AGP Executive Report

Military & Security: Azerbaijan, Turkey and Uzbekistan kicked off the “Power of Unity-2026” drills in Azerbaijan’s Hojavend with 3,500 troops, rehearsing drone swarms, electronic warfare, border incidents and sea operations. Foreign Policy: Azerbaijan’s MFA said Foreign Ministers Jeyhun Bayramov and Iran’s Seyed Abbas Araghchi discussed regional security and ways to deepen bilateral ties. Economy & Finance: Central Bank data showed Azerbaijani banks’ deposits rose 37.5% to 46.053 billion manats by Sept. 1, while M3 money supply climbed 15.1% year-on-year to 54.978 billion manats. Housing & Construction: Azerbaijan’s new residential space hit a five-year high in 2025, and the construction sector exceeded 14.4 billion manats in 2025. Sports (Baku): The World Aquatics Swimming World Cup continued with record-setting performances, including Canada’s Taylor Ruck winning silver (200m backstroke) and bronze (100m freestyle). Public Safety: Azerbaijan’s Interior Ministry reported seizing 68 kg of drugs and detaining suspects in Baku and Ganja, including an Iranian citizen. Culture & Diplomacy: The EU held its “Taste of Europe” festival in Baku, marking 30 years of EU-Azerbaijan partnership.

Sports & Culture in Baku: Turan Tovuz hosts Türkiye’s Fenerbahçe in a friendly at Tofig Bahramov Stadium, with proceeds going to the Karabakh Revival Fund. Local Sports: Ganja opens the Azerbaijan Basketball League against Ordu in Baku. Energy & Economy: Azeri Light crude slips to $124.01 per barrel at Augusta port; Azerbaijan’s budget still assumes $65. Great Return Update: 180 families (591 people) have been relocated to Sugovushan, with housing, a renovated school, power plant upgrades, and a new mosque; Talish returns continue in stages. Green Power: Sugovushan HPP units generated 61.6 million kWh over five years after reconstruction. Diplomacy & Connectivity: Azerbaijan and Switzerland discuss bilateral ties, Armenia normalization, transport connectivity, and humanitarian demining. Regional Security: Türkiye’s defense chief says Caucasus security is inseparable from Türkiye, Azerbaijan, and Georgia, stressing trilateral cooperation. Defense Showcase: ADEX 2026 wraps up in Baku with a record 270+ companies from 14 countries. Cyber Warning: Azerbaijan’s security service warns AI-enabled cybercrime targets people with “urgent” messages and fake official pages.

F1 & Local Sports Buzz: Max Verstappen heads to the Bahrain GP in Malaysia chasing at least one win after a fourth runner-up finish in Baku, where George Russell took the spotlight and Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar debate over team orders kept fans talking. World Aquatics in Baku: Ireland’s Mona McSharry won 100m breaststroke gold, while Canadians Taylor Ruck (silver, 100m backstroke) and Finlay Knox (bronze, 200m IM) added medals as Egor Kornev equalled the 100m freestyle world record. EU Engagement in Liberated Territories: An EU Council delegation visited Shusha and Aghdam, including mine-clearance briefings and reconstruction updates. Border Security Clarification: Azerbaijan’s NSS said only one serviceman (N. Musaev) illegally crossed into Armenia’s Shaki area, after misinformation circulated online. Connectivity & Finance: Azerbaijan and the World Bank discussed financial access and transport cooperation, while Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov said the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic link with Kazakhstan is due in less than a month. Energy & Clean Power Talks: Azerbaijan and the EU held a high-level energy dialogue in Brussels, focusing on gas supply, grids, and renewable “green energy corridors.” Politics & Party Congress: The 8th New Azerbaijan Party congress took place in Baku with President Ilham Aliyev addressing delegates.

New Azerbaijan Party Congress: President Ilham Aliyev opened the 8th YAP Congress in Baku, saying Heydar Aliyev’s return to power was “the demand of the people,” that the National Leader’s political course remains unchanged, and that Azerbaijan has become a “serious geopolitical and security factor.” Energy & markets: Azeri Light crude rose $5.5 to $124.76 per barrel, with the 2026 state budget earlier set on a much lower $65 average. Defense diplomacy: China’s J-10CE fighter jet was showcased at ADEX-2026 in Baku, while Azerbaijan and Türkiye held talks in Shusha and reaffirmed expanding military cooperation; Azerbaijan also discussed further joint exercises with Georgia. Regional peace push: Hikmet Hajiyev told the CAMCA forum that Azerbaijan wants Armenia’s government to prepare society for peace, warning revanchist sentiments remain strong among Armenians. Culture & international ties: Azerbaijan’s Cinema Agency approved five international co-production projects, and the country highlighted its fashion heritage at Paris Fashion Week.

ADEX 2026 Defence Push: China displayed a full-scale J-10C fighter model in Azerbaijani markings in Baku, with reports of a signed export deal and deeper China-Azerbaijan air-tech ties. Regional Security Cooperation: Azerbaijan hosted OTS and Turkic defense-industry talks, with a 2027 roadmap for joint projects and technology cooperation. CICA Media Forum: Delegates met in Baku to discuss “Building Trust through Media in a Polarized World,” including tours of the Heydar Aliyev Center and bilateral media meetings. Sports in Baku: The World Aquatics Swimming World Cup opened with record-breaking swims, while Azerbaijani swimmers and teams also picked up medals on day one. Public Services & Transport: Azerbaijan Airlines added another Airbus A321neo to its fleet, and Azerbaijan Railways will boost Baku–Tbilisi–Baku services from Nov. 1 with more seats and lower fares. Safety & Economy: The emergency ministry warned about safe EV charging installation; ANAMA reported 757 anti-personnel mines and 4,525 UXOs neutralized in September. Armenia Tensions: Armenia detained an Azerbaijani serviceman after a shooting in Syunik, as both sides exchanged information on his disappearance.

ADEX-2026 Defense Push: Azerbaijan’s defense industry stays in the spotlight as ADEX-2026 and Securex Caspian run in Baku, with 53 countries and 280 companies participating, while the OTS defense industry bodies meet alongside the exhibition and new locally made gear like the AID-2 reconnaissance device is unveiled. Turkey-Azerbaijan Military Deals: Türkiye and Azerbaijan sign contracts worth over $500 million, including 14 Hürkuş-II trainer aircraft and additional defense systems, and ASELSAN moves toward a strategic production facility in Nakhchivan. Tech & AI for Public Services: Azerbaijan signs an MoU with SpaceXAI to explore Grok-based AI for government services, aiming for more accessible, efficient public delivery. Regional Security Drills: “Unity Power – 2026” includes cyber and hybrid threat response scenarios, while Turkish and Azerbaijani forces continue joint training in Shusha and mountaineering drills in Georgia. Sports in Baku: The World Aquatics Swimming World Cup kicks off at the Baku Aquatic Palace with 216 swimmers from 44 countries. CICA Media Forum: In Baku, leaders stress media trust, media literacy, and responsible use of AI amid polarization, ahead of the CICA Summit on Oct. 15. F1 After Baku: Max Verstappen sets a goal of at least one win for the rest of 2026 after a close Azerbaijan GP finish.

ADEX 2026 Defense Push: President Ilham Aliyev told ADEX 2026 that strengthening defense capability and national security are top state priorities, as Azerbaijan showcases expanding local production and international interest. Baku–Ankara Deals: Azerbaijan and Türkiye signed defense contracts worth over $500m at the exhibition, including 14 HÜRKUŞ-II trainer aircraft and multiple Turkish systems and drones. Classified Info Pact: The Milli Majlis approved an agreement with Slovakia on exchanging and protecting classified information. Visa-Free Moves: Azerbaijan will abolish the visa regime with Jordan for holders of ordinary passports (up to 90 days). Regional Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s Deputy PM met senior Iranian officials in Tehran, reviewing joint projects, including energy cooperation. Energy Talks: Azerbaijan and Greece discussed advancing energy ties, highlighting TAP and gas supplies. Public Safety: 50 people were poisoned at a wedding venue in Kurdamir; conditions reported moderate to severe. Economy Watch: Azeri Light oil fell $4.27 (3.5%) to $118.22. Sports & Culture: Japan appointed a new ambassador to Azerbaijan; and Azerbaijan’s U17 boxers head to the European Championships in Montenegro.

AIIB Hosting: Azerbaijan will host the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank’s 12th Annual Meeting in Baku on July 14–15, 2027, with AIIB President Zou Jiayi praising Baku’s role as a founding member and a reliable partner. Foreign Policy & Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s incoming ambassador to Italy presented credentials to President Sergio Mattarella, while Azerbaijan and Latvia discussed deepening interparliamentary and economic ties. Iran Connectivity: Deputy PM Shahin Mustafayev met Iran’s President Masoud Pezeshkian in Tehran, with both sides stressing expanded land, air and rail links to strengthen bilateral cooperation. Trade & Industry: An Indian UFlex-led project will build a $117.7m packaging facility in the Alat Free Economic Zone, targeting 60,000 tons annually and boosting non-oil exports. Security Cooperation: Azerbaijan’s Defence Minister Zakir Hasanov held talks with Belarus and Sudan counterparts at ADEX-2026, focusing on military-technical collaboration. Humanitarian Focus: An Azerbaijani NGO representative raised landmine risks and missing persons at a UN Human Rights Council session in Geneva. Legal Ties: Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev met Russia’s Supreme Court chief Igor Krasnov in Moscow, discussing expanded legal cooperation. Cash Curbs: Russia has tightened rules on cash exports, limiting individuals to 1 million rubles when taking cash out to EAEU states including Azerbaijan.

AIIB Talks: Azerbaijan met with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank to discuss future cooperation, including green energy and new infrastructure projects. Football Diplomacy: President Ilham Aliyev received FIFA chief Gianni Infantino as preparations ramp up for the first-ever FIFA U-15 World Cup & Festival in Azerbaijan and the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2027. Cybersecurity Win: Azerbaijan earned its first-ever WorldSkills Shanghai 2026 “Medal of Excellence” in cybersecurity. Education Rules: New state school uniform amendments effectively restrict headscarves, citing secular public education standards. Energy & Trade: ICT investment rose 49.4% to 320 million manats; Azerbaijan exported gold worth $271.2m in Jan-Aug (+28.7%); and talks with Iran focused on boosting electricity imports and North-South Corridor projects. Regional Connectivity: Turkey urged faster, simpler customs procedures between Georgia, Azerbaijan and Türkiye to cut border waits. Sports & Culture: Azerbaijan’s kickboxers won 16 medals at WAKO Youth Worlds; and the “Harmony” documentary was presented in Rome highlighting religious tolerance. Public Safety: 64 drowning deaths were recorded in non-beach areas this year, and a driver was injured after hitting an anti-tank mine in Shusha.

Political Prisoners & U.S. Ties: Bipartisan U.S. senators urge the Trump administration to make the release of all “more than 300” political prisoners in Azerbaijan a condition for strengthening the U.S.–Azerbaijan strategic partnership. Consular Update: Azerbaijan says its embassy in Ukraine is assisting with repatriation after Azerbaijani citizen Abbas Abbasov was killed in a Kyiv drone attack. Energy Diplomacy: SOCAR’s Rovshan Najaf met Italy’s MAIRE CEO Alessandro Bernini to expand oil refining and petrochemical cooperation, including new joint projects. Customs & Transit: Azerbaijan and Türkiye held their 6th customs committee meeting in Goygol, signing a protocol, while trilateral talks with Georgia focused on cutting border waits and simplifying procedures. Middle Corridor Investment: The World Bank pegs Azerbaijan’s Middle Corridor investment needs at $1.16B by 2040, highlighting $260M for modernizing the Baku–Alat–Boyuk Kesik railway. Public Safety: A mine blast injured a driver in Shusha’s Jamillar village; authorities urged strict compliance with demining warnings. Sports—F1 Fallout: Lando Norris apologized to Franco Colapinto after their Baku crash and earlier ban comments.

Remembrance Day & defense focus: Azerbaijan marked Sept. 27 with ceremonies at Baku’s Victory Park, as Milli Majlis leadership, MPs, and multiple ministries laid flowers and honored martyrs, while the Military Prosecutor’s Office met servicemen in Zangilan and Khojavand and reviewed conditions. Mine clearance update: ANAMA reported 1,600+ mines/UXOs neutralized in liberated areas over Sept. 21–27, clearing 1,385.8 hectares across multiple districts. Transit modernization: The State Customs Committee says work toward Azerbaijan’s NCTS accession is progressing, with infrastructure and digital procedures key, while trilateral talks with Georgia and Türkiye aim to cut border waiting and simplify transit. Energy & investment: SOCAR’s Italiana Petroli will cap fuel prices in Italy from Sept. 28 amid the country’s fuel crisis; at the AIIF, Azerbaijan signed 26 investment contracts worth $10.8bn, with AI, energy, manufacturing and infrastructure highlighted. Sports & culture: Azerbaijan won its first Beach Wrestling World Series title; FIDE re-elected Mahir Mammadov as vice president; and the film “44” released its seventh teaser ahead of Oct. 1 premiere. International incident: Azerbaijan will repatriate the body of citizen Abbas Abbasov killed in a Kyiv drone strike, with consular assistance underway.

F1 in Baku: Mercedes’ George Russell powered from pole to a lights-to-flag win in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, holding off Max Verstappen by just 0.196 seconds; Isack Hadjar returned from injury to take the podium, while a Safety Car restart chaos involving Franco Colapinto, Pierre Gasly and Lando Norris ended multiple races early. Stewards & fallout: Colapinto drew fresh backlash after the crash, with Lando Norris calling for a ban and Alpine issuing new statements condemning online hate and abuse. FIA & motorsport diplomacy: FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem met President Ilham Aliyev to discuss road safety and sustainable mobility, praising Baku’s long-term planning for hosting F1. Remembrance Day across Azerbaijan: Azerbaijan marked Sept. 27 with a nationwide minute of silence and ceremonies at Victory Park, with officials from multiple ministries laying flowers; Türkiye’s president also commemorated Azerbaijani martyrs. Chess & sports: Azerbaijan’s men finished fifth at the World Chess Olympiad in Samarkand, and Mahir Mammadov was re-elected FIDE vice president for a third term. Investment & energy: Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister met Brookfield Asset Management to expand cooperation, including energy transition and digital infrastructure.

Remembrance Day in Azerbaijan: President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and senior officials visited Baku’s Victory Park to honor martyrs, while the country marked September 27 with a nationwide minute of silence at 12:00, flags at half-mast and traffic halted; ceremonies also took place in the liberated territories, including Khojaly’s Martyrs’ Alley. Diplomacy at UNGA: Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev told the UN General Assembly Azerbaijan plans to host the UNAOC Global Forum in 2027, and also discussed a two-state solution at a Jerusalem meeting; Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov wrapped up a New York high-level week with 37 bilateral meetings and 17 signed documents. Georgia-Azerbaijan ties: Georgian PM Irakli Kobakhidze said relations with Azerbaijan are “friendly” and that all issues are discussed without tension. F1 Azerbaijan GP: Mercedes’ George Russell held off Max Verstappen to win in Baku by 0.196 seconds amid safety-car chaos; Lando Norris and others criticized Franco Colapinto after a crash that took out Alpine drivers and Norris. Investment momentum: Azerbaijan signed $10bn-plus investment agreements at the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, including a final investment decision for the Absheron gas field expansion.

Azerbaijan GP Spotlight: Mercedes’ George Russell converted pole into a lights-to-flag win in Baku, holding off Max Verstappen by just 0.196 seconds after two safety-car chaos periods; Red Bull’s Isack Hadjar returned from a wrist injury to take third, while championship leader Kimi Antonelli recovered from 16th to finish fifth, cutting his lead to 66 points. F1 Incident Fallout: Lando Norris blasted Franco Colapinto after a restart collision that knocked out Norris and Pierre Gasly; the FIA confirmed a penalty for Colapinto for the next race in Malaysia. Investment Push in Baku: President Ilham Aliyev said Azerbaijan has drawn over $350 billion in investments over 20 years and announced deals worth more than $10bn at the Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, including a final investment decision for Absheron gas development. Connectivity & Energy: FM Jeyhun Bayramov stressed trans-regional connectivity and the green transition at UNGA, while talks with Global Infrastructure Partners focused on Middle Corridor projects and logistics/digital investment. Diplomacy Update: Bangladesh may move toward abolishing visa requirements for ordinary passport holders after a new agreement covers diplomatic, official and service passports. Remembrance Day: Azerbaijan marked six years since the start of the Patriotic War, with commemorations held at home and abroad.

F1 Azerbaijan GP: George Russell stormed to pole for Saturday’s Baku race after Kimi Antonelli crashed out of qualifying and starts 16th, setting up a chance for Russell to cut into Antonelli’s 81-point lead; Charles Leclerc is second and Oscar Piastri third, while Max Verstappen starts eighth after a late engine change. Investment Forum: Azerbaijan’s Second International Investment Forum opened in Baku with President Ilham Aliyev stressing renewable energy, added electricity capacity, and Azerbaijan’s role as a stable connectivity hub; the event is expected to see key documents across industry, finance, AI, renewables and agriculture. UN diplomacy: Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met UN chief António Guterres at UNGA81, discussing peace normalization with Armenia, reconstruction and demining, plus climate and renewable energy cooperation. Regional ties: Bayramov also met Senegal’s foreign minister and signed an MoU on political consultations. Environment: A mud volcano erupted in Garadagh district at 07:32 local time. Sports beyond F1: Armenia beat Azerbaijan in the men’s chess team at the World Chess Olympiad.

F1 in Baku: George Russell grabbed pole for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix after Kimi Antonelli crashed out of qualifying, setting up a chaotic race as Max Verstappen—despite strong practice pace—qualified eighth in a “disaster” and starts Saturday from the back of the front pack. Digital MoU: Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, AZCON Holding and Microsoft Ireland signed an MoU to explore cooperation on future projects. Green energy corridors: Azerbaijan says the Central Asia–Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor feasibility study will finish in May 2027, with commissioning planned for 2032, while a Azerbaijan–Georgia–Türkiye–Bulgaria corridor deal is set for COP31. Capital markets push: Baku Stock Exchange talks with LSEG on tech links and dual-listing prospects, and plans remote trading access for foreign brokers without local offices. Regional diplomacy: Azerbaijan chaired the OTS Council of Foreign Ministers at the UNGA in New York and reiterated its push for North-South dialogue. Mining focus: AzerGold says Azerbaijan can become a regional hub for critical minerals, pairing extraction with processing and logistics.