transport Logistic China, while Azerbaijan and Serbia/Türkiye advanced audiovisual media exchange talks.

OIC Parliamentary Summit in Baku: Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf told delegates that Middle East security should be set by regional countries, not outside powers, and called the Iran-US “Islamabad memorandum” an “American declaration of defeat,” while also stressing that ending the war in Lebanon is as important as ending hostilities involving Iran. Azerbaijan-Turkey Defense Ties: Türkiye’s GNAT speaker Numan Kurtulmuş said Ankara will ratify a 2025 Azerbaijan-Türkiye defense memorandum on strengthening mutual military security. Regional Diplomacy: Jordan’s House speaker Mazen Qadi met Azerbaijan PM Ali Asadov in Amman, focusing on expanding parliamentary, economic, investment, energy, tech, tourism and culture links. Cyber and Social Controls: Azerbaijan is moving to ban under-16s from opening social media accounts, and is also reorganizing cybersecurity oversight via a new National Cybersecurity Agency. Insurance Reform: Azerbaijan’s Central Bank is preparing amendments to compulsory insurance rules and a new development strategy, including full risk-based supervision. Energy/Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan confirmed readiness to expand energy cooperation, including electricity supplies. Culture & Society: Gazakh opened its first book fair, while Baku hosted events tied to Islamic values and OIC cooperation.

EU-Azerbaijan Diplomacy: Talks resume in Baku on a new EU deal after Azerbaijan suspended cooperation with the European Parliament, with Brussels and Baku discussing Partnership Priorities for 2026–2030 and a comprehensive agreement. Connectivity & Telecom: Telecom Armenia and AzerTelecom signed an internet traffic transit agreement, with Armenian officials framing it as commercial transit while Azerbaijani side highlights expanded international connectivity via its territory. Armenian Detentions & U.S. Pressure: U.S. lawmakers plan a Capitol Hill press conference marking 1,000 days of Azerbaijani detention of Artsakh leaders, POWs and hostages, alongside a push for release measures. Court Developments (Toplum TV): Prosecutors asked the Baku Court for Grave Crimes for 13–16 year prison terms for defendants in the Toplum TV case, plus bans on holding posts and confiscation of seized property. Regional Governance (OIC/PUIC): Azerbaijan hosted the 20th PUIC session in Baku; the General Committee approved draft budgets for 2026–2027. Climate Funding: COP29 Presidency and the Commonwealth opened a funding call for climate resilience projects for Commonwealth small island states. Parliamentary Outreach: Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova met counterparts from Mozambique and Niger on deepening inter-parliamentary cooperation within OIC and NAM frameworks.

Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan State Ties: President Ilham Aliyev and Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov toured destroyed sites in Fuzuli, with Azerbaijani officials briefing on Armenian vandalism and restoration plans, while Turkmenistan also backs a mosque project. Karabakh Memory & Diplomacy: The two presidents visited the “Heydar Aliyev and Garabagh” exhibition in Shusha, highlighting reforms and Garabagh’s historical turning point. Telecom Normalization: AzerTelecom and Telecom Armenia signed deals to route Armenia’s international internet traffic through Azerbaijan, diversifying routes beyond Georgia, Iran and Russia. Regional Security & Law: Armenia’s NSS discussed a new missing persons law, while Azerbaijan debated amendments tightening cybersecurity rules and adding fines, plus temporary internet restrictions for certain harmful content. Money & Compliance: Azerbaijan proposed changes to reduce fines for failure to repatriate foreign currency funds and introduce exemptions. International Engagement: Azerbaijan’s parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova met Morocco’s deputy speaker ahead of the OIC parliamentary session in Baku. Public Pressure Tactic: A report by Meydan TV examines how “apology videos” are used to warn and control society.

Azerbaijan–Armenia Telecom Deal: AzerTelecom and Telecom Armenia signed commercial agreements for mutual international internet traffic transit, with Azerbaijan routing Armenia-bound traffic through its backbone and Armenia reciprocating—framed as route diversification and reliability. Diplomatic Push in Baku: The Council of Europe’s Baku office head, Petr Sich, was summoned to Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry over an ECHR decision, with Baku rejecting the ruling’s terminology and insisting it contradicts sovereignty and territorial integrity. OIC Parliamentary Conference: Azerbaijan hosted the 20th Session of the OIC Parliamentary Union in Baku; the first day included a committee meeting on Muslim communities and minorities, focusing on rights, inclusion, and cultural heritage protection. Regional Cooperation (Turkmenistan): Labor and social protection officials met after Azerbaijan–Turkmenistan document exchanges, highlighting digital public services, social insurance modernization, and joint labor protection and employment cooperation. Domestic Governance & Economy: Azerbaijan’s agriculture ministry and Nakhchivan officials held a Sharur meeting to coordinate the 2026–2030 agricultural development program, while AZPROMO met a U.S. delegation on investment and transit opportunities. International Humanitarian Recognition: Azerbaijan is among countries with initiatives set to be recognized at the UN Public Service Awards in Tbilisi.

Caspian Diplomacy: Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov arrived in Baku for a state visit, with leaders signaling fresh momentum in energy, transport, trade and cultural ties as Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan exchange new documents. IsDB Deal-Making: Azerbaijan’s 2026 Islamic Development Bank Group annual meetings wrapped in Baku with 67 agreements worth $6bn, plus $2.8bn approved for transformation projects, underscoring Baku’s push for regional connectivity and non-oil growth. Connectivity & Tech: Telecom Armenia and AzerTelecom signed a reciprocal internet traffic transit deal, aiming to diversify routes and boost network resilience across the region. Security Cooperation: Kyrgyz defense officials visited Azerbaijan to discuss operational planning and future military cooperation under a bilateral plan. Human Rights & Reintegration: Azerbaijan’s Ombudsman met citizens repatriated from Syria to review rehabilitation steps and reintegration support. Regional Policy Watch: Azerbaijan extradited a terrorism-financing suspect from the UAE after legal cooperation. Culture in the Capital: The El Calor en Baku tango festival opened in Icherisheher, drawing officials and diplomats for a high-profile cultural event. Military Safety: Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry announced planned controlled ammunition disposal near Pirakeshkul, warning residents to expect explosion sounds.