AGP Executive Report

CICA Summit: Baku hosted the 7th CICA summit, where member states extended Azerbaijan’s chairmanship for two years. Ilham Aliyev presented Azerbaijan as a Eurasian transport hub, while Kazakhstan’s president called for a joint regional connectivity strategy. Diplomatic Ties: Aliyev and Israeli President Isaac Herzog discussed deepening strategic cooperation during Herzog’s visit to Baku. Azerbaijan also held talks with China on trade, energy and transport links. Armenia Peace Process: Nikol Pashinyan said he hopes a peace deal can be signed and ratified by 2031, and raised the possibility of equal-area land swaps. Aliyev told the summit that Azerbaijan had not chosen war. Cybersecurity: Azerbaijan reported attacks on more than 100 government domains; a group reportedly linked to Iran claimed responsibility, citing the school headscarf dispute. Energy: Azerbaijan exported 15.5 million tonnes of oil and 18.4 billion cubic metres of gas in January–September. Azeri Light fell 2.92% to $124.14 a barrel.

CICA Summit: Baku is preparing to host the Asian security bloc’s summit, drawing leaders and senior officials from across the region. President Ilham Aliyev met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Israeli President Isaac Herzog, and the presidents of Uzbekistan and Tajikistan; Turkey’s Hakan Fidan is due to attend Thursday. School Dress-Code Row: Protests over reports that hijab-wearing girls were barred from classes have strained ties with Türkiye. Azerbaijan’s ruling party warned Ankara against interference, while the Health Ministry denied issuing a fake letter claiming hijabs were restricted in medical facilities. Cybersecurity: More than 100 Azerbaijani government domains were targeted in a cyberattack; hackers claimed it was linked to the hijab dispute. Trade Routes: Six countries, including Azerbaijan, agreed to streamline transfers at Caspian and Black Sea ports and simplify customs procedures, aiming to boost the CASCA+ corridor. Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan are also exploring closer coordination between their ports to improve Middle Corridor freight flows.

School Hijab Dispute: Protests over enforcement of Azerbaijan’s school dress code continued, with 37 people detained over public-order incidents and reports of social media disruptions. The row has also strained ties with Türkiye, as Azerbaijani officials push back against Turkish criticism. Garabagh Return: President Ilham Aliyev said more than 40,000 people have returned to 47 settlements, with nearly 100,000 now living, studying or working in the liberated territories. He cited 25.5 billion manats in reconstruction spending and said over 300,000 hectares had been cleared of mines; the next Kalbajar resettlement is planned for Zar village. Cybersecurity: A foreign hacking group targeted more than 100 state domains, disrupting some agency websites before officials contained the attack and restored services. Transport and Energy: Baku Port handled about 100,000 container units in the first nine months, up 30% year on year, while renewable electricity generation rose by more than 1 billion kWh. Football: Sabah beat Slavia Prague 2-0 for their first Champions League win, lifting Azerbaijan to 24th in UEFA’s country rankings.

School Dress-Code Protests: Demonstrations continued over reports that hijab-wearing students were barred from class. Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry said 37 people were detained; social-media disruptions were also reported. Tensions with Türkiye: The ruling New Azerbaijan Party rebuked Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan’s adviser and AKP lawmakers for criticizing the rules, calling their remarks interference in domestic affairs. Diplomacy: Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet held talks in Baku, with both sides pledging closer cooperation. Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov is due to visit on October 14–15, ahead of the CICA summit, where China’s foreign minister is also expected. Black Sea Attack: Azerbaijan said all eight of its citizens aboard a cargo ship hit by a drone near Bulgaria were rescued; one was hospitalized. Football: Sabah beat Slavia Prague 2-0 for their first Champions League main-stage win.

Laos Visit: President Ilham Aliyev and Lao President Thongloun Sisoulith pledged to deepen ties after talks in Baku, signing cooperation documents and a joint statement. Aliyev said a business forum would help expand trade and investment; Sisoulith welcomed plans to renew student exchanges. Regional Diplomacy: Baku prepares to host the CICA summit on October 14–15, with Sri Lanka’s foreign minister leading its delegation and China’s top diplomat also expected. Black Sea Security: Eight Azerbaijani crew members were among 15 rescued after drones struck their ship off Bulgaria; five were treated for minor injuries. The attacks also sank another vessel, with sailors still missing. Economy: TotalEnergies awarded Vallourec a major pipe-supply contract for the Absheron gas field, planned to produce up to 6 billion cubic metres of gas annually. Cambodia and Azerbaijan also signed three agreements covering economic cooperation, education and double taxation during Prime Minister Hun Manet’s Baku visit. Peace Process: Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan urged swift signing and ratification of a peace agreement with Azerbaijan. Sport: Azerbaijani judokas Ahmad Yusifov and Balabay Aghayev now rank first and second worldwide in the men’s 60kg division.

School Dress-Code Protests: Demonstrations over hijab restrictions continued in Baku, with reports of arrests and school disruptions. Authorities said 37 people faced action over public-order violations; claims of larger arrest totals and internet restrictions remain unverified. Cambodia Ties: President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Hun Manet oversaw agreements on trade and economic cooperation, tax matters and business links. Officials also discussed a bilateral roadmap and possible direct flights. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan and five partners signed a protocol to develop the CASCA+ transport corridor, targeting higher freight volumes and fewer delays between Asia and Europe. Trade and Energy: Azerbaijan’s foreign trade reached $33.9 billion in January–August; non-oil exports rose 2.6 times year on year to $6.28 billion. TotalEnergies awarded a contract for the Absheron gas field, while Slovakia is looking to Azerbaijani gas as it plans to replace Russian supplies. Diplomacy: China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is due in Baku for the CICA summit on October 15. Iran’s interior minister also visited Baku for talks on security cooperation.

Cambodia Visit: President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Hun Manet agreed to deepen political and economic ties during talks in Baku, exchanging three cooperation documents. Hun Manet said a joint trade group would develop practical cooperation in trade, defense, security and education; Cambodia also supports Azerbaijan’s engagement with ASEAN. Czech Partnership: At a Baku business forum, officials said bilateral trade reached about $760 million in January–August. Czech investment in Azerbaijan totals $74 million, while transit cargo grew 47% in 2025; transport links and the Middle Corridor are key areas for expansion. Mine Clearance: Teams cleared 1,239 hectares across 13 districts last week, neutralizing 327 anti-personnel mines, 34 anti-tank mines and 624 other unexploded ordnance items. School Dress-Code Dispute: Reports that hijab-wearing students were barred from classes and staged protests have fueled debate over school rules and religious expression. Regional Diplomacy: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is due in Baku on October 15 for the CICA summit. Sport: Azerbaijan’s judokas finished the Baku world championships with seven medals.

Diplomacy: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet arrived in Baku with First Lady Pich Chanmony for an official visit, part of a regional tour that includes the CICA summit. Judo: Baku’s World Championships wrapped up with Japan winning mixed-team gold; Azerbaijan was eliminated 4–1 by Japan. Azerbaijani judokas had earlier earned seven individual medals. Youth sport: Azerbaijani boxers won two golds and eight medals overall at the U-17 European Championships in Montenegro. Schools: Reported restrictions on hijab-wearing students have prompted class boycotts and protests, putting secular dress rules and access to education under scrutiny. Trade links: Rail freight from China to Azerbaijan rose 40% in 2026, strengthening the country’s role in the Middle Corridor. Earlier this week, Azerbaijan joined the Central Asian leaders’ regional format and was set to chair it in 2027.

Khankendi Ultramarathon: Georgia’s David Kharazishvili won the four-stage race, covering 192 kilometres across Azerbaijan. Ukraine’s Olena Shevchenko topped the women’s field; 97 runners from six countries competed. Pakistan Ties: President Ilham Aliyev and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif discussed regional peace and closer economic cooperation, with Aliyev praising Pakistan’s diplomatic efforts. CICA Summit: Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet is due in Baku for an official visit and the October 15 summit, part of a regional tour running through October 17. Judo: Azerbaijan finished the individual World Championships in Baku with seven medals: one gold, two silver and four bronze. Domestic Debate: School pupils protested reports that new dress-code rules bar hijab-wearing students and teachers. Trade Links: Azerbaijan Railways received 416 block trains from China in January–September, a 40% annual increase, underscoring the Middle Corridor’s growing role. Culture Abroad: Azerbaijan showcased its carpets, costumes, cuisine and folk dance at Ankara’s World Cultures Festival.

School Protests: Pupils in Azerbaijan have protested and boycotted classes after reports that a new dress code bars hijab-wearing students and teachers from schools. Diplomacy: Ilham Aliyev hosted Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov in Baku, where they met and visited the White City redevelopment project. Cambodia’s Prime Minister Hun Manet is due in Azerbaijan from October 12 to 15 for the CICA summit and bilateral meetings. Regional Ties: Aliyev and Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pledged closer economic and trade cooperation in a phone call. At talks in Turkmenistan, Aliyev and Iran’s president discussed implementing agreements reached at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit. Caspian Sea: Five countries backed a joint mechanism to address falling water levels, with Azerbaijan set to host the commission’s first meeting in 2027. Economy: Azerbaijan’s GDP grew 1.5% in the first nine months of 2026, while fixed-capital investment rose 10.9%. Sport: Baku’s week-long World Judo Championships wrapped up, with the IJF flag passed to Kazakhstan, host of the 2027 event.

Caspian Cooperation: Azerbaijan is expected to host the first meeting of a five-country commission on the Caspian Sea’s falling water levels in 2027, as regional leaders warn of risks to ecosystems, ports and shipping. Investment: Fixed-capital investment rose 10.9% year-on-year to AZN 14.69 billion in January–September; the non-oil sector attracted about two-thirds of the total. Judo: Azerbaijan’s team set a national record with five medals at the World Championships in Baku, including one gold, as the individual events reached their final day. Regional Ties: President Ilham Aliyev and Iran’s Masoud Pezeshkian reaffirmed cooperation agreements and said work on the Aghband–Kelaleh project was nearing completion. Health: A Health Ministry official said life expectancy in Azerbaijan exceeded 77 years by the end of 2025, while warning that non-communicable diseases are becoming more prevalent.

Regional Diplomacy: Ilham Aliyev joined Central Asian leaders in Turkmenistan, meeting Vladimir Putin and Iran’s president. Azerbaijan is set to chair the regional consultative format in 2027 and the CIS in 2028, with leaders discussing trade, transport and green energy links. Caspian & Economy: Caspian states warned that falling water levels threaten ecosystems, ports and coastal communities; a five-country commission will meet in Azerbaijan in 2027. Azerbaijan reported a $2.33 billion budget surplus for the first nine months of 2026, while transit traffic rose 10%. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank also approved a $45 million loan for a seawater desalination project. Peace & Security: Armenia and Azerbaijan held technical talks on power lines under the TRIPP project. A landmine blast injured a civilian in Jabrayil, as Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry put the post-2020 war mine-victim toll at 443. Travel & Sport: Airspace restrictions disrupted Azerbaijan Airlines’ Moscow flights on October 9. Azerbaijan’s judoka secured a record fifth medal at the Baku World Championships.

Regional Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev joined the CIS summit in Turkmenbashi, saying Azerbaijan is ready to chair the organization in 2028. He reported transit cargo rose 10% in the first half of 2026 to nearly 8 million tonnes. Transport Links: Railway administrations from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Georgia and Türkiye agreed to develop the CASCA+ route. Armenia’s prime minister said Azerbaijani railways are already carrying cargo to Armenia and the TRIPP project could establish a direct rail link. Economy and Water: Azerbaijan recorded a $2.33 billion state-budget surplus in the first nine months, while external public debt fell 7.8% year on year. The AIIB approved a $45 million loan for a planned Sumgayit desalination plant capable of producing 300,000 cubic metres of water daily. Sport: Eight Azerbaijani boxers advanced to the U17 European Championship semifinals in Montenegro, guaranteeing at least bronze medals. Para-taekwondo athlete Sabir Zeynalov won silver at the Paris Grand Prix.

Regional Cooperation: Azerbaijan joined Central Asian leaders for the first expanded C6 summit in Turkmenistan, where discussions focused on closer trade, transport, energy and digital ties. Kazakhstan proposed exploring links between the Middle Corridor and the TRIPP route. Armenia-Azerbaijan Talks: Officials from both countries met in Goris to discuss routing power lines under TRIPP, a practical step toward regional connectivity. Landmine Danger: Two civilians—a father and son—were injured by separate mine blasts in Jabrayil district. The son was seriously hurt; Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry says 443 people have been killed or injured by mines since the 2020 war. Missing Persons: A Baku conference adopted a declaration affirming families’ right to know the fate of missing relatives and urging stronger cooperation. Human Rights: The European Parliament called for the release of Ali Karimli, Anar Mammadli and other political prisoners, and urged the EU to consider targeted sanctions. Judo: Azerbaijan reached a record five medals at the World Championships in Baku after Murad Fatiyev won bronze in the men’s 90kg division.

Regional Summit: President Ilham Aliyev joined Central Asian leaders in Turkmenistan, where they signed a joint statement. He said Azerbaijan’s trade with Central Asia grew by more than 50% last year and highlighted plans for a green-energy corridor with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, stronger investment and more efficient Caspian transport links. Missing Persons: A Baku conference brought officials and experts together to address unresolved cases; researchers reported finding the remains of 16 people in Karabakh, while more than 4,000 people remain missing in Azerbaijan. Germany Spy Case: Azerbaijan denied links to the espionage investigation involving former German intelligence chief August Hanning and lodged a protest over media reports. Industry and Trade: Azerbaijan and Türkiye signed a memorandum to expand cooperation between industrial zones, including on green technology and digitalization. Georgia also says it will buy Azerbaijani electricity directly, removing intermediaries. Judo: Azerbaijan’s team has four medals at the World Championships in Baku, including Ahmed Yusifov’s gold.

Missing Persons: President Ilham Aliyev told a conference in Baku that no Azerbaijani missing person is forgotten. Azerbaijan also highlighted 71 missing children at the UN and called on Armenia to provide DNA samples to help identify remains found in liberated territories. Türkiye Ties: Türkiye’s ruling party spokesperson Ömer Çelik denied reports of political tension with Azerbaijan, saying differences are handled through dialogue and warning that outside actors seek to divide the allies. Germany Spy Probe: Baku protested a Der Spiegel report linking former intelligence chief August Hanning’s espionage case to Azerbaijan, calling the allegation disinformation. Regional Connectivity: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov urged Central Asian partners to deepen Middle Corridor links, streamline transit and expand trade ahead of the leaders’ meeting in Turkmenistan. Support for Ukraine: Azerbaijan sent another shipment of energy equipment, with reports describing a 10-truck delivery. Judo: Azerbaijani judoka Zelim Tckaev won silver at the world championships in Baku, while Omar Rajabli took bronze.