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Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Georgia agree on single long-term tariff for Middle Corridor

Azerbaijan has played a crucial role in enhancing Europe’s energy security, according to Rovshan Najaf, President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).

Azernews reports that he made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the KAZENERGY Eurasian Forum held in Astana.

‘We have increased our gas supply to Europe by approximately 60%, without relying on any financial support from either European institutions or the European Union itself,’ Najaf said. ‘However, to ensure the stability of these supplies and to further expand volumes, it is essential to upgrade and expand the gas pipeline infrastructure. This requires long-term contractual commitments from European buyers, as well as financial support from EU institutions and European financial organizations.’

Najaf also highlighted the current uncertainty in Europe’s stance on natural gas:

‘On one hand, there is a stated need for gas, but there is no clear consensus-some say this need will continue until 2030, others suggest 2035. Without concrete guarantees, we cannot finance hydrocarbon production projects. These investments are not made for one-year supply cycles. The gas industry requires long-term contracts to justify investments in production and ensure supply security.’

The SOCAR president reiterated Azerbaijan’s readiness to increase exports to Europe, provided there is mutual commitment from the European side:

‘We are fully prepared to boost gas exports to Europe-but this must be based on cooperation. Firstly, through long-term contracts, and secondly, through joint investments in expanding infrastructure.’

Referring to past requests from Europe, Najaf emphasized:

‘Nearly three years ago, our European partners asked us to increase gas supplies. We agreed to double exports-on the condition that there would be support for financing the expansion of pipelines and infrastructure. The existing infrastructure-namely the Southern Gas Corridor-was built at the expense of Azerbaijan and its partners. We assumed all the associated risks, and until 2022, did not even raise the issue of expansion. We simply did our part and supplied the gas. But when Europe began demanding more, it became a critically important issue for them.’

FC Qarabag has secured an impressive 2-0 victory over Denmark’s “Copenhagen” in UEFA Champions League Group Stage match, Azernews reports.

Played at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, the match saw the Azerbaijani champions dominate, with goals coming from Abdullah Zubir in the 28th minute and Emmanuel Addai in the 83rd minute to seal the win.

Zubir’s early strike gave Qarabag the lead, while Addai’s clinical finish in the second half ensured all three points for Azerbaijan’s team.

The win was further backed by a solid performance in defense, with the team controlling the game and limiting Copenhagen’s attacking threats.

Dutch FIFA referee Serdar Gozuboyuk officiated the match, ensuring a smooth and fair contest throughout.

With this victory, Qarabag now sits on 6 points in the group, occupying fourth place, a significant achievement for the Azerbaijani side in Europe’s premier club competition.

Earlier, the team had earned a thrilling 3-2 victory over “Benfica” in Portugal, and this latest win keeps their hopes of advancing in the tournament alive.

Gurban Gurbanov’s squad will now look ahead to their next challenge, facing “Athletic” (Bilbao) in Spain on October 22.

Note that FC Qarabag has boosted Azerbaijan’s UEFA coefficient with its 2-0 victory over Denmark’s “Copenhagen”.

Thanks to this result, the team, has earned an additional 0.5 coefficient points for the country. As of now, Azerbaijan is ranked 25th with a total of 22,000 points.

In the UEFA rankings, Serbia holds the 24th spot with 22,375 points, while Slovakia is in 26th place with 21,375 points. England tops the UEFA rankings with 97,116 points.

The UEFA Champions League is a continental tournament that brings together the best teams from Europe’s top domestic leagues.

It is widely regarded as the pinnacle of club football, attracting millions of fans around the world. Clubs from UEFA’s member countries compete for the title, which is seen as the ultimate achievement for European club teams.

The format of the UEFA Champions League has evolved over time.

The current structure includes several stages: Qualifying Rounds, Group Stage, Knockout Rounds and Final.

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League marks the 71st edition of Europe’s top club football competition, and the 34th since it was rebranded from the European Cup to the UEFA Champions League.

The final will take place on May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.

Officials involved in a large-scale smuggling operation of medicines and tobacco products between Iran and Azerbaijan have been identified, according to a joint statement by the Prosecutor General’s Office and the State Customs Committee, Azernews reports.

The investigation revealed that Vusal Huseynov, an inspector of the Bilasuvar Customs Department, and Asif Hajimuradov, a cynologist at the ‘Azerterminalcomplex’ Association, colluded with Azerbaijani citizen Etibar Hatamli and Iranian citizen Jafar Rezeyan. Using their official positions, the group facilitated the illegal transfer of medicines not registered with the state – including those containing potent and psychotropic substances – as well as tobacco products without excise stamps. The total value of the smuggled goods amounted to 400,000 manats (about $235,000).

According to the authorities, the smuggled items were brought from Iran and handed over to relevant individuals inside Azerbaijan.

Based on the collected evidence, Huseynov, Hajimuradov, Hatamli and Rezeyan were charged under multiple articles of the Criminal Code, including illegal trafficking of large quantities of medicines and psychotropic substances, smuggling, illegal import of excise goods, and abuse of official authority leading to grave consequences.

By court decision, Huseynov, Hajimuradov and Hatamli were placed under arrest, while Rezeyan received a different preventive measure not related to detention.

The Prosecutor General’s Office and the State Customs Committee stressed that investigative and operational measures are continuing to fully uncover the scope of the smuggling network.

The construction sector in Azerbaijan brought in more than 328 million manat in revenue during the first half of the year, according to Read Qasimov, Head of the Baku City Main Department of Architecture and Urban Planning under the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture.

Azernews reports that Qasimov made these remarks during a public discussion organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA) on the topic: ‘Current Procedures, Time, and Costs for Obtaining Construction and Operation Permits – Challenges and Optimization Opportunities.’

He emphasized that the development of cities and the construction sector remains one of Azerbaijan’s strategic priorities:

‘Innovative approaches are being implemented to make business processes more transparent and accessible for entrepreneurs across various sectors,’ he added.

The opening ceremony of the 7th Summit of the European Political Community was held in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the event.

Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen welcomed President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and other heads of state and government attending the Summit.

This year’s Summit brings together heads of state and government from nearly 50 countries.

Discussions during plenary sessions and the round tables focus on topics including overall security situation in Europe, the Russia-Ukraine war, economic security, migration, traditional and hybrid threats.

The European Political Community is an intergovernmental platform aimed at strengthening cooperation in security, economic stability, and democratic governance. It promotes political and economic coordination both within and beyond the European Union, among small and large countries alike. The Community’s goal is to develop political dialogue and cooperation to address common challenges and enhance the security, stability, and prosperity of the European continent.

Azerbaijan’s athletes have delivered a remarkable performance, securing 12 gold, 8 silver, and 10 bronze medals across a variety of disciplines at third CIS Games, Azernews reports.

This strong medal count positioned Azerbaijan among the top nations in the competition. Wrestling, taekwondo, and badminton were particularly strong areas for Azerbaijan, with the country’s athletes dominating these events and securing the majority of the medals.

The country’s boxing team also had a highly successful campaign, contributing significantly to the overall medal tally.

Azerbaijan performed admirably in swimming and athletics, with athletes securing podium finishes.

The country holds second place with 62 medals, comprising 8 gold, 21 silver, and 33 bronze.

Currently, Russia tops the medal table with a total of 96 medals, including 64 gold, 19 silver, and 13 bronze.

Belarus is in third position with 52 medals, made up of 7 gold, 19 silver, and 26 bronze.

To date, athletes from six countries have won medals at the 3rd CIS Games, while a total of 13 countries are participating in the competition.

Azerbaijan is proudly hosting the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games from September 28 to October 8, 2025, marking a landmark event in the region’s sports calendar.

This multi-sport competition brings together athletes from CIS member states as well as invited nations, fostering a spirit of friendship, collaboration, and athletic excellence.

For the first time in the history of the CIS Games, the events are being held across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, Yevlakh, and Khankandi.

Each city is hosting competitions in various sports, with Ganja, the country’s second-largest city, serving as the main hub and officially designated as the CIS Sports Capital for 2025.

A total of 23 sports are being contested across 12 venues, offering a diverse and comprehensive athletic program.

A total of 1,624 athletes from 13 countries are participating in the CIS Games.

To engage younger audiences, event mascots Babir and Leyla are energizing the atmosphere and drawing enthusiasm from fans of all ages.

Azerbaijan’s swimming team has concluded the third CIS Games with 13 medals, Azernews reports.

On the final (fifth) day of the competitions held at the Ganja Sports Palace, Azerbaijani representatives Suleyman Ismayilzade won a gold medal, and Anastasia Gnussina won a bronze medal.

They excelled in the 400 and 1500 meters freestyle events, respectively.

With this, Azerbaijan’s swimming team has concluded the III CIS Games with a total of 13 medals.

Azerbaijan is hosting the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games from September 28 to October 8, 2025, marking a significant event in the region’s sports calendar.

This multi-sport competition brings together athletes from CIS member states and invited countries, aiming to promote friendship, cooperation, and athletic excellence.

For the first time in the history of the CIS Games, competitions are being held across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, Yevlakh, and Khankandi.

Each city hosts events in different sports, with the second-largest city, Ganja, serving as the main hub and officially designated the CIS Sports Capital for 2025.

Around 23 sports are being contested across 12 venues, highlighting a broad and inclusive athletic program.

A total of 1,624 athletes from 13 countries had confirmed participation. Event mascots Babir and Leyla are helping to generate enthusiasm among young fans.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a meeting with President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu in Copenhagen.

During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev congratulated President Maia Sandu on the victory of the Party of Action and Solidarity in Moldova’s parliamentary elections, noting that the results reflect the will of the Moldovan people.

President Maia Sandu expressed her gratitude for the congratulations and, in turn, congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the achievements in Washington regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agenda, witnessed by the United States.

Expressing gratitude for the congratulations, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the progress made in advancing the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan holds historic significance.

The leaders also exchanged views on the prospects of bilateral relations, with particular focus on the broad opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector.

President Maia Sandu highlighted Moldova’s appreciation for Azerbaijan’s support, especially during periods of energy need.

n October 2, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a meeting in Copenhagen with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Azernews reports.