IsDB Annual Meetings in Baku: The Islamic Development Bank kicked off its 2026 Annual Meetings under “Regional Integration for Sustainable Prosperity,” with a major US$2.8bn package approved at the 367th board meeting, backing projects in rail, solar and connectivity across multiple countries. Azerbaijan–Uzbekistan push: Prime Minister Ali Asadov met Uzbekistan’s Shavkat Mirziyoyev in Tashkent to expand trade, investment, transport and logistics, while Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan also agreed on joint gold mine development. Air links for business travel: Azerbaijan Airlines launched its first direct Baku–Shymkent route, boosting tourism and regional business ties. Sustainable finance: Azerbaijan’s Central Bank strengthened its sustainable finance framework as banks expand green investments, including a national green taxonomy and climate-risk rules. Middle Corridor momentum: Women in TLP leaders say the Middle Corridor is becoming a key logistics route, with Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan urged to deepen professional cooperation. Policy and governance: Azerbaijan’s media reform enters a new phase, and a new public procurement transparency tool (SIGMA-style) is highlighted abroad. Regional security backdrop: A CNN report claims Israeli operations near Iran used southern Azerbaijan; Baku denies the allegations.