Iran and Russia discuss gas pipelines, railway and regional security
An Iranian security official delivered a private message to Vladimir Putin as the two sides discussed energy shortages and bilateral infrastructure projects.
Azerbaijan and Ukraine sign cooperation agreements spanning 14 sectors
The countries adopted a 2026-2027 action plan as official figures showed bilateral trade increased 10.5% in the first eight months of 2026.
Energy security and closer commercial links were priorities as Azerbaijan and Ukraine agreed on cooperation across 14 sectors in Uzhhorod, western Ukraine. Delegations signed a protocol and adopted an action plan covering 2026-2027 during their Joint Intergovernmental Commission’s 14th meeting.
The session was the commission’s first in Ukraine since Russia launched its full-scale invasion. Leading the delegations were Parviz Shahbazov, Azerbaijan’s energy minister, and Denys Shmyhal, Ukraine’s first deputy prime minister and energy minister.
Officials visiting an energy facility in western Ukraine confirmed that an Azerbaijani emergency shipment valued at $1.47 million had been delivered. Its contents included generators, nine industrial transformers, high-voltage cables measuring 186 kilometers and electrical distribution gear rated at 12 kV. With that delivery, Azerbaijan’s assistance for humanitarian needs, rehabilitation and reconstruction totaled $52 million since the war began.
The ministers inspected protective systems intended to defend critical electricity infrastructure against Russian military attacks. At a business forum alongside the talks, Ukraine sought coordination on using its underground gas storage facilities, oil pipelines and the Trans-Balkan route. Delegates also considered development of the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor.
Figures presented by officials showed a 10.5% increase in bilateral trade during the first eight months of 2026, driven by Azerbaijani exports to Ukraine rising 17%. Investment between the countries reached $513.5 million.
Shmyhal encouraged Azerbaijani companies to invest in logistics and distributed energy, expressing interest in technology partnerships and production in Ukraine. Azerbaijan’s delegation put forward the Alat Free Economic Zone as a tax-free base for joint logistics ventures. Officials also visited Khust Industrial Park, inspecting wind turbine manufacturing and the Azerbaijani-owned ATEF enterprise.