Slovakia-Azerbaijan Visit: Slovak President Peter Pellegrini is in Azerbaijan for talks with Ilham Aliyev focused on energy cooperation, trade and investment, and transport links, with plans to visit Agdam and back reconstruction-linked projects. Women’s Support Services: Azercell-backed Women Helpline saw calls nearly double in H1 2026 to about 2,500 requests, with violence and psychological support the biggest categories. D-8 Media Push: At the Shusha Global Media Forum, Hikmat Hajiyev said Azerbaijan’s D-8 Media Excellence Center is already delivering early results and will expand media cooperation across member states. Customs Modernization: Azerbaijan’s FM Jeyhun Bayramov met WCO Secretary General Ian Saunders to discuss customs digitalization, trade facilitation, anti-illicit trade work, and Azerbaijan’s transit and corridor role. VAT Flex for Non-Oil Firms: Amendments adopted by parliament allow private sector companies outside oil and gas to transfer funds from VAT deposit accounts to the State Social Protection Fund from Jan 1, 2027 for four years. Energy/Trade Milestone: Azerbaijan’s BTC pipeline has exported about 559m tons of oil and condensate since launch, marking 20 years since commissioning. Workplace Benchmark: Azerbaijan Airlines earned Great Place to Work® certification for the first time, based on employee feedback. Oil Output: OPEC data put Azerbaijan’s average daily crude production at 456,000 barrels in June, unchanged from May. Regional Connectivity Narrative: At Shusha, Aliyev reiterated Russia ties are fully normalized and stressed Azerbaijan’s growing role as a trusted platform for resolving complex international issues.