India has once again blocked Azerbaijan’s full membership in the SCO, citing Baku’s close alliance with Pakistan, while Aliyev criticized New Delhi’s stance.

EU special envoy Magdalena Gronon visited Nakhchivan to inspect transport infrastructure, stressing support for peace and Armenia–Azerbaijan agreements reached in Washington.

Aliyev made the remarks during a phone conversation with Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, Emir of the State of Qatar.

Earlier, Lukashenko admitted he had “stayed in power a bit too long” in order to prepare for a leadership transition.

According to Yuri Ushakov, both parties have already begun preparations for the summit.