“Bridge of Peace” After Washington: Can Public Dialogue Transform the Region?

On April 9, a preparatory court hearing was held at the Baku Court for Serious Crimes under the chairmanship of Judge Vugar Seyidov in the criminal case of Anar Mehdiyev, former Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Azersheker” Limited Liability Company, as well as Avaz Suleymanov and Ruslan Alasgarov, who have also been brought to criminal responsibility.

Direct talks between the United States and Iran will take place in Islamabad on Saturday, mediated by Pakistan, with the aim of peacefully resolving the conflict and reducing regional tensions, official sources said.

Azerbaijan and the United Nations have launched a new five-year cooperation programme for 2026–2030, with an estimated allocation of $85–87 million aimed at promoting inclusive growth, developing human capital and supporting the climate transition. However, analysts say its effectiveness will depend on funding mobilisation and implementation.

A new round of dialogue between Azerbaijani and Armenian civil society representatives began in Azerbaijan on Friday under the “Bridge of Peace” initiative, as efforts to build confidence between the two countries continue alongside official peace negotiations.