Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Russia dropped to $1.367 billion in January-May 2026, a 1.6-fold decrease from the previous year, according to Azerbaijan's State Customs Committee. Exports from Azerbaijan rose slightly, while imports from Russia saw a significant decline.
Armenia's Security Council Secretary Armen Grigoryan and Azerbaijani President's aide Hikmet Hajiyev held a working meeting in Yerevan to discuss the Armenian-Azerbaijani peace agenda. They emphasized the importance of ongoing dialogue for regional peace and stability and exchanged views on trust-building measures between civil societies. The next meeting will be held in Azerbaijan.
Armenia's Public Services Regulatory Commission head, Mesrop Mesropyan, stated the country could theoretically import gas from Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan, or Iran. This comes as Russia's Foreign Ministry warned Armenia that Moscow might suspend or cancel gas supply agreements if Yerevan continues its EU accession process.
4 Azerbaijani citizens killed, 4 injured in drone attack on vessels in Sea of Azov
Russian President Vladimir Putin stated that relations between Russia and Azerbaijan are developing positively, highlighting cooperation in various fields and mutual understanding.
Russia would welcome closer ties between Azerbaijan and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU), but the decision rests with Baku, stated Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin at the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum.
Russia reaffirms its commitment to developing relations with Azerbaijan, stating it aligns with the core interests of both nations and intends to maintain the current pace of development.
A senior US official stated that the US desires a direct stake in Azerbaijan's energy infrastructure and pipeline projects, signaling a deepening economic and strategic partnership. The US aims to bolster Azerbaijan's role as a transit hub, particularly for the Middle Corridor trade route.
Elezioni in Armenia con il partito di Pashinyan che punta all'adesione UE e partnership USA, sfidato da forze filo-russe. La pace con l'Azerbaijan e la "Trump Route" sono centrali, ma Mosca minaccia ritorsioni.
SOCAR, TotalEnergies, and ADNOC's XRG have signed a long-term gas supply agreement with Turkey's BOTAŞ for exports from Azerbaijan's Absheron field starting in 2029. The deal, announced at Baku Energy Week, aims to bolster cooperation and enhance the significance of the Southern Gas Corridor.
Dissident Azerbaijani blogger Mahammad Mirzali testified in Rennes about a 2021 knife attack, which he described as a "political crime" orchestrated by the Azerbaijani government. He detailed his life in hiding and the "transnational repression" faced by opponents abroad.
Russia understands that Azerbaijan's winter aid to Ukraine, including generators and cable products, is not military equipment, according to Russian MP Alexey Chepa. He stated that while Russia acknowledges this non-military support, it will be taken into account in future bilateral relations.
President Erdoğan sent a message to the Baku Energy Week, emphasizing the strategic importance of energy cooperation with Azerbaijan. He highlighted joint projects like BTC, TANAP, and the Iğdır-Nakhchivan pipeline, and expressed hope for future collaborations including Turkmen and Kazakh gas exports and regional green energy initiatives.
Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Galuzin and Azerbaijani Ambassador Rahman Mustafayev met in Moscow to discuss bilateral cooperation, upcoming high-level contacts, and the restoration of cultural and humanitarian ties.
Bursaspor, the team promoted to the 1st League, has officially signed Azerbaijani left-back Toral Bayramov from Qarabag FK. The 25-year-old defender, who scored 7 goals and provided 6 assists in 30 matches for Qarabag, is expected to strengthen Bursaspor's offense.
Armenia is bolstering its defense cooperation with India, seeking advanced weapon systems and training to counter threats from Azerbaijan, which is supported by Pakistan and Turkey. Recent high-level visits and significant arms deals, including Akash missiles and Pinaka rockets, highlight this growing partnership.
Armenia faces a pivotal election on June 7th, caught in a geopolitical tug-of-war between Russia, the US, Turkey, Europe, and Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan champions a "Real Armenia" vision, advocating for peace with Azerbaijan and a pivot towards the EU, contrasting with historical grievances and Russian influence.
Armenia can now trade with the EU thanks to railways through Georgia, Turkey, and Azerbaijan, according to PM Nikol Pashinyan. The Akhalkalaki-Kars route is now open for Armenian exports and imports, with future connections planned via Nakhchivan to Iran.
Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Ankara, Reşad Memmedov, stated the Turkey-Armenia border would open after Armenia's June 7 elections and constitutional changes. This sparked debate, with Akıncı questioning the impact of the closed border given direct trade and fuel supply, and advocating for the border to open before elections to support Pashinyan.
Ramil Imranov, the Consul of Azerbaijan in Tabriz, Iran, died in a road accident on the Julfa-Tabriz highway. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan confirmed the incident and expressed condolences.
Guangdong, China, hosted an investment and trade cooperation exchange with Azerbaijan on May 19th to boost economic ties and facilitate Guangdong enterprises' expansion into Eurasian markets. The event focused on policy interpretation, experience sharing, and project promotion in areas like investment, trade, technology, and cross-border e-commerce.
Iran's Ambassador to Belarus, Alireza Sanei, stated that a US naval blockade is unlikely to cripple Iran's economy due to its extensive land borders with 15 nations. He acknowledged economic damage but emphasized the people's resilience and commitment to sovereignty.
Turkey lifts a restriction on direct trade with Armenia, allowing shipments to list Turkey or Armenia as their origin/destination through a third country, a step towards improving relations between the longtime rivals.
Salem bin Mohammed Al-Malik has been re-elected as the head of ICESCO during its 15th General Conference in Kazan, Russia, where Kazan was also named the cultural capital of the Islamic world for 2026.
