Azerbaijan Investment Push: President Ilham Aliyev used the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum to pitch the country as a regional business hub, stressing transport/logistics, digitalization, customs efficiency, and electric transmission lines—while an assistant to the president highlighted abundant, affordable electricity as a draw for data centers. AI & Trade Talks: China and the U.S. agreed to create an AI safety channel and speed up military crisis communications, alongside continued trade discussions. Yemen Escalation: Yemen’s Saudi-backed leadership called for general mobilisation against Iran-backed Houthis as attacks intensify, including on Riyadh. Ukraine Peace Report Denied: A Ukrainian presidential adviser rejected a Bloomberg claim that Trump urged Zelenskyy to meet Putin in Moscow. Energy Security in Europe: The EU Gas Coordination Group said gas supply remains stable despite lower storage levels, as it keeps close watch on global supply disruptions. Business & Tech for SMEs: Meta launched a Small Business Growth Academy in Malaysia to help MSMEs use AI tools and WhatsApp for Business, while Malaysia also urged stronger pandemic preparedness at the UN. Public Safety: Two people died in a fatal Kansas City Jeep crash that tore through a parking lot, and police are investigating.