AGP Executive Report

Champions League Draw: UEFA confirmed the 2026/27 league-phase seeding pots ahead of Thursday’s draw, with Azerbaijan’s debutant Sabah placed in Pot 4 alongside LASK and other newcomers, while PSG lead Pot 1 with Arsenal, Real Madrid, Liverpool, Bayern and more. Sabah FC: Sabah publicly thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his congratulations on reaching the league phase for the first time in the club’s history. Oil & Markets: Azeri Light crude slipped to $91.51 per barrel at Italy’s Augusta port, down from $91.93, as global prices soften. Demographics: Azerbaijan’s annual births fell below 100,000 in 2025, down 42% over a decade, raising concerns for long-term demand in child-linked sectors. Education: Passing scores for medicine and dentistry rose in 2026, with medicine up to 638.5 and dentistry to 627.8 at Azerbaijan Medical University. Sports Development: Azerbaijan’s youth and sports minister met the CEV president to discuss boosting volleyball development and cooperation. Humanitarian/Foreign Policy: Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry offered condolences over deadly Nepal–China border floods and landslides. Regional Security: An IRGC commander warned Iran will not tolerate hostile activity from Iraq’s Kurdistan territory.

Azerbaijan–Armenia Energy Talks: Officials met in Lachin to discuss electricity imports/exports and possible grid interconnections, as both sides weigh how to meet growing demand and reduce reliance on aging infrastructure. Regional Diplomacy & Security: Azerbaijan’s foreign policy is framed as keeping multiple doors open amid pressure from Russia and Iran, while also balancing ties with Turkey and Israel. Middle East Energy Pressure: Oil prices slid as the US signaled a shift from strikes to economic pressure on Iran, easing immediate Hormuz supply fears even as uncertainty remains. ADEX 2026 Lineup: Lockheed Martin and SIG SAUER will debut at Azerbaijan’s ADEX defense exhibition, joining a growing roster of international firms and new country participation. Baku Civic & Culture: Lachin City Day celebrations featured a concert program with national songs and dances. Health & Leadership: Mehriban Aliyeva visited the Scientific Research Institute of Pediatrics, with new medical equipment highlighted. Earthquake Alert: A 3.1-magnitude quake hit Jalilabad district. Sports: Sabah reached the UEFA Champions League league phase after a dramatic playoff win over Hapoel Beer-Sheva.

Champions League Breakthrough: Azerbaijan’s Sabah stunned Hapoel Beer-Sheva 5-2 in extra time to reach the UEFA Champions League league phase for the first time in the club’s history, completing a 6-4 aggregate comeback after conceding early and twice falling behind. Oil & Economy: Azeri Light crude fell to $91.93 per barrel at Italy’s Augusta port, down $3.20, with the drop noted against the 2026 budget benchmark. Culture & Homecoming: Lachin City Day returns for the fourth time on Aug. 26 with cultural events, exhibitions, children’s performances and a grand concert, marking Lachin’s return to Azerbaijani control in 2022. Sports Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev congratulated Sabah on the historic qualification, while UEFA qualification also sets up more Azerbaijani presence in Europe. Aviation Update: A Lufthansa Frankfurt–Delhi flight made an emergency landing in Baku due to a technical malfunction, with passengers and crew safe. Film Incentives: Azerbaijan plans a “cash rebate” for foreign productions, with Jackie Chan’s “Armour of God 4” set to be the first to use the mechanism. Regional Ties: Azerbaijan’s First VP Mehriban Aliyeva received birthday congratulations from Belarus President Lukashenka and Russia’s Putin.

Legal Clash with CNN: Azerbaijan filed a U.S. lawsuit after CNN claimed Israel sent troops to Azerbaijan during the Iran war, citing unnamed sources and alleging Israeli intelligence activity near the Azerbaijan-Iran border. Sports Spotlight: Sabah made a dramatic Champions League debut, scoring late to force extra time and win 6-4 on aggregate over Hapoel Beer-Sheva. Armenia-EU Pivot: Nikol Pashinyan said Armenia will apply for EU membership “in the near future,” with a referendum after Brussels responds, as Yerevan further distances from Russia. Crypto Enforcement: A Baku court ordered state confiscation of 830 crypto units tied to a case involving illegal money transfers, fining defendants heavily. Food and Fuel Transit: Another Russian shipment to Armenia moved through Azerbaijan—976 tons of wheat and 65 tons of timber—while Azerbaijan also exported diesel and gasoline to Armenia. Security and Training: Azerbaijan launched a four-month English course for military personnel with U.S. Defense Language Institute instructors. Cybersecurity Upgrade: AzInTelecom joined FIRST and gained Transport CERT status for Azerbaijan’s transport sector.

Maritime & Industry: Azerbaijan’s “Babek” tanker is back in service after a major overhaul, with engine, propeller shaft, electrical systems, hull cleaning and repainting, and sea trials completed. Sports (Baku): Azerbaijan’s women’s volleyball team edged Romania 3–2 at the European Championship in Baku, keeping them atop Group C ahead of matches vs Belgium and the Netherlands. Energy & Markets: Azeri Light crude fell about 2% to $95.13/bbl, still far above the 2026 budget benchmark of $65. Tourism Push: Azerbaijan set a goal of 3.8 million foreign visitors annually by 2030, as the 2026 H1 figures show a 10.3% year-on-year decline. Diplomacy (Syria): Azerbaijan is stepping up mediation to reduce Israel–Turkey tensions in Syria and prevent military miscalculations. Travel Data: Azerbaijan reported 1.3426 million foreign arrivals in Jan–Jul 2026, led by Russians and Türkiye. Media & Legal: Azerbaijan filed a defamation suit against CNN over claims Israeli troops used Azerbaijan during the Iran war. Regional Security (Armenia): Armenia’s PM Nikol Pashinyan said Yerevan won’t reactivate CSTO activity and is open to EU accession talks. Culture & Media: Modern.az launched an Uzbek-language version to widen access for Uzbek-speaking readers.

Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Uzbekistan wrapped up in Bukhara after the two sides signed the Treaty on Eternal Friendship, with officials calling it a new stage from “eternal friendship” to alliance, backed by concrete projects and a $1bn trade target. Mine Action & Safety: ANAMA reported demining progress in liberated areas, neutralizing 98 anti-personnel mines, 41 anti-tank mines and 522 UXO, clearing 1,829.3 hectares. Fire Response: A fast-moving wildfire broke out near Gulabli village in Aghdam, with emergency crews working to stop it spreading toward forested mountainous areas. Justice & Extradition: Azerbaijan seeks the extradition of theft suspect Adil Damirov from Russia, with the Penitentiary Service taking steps to bring him back. Tech & Consumer News: Azercell launched Steam Top-Up, letting subscribers add Steam balance from their mobile account without extra fees or VAT. Sports: Azerbaijan’s EuroVolley campaign continues as the national team prepares for upcoming matches.

Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Alliance: Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed a Treaty on Eternal Friendship in Tashkent, setting a $1bn trade target by 2030 and highlighting new cooperation across investment, banking, education, fuel retail and tourism, with leaders also praising Uzbekistan’s “New Tashkent” urban upgrade. Regional Connectivity: Azerbaijan’s push to advance the Zangezur Corridor and faster transport links remains a key theme as Baku and Tashkent turn political alignment into economic momentum. Digital Economy Rules: From September 1, Azerbaijan will introduce a new tax mechanism for non-resident e-commerce platforms providing electronic services, requiring electronic registration if turnover exceeds the USD 10,000 threshold. AI for Resilience: The Asian Development Bank plans an $800,000 AI technical assistance project on resilient infrastructure and adaptation strategies, including Azerbaijan. Culture & Education: Azerbaijan’s Republican Youth Library unveiled AI-made digital presentations on Nizami Ganjavi, while leaders opened the Nizami Ganjavi-named National Pedagogical University in Tashkent and backed Azerbaijani cultural projects like the “Azerbaijan” Park in New Tashkent. Tourism Push: Azerbaijan showcased its tourism potential at major events in Malaysia, seeking new Asian partners. Parliamentary Diplomacy: Azerbaijani MPs monitored Kazakhstan’s Kurultay elections in Astana and Almaty as international observers. International Watch: Reports say Syria and Israel held preliminary security talks in Baku, aimed at reducing strikes on key Syrian sites.

Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Alliance: Presidents Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev wrapped their historic state visit in Tashkent with the signing of a Treaty on Eternal Friendship and a package of cooperation documents, while Aliyev praised Uzbekistan’s role in restoring Karabakh and both sides pushed a deeper South Caucasus–Central Asia axis. Supreme Interstate Council: The third meeting of the Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Supreme Interstate Council highlighted expanding diplomacy, investment and transport links, with Uzbekistan calling the partnership a driver of a “new geoeconomic reality.” New Projects in Uzbekistan: Aliyev toured “New Tashkent,” while leaders inaugurated the National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi and backed new initiatives including an Azerbaijan Park and cultural programs like Days of Azerbaijani Culture. Economy & Industry: Aliyev said Uzbekistan’s automotive know-how is being transferred to Azerbaijan, with plans for a full production cycle and major investment. Sports & Culture: Azerbaijan’s presence also showed up in international events, from U20 wrestling results to First Ladies’ visits to Tashkent cultural sites.

U20 Wrestling Spotlight: Azerbaijan’s Haji Karimov reached the 70kg final at the U20 World Wrestling Championships in Bratislava, beating Armenia’s Davit Davtyan 12-0 and Egypt’s Mohamed Ahmed 9-2, with a title bout against Iran’s Sina Mehdi Khalili. Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Economic Push: The IV Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Interregional Forum in Tashkent drew nearly 400 companies and produced signed documents to expand cooperation in energy, finance, infrastructure, construction and manufacturing, while Azerbaijan’s economy minister said ties are diversifying beyond trade. Baku–Tashkent Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are also strengthening strategic alignment across regional and international platforms, with President Ilham Aliyev highlighting deeper East–West routes and growing investment and tourism links. US Court Impact: A US federal judge struck down Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Azerbaijan, saying the policy was “patently unlawful.” Sports on Home Turf: Baku hosted the opening of EuroVolley 2026 Women, while Kazakhstan’s Qazaq Kuresi championship continued in the capital with multiple golds and medals. Tourist Rescue in Kamchatka: 117 tourists, including Azerbaijani TV presenter Tatyana Dolivets, were evacuated after being blocked by a volcano route, with remaining drivers staying until the road is cleared.

Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan Deal Push: Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov says documents signed at the 4th Interregional Forum in Tashkent will deepen cooperation in energy, finance, infrastructure, construction and manufacturing, with more business-to-business projects expected. SOCAR in Uzbekistan: SOCAR plans to enter Uzbekistan’s retail fuel market and invest in a gas station network, while AzerGold will expand geological and mining cooperation. Agro Cooperation in Fuzuli: Uzbek specialists will set up an intensive “Dostlug” fruit orchard in Azerbaijan’s Fuzuli region. Baku Investment Snapshot: Mayor Eldar Azizov says over $200 billion has been invested in Baku in 20 years, highlighting new urban infrastructure and safety for investors. Transport Upgrade in Karabakh: A new Kalbajar–Lachin highway under construction will cut travel distance by about 32 km after major tunnel and bridge works. Oil Prices: Azeri Light crude rose to about $97.12 per barrel. Local Incident: In Baku’s Sabail district, a car hit People’s Artist Shukufa Yusupova; she has serious pelvic and rib fractures. International Spotlight: A U.S. judge blocked Trump’s immigrant visa suspension affecting 75 countries, including Azerbaijan. Culture & Media: Azerbaijan promoted tourism at WITEX/WCAF in Kuala Lumpur and mourned honored journalist Tofiqakhanim Gasimova.

Trade & Industry: Azerbaijan exported 111,800+ tons of cotton worth $172.2 million in January–July 2026, with value up 31.4% and volume up 32.5% year-on-year, and cotton making up 7.7% of non-oil exports. Sports: Azerbaijan’s wrestlers added more hardware at the U20 World Championships in Bratislava, bringing the country’s tally to seven medals, while weightlifter Isa Huseynov won three European bronzes at U-15 and Youth events in Pristina. Business Support: New state concessions kick in from September 1, subsidizing up to 70% of transportation costs for exporters of non-oil and gas goods (and compensating some customs clearance costs) to cut costs for micro, small and medium firms. Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s new ambassador to Costa Rica, Seymur Fataliyev, presented credentials to President Laura Fernandez, discussing Azerbaijan’s regional role and peace progress with Armenia. Regional Security & Mobility: Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan are strengthening law-enforcement cooperation, while Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev called Baku and Tashkent “natural partners” for East–West transport routes. Public Safety: A driver died after a crash into a tree in Zagatala, and a tractor hit a mine in Khojavand, injuring the operator.

Mine Safety in Khojavand: A tractor hit a mine in Dudukchu village in Azerbaijan’s Khojavand district, injuring the driver; authorities say demining there is still ongoing and an investigation is underway, urging strict compliance with mine-warning rules. Karabakh Resettlement: 87 families (335 people) received keys to new homes in Khankendi, Khojaly and Aghdara, as relocation convoys continue. Baku Hosts EuroVolley 2026: The opening ceremony of the 2026 Women’s European Volleyball Championship took place in Baku, with Pool C running Aug 21–28 at the National Gymnastics Arena. Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Trade Boost: Azerbaijan’s exports to Uzbekistan reached $79.507 million in Jan–Jul 2026, up 2.2 times, while imports fell 48%. Regional Courts Cooperation: Kyrgyzstan’s Supreme Court deputy said Azerbaijan’s “Electronic Court” experience will be used to reduce fragmentation and expand digital judicial services. Legal Fight with CNN: Azerbaijan filed a defamation lawsuit in U.S. court over a report alleging Israeli forces used Azerbaijani territory during the Iran war. Energy Exports to Switzerland: Azerbaijan exported 272,501 tons of crude oil to Switzerland in Jan–Jul 2026, nearly tripling volume year-on-year.

Tourism Push: Azerbaijan’s State Program for Tourism Development 2026–2030 is moving fast, with plans for visa-free entry for citizens of 34 countries, a new digital nomad visa, expanded e-visas, and tourism innovation competitions. Oil & Economy: Azeri Light crude rose to $96.68 a barrel, while Azerbaijan’s oil sales were also reported at $96.68. Great Return: Another phase of relocations under “Great Return” sent families to Khankendi, Khojaly and Aghdara, with dozens of families resettled across multiple settlements. Humanitarian/Legal: Armenia asked a third country to organize consular visits for Armenian detainees in Baku, with Azerbaijan’s consent required; talks with the ICRC on detainee visits continue. Regional Trade: Russia is sending more wheat and barley to Armenia via Azerbaijan, as transit volumes and fuel exports to Armenia continue. Culture & Events: Baku opened an international conference on Belgium’s colonial injustice and reparations, drawing officials from former Belgian colonies. Sports: Qarabağ beat Twente away 1-0 in the Conference League playoff tie, setting up a return leg in Azerbaijan.

Tourism Push: President Ilham Aliyev approved the State Program for Tourism Development for 2026–2030, aiming to boost competitive tourism products, regional governance, and branding, with plans to establish three new tourism and recreation zones from 2027–2030 and run tourism innovation competitions in 2027–2029. Digital Tourism: The “Azerbaijan.travel” platform will be further developed in 2026–2030, including multilingual services, interactive maps, and reservation features. Energy & Science: “Azerenergy” OJSC and the Azerbaijan Engineering Academy signed cooperation to apply innovative technologies in the energy sector, including monitoring systems at thermal power plants. Human Rights: Jailed journalist Aytac Ahmadova (Meydan TV) is reportedly being denied specialist care and diagnostic scans for a serious breathing condition. Diplomacy & Security: Azerbaijan will host the 5th OTS Security Council Secretaries meeting in Baku on Sept. 16–18. Sports: Azerbaijan will host the 2026 Qazaq Kuresi World Championships in Baku, with athletes competing across 16 weight categories. Oil Trade: Azerbaijan’s crude oil exports to Tunisia rose sharply in Jan–July 2026, reaching 368,916.34 tons.

Azerbaijan–Georgia Trade: Georgia’s trade turnover with Azerbaijan rose 12.5% in Jan–July to $824.7m, with Azerbaijan exporting $408.6m (+2%) and importing $416.1m (+24.8%), keeping Azerbaijan among Georgia’s top partners. Uzbekistan–Azerbaijan Push for $1B: Uzbekistan’s trade minister met Azerbaijan’s ambassador to review investment and trade ties, agreeing on a roadmap to reach $1bn by 2030 and flagging a Tashkent interregional forum on Aug. 22. Caspian Survey Cooperation: Chinese and Azerbaijani technicians jointly deployed seismic instruments in the Caspian Sea aboard a joint venture vessel, advancing exploration data work near Baku. Culture & Libraries: The Culture Ministry discussed transparent book-purchase plans, preparations for the Oct. 21–27 Baku International Book Fair, and library reforms aimed at modernizing services and expanding children’s and science titles. Oil Prices: Azeri Light climbed to $95.48/bbl (+0.95%). Armenia Wheat Transit: Russia will send another 2,725 tons of wheat to Armenia via Azerbaijan, adding to tens of thousands of tons already shipped through Azerbaijani rail routes. CNN Defamation Lawsuit: Azerbaijan filed a defamation suit over CNN’s Iran-war reporting that allegedly claimed Israeli forces used Azerbaijan’s territory. Activist Case: Prosecutors sought a suspended 9-year probation sentence for activist Galib Bayramov, who denies the charges.

Azerbaijan-CNN Legal Clash: Azerbaijan has filed a defamation lawsuit in Delaware federal court against CNN over a June 5 report alleging Israel used Azerbaijani territory during the Iran war, with Baku saying the claims are false and reckless and jeopardized its neutrality. Baku-Moscow Tensions: Azerbaijan summoned Russia’s ambassador after what it called provocative Russian media statements, and it has also moved against Russian figures accused of calling for forcible change in Azerbaijan’s constitutional order. Karabakh Prisoners’ Appeal: Karabakh Armenian prisoners, including former foreign minister Davit Babayan, say their trials were a “theater” and plan to take their cases to an international court. Regional Transit & Trade: Azerbaijan continues facilitating Russian wheat shipments to Armenia via rail; another 1,820 tons in 26 wagons is set to move through Azerbaijan. Energy & Exports: Azerbaijan’s crude oil exports to Bulgaria jumped sharply in January–July, reaching $253.1m. Sports & Youth: Azerbaijan won three bronze medals at IOI 2026 in Tashkent, and a taekwondo fighter secured bronze at the President’s Cup in Pakistan. Social Protection: In Nakhchivan, Azerbaijan says it has provided over 16,000 homes to martyr families and war-disabled veterans, with more housing handed over.