Azerbaijan's Food Imports Surge, Exports Decline Amid Agricultural Challenges

BAKU, Aug 21 (Reuters) - Azerbaijan’s State Service for Property Issues reported a significant rise in privatization revenues and real estate lease payments to the state budget in the first seven months of 2024, amounting to AZN 122.8 million.

The outcomes of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s state visit to Baku on August 19 are under close scrutiny, particularly amid leaked information from Russian sources about several contentious issues. Baku has yet to officially comment on the details.

The Government of Azerbaijan has recently steered its foreign policy towards the East, marked by the adoption of the "Joint Declaration on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China." This shift reflects a broader strategy to seek membership in BRICS and a dialogue partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), while aiming for observer status in the latter.

On Monday, a meeting took place at the Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan, where a delegation led by Belarusian Deputy Minister of Health Alexander Starovoitov met with Azerbaijani Health Minister Teymur Musayev. The meeting highlighted ongoing efforts to enhance bilateral cooperation in the healthcare sector.