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Pope Leo XIV called on the international community Sunday to help contain the Ebola virus in the Democratic Republic of Congo, which health officials warn is spreading exponentially, AzerNEWS reports, citing Arab News.

‘In my prayers I often remember the Democratic Republic of the Congo, especially because of the spread of the Ebola epidemic, which unfortunately is causing many victims,’ said the pope following his Angelus prayer in St. Peter’s Square.

‘I encourage a response from the international community that also involves local communities in efforts to save many human lives,’ added the pope, who visited Africa in April.

The deadliest Ebola outbreak in the DRC’s history has already killed thousands of people, hitting regions in the north and east where the presence of the state is weak, health infrastructure is largely lacking and numerous armed groups have sown decades of violence.

Leo also expressed his closeness to those in the Central African Republic ‘who mourn the victims of the collapse that occurred in a mine in Zamboye.’

The landslide on Tuesday at a gold mine near the Cameroonian border killed dozens of people, with many still missing and likely buried beneath the rubble.

‘May the Lord welcome all those who lost their lives, and support efforts to guarantee the safety and legality of mining sites,’ said the pope.

Closer to home, Pope Leo also cited the 10th anniversary on Monday of a major earthquake in central Italy that killed around 300 people and devastated the city of Amatrice.

‘I pray for the deceased and for their families, and for all the communities involved,’ he said.

The Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relationship has spent years accumulating political capital, and now the two countries are being challenged to turn that capital into economic power.

Perhaps that is the real test facing President Ilham Aliyev’s 23-24 August state visit to Uzbekistan. Analysed politically and economically, the relationship is already unusually strong, as indeed, Baku and Tashkent describe one another as brotherly allies, supported by deep historical and cultural links. Presidents of both countries maintain frequent contact, while a growing network of bilateral agreements has transformed political goodwill into formal strategic commitments.

But the most interesting development is happening beneath the diplomatic headlines. As mentioned above, the economic relationship is moving faster than politics, with trade obviously rising sharply. For example, investment structures are being created, companies are expanding across borders, transport flows are increasing, manufacturing partnerships are producing vehicles, and Uzbek businesses are participating in Azerbaijan’s reconstruction programme. In other words, the relationship is beginning to acquire an economic life of its own.

Certainly, that matters because the strategic value of the partnership will ultimately depend on whether it can move beyond state-to-state diplomacy. Moreover, in all these successes, not only words speak but numbers, which suggest tremendous momentum.

Let’s take a look at how bilateral trade climbed to $795 million in 2025, more than tripling from the previous year. During the first five months of 2026, trade was another 33 per cent higher year on year.

Besides, more than 130 Uzbek companies are operating in Azerbaijan, and the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company, established in 2023, provides another institutional channel for financing projects.

We can admit that numbers speak volumes, but perhaps the next question is whether this momentum can be scaled. When deeply analysing, we can see that manufacturing offers an obvious opportunity.

For instance, cooperation through Azermash with Uzbek partners has already produced more than 10,000 Chevrolet vehicles and over 300 Isuzu vehicles, through which it demonstrates that bilateral economic relations are capable of moving beyond the traditional exchange of commodities. And the same logic applies to agriculture.

Uzbekistan’s involvement in the 100-hectare ‘Friendship Garden’ project in Fuzuli illustrates how economic cooperation is being connected to Azerbaijan’s reconstruction agenda. The project is intended to cultivate both Uzbek and Azerbaijani pomegranate varieties, creating a tangible symbol of economic and agricultural cooperation.

Moreover, the Mirza Ulugbek school in Fuzuli represents another dimension. Generally, Uzbekistan’s role in rebuilding and developing liberated territories gives the bilateral relationship a long-term physical presence inside Azerbaijan. It also creates opportunities for Uzbek companies and institutions to participate in reconstruction, agriculture, education and infrastructure.

Looking through all this progress, one can say that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are not simply trading with one another. Both countries are increasingly building projects together.

There is a lot more to say about the progress underway. Another example is that transport could become the next major growth engine. The 1.4 million tonnes of transit recorded between the two countries in 2025 underline the potential. Azerbaijan’s position on the Caspian and Uzbekistan’s position deep inside Central Asia create a natural economic logic for stronger east-west connections. Besides that, it should be highlighted that the Middle Corridor is central to that calculation.

As companies and governments seek alternatives to traditional Eurasian routes, the ability to move goods from Central Asia across the Caspian and through Azerbaijan towards Trkiye and Europe becomes increasingly valuable. Therefore, for Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan provides a western gateway, and for Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan provides access to one of Central Asia’s largest and most dynamic markets, which, in reality, creates a strategic relationship based on geography as much as politics.

However, it is not limited to what is mentioned above, as there is another advantage: the partnership does not depend on a single sector.

As is known, energy cooperation between Baku and Tashkent has existed for years, and, on the other hand, transport is expanding, manufacturing is developing, agriculture is entering the equation, investment institutions are being strengthened, tourism and aviation links are growing, and cultural and educational exchanges are deepening. Even the human infrastructure of the relationship is expanding, as observed in regular flights connecting Baku with Tashkent and Samarkand. Students study in both countries. Cities are establishing sister-city relationships. Media and civil-society forums have created additional channels of contact.

This matters more than it is expressed through words, because sustainable economic integration rarely comes from government agreements alone, and it actually requires business networks, institutional contacts and people-to-people links. And looking at all this progress, this grounds all thoughts that the two countries are gradually building all three.

Furthermore, the Azerbaijan-Uzbek political architecture is also becoming more sophisticated. The Supreme Interstate Council provides a mechanism for strategic coordination, while the Intergovernmental Commission has already held 15 meetings, most recently in July 2026.

Moreover, the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Regional Forum adds another layer, bringing local governments and businesses into the relationship. This is particularly important because the next phase of bilateral growth may increasingly come from regional rather than central-government initiatives.

A city in Azerbaijan partnering with a region in Uzbekistan can generate commercial opportunities that may never emerge from a presidential summit alone.

That is why the fourth Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Interregional Forum, scheduled in Tashkent ahead of the presidential visit, deserves attention. It represents the less glamorous but potentially more consequential side of diplomacy, which focuses on connecting businesses, municipalities and investors.

If Baku and Tashkent can align their transport infrastructure, investment priorities and industrial strategies, the relationship could become a significant economic corridor in its own right, although challenges exist.

Trade remains far below its potential given the size of the two economies. Connectivity across the Caspian still involves logistical constraints. Economic diversification requires sustained private-sector investment rather than government-backed projects alone. The political relationship may therefore be ahead of the commercial one.

That is not necessarily a weakness, but it can be an advantage if governments use their political trust to remove barriers for businesses and create predictable conditions for investment. And it is no coincidence that the August summit offers precisely that opportunity.

Thus President Ilham Aliyev and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev do not need to prove that Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan are allies. They need to demonstrate what that alliance can produce, where the next chapter of the relationship will be measured less by the number of declarations signed and more by the number of factories built, goods transported, investments made and businesses created.

The Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan partnership began with history and culture, and it is now being tested by economics. And if the two sides succeed in matching their political ambition with commercial scale, their alliance could become one of the defining partnerships linking the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

Russian President Vladimir Putin said on Saturday that Ukraine “opened the Pandora’s box” when it started attacking civilian targets, and added that Moscow will respond to these attacks.

“The Kyiv regime set out to damage our economy. What did they do? They opened this ‘Pandora’s box’ themselves. Well, now you’ll get an answer about your most sensitive sectors of the economy, which, frankly, are already on their last legs,” Putin told Vesti News Agency’s journalist Pavel Zarubin in an interview, adding that Russian retaliatory strikes are “more destructive” than the Ukrainian strikes against Russia.

The Russian president also claimed that Ukraine’s plan to defeat Russia “within 40 days and with the help of massive missile and drone strikes against our civilian facilities and logistics” is “yet another gamble.”

Voter turnout in Kazakhstan’s election for the country’s new unicameral parliament, the Kurultai, exceeded 50% by 2 p.m. local time on Sunday.

According to Secretary of Kazakhstan’s Central Election Commission Shavkat Utemisov, 6,696,002 voters had received ballots by 2 p.m., representing 53.12% of citizens included on the voter lists.

The lowest turnout was recorded in Almaty, Kazakhstan’s largest city, at 30.36%. The highest turnout was registered in Kyzylorda Region, where 64.22% of eligible voters had cast ballots. In the capital Astana, turnout stood at 40.92%.

Kazakhstan does not have a minimum voter turnout requirement for parliamentary elections. The election is considered valid regardless of the number of citizens who participate.

Voting is being conducted exclusively through party lists. Voters can choose one of seven political parties or vote against all candidates.

The election is the first to the newly established Kurultai, a unicameral legislature created following Kazakhstan’s constitutional reforms.

Lithuania has deployed NASAMS air defense systems in areas near the capital Vilnius, replacing the previously used RBS-70 systems.

According BNS, Lithuanian Armed Forces Commander General Raimundas Vaikšnor?s said the NASAMS systems provide more effective and broader protection for the capital.

‘Today, the areas near Vilnius are protected more effectively, with greater capabilities and a wider range,’ Vaikšnor?s said.

The general also noted that using expensive NASAMS missiles against relatively inexpensive unmanned aerial vehicles may not be economically efficient. However, he said Lithuania currently has no other means available to counter this type of threat.

NASAMS is considered a medium-range air defense system, while the RBS-70 is primarily designed to engage aerial targets at shorter ranges.

Lithuania has been expanding its air defense capabilities in recent years. In addition to NASAMS, the country also operates mobile short-range air defense systems based on the RBS-70 NG.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev participated online in an inauguration and groundbreaking ceremony for projects implemented by Azerbaijan in Uzbekistan, held in Tashkent.

As part of the event, the ‘Davr Bank’ (AR International Bank), a gypsum plant (‘Matanat-A’), and two STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) schools named after Landau (‘Landau Education Group’) were inaugurated.

In addition, groundbreaking ceremonies were held for five new SOCAR filling stations, the ‘Sea Breeze Uzbekistan’ residential and recreational complex (‘Agalarov Development’), the ‘Baku City’ residential complex (‘TuranAZ’), a silver ore processing and concentration plant (‘Sur Gold and Silver Project’), and fruit orchards (‘Gold Fresh Fruits’).

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.

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.

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.

First Lady of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva and her daughter Leyla Aliyeva, together with First Lady of the Republic of Uzbekistan Ziroatkhon Mirziyoyeva and her daughters Saida and Shakhnoza Mirziyoyeva, visited the Islamic Civilization Center in Tashkent.

The center was established by a decision of President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev. Covering an area of more than 10 hectares, the center was built in the architectural style of the ancient monuments of Samarkand. It features a 65-meter-high dome.

The center houses several departments, including a department responsible for maintaining the national register of rare manuscripts, a manuscript fund, a library, and archives. Artifacts and works from various historical periods are displayed here. The creative heritage of ancestors is presented using modern technologies and digital devices.

The center’s building houses a library containing 100,000 manuscripts and more than one million books. The museum exposition consists of halls titled ‘Pre-Islamic Civilizations,’ ‘First Renaissance Period,’ ‘Second Renaissance Period,’ ‘Uzbekistan in the 20th Century,’ ‘New Uzbekistan – Foundation of the Third Renaissance,’ and ‘Holy Quran.’

The ‘Holy Quran’ hall, located at the center of the exposition, preserves the spiritual gem of the Muslim world – the ‘Quran of Uthman.’ Handwritten copies of the Quran created in different periods, as well as translations into Uzbek, are presented in the hall.

Hundreds of scientists, experts, as well as religious and public figures participated in the implementation of the project. The center collaborates with a number of international organizations, including UNESCO and ICESCO.