Half-sitting at the confetti-covered table, we scavenge over the remains of Olivier salad, while trying to sober up and recover the memory of what just happened, and prepare for what’s going to come next? In this two-part issue, we share our 20 notes from 2020, and try to extrapolate what is in store in 2021.

While the ping pong match of who will raise more before the year is out continues, the onlookers adopt a precautious approach.

The week ends with two people in Kazakhstan testing positive for coronavirus, the first official instance for the Stans. The Central Asian states are closing off borders for travellers from certain countries.

As the week draws to a close, not everyone is feeling romantic, and some relationships are experiencing considerable pressure.

TurkStream, Turkey’s natural gas pipeline project transporting Russian natural gas to Europe via Turkey launched on January 8, 2020, with the participation of President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan. Also attending the ceremony were President Vladimir Putin of Russia, President Aleksandar Vučić of Serbia, and Prime Minister Boyko Borisov of Bulgaria.

At the World Economic Forum in 2020, Russia House in Davos will once again link Russian businesses with the international community to explore, discuss and conclude trade and economic partnership.

Aeroflot and Brussels Airlines have signed a codeshare agreement to offer customers a bigger selection of flights and more flexibility when travelling between Brussels and Moscow.

Russian aviation authorities announced that Open Skies regime at will be introduced at Pulkovo Airport in St. Petersburg for five years on January 1, 2020.

HotelsByDay Acquires Hotel-Amenity Startup Dayaxe in Pivotal Hospitality Industry Deal

Diplomatic efforts to bring an end to Libya's east-west conflict are said to have made some progress, albeit with huge obstacles still in the way.