Rovshan Rustamov, Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), a company of AZCON Holding, reviewed the ongoing construction works at the Astara Terminal together with his Iranian counterpart Jabbar Ali Zakeri, as part of his visit to the Islamic Republic of Iran.

During the tour, detailed information was provided on the project’s current realization status, completed work, and the next stages. According to the reports, the construction and installation works at the Astara Terminal, one of the key infrastructure elements of the North-South International Transport Corridor, are nearing completion.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the current state of cooperation between the railways administrations of Azerbaijan and Iran, the prospects for developing freight transportation along the North-South Corridor, and measures to increase cargo volumes. They reaffirmed that once the Astara Terminal is fully commissioned, with an annual handling capacity of 3.5–4 million tons, it will significantly enhance the efficiency of freight operations and strengthen the region’s transit potential. As one of the strategic components of transport and logistics cooperation between the two countries, the terminal’s operation will contribute to expanding bilateral cargo turnover, accelerating international freight flows, and boosting the competitiveness of the North-South Corridor.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a protocol was signed on completing the construction of the Astara Terminal and advancing cooperation in increasing freight transportation along the North-South International Transport Corridor.

According to data compiled by ADY, in the first five months of 2026, more than 345,000 tons of cargo were handled at the Astara Terminal, representing an 26 percent increase from the same period last year.

Today, the world is entering a completely new phase not only economically, but also geopolitically. New centers of power are emerging, energy and logistics routes are being redefined, and the economic map of Eurasia is being redrawn.

In such a period, Azerbaijan’s role is becoming increasingly strategic every day.

The Middle Corridor connecting China and Europe is no longer just a transportation route — it is becoming one of the main global economic arteries of the future. Located at one of the most important points of the New Silk Road, Azerbaijan is transforming into the key strategic bridge connecting East and West.

For this very reason, it was no coincidence that the 13th World Urban Forum organized by the United Nations, attended by thousands of representatives, ministers, mayors, and architects from more than 170 countries, was held in Azerbaijan in 2026.

This forum once again proved that Azerbaijan is becoming not only a regional, but also a globally recognized center for development, logistics, and urban planning.

Baku’s rapid development, “smart city” projects, reconstruction efforts in Karabakh, green energy strategy, and the country’s political stability have further strengthened Azerbaijan’s international reputation.

Today, Azerbaijan is considered a safe, stable, and strategic cooperation platform for international investors.

Especially under the visionary leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan has become one of the leading political and economic powers in the region. Azerbaijan now presents itself to the world not only through its energy resources, but also through its strategic vision, stability, and strength.

It is precisely at this point that the NeoOrdo project emerges.

NeoOrdo is not merely an architectural and urban development initiative. It is a new development platform with economic potential worth billions of dollars.

Within the framework of the project, the following are planned:
▪️ creation of thousands of new jobs,
▪️ attraction of international investors,
▪️ implementation of advanced technologies,
▪️ establishment of digital economy platforms,
▪️ creation of international logistics centers.

NeoOrdo is also a 21st-century development model that combines AI-driven systems, green energy infrastructure, and a modern urban concept.

One of the most remarkable aspects of the project is the new Eurasian connection planned across the Caspian Sea.

The bridge and integrated logistics system envisioned over the Caspian Sea could transform Azerbaijan into one of the main strategic hubs of the Middle Corridor.

This project could serve as a new economic artery connecting East and West, Asia and Europe, production and markets.

Today, energy and logistics security are among the key factors determining the future of nations. Azerbaijan, with its strategic position and international cooperation opportunities, is becoming an important participant in this new global order.

The NeoOrdo project is part of this new geopolitical and economic vision.

Because the strongest nations of the future will not only be those possessing resources — they will be those capable of controlling global trade routes, technology, and strategic partnerships.

Azerbaijan is no longer a country that merely follows the future…
It is on the path to becoming one of the countries shaping the future.

The steps taken today, the memorandums signed, and the partnerships established are the foundation stones of tomorrow.

“The map of the future is already being drawn… and Azerbaijan stands at the center of that map.”

And NeoOrdo is the name of that future.

The President of “AzTurk Holding,” Gulali Baghirov

President of “AzTurk Holding” Gulali Baghirov Visits the National Aviation Academy
The President of “AzTurk Holding,” Gulali Baghirov, visited the National Aviation Academy today, one of the leading higher education institutions in our country.

According to Newsenter.az, within the framework of the visit, a meeting was held with the Academy’s First Vice President, Professor Adalat, and Vice-Rector for New Technologies, Khagani Abdullayev. During the meeting, extensive discussions were conducted on new technologies applied in the aviation sector, innovative development directions, as well as the prospects for cooperation between science and business.

It should be noted that the meeting also covered potential joint projects that could be implemented in the future, the application of modern technologies, and increasing young people’s interest in innovative fields.
The management of “AzTurk Holding” stated that it will continue to support initiatives aimed at the development of science, education, and technology in our country.

The WUF was established by the United Nations in 2001. The first World Urban Forum was held in 2002 in Nairobi. Today, the WUF is a non-legislative but highly respected global platform for technical and political dialogue convened by the United Nations Human Settlements Programme, namely UN-Habitat. Its main objective is to develop a global response to rapid urbanization, housing crises, climate risks, urban inequality, and sustainable development issues.

According to Newscenter.az, these remarks were made by David Seliverstov, head of the Caucasus representation of the Global Solidarity Council, international human rights advocate, and head of the Azerbaijani representation of the Caucasus Jewish Association.
According to him, from a human rights perspective, the importance of the WUF lies in the fact that urban planning is not only a matter of architecture and infrastructure, but also a matter of human rights:

“Because the city is the primary space where a person’s rights to life, security, a healthy environment, accessible housing, transportation, education, healthcare, and a dignified life are realized.

From this perspective, the city of the future should not be built solely on skyscrapers, roads, and technologies. The city of the future must be people-centered, just, inclusive, and safe. The latest generation technologies, artificial intelligence, digital governance, ‘smart city’ systems, green energy, sensor-based transportation, waste management, and climate-resilient infrastructure should serve only one purpose: to make human life easier and to protect human dignity.”

David Seliverstov noted that WUF13, held in Baku in 2026 under the theme “Housing the World: Safe and Resilient Cities and Communities,” brings the issue of housing, safe, and sustainable communities to the center of the global agenda:

“The forum is being held from May 17–22, 2026, hosted by the Azerbaijani government in partnership with UN-Habitat. ‘Cities are built by concrete, but they are sustained by human dignity.’”

According to him, this platform holds special significance for Azerbaijan:

“‘Smart City’ and ‘Smart Village’ projects, green energy zones, and modern infrastructure models in the territories liberated from occupation are aligned with the WUF philosophy of sustainable urbanization. As a human rights advocate, I believe that the future of cities should be determined not only by technology, but by the harmonization of technology with human rights.

The most modern city is the one where technology does not replace people, but serves them. A city should be a place of human dignity, not merely of concrete.’”

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Lands, Public Works, Housing and Urban Development of Kenya, Report informs.

The document was signed within the framework of the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) being held in Baku.