AGP Executive Report

OTS Religious Summit in Baku: The 7th Meeting of Muslim religious leaders of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) kicked off in Baku with nearly 200 clerics from about 40 countries, adopting the Baku Declaration calling for unity and action against terrorism, extremism and Islamophobia. State Security-China Ties: Azerbaijan’s State Security Service and China’s Ministry of Public Security signed a security cooperation agreement after talks in Jiangsu, with a 2026 counter-terrorism action plan adopted at the forum. Prosecutors’ Cooperation: Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev attended the ECO Prosecutors General meeting in Turkistan, discussing digital transformation and legal cooperation. Culture & Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev met the Secretary-General of the Muslim Council of Elders, while Azerbaijani culture was showcased at Switzerland’s Montreux festival. Metro Disruption: Baku Metro’s Red Line briefly faced a malfunction near Icherisheher; services resumed after a support train removed the faulty unit. Energy & Industry: Zakh launched a solar panel and BIPV manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone. Economy Note: The Central Bank said notes in circulation surpassed AZN 1.7 billion for the first time.

Culture Diplomacy: Azerbaijan Culture Days are being held for the first time at Switzerland’s Montreux Classical Music Festival, with Culture Minister Adil Karimli leading a delegation in Montreux and performances scheduled by Azerbaijani artists including Alim Qasimov and Elmina Hasan. EU Mediation: EU Special Representative for the South Caucasus Magdalena Grono wrapped consultations in Baku and will travel to Yerevan, discussing EU support for the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process and connectivity. Religious & Regional Ties: Participants of the 7th OTS religious leaders meeting toured Baku’s Keykubad Mosque and the House of Tolerance in Icherisheher, with briefings on Seyid Yahya Bakuvi and tolerance traditions. Sports Spotlight: Azerbaijan’s “Elit” polo club won the Sea Breeze 2026 beach polo tournament, beating St. Moritz 5–3. Athletics: Azerbaijani gymnasts Madina Mustafayeva and Vladimir Dolmatov took silver in mixed pairs at the Aerobic Gymnastics World Championships in Pamplona, missing gold by 0.1 points. Energy/Trade: TRIPP’s Armenian-Azerbaijani trade corridor construction is now expected to start in 2027, not end-2026, according to Azerbaijan’s foreign minister.

Climate Diplomacy in Baku: Azerbaijan’s Fourth Climate Week and parallel Baku Climate Action Week drew up to 2,700 delegates from 140+ countries, with 68 events at the Baku Convention Center (Sept 7–11) and 37 more under Baku’s COP29 Action Agenda, plus talks on National Adaptation Plans and NDCs under the “Belém Mission 1.5” Troika. Kalbajar Reconstruction: Kalbajar city is set to expand with three new residential districts starting next year, including 182 apartments in the second district and 476 and 807 in the third and fourth, alongside water, gas, electricity and high-speed internet; officials also say 162 families are already settled and Zar village resettlement is nearing. Honey Festival & Beekeeping: At Kalbajar’s second Honey Festival, Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov said 200,000 bee colonies have been relocated to liberated territories, with 30,000+ beekeepers and nearly 800,000 colonies nationwide. Sports & Youth: Azerbaijan’s presence at the ISSA General Assembly in Saudi Arabia was confirmed, while Zambia named Brian Kunsanama as U-15 head coach for the FIFA U-15 World Cup in Baku (Oct 22–31, 2026). Sports Event: Sea Breeze 2026 beach polo final is set after Elite and St. Moritz booked their clash.

Kalbajar Reconstruction & Diplomacy: Azerbaijani officials say Kalbajar is being rebuilt and “revived” under President Ilham Aliyev, as Hikmet Hajiyev highlighted the region’s transformation during the 2nd Honey Festival and welcomed foreign diplomats to the area. Istisu Mineral Water Revival: The diplomatic corps visited the revived Istisu mineral water plant in Kalbajar, where production resumed after a 30-year break; officials also discussed plans to deliver the product to Iran. Cultural Heritage Tours: A two-day diplomatic visit to Garabagh and East Zangezur wrapped up with stops at Ganjasar and Khudavang monasteries, plus briefings on monument “interference” and restoration work. Climate Week in Baku: Azerbaijan hosted UNFCCC Climate Week and Baku Climate Action Week (Sept 7–11), with 68 events and nearly 2,700 participants from 140+ countries. Sports Diplomacy: Azerbaijan took part in the 15th ISSA General Assembly in Saudi Arabia, with elections for the 2026–2029 executive term. Energy & Regional Links: Azerbaijan and Türkiye discussed deepening energy cooperation at the 5th Azerbaijan–Türkiye Energy Forum in Baku. Oil Market: Reports say Azeri Light oil prices rose above $120 per barrel. Politics & Rights: Opposition PFPA deputy Seymur Khazi says he was hit with a travel ban ahead of an event in Vilnius.

Karabakh Diplomacy Tour: Azerbaijan’s foreign policy chief Hikmet Hajiyev says a major diplomatic delegation (about 150 reps from 58 countries and 9 international organisations) is in its second day of visits, heading to Aghdara and Kalbajar after Shusha and Khankendi. Cultural Heritage Protection: The diplomats toured Ganjasar Monastery and other historic sites, while Hajiyev also posted on the grave monument of Hasan Jalal Allahverdibekov and criticised “restoration” work that he says compromised authenticity. Oil Markets: Azeri Light crude climbed to around $120 per barrel, with Azerbaijan’s budget still based on a much lower $65 assumption. Armenia-Russia Tensions: An Armenian lawmaker said Yerevan could seek higher rent for Russia’s Gyumri military base if gas prices rise. Regional Security: Georgia reported detaining 59 irregular foreign nationals during immigration control operations, including Azerbaijanis. Global News Link: Saudi Arabia temporarily suspended operations on its East-West oil pipeline after an attack, citing safety measures.

Karabakh Diplomacy: A first day of a diplomatic corps visit to Karabakh and East Zangezur wrapped up with tours in Khankendi and Shusha, including Karabakh University, Victory Park, AzCotton, the new Shusha Mosque, and reconstruction sites, with the delegation of 150 from 58 countries and nine international organisations continuing through Sept. 12. Shusha Cultural Heritage: Foreign diplomats also toured Shusha’s fortress walls and viewed returned, bullet-riddled busts of Natavan, Bulbul and Uzeyir Hajibeyli, looted during the occupation and later restored. Energy Forum Push: Turkey and Azerbaijan said their energy cooperation is moving from planning to implementation, highlighting new corridors and power transmission lines toward Europe. Renewables Grid Need: A climate-week panel stressed Azerbaijan needs a flexible, “smart” grid to manage intermittent renewables and protect the energy system during climate shocks. Climate Week Wrap: UNFCCC’s Climate Week 4 in Baku concluded after five days of talks on COP29/COP30/COP31 continuity and climate finance. Sports & Culture: Mexico marked Independence Day in Shusha with Azerbaijani officials, while Azerbaijan’s diplomatic visit also included a reception tied to the event.

Champions League Spotlight: Manchester United returned to Europe in style, crushing Azerbaijani champions Sabah FK 4-0 at Old Trafford with goals from Matheus Cunha, Bruno Fernandes, Benjamin Šeško and Lisandro Martínez—an emphatic start ahead of the Manchester derby. Karabakh & East Zangezur Diplomacy: A 150-strong diplomatic corps from 58 countries and nine international organisations has begun its 22nd visit to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, touring Khankendi, Shusha, Aghdara and Kalbajar and inspecting reconstruction and heritage preservation. Peace Process: Hikmet Hajiyev says Azerbaijan is focused on lasting peace, trust-building and reconstruction, noting the conflict’s “final chapter” was closed three years ago and that leaders’ engagement is moving forward. Parliament & Foreign Ties: Milli Majlis committees will consider ratifying classified-information cooperation with Slovakia, an air services deal with Mongolia, and a treaty on allied relations with Kyrgyzstan, plus visa-free travel steps with Jordan. Safety on the Ground: ANAMA reported a man injured after stepping on an anti-personnel mine in Aghdara’s Papravand village; an investigation is underway. Energy & Economy: Azeri Light oil rose to $119.54/bbl; Moody’s says Azerbaijani banks have the lowest exposure to regional geopolitical risks in the area. Public Services: Azerbaijan’s Culture Ministry launched electronic applications for arts education in liberated territories via the “MyCulture” platform.

Mine Safety & Health: A man injured in a Khojaly landmine blast has undergone surgery, with reports saying his condition remains critical. Humanitarian Demining: Azerbaijan and Ukraine discussed expanding UN-backed cooperation on humanitarian demining, including ANAMA’s experience in clearing urban areas ahead of reconstruction. Diplomacy & Peace: Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov met EU South Caucasus representative Magdalena Grono on deepening cooperation and regional peace, including trust-building steps tied to recent leader talks. Energy & Trade: Azerbaijan and China’s CC7 reviewed next phases for oil and petrochemical projects; UN officials also praised Azerbaijan’s practical regional energy cooperation, including plans for an undersea power cable linking Azerbaijan, Georgia and Europe. Climate & Heritage: Azerbaijani officials at Baku Climate Action Week proposed a Turkic-wide network of protected natural and cultural sites, while also accusing Armenians of illegal restoration work at Khudavang Monastery. Sports (Azerbaijan on the European stage): Manchester United opened their Champions League return by beating Azerbaijani debutants Sabah 3-0 at Old Trafford, with JJ Gabriel later starring for United’s youth team against Sabah. Regional Connectivity: Logistics experts highlighted how ports and the Middle Corridor are boosting Caspian trade links with Europe and beyond.

Champions League Return: Manchester United kick off their 2026/27 European campaign at Old Trafford tonight against Azerbaijan’s Sabah FK, with kick-off set for 8pm BST and tickets still available via secondary sellers; the match is also part of a wider Thursday slate after UEFA spread the opening week across three days. COP31 Buildings Target: Azerbaijan-linked climate diplomacy continues as COP31 Presidency proposals at Baku Climate Action Week push for a global goal to cut buildings’ energy intensity by at least 20% by 2035 versus 2025, alongside a “35 by 2035” electrification push. State Budget Rules: President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree tightening how targeted extra-budgetary funds can be used, setting upper limits on salary supplements and redirecting remaining funds to the state budget. Mine Safety Update: An ANAMA employee was injured in a landmine explosion during demining in Khojaly’s Dashkend area; his condition is reported as satisfactory and an investigation is underway. Energy & Economy: Azeri Light crude jumped above $113 per barrel at Italy’s Augusta port, while new data put Azerbaijan’s salaried workforce at 1.781 million as of Aug 1, 2026. Regional Connectivity: Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan move to revive Caspian passenger ferry service on the Kuryk–Baku–Kuryk route to boost tourism and Middle Corridor links.

Gold Mining: AzerGold says it has completed its first drilling and blasting at the Soyudlu (Zod) deposit in Kalbajar, Azerbaijan’s biggest gold find in the Caucasus, with work reaching 18,000 meters and estimated recoverable reserves of 1.03 million ounces. Armenia Talks: Azerbaijan and Armenia confirm an agreement to hold a meeting between foreign ministers; Jeyhun Bayramov links discussions to Armenia’s constitutional process and border delimitation work from north to south. Climate Week & Finance: At Baku Climate Action Week, Azerbaijan’s climate envoy Mukhtar Babayev urged banks to make climate finance a core business, while UNECE officials highlighted turning the Middle Corridor into a “green corridor” with climate-ready port and logistics design. Middle Corridor Trade: Azerbaijan Railways and Chinese partners discussed expanding Middle Corridor freight and digitalising port-rail operations, including the Lianyungang–Baku route. Caspian Sea Pressure: UNFCCC events spotlight the Caspian Sea’s long decline and its knock-on effects for navigation and shipping. Customs Change: Azerbaijan raised import customs duties on alcohol (cognac, whisky, rum, gin, vodka, spirits and wine) until 2030. Sports (Local Interest): Manchester United host Sabah FK of Azerbaijan in the Champions League at Old Trafford, with Carrick managing injuries and Rashford returning to training.

Climate Diplomacy in Baku: Azerbaijan’s 4th UN Climate Week opened with calls to turn COP31 pledges into real implementation, as officials stressed that the climate crisis can’t be solved by one country and that financing is the key gap. Caspian Connectivity: Baku Port says preventive seabed dredging in the Caspian Sea is set to start by year-end, while Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan move to resume passenger ferries on the Kuryk–Baku route to boost Middle Corridor tourism and links. Economy & Energy Signals: Azerbaijan reports strategic foreign exchange reserves near $91bn, GDP growth of 1.2% in eight months, and Azeri Light crude up to $108.18/bbl. Regional Transport Plans: At a CICA forum, officials discussed how to improve Middle Corridor freight flows, including the idea of a single transit operator and shared digital customs platforms. Legal & Humanitarian: A Baku court sentenced Jahid Kamal Isayev to 8 years 6 months in an anti-state calls case, while Armenian prisoner-related humanitarian talks continue via letters and planned visits. Sports: Sabah FC’s Champions League qualifier brings Azerbaijan to Old Trafford as the tournament resumes.

Digital & Green Tech: Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov met Huawei SVP Philip Gan to discuss expanding cooperation in digital solutions, investment, tech transfer, human capital and setting up local R&D centres. Urban Climate Action: Baku Climate Action Week heard plans to grow public green spaces to about 2,500 hectares by 2040, including 1,000 hectares of new areas, plus interconnected “green” corridors and new building energy-efficiency standards. Peace & Regional Stability: Deputy FM Elnur Mammadov met US Chargé d’Affaires David Allen (in Armenia) and Amy Carlon (in Azerbaijan) to review steps toward long-term peace with Armenia and progress on TRIPP and the TRIPP Development Corporation. Energy & Partnerships: Azerbaijan and Algeria advanced preparations for a first Joint Commission meeting in 2027, with cooperation spanning hydrocarbons, petrochemicals, electricity and renewables. Transport & Trade Corridors: Azerbaijan and China highlighted further cooperation under the Belt and Road and the Middle Corridor, including the Zangezur Corridor’s role in boosting transit capacity. Aviation: AZAL will resume direct Baku–Jeddah flights from Sept. 15, four times weekly. Education & Skills: PISA 2025 results for Baku show Azerbaijan’s second-largest overall improvement globally across math, science and reading. Sports: Champions League returns with Sabah (Azerbaijan) set to face Manchester United at Old Trafford.

Oil Markets: Azerbaijan’s Azeri Light crude jumped $3.11 (2.98%) to $107.31 per barrel, with Brent November futures settling at $106.51, while the FOB price at Türkiye’s Ceyhan rose to $104.23. Climate & Water Security: At Baku Climate Action Week, former World Bank VP Ismail Serageldin urged a regional sustainability plan as Caspian Sea water levels keep falling, warning that both water quantity and quality affect agriculture, food security, and coastal communities. Energy Transition: Azerbaijan’s wind power output surged in the first half of 2026, and officials say wind could grow about sixfold by year-end, with solar also set to rise. Transport & Trade: Baku hosted the Black and Caspian Freight Forum 2026, with speakers pushing a more unified, predictable regional logistics network and highlighting the Middle Corridor’s growing role. Culture: Baku’s Musical Theatre will stage “Following My Mentor’s Path” on Sept. 10 to honor People’s Artist Mobil Ahmadov. Sports (Azerbaijan in Europe): Sabah FK, Azerbaijan’s Champions League debutants, are among the teams highlighted in early league-phase previews. Road Safety: Two died and four were injured in a crash in Hajiqabul on the Baku-Gazakh highway.

Energy & Climate Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Baku Climate Action Week 2026 pushed cross-border green power trade, with a panel on cross-border renewable energy certificates and carbon markets as a way to unlock climate finance. Renewables Planning: The energy regulator says a new approach to energy storage could be ready by end of September, while demand growth in the system is becoming a “serious issue” driven by new factors. Power Support for Ukraine: Azerbaijan delivered over 36 tons of electrical equipment to Ukraine’s Kyiv region to speed repairs at energy infrastructure. Human Rights: Independent human rights activist Anar Mammadli was sentenced to 13 years in prison, with Abdullayev getting 12 years, drawing renewed calls for his release. Sports & Culture: Azerbaijan also hosted major international events, including World Aquatics’ Silk Road Tour stop in Baku and a historic UWW Under-17 beach wrestling result for Naoise McManus. Aviation: AZAL will restart Baku–Astrakhan flights from Sept. 30, three times weekly.

UN Climate Week in Baku: The UNFCCC’s Climate Week 4 has kicked off in Azerbaijan’s capital, running until Sept. 11, with sessions on energy transition, climate finance and industrial decarbonization ahead of COP31. Power & grid updates: Azerishiq scheduled electricity outages in parts of Baku (Yasamal), plus Goychay and Yevlakh for repair works to improve supply quality. Energy transition push: Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov says wind generation could nearly sextuple and solar output rise by over 26% by year-end, stressing a paced transition with grids, storage and interconnections. Azerbaijan-Iran talks: Deputy PM Shahin Mustafayev and Iran’s roads minister reviewed progress on transport and transit projects, including the Aghband–Kalaleh bridge and work at the Astara cargo terminal. Sports wins: Azerbaijani judokas added medals at the European Junior Judo Championships, bringing the team total to five. Cultural heritage alarm: Reports say Shushi’s historic Old Armenian-Russian cemetery and medieval khachkars were destroyed, with new construction allegedly blocking visibility of the Ghazanchetsots church area.

Azerbaijan Defense & Industry: President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited the Azerbaijani Navy and reviewed practical testing of joint Azerbaijani-Turkish unmanned surface vessels, including SALVO and KAYRA, produced at a facility run by MIRAS and Turkey’s DEARSAN—signaling a shift toward local drone output. Parliament & Diplomacy: Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova led a working delegation to the United States for meetings as part of Azerbaijan’s parliamentary diplomacy. Regional Security: Azerbaijan-Iran cooperation is back on the agenda, with talks flagged on transit, energy and border coordination. Trade & Food Exports: Azerbaijan exported $172 million worth of tomatoes in seven months, underlining continued agri-exports momentum. Culture Abroad: Azerbaijan showcased its culture at a national minorities festival in Sokolov, Czech Republic, featuring Azerbaijani music, dances and cuisine. Sports: At the VI World Nomad Games, Azerbaijani wrestling saw Kyrgyz athlete Aibek Kasmanbetov win bronze, while local sports events and international competitions continue to draw attention.