Baku Strengthens Economic and Diplomatic Ties Amidst Geopolitical Shifts
Baku is actively pursuing a strategy of geopolitical balancing to enhance its economic and diplomatic standing. This involves strengthening economic collaboration with Ukraine, as evidenced by the 14th session of their intergovernmental economic commission held in Uzhhorod. During this meeting, Azerbaijan's energy minister, Parviz Shahbazov, and Ukraine’s first deputy prime minister, Denys Shmyhal, signed a protocol and adopted a 2026–27 action plan covering 14 sectors, including energy, transport, technology, and tourism. This marks the first such meeting on Ukrainian soil since the 2022 conflict. Despite ongoing hostilities, trade between Azerbaijan and Ukraine grew by 10.5% in the first eight months of 2026 compared to the previous year, with cumulative investment reaching $513.5 million. Azerbaijan has also provided over 10 aid packages for energy infrastructure to Ukraine and contributed approximately $52 million to humanitarian, rehabilitation, and reconstruction efforts. Concurrently, Baku maintains...
