SME Policy Push: Azerbaijan’s economy ministry says entrepreneurship and the business climate stay top priorities, with plans to optimize and digitize support services and gradually shift more functions from state bodies to private-sector providers for micro, small and medium firms, exporters and investors. Ukraine Ties: Azerbaijan and Ukraine discussed expanding economic cooperation and investment links, including Azerbaijani participation in Ukraine’s reconstruction, with AZPROMO and the Ukrainian ambassador agreeing to keep working on trade and investment initiatives. Climate Diplomacy: The UN praised Azerbaijan’s COP29 leadership and its role in convening public and private stakeholders during Baku Climate Action Week, while Türkiye’s environment minister said Azerbaijan’s COP29 experience is directly helping preparations for COP31. Oil & Petrochemicals: Economy minister Mikayil Jabbarov met China’s CC7 executives to explore new projects and next phases in Azerbaijan’s oil and petrochemical sectors. Middle Corridor Logistics: Azerbaijan is positioning ports and rail as key Middle Corridor enablers, with regional connectivity talks highlighting the need for stronger links, digital integration and fewer bottlenecks. Humanitarian Demining: Ukraine is studying Azerbaijan’s urban humanitarian demining experience and invited ANAMA to a Brussels mine action conference. Energy Transition: Azerbaijan and China Energy discussed completing grid studies and advancing renewables, including a 160 MW solar project and next steps on offshore wind in the Caspian. Human Rights & Elections: A Baku court sentenced election monitor Anar Mammadli to 13 years and activist Anar Abdullayev to 12, with observers citing serious due-process concerns. Black Sea Incident: Drones attacked a foreign cargo vessel, killing two Azerbaijani sailors and injuring two others near Odesa, according to Azerbaijan’s foreign ministry. Trade Corridor Delay: TRIPP construction—linked to the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace framework—has been pushed to 2027, with Azerbaijan citing ongoing US-Armenia negotiations and continued upgrades on the Nakhchivan segment.