Category: Azer News

Azerbaijan’s fruit and vegetable export sector is undergoing a change that deserves more attention than the headline figures alone might suggest. The country is still heavily dependent on a limited number of foreign markets, but the direction of travel is becoming clearer: Azerbaijan’s agricultural exports are gradually becoming more diversified.

This is particularly visible in the tomato sector.

Fruit and vegetable exports have long been one of the most important components of Azerbaijan’s non-oil economy. In 2024, they accounted for more than 21% of non-oil exports, while in 2025 their share of Azerbaijan’s main non-oil exports rose to 25%. In the first half of 2026, Azerbaijan’s fruit and vegetable exports increased by 18.9% year-on-year. However, despite this strong growth, their share of the country’s total non-oil and gas exports fell to around 10%.

This decline in share does not mean that Azerbaijan’s fruit and vegetable exports have contracted. Rather, it reflects the extraordinary surge in gold exports, which rose to more than $3.6 billion and significantly increased the overall volume of non-oil exports. As a result, fruit and vegetables now account for a smaller percentage of a much larger non-oil export basket, even though the sector itself continues to grow.

Azerbaijan exported gold worth approximately $3.64 billion in the first half of 2026, compared with $326.2 million a year earlier. Gold exports increased roughly 30-fold in value and 13.6-fold in volume.

This raises an important question. Is this a new, permanent pillar of Azerbaijan’s export structure, or is it partly the result of an exceptional transaction and unusually favorable circumstances? It is too early to know. Gold has suddenly moved from being a relatively modest non-oil export item to one of the country’s largest export categories. Whether this scale can be sustained in the coming years remains uncertain.

That uncertainty makes agricultural exports even more important.

Unlike a large one-off shipment of a high-value commodity, fruit and vegetable production is deeply connected to employment, regional economies, logistics, packaging, transportation, greenhouse farming and thousands of smaller businesses and households. It creates economic activity across a much broader part of society.

This is why export diversification should not simply mean finding another commodity to sell abroad. It should also mean creating more markets for the products Azerbaijan already produces.

For years, tomatoes demonstrated the risks of failing to do so. Russia was overwhelmingly Azerbaijan’s main tomato export market. In some years, roughly 98-99% of Azerbaijan’s tomato exports went to Russia. The concentration was so high that, for practical purposes, Azerbaijan’s tomato export industry was almost entirely dependent on one market.

That created a vulnerability for producers in important agricultural regions such as Shamkir, Khachmaz and other areas where greenhouse and open-field vegetable production plays a significant role. Any disruption in the Russian market – whether caused by regulation, logistics, political tensions, border restrictions or changes in consumer demand – could immediately affect Azerbaijani producers.

The encouraging development is that this concentration is beginning to decline.

In the first six months of 2026, Azerbaijan exported 135,641 tons of tomatoes worth $163.85 million. Russia still accounted for about 93.8% of the physical volume, meaning that dependence remains extremely high. But the remaining 6.2% is important because it represents a gradual expansion beyond the traditional Russian market.

Belarus accounted for about 1.8% of the volume, Georgia 2.8%, Ukraine 0.9% and Poland 0.5%. Bulgaria also appeared as a new destination, although its initial shipment was tiny. Together, these markets are still nowhere near large enough to challenge Russia’s dominance. But diversification does not happen overnight.

The important point is that the trend has started.

Azerbaijan should not necessarily aim to replace Russia as its tomato market. That would be neither realistic nor economically necessary. The objective should instead be to ensure that no single market has the power to determine the fate of the entire sector.

If Russia accounts for 90% of exports today, reducing that share to 80%, then 70%, would already represent meaningful progress. Markets in the European Union, the wider region and the Middle East could gradually become additional destinations as Azerbaijani producers improve quality, packaging, cold-chain infrastructure, certification and supply reliability.

This is what genuine export diversification should look like: not abandoning successful markets, but reducing excessive dependence on them.

Azerbaijan’s fruit and vegetable sector is not yet diversified in the way the country would ideally want. Russia remains overwhelmingly dominant in tomatoes, while agricultural exports still face structural challenges.

But the direction matters.

The emergence of new destinations alongside continued growth in fruit and vegetable exports suggests that Azerbaijan is beginning to move from a model based primarily on one dominant market toward a broader export network.

That process may be slow. It may take years. But for Azerbaijani agriculture, especially for regions whose economies depend heavily on agricultural production, it may ultimately be more important than any single annual export record.

The Republican Youth Library has prepared new presentations dedicated to the study and promotion of the rich creative legacy of Nizami Ganjavi, a prominent representative of classical Azerbaijani literature and one of the country’s greatest poets.

The presentations, created using artificial intelligence, highlight the ideological and artistic features and philosophical content of the poems included in Nizami Ganjavi’s renowned Khamsa, as well as the thinker’s profound reflections on humanity and society.

Developed using modern information technologies, the presentations aim to make Azerbaijan’s classical literary heritage more accessible and engaging in the digital environment, particularly by fostering greater interest among younger generations in the works of Nizami Ganjavi.

A presentation dedicated to The Treasury of Mysteries, the first poem of the Khamsa, is titled “The Golden Gate of Eastern Literature.” It focuses on the work’s moral, ethical, and philosophical essence, emphasizing humanity’s aspiration toward perfection, justice, and spiritual elevation.

The presentation dedicated to Khosrow and Shirin, a poem holding a special place in world literature, is titled “An Illuminated Miniature Chronicle.” It explores themes such as love, loyalty, moral choice, and the refinement of human character.

The presentation devoted to Nizami Ganjavi’s Layla and Majnun, titled “The Evolution of Eternal Love,” offers a distinctive digital perspective on one of the most renowned love stories of classical Eastern literature. It highlights the impact of love on the human soul, as well as concepts of devotion and spiritual attachment.

Another presentation, dedicated to The Seven Beauties, is titled “The Evolution of the Universe and the Human Soul.” It examines the poem’s symbolic and philosophical content, as well as humanity’s journey toward self-understanding and spiritual perfection.

Meanwhile, the presentation dedicated to The Iskandernameh, titled “A Journey Toward Wisdom,” highlights key ideas in Nizami’s work, including science, knowledge, justice, governance, and wisdom.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei stated that Tehran has not received any official invitation to join the Mecca Joint Defence Agreement.

According to Baghaei, Iran has instead been offered the opportunity to hold talks with the countries involved on issues related to collective security in the region.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman also dismissed reports about the Strait of Hormuz being open and several million barrels of oil being exported through the waterway every day, describing such claims as part of a “media and propaganda war.”

Earlier, Mehdi Rahimi, head of the Iranian parliament’s news agency, told the Arab television channel Al Mayadeen that Iran had received an invitation to join the “Mecca Agreement” on collective defense.

“Countries in the region are moving toward establishing a regional security framework, and this is a victory for Iran, as Tehran has long advocated such an approach,” Rahimi added.

On August 7, Trkiye, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan signed a new trilateral defense agreement. Officially named the Mecca Agreement, the document provides for mutual support in the event of an armed attack against any of the three countries.

On August 23, the third meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan was held in Tashkent with the participation of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

A short film on friendship, trade, and investment cooperation between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan was screened at the beginning of the meeting.

Following the screening, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev delivered a speech, saying:

– Dear Ilham Heydarovich, my dear brother, esteemed participants of the meeting,

I once again sincerely welcome you and the delegation of brotherly Azerbaijan to Tashkent. Welcome to Uzbekistan.

Your visit is a meeting of spiritually close states bound together by a shared history, cultural affinity, and mutual respect. Today, we are opening the third meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council. The effective functioning of this mechanism is the best demonstration of the highest level of allied relations achieved by our countries.

Before turning to the items on the agenda, dear Ilham Heydarovich, I would like to congratulate you on the successful implementation of the far-sighted and profound course of reforms you are carrying out in Azerbaijan. As brothers and allies, we sincerely rejoice at how dynamically and sustainably Azerbaijan’s economy is developing, as well as at the creation of new sectors and modern infrastructure. All of this leads to a steady rise in the well-being of the Azerbaijani people. The sovereign policy you resolutely pursue serves to strengthen the country’s international standing and advance the agenda of peace and development in the South Caucasus.

We assess the historic meeting of the leaders of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the United States in Washington last August, along with the signing of the Joint Declaration, as a brilliant victory for your personal diplomacy. I congratulate you once again and wish you continued great success.

Esteemed meeting participants,

We have elevated our bilateral relations to a truly historic peak. As confirmation of this, one can point to the signing of the historic Treaty on Eternal Friendship following the summit.

Most importantly, every provision of our strategic partnership and alliance is reflected in concrete, tangible results. Over the past five years, the volume of mutual trade has increased threefold, while the total portfolio of joint projects has exceeded $5 billion. And this is by no means the limit. In preparation for this visit, meetings of the Intergovernmental Commission, the Business Council, and the Forum of Regions were successfully held, yielding breakthrough initiatives for the implementation of joint projects and programs. Now, the primary task of the governments, ministries, and agencies of both countries is to ensure their effective implementation. Every time we hold a meeting of the Interstate Council, Ilham Heydarovich and I always tell you that we will keep these matters under strict supervision.

I would like to briefly bring to your attention the priority areas of our comprehensive cooperation:

First, it is essential to continue close coordination between our foreign affairs agencies to promote our shared interests on regional and international platforms. We also agreed to give a strong impetus to ties between our parliaments, governments, ministries, agencies, and regions.

Second, as I just mentioned, our immediate target is to reach a trade turnover of $1 billion. The basis for this will be the program we adopted today, which outlines concrete measures to achieve this key milestone.

Third, we are paying special attention to deepening industrial cooperation. The business communities of our countries are successfully implementing a range of projects in geology, energy, chemicals, finance, construction, agriculture, and other fields. Within the framework of this meeting, we will launch new projects. To support these initiatives, we must actively draw funds from the joint investment company. Ilham Heydarovich and I agreed that we should swiftly utilize the $500 million in capital and subsequently expand this fund, as we have accumulated valuable joint experience in directing its resources effectively. At today’s meeting, we will hear from the co-chairs of the Intergovernmental Commission about detailed plans for expanding trade and deepening cooperation.

Fourth, serious tasks lie ahead for our transport ministers. As part of developing the Middle Corridor, we must accelerate the commissioning of a joint fleet in the Caspian Sea. Furthermore, we are interested in establishing a dedicated Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan corridor in the Caspian Sea with a single operator.

Fifth, our alliance is rooted in centuries of shared history and the affinity of cultural values between our two brotherly nations. It is our duty to carefully preserve and enhance this rich heritage, as well as to regularly hold reciprocal Days of Culture on an appropriate scale. Moreover, such events should take place not only in the capitals but also across the regions of our countries. Today, we will jointly open the new building of the National Pedagogical University named after Nizami Ganjavi and launch the construction of the ‘Azerbaijan’ Park in New Tashkent.

To bring our peoples even closer, we propose creating joint films and establishing a literary bridge between Nizami Ganjavi and Alisher Navoi. This would be a wonderful opportunity for our peoples to draw closer together and serve as an example for the youth. We ought to create a series of such films.

We support holding the second forum of rectors of the two countries’ leading universities in Azerbaijan this autumn. Next year, our countries will host a major sporting event-the FIFA World Youth Championship. In this regard, we should prepare a large-scale program titled ‘Two Countries-One Championship,’ which will bring together our sports, cultural, and youth events preceding the tournament. We also propose establishing the Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Sports Games, where young people can compete not only in sports arenas but also in intellectual disciplines. Ilham Heydarovich, it would be wonderful if we entrusted this task to our teams.

Esteemed meeting participants,

Our countries support regional consolidation and the strengthening of cooperation. It is gratifying that Tashkent and Baku are playing the primary driving roles in interregional integration. Azerbaijan’s accession to the Consultative Meetings format has opened new horizons for expanding economic and humanitarian cooperation between the two regions. Through joint efforts, we are effectively shaping a new geoeconomic reality-a unified, self-sufficient macro-region with powerful potential for joint development.

Today, we will also discuss other issues of the multifaceted Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan partnership. You should know that we have literally reviewed every single area in detail. Ilham Heydarovich and I share a strong mutual commitment to implementing major, impactful projects across all other areas.

Ilham Heydarovich, it is my pleasure to give the floor to you. Please, go ahead.

Expressing his gratitude to President Shavkat Mirziyoyev for the invitation to visit brotherly Uzbekistan, the hospitality shown, the warm attitude toward Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijani people, as well as his personal contribution to the development of bilateral relations, President Ilham Aliyev noted that the video presentation screened before the meeting professionally showcased the projects currently under way, pointing out that some of them have already been implemented while others are set to be realized. ‘The main point is that we have a concrete agenda for strengthening our interaction. I am confident that as the projects already identified are implemented, new projects will emerge, and more time will be needed for such a video presentation. In fact, I was very pleasantly surprised by this presentation, as it reflects the primary directions uniting us today.’

Praising the friendly relations between the two countries and the achievements of Uzbekistan, President Ilham Aliyev said: ‘First of all, I would like to congratulate you, dear Shavkat Miromonovich, and all our brothers in Uzbekistan on the great success achieved in the development of the country and the strengthening of its potential, both in the socio-economic sphere and in the international arena. Today, Uzbekistan is a state with great international authority. This is primarily your achievement. You work tirelessly, making every effort to develop the country and strengthen its potential, including enhancing Uzbekistan’s role in the international arena. As you rightly noted, we always support each other in the bilateral format and across all international organizations in which we participate. This happens automatically.’

The head of state also expressed his appreciation to Shavkat Mirziyoyev for his assessment of the positive processes in the South Caucasus, stating that, as a result of the establishment of peace in the South Caucasus, the region can finally breathe a sigh of relief and reap the benefits of peaceful development.

Touching upon the potential of the Joint Investment Fund, the President of Azerbaijan said: ‘I have been informed that out of $500 million, approximately $160 million have already been allocated. Naturally, I believe we will utilize these funds soon and define new avenues of cooperation. I must also mention that Azerbaijan has such formats of cooperation with various countries. However, I would say that the most efficient and results-oriented fund is precisely the Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Investment Fund. Yet, the volume of investments for the projects we have envisioned and already contracted significantly exceeds the capacity of the fund. It was mentioned in this presentation that an investment of $5 billion is planned for Uzbekistan’s tourism sector alone. Furthermore, the projects being implemented in Tashkent – hotel complexes and residential complexes – fall outside the scope of this Investment Fund. Therefore, looking at the overall investment portfolio, we see that it is considerably larger than the $500 million we initially established.’

Expressing his gratitude for the support provided in the process of restoring Garabagh, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Uzbekistan and its head of state were the first country and the first President to provide practical assistance to the liberated territories. ‘The school named after Mirzo Ulugbek has today admitted almost all the students it can accommodate. The school has a capacity of nearly 1,000 pupils, and according to the latest data, several hundred students are already studying there; this school also serves as a symbol of our friendship and brotherhood. In addition, together with you, we visited the garment factory in Khankendi, which was established by our Uzbek friends in a record short time. We also met with the staff together in Khankendi. Naturally, creating jobs in the Garabagh region – especially for women – is currently of paramount importance. Once again, the first investment project to establish a modern production facility and create over 200 jobs is being implemented by the Uzbek side. I am deeply grateful to you for this,’ the President of Azerbaijan emphasized.

Recalling that Uzbekistan’s experience in the automotive industry is being transferred to Azerbaijan, the head of state noted that while the initial project has been implemented, full-cycle production is now under way. An investment of over $80 million is planned in Hajigabul, where a second plant is under construction. This plant will, in fact, provide a major impetus to Azerbaijan’s automotive industry.

Emphasizing that projects related to agricultural development are also being successfully implemented, President Ilham Aliyev said: ‘We already have tangible results in the transport and transit sector. I have been informed that the volume of cargo from Uzbekistan transiting through Azerbaijani territory is increasing. It is also necessary to accelerate the construction of a ferry for Uzbekistan. Shavkat Miromonovich and I have discussed this matter. The issue has been resolved; we simply need to include this project on the priority list. Currently, our shipyard is simultaneously constructing about ten vessels of various modifications – ferries, tankers, and dry cargo ships. The shipyard is operating at full capacity now, so I believe this is the most suitable location for the ferry.’

Touching upon projects in the transport sector, the head of state noted that active efforts were under way toward the realization of the Zangezur Corridor. Emphasizing that this project would be completed in the main part of Azerbaijan next year, President Ilham Aliyev pointed out that relevant work has also commenced in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Noting that the conceptual approach is to view the Nakhchivan railway as an integral part of Azerbaijan’s railways, the head of state stressed that plans were in place to establish an international consortium involving interested companies and countries seeking to invest, generate profit, and ensure freight volumes along this route.

‘For your information, I would like to state that work is also under way in Armenia; our American partners regularly inform us about this. According to what we are told, construction on Armenian territory will begin either at the end of this year or early next year. However, the distance there is only 42 kilometers, whereas in the territory of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic it is 194 kilometers. Yes, that is why we started the work, and we will complete it in any case. But since we know there is interest from various companies, I just wanted to inform you that if there is interest, the opportunity to participate in the proposed consortium exists,’ the head of state added.

It was also brought to attention that Azerbaijan is completely reconstructing and modernizing a portion of the existing railway line stretching approximately 400 kilometers from Baku to the Armenian border. The Nakhchivan section of the line spans approximately 200 kilometers. This will serve as a significant branch of the Middle Corridor.

Emphasizing the special role of the President of Uzbekistan in ensuring Azerbaijan’s full participation in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asian countries, the head of state highlighted the symbolic significance of this decision, adopted at the meeting held in Tashkent, and expressed his gratitude. Highly appreciating the personal role of the Uzbek leader in ensuring Azerbaijan’s full participation in this format, President Ilham Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan acts with great responsibility and enthusiasm in its cooperation with the countries of Central Asia.

Barcelona are interested in signing RB Leipzig defender Castello Lukeba, who could continue his career in Spain.

The Catalan club’s head coach, Hansi Flick, reportedly wants the 23-year-old French defender to join his squad.

Lukeba is currently under contract with Leipzig until the summer of 2029, meaning Barcelona would likely have to negotiate a transfer fee with the German club for his signing.

Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are increasingly demonstrating what a modern regional economic partnership can look like: not simply the exchange of goods, but the movement of capital, technology, energy and infrastructure across borders. The growing relationship between Baku and Tashkent is particularly notable because the economic strengths of the two countries are complementary. Azerbaijan offers a gateway across the Caspian Sea toward the South Caucasus and European markets, while Uzbekistan brings the scale, industrial capacity and market potential of Central Asia. President Ilham Aliyev recently highlighted this complementarity precisely in an interview with Uzbekistan’s National Information Agency (UzA), saying that the economic opportunities of the two countries open broad horizons for new forms of cooperation.

The economic relationship between Baku and Tashkent increasingly supports that assessment. The two countries are no longer simply expanding trade in goods. Their cooperation is gradually developing into a broader economic partnership involving investment, industrial production, energy, renewable power, transportation and tourism.

The most visible sign of this momentum is the growth in bilateral trade. Trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan increased more than threefold in 2025, reaching $795 million. In January-May 2026, it rose by another 33 percent year on year to $144 million. While these figures remain modest compared with the trade volumes of much larger economies, their growth rate demonstrates how quickly economic ties are expanding.

More importantly, the relationship is increasingly moving from trade toward investment. The Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company, established with total capital of $500 million, provides a platform for financing projects in both countries. Such an institution can have a greater long-term impact than rising trade alone because it creates opportunities for companies from the two countries to participate in projects together and build permanent economic links.

Industrial cooperation is already providing examples of this approach. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are cooperating in the production of Chevrolet vehicles and Isuzu buses. By July 13, 2026, 10,720 Chevrolet vehicles and 275 Isuzu buses had been produced. These projects demonstrate the potential for cooperation to extend beyond importing and exporting finished products toward manufacturing, supply chains, technology and local production.

Energy is another major component of the relationship. Azerbaijani and Uzbek companies have been cooperating in the oil and gas sector for years, while the creation of Turan Energy AFEZCO has added another dimension to this partnership. The joint venture between SOCAR and Uzbekneftegaz exports high-pressure polyethylene produced by Azerikimya to Uzbekistan, linking the two economies through petrochemicals as well as traditional energy cooperation.

At the same time, the partnership is beginning to look toward the energy systems of the future. In 2025, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan established the Green Energy Corridor Alliance in Baku to coordinate the development of a regional green energy corridor, renewable energy exports and the potential transmission of electricity under the Caspian Sea. If these plans advance, Azerbaijan could become an important bridge between Central Asia’s renewable energy resources and markets farther west.

Transport is equally important. Transit shipments between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan increased by 6.7 percent in 2025 to 1.4 million tons, while the first six months of 2026 recorded a further 12.2 percent increase. These figures highlight the complementary geographical positions of the two countries. Uzbekistan is located at the heart of Central Asia, while Azerbaijan connects the region with the South Caucasus, the Caspian Sea and routes leading toward Trkiye and Europe.

This is where the broader importance of the Middle Corridor becomes clear. Greater connectivity between Central Asian producers and western markets can create opportunities not only for transportation companies but also for manufacturers, logistics operators, investors and energy businesses. For Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, better connectivity can therefore reinforce both trade and investment.

The relationship is also becoming more balanced in terms of investment flows. More than 130 companies with Uzbek investment are registered in Azerbaijan, operating in sectors including industry, agriculture, construction, transport and services. Azerbaijan, meanwhile, is investing in Uzbekistan through projects such as PASHA Holding’s Ritz-Carlton hotel and residential complex in Tashkent and the Sea Breeze Uzbekistan tourism and residential development in the Tashkent region.

Taken together, these developments suggest that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are building something considerably broader than a conventional trading relationship. Their economic interests complement each other: Uzbekistan brings a large Central Asian market, industrial capabilities and access to regional supply chains, while Azerbaijan offers connections across the Caspian Sea and toward the South Caucasus, Trkiye and European markets.

The next challenge will be to turn this complementarity into deeper economic integration. More joint ventures, manufacturing projects, investment flows, transport links and energy cooperation could make the bilateral partnership increasingly resilient.

The rapid trade growth is therefore only one part of a larger story. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are gradually constructing an economic relationship in which goods, capital, energy and infrastructure move across borders together. If this process continues, their partnership could become an important economic bridge between Central Asia and the wider Eurasian market.

Another shipment of goods from Russia to Armenia will transit through Azerbaijan, with 242 tons of propane scheduled to be transported by rail on August 24.

According to Report, the seven-wagon shipment will depart from Bilajari railway station and head toward Boyuk Kesik station.

To date, more than 50,000 tons of grain, nearly 9,000 tons of fertilizer, 1,172 tons of propane, 133 tons of aluminum, 1,114 tons of coal and 67 tons of timber have been transported from Russia to Armenia via Azerbaijan.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijan has directly exported nearly 15,000 tons of diesel fuel and around 5,000 tons of AI-92 and AI-95 gasoline to Armenia.

The latest shipment comes amid a series of growing cargo movements between Russia and Armenia through Azerbaijani territory. Recent shipments have included wheat, barley and propane.

An anniversary exhibition marking the 20th anniversary of the TÜRKSOY Photographers’ Meeting has opened in Budapest, showcasing images highlighting Hungary’s historical, cultural and natural heritage.

The exhibition was organised through cooperation between the International Organisation of Turkic Culture (TÜRKSOY) and the Lakitelek Foundation, and was created as part of the 20th edition of the photographers’ meeting.

Thirteen photographers from different countries and regions of the Turkic world took part in the initiative. Their works, produced during an 11-day programme, are now on display at the Budapest Art Bridge (BAB) Gallery.

During the programme, the photographers travelled to Budapest, Pannonhalma, Kalocsa, Hortobágy and the UNESCO World Heritage village of Hollóko, documenting Hungary’s historic monuments, traditional arts, cultural traditions and natural landscapes.

The exhibition also features photographs from the Great Kurultáj, a Hun-Turkic cultural gathering held in Bugac, including images of equestrian performances, traditional costumes and ceremonies.

Other highlights include the traditional pastoral life of the Hortobágy plains, Przewalski horses at the Pentezug Wild Horse Reserve, and examples of Kalocsa’s distinctive ceramic art, traditional clothing and decorative wall painting.

The TÜRKSOY Photographers’ Meeting has been held for 20 years with the aim of building a rich visual archive of the cities, people, traditions and cultural heritage of the Turkic world.

The Budapest exhibition underlines the initiative’s broader role in documenting and promoting the cultural links connecting Turkic communities and regions through photography.

Russian President Vladimir Putin and US President Donald Trump are likely to meet on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in China in November if both attend, Kremlin foreign policy aide Yury Ushakov said Sunday, AzerNEWS reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

‘If the leaders are at the same event, then it seems to me they will inevitably meet and talk,’ Ushakov said in an interview with Russian broadcaster VGTRK.

According to him, there had been no signals or indications of plans for such a meeting yet, but the APEC summit is still about three months away.

‘We have to live until then. Before that, we still have many major international events,’ he said.

Meanwhile, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said in a separate interview with VGTRK that NATO and EU countries would not be able to publicly distance themselves from providing military assistance to Ukraine and pursuing what he described as an anti-Russian policy.

Lavrov said Russia would take into account the actions of what he called ‘openly Russophobic elites’ in Britain, Brussels, Paris, Berlin and other NATO and EU countries.

‘They know what they are doing and are trying to publicly distance themselves from it in advance. It won’t work,’ he said.

Another Group C match at the European Volleyball Championship in Baku has been played at the National Gymnastics Arena.

Belgium defeated Portugal 3-0, winning the sets 25-16, 25-21 and 25-11.

The victory marked Belgium’s second win in the tournament. In their opening Group C match, the Belgian team defeated Spain 3-2.

Azerbaijan will face Spain in the other Group C match scheduled for today. The game is set to begin at 18:30 local time.