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Wednesday February 18 2026
US inflation dip strengthens outlook for Azerbaijan and energy exporters [ANALYSIS]

US inflation dip strengthens outlook for Azerbaijan and energy exporters [ANALYSIS]

Recent data from the United States has shown that inflation increased at a slower pace than anticipated in January. Consumer prices rose by 0.2 percent month-on-month, slightly below analysts’ expectations of 0.3 percent, while the annual increase reached 2.4 percent, marginally under the forecast of 2.5 percent. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the rise in service costs drove much of the inflation, including airline tickets, healthcare, entertainment, personal care, and communication services, while prices for used vehicles, household furnishings, and car insurance declined.

Nation
Baku expands its European energy footprint through landmark Serbia partnership [COMMENTARY]

Baku expands its European energy footprint through landmark Serbia partnership [COMMENTARY]

The gas-fired plant has the potential to diversify Serbia’s energy supply, historically reliant on Russian imports. Shabanov notes, however, that due to its 500 MW capacity, it is unlikely the plant will immediately export electricity outside Serbia. Nonetheless, it strengthens domestic energy security and could serve as a stepping stone for larger regional cooperation.

Oil & Gas
SOCAR exports 1.2 billion cubic meters of gas to Syria annually

SOCAR exports 1.2 billion cubic meters of gas to Syria annually

In 2025, Azerbaijan exported 350.899 million cubic meters of natural gas to the Syrian Arab Republic, worth $120.085 million.

Business
Azerbaijan’s cargo transport falls in value and volume

Azerbaijan’s cargo transport falls in value and volume

In January 2026, Azerbaijan transported 95,800 tons of cargo worth $171.5 million via maritime routes, AzerNEWS reports, citing the State Customs Committee. Compared to the same period last year, the value of maritime shipments fell by...

Analysis

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
Beyond border: how civil society talks hint at fragile thaw between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Beyond border: how civil society talks hint at fragile thaw between Armenia and Azerbaijan

Peace does not take root merely in the absence of guns or open conflict. It flourishes where justice, equality and, above all, human rights are upheld. Yet justice and equality rarely arrive of their own accord; they are secured through persistence, difficult choices and sustained resolve.

Armenian Aggression
Ruben Vardanyan sentenced to 20 years in Azerbaijan war crimes case

Ruben Vardanyan sentenced to 20 years in Azerbaijan war crimes case

The final court decision is being announced in an open hearing in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism and other serious offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

World
Engineers create balloon telescope to study exoplanet atmospheres

Engineers create balloon telescope to study exoplanet atmospheres

Engineers and astronomers have unveiled a groundbreaking telescope design for studying exoplanet atmospheres, offering near-space observations at a fraction of the cost of orbital missions, AzerNEWS reports.

Travel
Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport

Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport
Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month

Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month
Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]

Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]
Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture

Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture
Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park

Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park
Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Lifestyle
Workshop 'Heritage of Europe' held in Baku [PHOTOS]

Workshop 'Heritage of Europe' held in Baku [PHOTOS]

The two-day creative workshop "Heritage of Europe," organized by the European Union jointly with the NGO Arts Council Azerbaijan, has concluded in Baku, AzerNEWS reports.

Culture
Alibaba Mammadov's music legacy honored with fascinating concert [PHOTOS]

Alibaba Mammadov's music legacy honored with fascinating concert [PHOTOS]

The International Mugham Center has honored the musical legacy of well-known mugham master, People's Artist Alibaba Mammadov, AzerNEWS reports.

Events
Applications open for Urban Expo at WUF13 in Baku

Applications open for Urban Expo at WUF13 in Baku

Applications are now open for participation in the Urban Expo, one of the flagship events of the World Urban Forum’s thirteenth session (WUF13), which will be held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 17 to 22 May 2026, AzerNEWS reports.

Sports
Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation holds general meeting [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation holds general meeting [PHOTOS]

The 16th general meeting of the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation (AGF) has been held in Baku, Azernews reports.

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