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Monday, May 18, 2026
Azerbaijan's $10bn reconstruction drive finds global stage at WUF13

Azerbaijan's $10bn reconstruction drive finds global stage at WUF13

Azerbaijan is once again at the center of the global agenda, hosting the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in partnership with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat). Held under the motto "Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities," this forum will feature some of the leading urban planning experts, governmental officials, international organizations, and representatives of academia and civil society to address the key problems in relation to the issues of urbanization that the world faces today. Gathering some of the best professionals in the field of urban planning in Baku, this high-profile forum is another proof of the rising importance of Azerbaijan's institutions on an international level after the success of COP29. And having just passed its first day, it looks like Baku will do just fine.

Nation
President Ilham Aliyev meets with President of Bulgaria [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

President Ilham Aliyev meets with President of Bulgaria [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

On May 17, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with President of the Republic of Bulgaria Iliana Iotova, AzerNEWS reports.

Oil & Gas
Azeri Light oil price jumps above $116 per barrel

Azeri Light oil price jumps above $116 per barrel

The price of Azerbaijan’s Azeri Light crude oil rose sharply on international markets, AzerNEWS reports.

Business
ING: Azerbaijan’s current account surplus could reach up to 10% of GDP amid high oil prices

ING: Azerbaijan’s current account surplus could reach up to 10% of GDP amid high oil prices

Against the backdrop of rising global oil prices linked to tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, Azerbaijan’s current account surplus could reach 9–10 percent of GDP in 2026, according to a new assessment by ING Group, the Netherlands’ largest banking group, AzerNEWS reports.

Armenian-Azerbaijani Relations
Russian media targets Azerbaijan as South Caucasus edges towards peace

Russian media targets Azerbaijan as South Caucasus edges towards peace

At a time when the South Caucasus stands on the threshold of a fateful, historic milestone, certain Russian media resources and commissioned channels have launched a coordinated assault against Azerbaijan. The so-called anxieties being brought forward under the guise of "Armenian cultural heritage" in Karabakh neither serve culture nor represent a natural process. This is merely the next mechanism of pressure, instantly deployed by the Russian propaganda machine whenever a geopolitical turning point emerges in the region. The script is old, and the objective is clear.

World
Satellite images suggest Russia resumed military cargo deliveries to Syria

Satellite images suggest Russia resumed military cargo deliveries to Syria

Russia appears to have resumed the transfer of military cargo to Syria, according to satellite imagery analyzed by OSINT researchers, AzerNEWS reports.

Analysis

Lifestyle
Icherisheher launches strategic project to modernize resident management system

Icherisheher launches strategic project to modernize resident management system

The Administration of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve has launched a strategic project aimed at modernizing management mechanisms in the area and improving the efficiency of work with residents, AzerNEWS reports.

Culture
Azerbaijani President salutes Kazakh literary icon on 90th birthday milestone

Azerbaijani President salutes Kazakh literary icon on 90th birthday milestone

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to People’s Writer of Kazakhstan Olzhas Suleimenov on the occasion of his 90th anniversary, highlighting his literary legacy, public role, and enduring contribution to the Turkic world, 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

Events
WUF13 Festival promotes dialogue on future of urban living in Baku [PHOTOS]

WUF13 Festival promotes dialogue on future of urban living in Baku [PHOTOS]

The festival, organized to inform the Azerbaijani public about the Thirteenth Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), has concluded with a large-scale evening program at Clock Tower Square on Baku’s Seaside Boulevard, drawing together visitors, AzerNEWS reports.

Sports
José Mourinho set for sensational return to Real Madrid until 2028

José Mourinho set for sensational return to Real Madrid until 2028

José Mourinho is set to become the new head coach of Spanish giants Real Madrid, with details of his expected contract now revealed, AzerNEWS reports.

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