Putin Plans to Visit Azerbaijan. Will Gas and Cargo Transit Be the Most Pressing Issues?

On August 9, 2024, under the chairmanship of Kazakhstan's President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the Sixth Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia took place. This meeting marked a turning point in deepening cooperation in Central Asia, heralding a new era characterized by mutual trust and comprehensive interaction.

The European Union and Ukraine have asked Azerbaijan to facilitate negotiations with Russia on a gas transit agreement, which expires at the end of this year. Hikmet Hajiyev, adviser to the President of Azerbaijan, told the world agencies Reuters and Blumberg about this.

President Alexander Lukashenko of Belarus visited Azerbaijan, resulting in the bolstering of bilateral ties and unveiling new horizons for cooperation between the two former Soviet republics. This visit highlights the strategic alliance and shared interests of Belarus and Azerbaijan, both of which maneuver adeptly in the face of geopolitical challenges.

Over the past year, Kyiv's diplomatic front has been bustling with activity centered on President Volodymyr Zelensky's "Formula for peace." This ten-point plan, according to the Ukrainian leadership, is the blueprint for a fair resolution to the ongoing conflict, with Zelensky consistently emphasizing that any peace must adhere strictly to these terms, excluding alternative proposals.