AGP Executive Report

Counter-Terrorism: Azerbaijan’s State Security Service says it detained 10 people in a multinational operation over alleged terrorism financing and planned attacks on public and religious figures, including a plot involving previously convicted “Sumgayit Jamaat” member Vugar Abdullayev. Rail Modernization: Azerbaijan Railways delivered seven new China-made freight locomotives to Baku, with more on the way, aimed at boosting capacity on the Middle Corridor and TRIPP. Diplomacy: Germany’s new ambassador met Hikmet Hajiyev to discuss cooperation on economy, education, peace and security. Consumer Protection: Azerbaijan was elected to the ICPEN advisory group for 2026-2027 to deepen international ties on consumer enforcement. Culture & Sports: Azerbaijan marks National Music Day honoring Uzeyir Hajibayli, while the national football squad was announced ahead of upcoming UEFA Nations League matches. Security Cooperation: Azerbaijan hosted the OTS security councils’ secretaries meeting, underscoring Baku’s growing role in regional security coordination.

Clean Energy Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Energy Ministry says talks with the UK focused on clean-energy cooperation, decarbonisation, and electricity interconnections, including the Caspian–Black Sea–Europe Green Energy Corridor and ways for British firms to join next steps. Energy Roadmap: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan signed a 2026–2028 energy cooperation roadmap covering the Central Asia–Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor, oil and gas exploration, processing projects, and SOCAR’s expansion in Uzbekistan. SOCAR in Uzbekistan: SOCAR discussed building new SOCAR-branded filling stations in Uzbekistan and expanding joint investment work tied to Ustyurt hydrocarbon projects. Trade & Transit: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met TRACECA’s secretary-general on boosting Europe–Asia transport links, stressing Middle Corridor capacity, freight growth, and digitised transit procedures. Regional Ties: Azerbaijan and Serbia reaffirmed strategic partnership and welcomed the new direct Air Serbia Belgrade–Baku route. Consular Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Estonia held a second round of consular consultations, including digitalisation of consular services and closer cooperation on migration and justice. Local Development: A sister-city protocol was signed between Romania’s Baia Mare and Azerbaijan’s Khankendi/Khankandi area. Economy Snapshot: Azerbaijan produced 17.69m tonnes of crude oil (Jan–Aug) and 33.41b cubic metres of gas, both slightly down year-on-year. Public Health Measures: Azerbaijan extended its special quarantine regime until Jan 2, 2027.

OTS Security Talks in Baku: President Ilham Aliyev opened the 5th meeting of OTS security council secretaries, linking Garabagh’s “new geopolitical reality” to the Zangezur Corridor and calling for tighter Turkic security coordination. Religious Heritage Protection: Culture officials said Azerbaijan is building a systematic approach to safeguard and restore religious and historical monuments, including large-scale work in liberated areas, and floated a unified digital map/database for monument data. Christian Heritage, Peace Process: Hikmet Hajiyev told Euronews that Azerbaijan will preserve Christian heritage as part of national history, stressing peace with Armenia is “uphill” and requires societal preparation. Energy & Infrastructure: Azerbaijan approved a Baku renewable-energy zone for a 100 MW solar plant plus 30 MW battery storage, while Georgia said it’s strengthening energy cooperation with Azerbaijan via the Baku–Supsa pipeline’s full operation. Economy & Trade: Economy Minister Jabbarov said Azerbaijan aims to boost economic complexity by leveraging AI and tech-driven job shifts, as rail freight rose to 12.129 million tons in Jan–Aug. Health Measures: The Cabinet extended Azerbaijan’s special COVID-19 quarantine regime until Jan 2, 2027. Transport & Safety: AZAL launched its first flight to Aktobe, and a Lankaran road crash killed two and injured one. Sports Note: Azerbaijan’s cultural loss also hit the arts: screenwriter/poet Alla Akhundova died.

Budget Outlook: Azerbaijan’s consolidated budget for 2027 is forecast at AZN 47.6bn in revenues and AZN 50.4bn in spending, leaving a deficit of AZN 2.78bn. Economic Forecast: Growth for 2027 is projected at about 2.7%, with non-oil growth expected to rise while oil-and-gas output declines. Trade Boost: Foreign trade surplus jumped to $10.39bn in Jan–Aug 2026 as exports rose 27.8% and imports fell 24.1%. Food Exports: Fresh fruits and vegetables exports grew slightly in volume to 540,918.5 tons and rose 13.6% in value to $637.1m. Energy & Investment: SOCAR completed a 10% stake purchase in Côte d’Ivoire’s Baleine project, expanding into Africa upstream. Climate & Farming: Azerbaijan set aside up to 1bn manat for climate-resilient irrigation (2026–2030) and is using an AI farmer scoring system to target subsidies. Diplomacy & Security: Azerbaijan and IsDB discussed a 2027–2031 partnership strategy; Azerbaijani security chief Ali Naghiyev met Central Asian counterparts on regional security. Sports: Azerbaijan’s chess teams started the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad with wins; F1 confirmed the 2027 calendar including Azerbaijan’s race and 10 sprint weekends.

Azerbaijan–UAE Strategic Ties: Presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev met UAE National Media Authority chief Abdulla Alhamed at the Arab Media Forum, focusing on boosting Azerbaijan–UAE cooperation in media and communications. Karabakh Cultural & Religious Revival: At an international Yahya Bakuvi conference in Aghdam, religious leaders called Azerbaijan’s victory a win for the Islamic world, while officials highlighted restoration of mosques and heritage sites. Audit Modernisation: President Ilham Aliyev urged digitising audit work, expanding AI and data analytics, and updating audit methods to meet international standards. Turkic Trade & Connectivity: OTS think-tank talks in Baku heard that the Middle Corridor could become an “economic development belt,” with calls for customs simplification and digital platforms among Turkic states. Energy & Renewables: Masdar and Azerbaijan’s AGEC signed to expand Garadagh solar and add large battery storage, while IRH and AzerGold agreed to assess Nakhchivan’s mineral potential. Sports & Culture: Moldova referees were named for the Azerbaijan–Tajikistan friendly; Azerbaijan jazz featured at Switzerland’s Montreux festival. Economy Watch: Azerbaijan’s gold exports surged in Jan–Jul 2026, and hazelnut prices jumped 53% as export volumes slid. Regional Politics: Turkey’s FM Hakan Fidan told Baku Greece’s island militarisation violates treaties, as Athens rejects the claim. US Policy Shock: The US House advanced a bill that could enable up to 100% tariffs on major buyers of Russian energy, listing Azerbaijan among them.

Azerbaijan-Armenia Diplomacy: Foreign ministers Ararat Mirzoyan and Jeyhun Bayramov plan to meet in New York this month as the peace process continues, with President Ilham Aliyev saying it will be long-lasting but that Azerbaijan will not forget the victims and destruction from the conflict. Turkey’s Regional Push: Turkish FM Hakan Fidan said Türkiye expects a new phase of cooperation in the South Caucasus after a peace agreement, while also calling for safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz and a return to the pre-war status quo. Energy & Trade: Azerbaijan’s gas export revenue fell 4.8% to $5.71 billion in Jan–Aug, while oil exports remain led by Italy (57.71% of volumes). Economy Abroad: Azerbaijan highlighted fresh investment opportunities for Swiss businesses after the 10th Azerbaijan–Switzerland Joint Economic Commission meeting. Turkic World & Islam Solidarity: OTS Secretary General Kubanychbek Omuraliev praised Baku’s growing international role as Azerbaijan hosted OTS religious leaders and the Yahya Bakuvi conference; President Aliyev also urged unity across the Muslim world. Regional Cooperation Projects: Azerbaijan and Belarus discussed new veterinary cooperation, and Azerbaijan–Czechia talks focused on shipbuilding and technology for the Baku Shipyard.

Türkiye-Azerbaijan Diplomacy: Foreign ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Hakan Fidan held a one-on-one meeting in Baku, with talks also covering defence, trade, energy and regional peace. Energy & Investment: UAE’s XRG completed its acquisition of an equity stake in Azerbaijan’s Southern Gas Corridor CJSC, strengthening Caspian-to-Europe gas links; Fitch also expects SOCAR to spend about $2.35bn annually on capital projects through 2030 and affirmed SOCAR’s long-term rating. Economy Watch: Azerbaijan reported a $4.7bn current account surplus in H1 2026 (12.4% of GDP). Oil Prices: Azeri Light rose to $127.29 per barrel. Reconstruction & Returns: Under the Great Return programme, 50 families moved back to Khojavend and nearby settlements. Baku Liberation Anniversary: Azerbaijan marked the 108th anniversary of Baku’s liberation from occupation, with Turkish and Azerbaijani martyrs’ sites visited and official statements renewed. Culture & Society: Young talent shone at the Fidan Hajiyeva International Opera Festival, while SABAH.city’s innovation campus highlighted Azerbaijan’s push for digital and AI development.

Diplomatic Tensions & Heritage: Azerbaijan’s “Peace Bridge” group hit back at Armenia’s hostile media tone after a diplomatic corps visit to Garabagh and East Zangezur, saying such visits to sovereign Azerbaijani territory shouldn’t be controversial and urging reciprocity and dialogue on cultural heritage. Peace Process & International Outreach: EU South Caucasus envoy Magdalena Grono met Armenia’s deputy foreign minister to discuss Armenia-EU ties and institutionalising peace, after visiting Azerbaijan. Security & Disinformation: Azerbaijan’s National Cybersecurity Agency warned of TikTok scams impersonating payment systems, using lookalike sites and ads to trick users into sharing bank card details. Azerbaijan-Türkiye Media Cooperation: Officials from Türkiye and Azerbaijan discussed boosting strategic communications, combating disinformation, and expanding media contacts. Human Fraternity Funding: President Aliyev directed the $500,000 Zayed Award prize to the Garabagh Revival Fund. Aviation: Azerbaijan Airlines appointed aviation veteran Mario Chaves to lead its passenger airline subsidiary. Energy & Industry: Zakh launched a 600 MW solar panel and 500,000 sq m BIPV manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah, targeting UAE, GCC and international markets.

OTS Religious Dialogue in Baku: The 7th Meeting of Muslim Religious Leaders of the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS) opened in Azerbaijan’s capital, bringing about 200 religious figures from nearly 40 countries to discuss shared values and cooperation. Commemoration at Alley of Honour: Participants visited Baku’s Alley of Honour, laying wreaths and flowers at the graves of Heydar Aliyev, Zarifa Aliyeva, and other prominent figures. Security Cooperation with China: Azerbaijan’s State Security Service and China’s Ministry of Public Security signed a security cooperation agreement after talks in Jiangsu, with a global counter-terrorism action plan adopted at the forum. Legal Cooperation via ECO: Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev attended the ECO Prosecutors General meeting in Turkistan, highlighting Azerbaijan’s digital transformation and discussing mutual legal assistance. Cultural Spotlight Abroad: Azerbaijan’s State Dance Ensemble showcased national choreography at Switzerland’s Septembre Musical Montreux-Vevey festival, “Azerbaijan: The Rhythms of Heritage.” Energy and Industry Move: Zakh announced a new solar panel and BIPV manufacturing facility in Ras Al Khaimah’s economic zone, aiming to serve UAE, GCC and international markets. Digital Connectivity: AzerTelecom and DE-CIX plan to launch AZE-IX, a new internet exchange to cut latency and strengthen Azerbaijan’s digital corridor role.

EU Diplomacy: EU South Caucasus envoy Magdalena Grono wrapped consultations in Baku and will head to Yerevan, discussing EU support for the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, humanitarian legacies, and regional connectivity. Religious & Cultural 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 Azerbaijan’s tolerance narrative. Karabakh Reconstruction & Aid: Azerbaijan’s reconstruction push continues in Kalbajar, with officials highlighting accelerated rebuilding and new housing plans, while diplomatic tours of the region continue. Finance & Banking: Bank Respublika approved its landmark buyout of AccessBank, with the deal set to close by November and aimed at strengthening SME-focused lending. Sports Spotlight: Baku hosted Azerbaijan’s first international beach polo tournament, where “Elit” won Sea Breeze 2026; meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s gymnasts won silver at the World Aerobics Championships, and Azerbaijan’s “Elit” polo club took gold in Havana Beach. International Attention: A new US book, “The War for Karabakh: Strategy, Technology, and Victory,” examines Azerbaijan’s 2020 war victory through battlefield research and interviews.

Climate Diplomacy in Baku: Azerbaijan hosted UNFCCC’s Fourth Climate Week and the parallel Baku Climate Action Week (Sept 7–11), with 68 events and nearly 2,700 delegates from 140+ countries registered, plus consultations under the “Belém Mission 1.5” Troika on NAPs and NDCs. Rebuilding Kalbajar: Reconstruction in Kalbajar is accelerating, with new residential districts planned to start next year and infrastructure upgrades including water, gas, electricity and high-speed internet; officials also highlighted ongoing return of families. Kalbajar Economy Boost: More than 200,000 bee colonies have been relocated to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, as beekeeping expands and festivals promote local products. Diplomats Tour Liberated Areas: Foreign diplomatic corps visited Kalbajar and Aghdara monasteries and the Istisu mineral water plant, with officials briefing guests on restoration and cultural preservation. Sports & Youth: Azerbaijan represented at ISSA’s 15th General Assembly in Saudi Arabia, while Zambia named Brian Kunsanama as U-15 coach ahead of the FIFA U-15 World Cup in Baku (Oct 22–31, 2026). Regional Security Idea: Turkey proposed TÜRKPOL, a joint law-enforcement cooperation body for Turkic states, supported by Azerbaijan and others.

Kalbajar Reconstruction & Culture: Azerbaijan’s diplomatic corps wrapped up a tour of Garabagh and East Zangezur, visiting Ganjasar and Khudavang monasteries and touring the Istisu mineral water bottling plant in Kalbajar—where production has resumed after a 30-year break—while also attending the 2nd Honey Festival, highlighting restoration, heritage protection, and local economic revival. Diplomacy & International Engagement: The visits—now the 22nd since 2020—were framed as a chance to see reconstruction results first-hand, with officials including Hikmet Hajiyev and foreign envoys discussing cultural ties and regional development. Climate Diplomacy: Azerbaijan hosted UNFCCC Climate Week and Baku Climate Action Week, drawing nearly 2,700 participants from 140+ countries across 68 events, plus consultations under the “Belém Mission 1.5” Troika on NAPs and NDCs. Regional Cooperation: Belarus and Azerbaijan outlined plans to start a joint agricultural agrotown project in Karabakh in 2027 and a lift manufacturing joint venture in Aghdam the same year. Sports Diplomacy: Azerbaijan represented at the 15th ISSA General Assembly in Saudi Arabia, covering preparations for future Islamic Solidarity Games and electing the 2026–2029 executive term.

Diplomacy in Karabakh: A large diplomatic corps tour of Azerbaijan’s liberated regions continues, with Assistant to the President Hikmet Hajiyev saying the delegation is now heading to Aghdara and Kalbajar after visits to Shusha and Khankendi; the group of about 150 representatives from 58 countries and 9 international organizations is inspecting reconstruction projects and cultural heritage sites, including Ganjasar Monastery and other historic churches, while Azerbaijan’s presidential aide again rejects claims of “fake restoration” and stresses protection of monuments. Energy & markets: Azeri Light crude rose to around $120 per barrel, well above Azerbaijan’s budget assumption, as oil prices climb on global benchmarks. Regional security & law enforcement: Pakistan’s first ambassador to Armenia, Shafqat Ali Khan, presented credentials in Yerevan as bilateral talks focus on trade, investment, education and culture. Organised crime crackdown: Punjab Police announced the extradition from Moldova of gangster Amritpal Singh (Amrit Dalam) after a six-month international operation, marking Punjab Police’s first extradition from Europe. Culture & heritage: The diplomatic tour also highlights Azerbaijan’s narrative on safeguarding ancient Albanian Christian heritage sites and graves linked to Hasan Jalal Dawla.

Energy Diplomacy: Türkiye’s energy minister says Azerbaijan-Türkiye cooperation is shifting from planning to delivery, pointing to new electricity corridors via Nakhchivan and the Türkiye–Georgia–Azerbaijan–Bulgaria routes. Renewables Grid Upgrade: An Azerbaijan Renewable Energy Agency official argues the country needs a flexible, “smart” power grid to better manage intermittent renewables and protect the system during climate-linked emergencies. Karabakh & East Zangazur Diplomacy: A first day of a diplomatic corps visit wrapped up with tours of Khankendi and Shusha, including the railway/bus terminal complex, Karabakh University, AzCotton, the new Shusha Mosque, and reconstruction sites. Cultural Heritage in Shusha: Foreign diplomats also saw bullet-riddled busts of Natavan, Bulbul and Uzeyir Hajibeyli, returned to Shusha after vandalism during occupation. Regional Employment: Authorities held a roundtable in Khankendi on creating an employment ecosystem for residents resettled in liberated territories, focusing on mechanisms with employers. Azerbaijan-Mexico Ties: Mexico marked Independence Day in Shusha with plans to expand trade and investment, while Azerbaijan’s presidential aide highlighted Mexico’s support for territorial integrity. Legal Cooperation: Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General met Kazakhstan’s counterpart in Turkistan, stressing growing prosecutorial ties.

Diplomatic Push in Karabakh: A 150-member diplomatic corps from 58 countries and nine international organizations has started a two-day visit to Khankendi, Shusha, Aghdara and Kalbajar to inspect reconstruction, infrastructure and heritage restoration, marking the 22nd such trip since 2020. Peace and Reconstruction Focus: Hikmet Hajiyev said Azerbaijan is moving from conflict to lasting peace, stressing trust-building, reconstruction and safe returns amid ongoing landmine risks. Mine Safety Update: ANAMA reported a man was injured after stepping on an anti-personnel mine in Papravand village, Aghdara district; he was evacuated and an investigation is underway. Parliament Agenda: Draft laws are set for a Sept. 14 Milli Majlis committee meeting on classified-information exchange with Slovakia, air services with Mongolia, visa-free travel with Jordan, and a treaty on allied relations with Kyrgyzstan. Oil Market: Azeri Light jumped $6.22 (5.49%) to $119.54/bbl. Education Access: An electronic application option for arts education has been launched for children in liberated territories via the “MyCulture” platform.

Humanitarian Demining: Azerbaijan and Ukraine discussed expanding cooperation on humanitarian demining, with ANAMA sharing its experience in clearing urban areas and preparing sites for reconstruction, and Ukraine inviting ANAMA to a Brussels mine-action conference in November. Business & Investment: Azerbaijan’s economy ministry officials met with SME support bodies to push digital, phased transfer of services to the private sector, while Azerbaijan and Ukraine also reviewed ways to deepen investment ties and attract Azerbaijani firms to Ukraine’s reconstruction. EU Talks: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met EU South Caucasus envoy Magdalena Grono on expanding Azerbaijan-EU cooperation, finishing Partnership Priorities work, and advancing a new bilateral agreement, alongside regional peace and normalization efforts with Armenia. Climate & Energy Diplomacy: UN officials praised Azerbaijan’s COP29 climate leadership and highlighted practical regional energy cooperation, including plans for an undersea electricity cable linking Azerbaijan and Georgia to European markets. Oil Sector Partnership: Azerbaijan’s economy minister met China’s CC7 executives to explore deeper oil and petrochemical projects. Black Sea Tragedy: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry confirmed two Azerbaijani citizens were killed and two injured in a drone attack on a foreign-flagged vessel in the Black Sea, with consular steps underway. TRIPP Update: FM Bayramov said the Trump Route project is now expected to start in early 2027, with implementation impossible without Azerbaijan’s participation.