Abkhazia
Head of Abkhazia’s Gali district talks economy, infrastructure, and social issues
The district is predominantly inhabited by ethnic Georgians.
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Daily Brief
Thursday, 21 May 2026
Regional * According to a new report by the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan ranks second in Europe in terms of prison population per capita with 270 inmates per 100,000 inhabitants, while Georgia is ranked at fourth, with 232 inmates per 100,000. * Yesterday, Azerbaijan Railways announced new prices for the Baku–Tbilisi passenger train, which have increased after the COVID-19 pandemic. Prices range between $30 and $50, depending on the distance. * A Georgian man, Giorgi Tsatava, has been sente
Daily Brief
Wednesday, 20 May 2026
Regional * The Baku–Tbilisi passenger train will operate once daily at night to and from Tbilisi, and is expected to carry over 200 passengers in each direction. The train, manufactured by the Swiss company Stadler Rail Group, was inspected by President Ilham Aliyev in 2019. The passenger rail service is resuming after a six-year hiatus. Armenia * Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan and his Lithuanian counterpart Kęstutis Budrys have signed a strategic partnership agreement. * The i
Daily Brief
Tuesday, 19 May 2026
Regional * The Azerbaijan Economy Ministry has stated that it will resume daily passenger train services on the Baku–Tbilisi–Baku route from 26 May after an agreement was reached with Georgia. Passenger rail service between Baku and Tbilisi was suspended in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensuing lockdown, and Azerbaijan has since repeatedly extended the land border closure, with the latest extension set to run until 1 July 2026. * Yesterday, Azerbaijan and Georgia signed agreemen
Abkhazia
Gunba focuses on economy and Russian relations in first major press conference since 2025 election
An underlying theme throughout the press conference was Abkhazia’s dependence on external factors, primarily regarding interactions with Russia.
Daily Brief
Monday, 18 May 2026
Regional * The Russian Cabinet of Ministers has supported a cooperation agreement between the governments of Daghestan and South Ossetia. The order was signed by Russian Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin. The agreement would increase trade, economic, scientific, technical, and socio-cultural cooperation. Armenia * Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had a phone call with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, during which the two leaders discussed various issues related to bilateral cooperation
