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Wednesday January 21 2026
Azerbaijan, BlackRock and the new geopolitics of infrastructure [OpED]

Azerbaijan, BlackRock and the new geopolitics of infrastructure [OpED]

In Davos, where global capital tends to sniff out the future before it becomes obvious, Azerbaijan has made a telling move. On the margins of the World Economic Forum, President Ilham Aliyev met Larry Fink, BlackRock’s chief executive, and Adebayo Ogunlesi, the founder of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), to formalise what Baku hopes will be more than a financial partnership. The memorandum of intent signed between the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), BlackRock and GIP signals a strategic wager: that infrastructure, digital as much as physical, will define the country’s next phase of relevance.

Nation
President Aliyev makes bold case for Europe–Central Asia connectivity

President Aliyev makes bold case for Europe–Central Asia connectivity

“Azerbaijan is the only reliable, safe, and friendly destination country for Europe to have a connection with Central Asia,” said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he responded to questions from business representatives from various countries during an event titled “Azerbaijan Executive Breakfast,” held as part of the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Oil & Gas
China cuts Russian oil imports in 2025 amid sanctions pressure and energy diversification

China cuts Russian oil imports in 2025 amid sanctions pressure and energy diversification

China’s reduction of Russian oil imports in 2025 is not an isolated trade adjustment but part of a broader recalibration driven by geopolitics, sanctions pressure, and Beijing’s long-term energy security strategy, Azernews reports.

Business
Azerbaijan’s construction investments grow despite overall capital decline

Azerbaijan’s construction investments grow despite overall capital decline

In 2025, the value of investments in fixed capital in Azerbaijan’s construction sector amounted to 5.725 billion manats (approximately $3.37 billion), Azernews reports, citing the State Statistics Committee.

Analysis

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
Armenian president praises President Aliyev’s political will for regional peace

Armenian president praises President Aliyev’s political will for regional peace

The President of Armenia, Vahagn Khachaturyan, has expressed gratitude to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for demonstrating political will and commitment toward achieving peace in the South Caucasus, Azernews reports.

Armenian Aggression
Humanitarian worker injured in landmine explosion in Ağdərə’s Qızıloba village

Humanitarian worker injured in landmine explosion in Ağdərə’s Qızıloba village

A landmine explosion occurred in the Qızıloba village area of Ağdərə district, recently liberated from occupation, resulting in injury to a humanitarian worker, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA).

World
Lukashenko signs Belarus onto 'Board of Peace'

Lukashenko signs Belarus onto 'Board of Peace'

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said on Tuesday that he has signed a document formalizing Belarus' accession to the proposed "Board of Peace," an initiative put forward by United States President Donald Trump, Azernews reports.

Travel
Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport

Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport
Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month

Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month
Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]

Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]
Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture

Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture
Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park

Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park
Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Lifestyle
Etibar Asadli infuses Middle Eastern rhythms in latest album [PHOTOS]

Etibar Asadli infuses Middle Eastern rhythms in latest album [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan's pianist and composer Etibar Asadli has presented his new album, WYA (Who You Are), to an audience at Paris' "La Petite Halle", Azernews reports.

Culture
Azerbaijani Literature Museum honors victims of Black January [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijani Literature Museum honors victims of Black January [PHOTOS]

The Black January remains one of the most painful moments in Azerbaijan's contemporary history, when Soviet forces ruthlessly targeted unarmed civilians in an effort to suppress the nation's yearning for freedom and independence.

Events
January 20 and rise of Azerbaijan’s national liberation movement

January 20 and rise of Azerbaijan’s national liberation movement

In the history of Azerbaijan, there are many unforgettable days and indelible moments that have been permanently engraved in memory. January 20, 1990, is not only a great tragedy for the Azerbaijani people, but also a day of national pride and honor—a day when a heroic epic was written with blood and sacrifice.

Sports
Azerbaijan launches week-long national boxing championship

Azerbaijan launches week-long national boxing championship

The Azerbaijan Boxing Championship will officially begin on January 22, Azernews reports.

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