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Turkiye’s Minister of Transport and Infrastructure, Abdulkadir Uraloglu, has said that 5G will serve as a strategic milestone in the country’s digital transformation, underlining the government’s ambition to build an ecosystem based on domestic production.

‘We want to turn our country into a technology hub that not only develops 5G systems locally but also exports them to global markets,’ Uraloglu stated. He emphasized that ongoing projects would pave the way for high-value exports while boosting national technological capacity.

As part of the ‘End-to-End Domestic and National 5G Project,’ Turkiye plans to produce both base stations and core network components within the country. Uraloglu announced that 5G infrastructure will be required to include at least 60 percent domestically produced equipment and 30 percent nationally developed communication technologies. This approach, he noted, will strengthen Turkiye’s telecommunications industry while reducing dependence on foreign suppliers.

The minister also highlighted the broader economic benefits of the initiative. ‘Through local production, we will both protect our domestic market and achieve the capacity to compete globally,’ he said, adding that the move would also contribute directly to reducing Turkiye’s current account deficit.

Uraloglu pointed to high-tech exports as a key priority of economic policy, stressing that 5G investments would enhance Turkiye’s R and D and patent capabilities. In the longer term, he said, Turkiye aims to be an active player in shaping 6G technologies as well.

Beyond telecommunications, 5G will have transformative effects across multiple sectors. In industry, it will accelerate automation; in transportation, it will enable smart solutions; in healthcare, it will support digitalization; and in finance, it will provide secure data flows. ‘We are not only planning for 5G but also preparing for technologies beyond 5G,’ Uraloglu concluded. ‘These steps will increase Turkiye’s technology exports and strengthen our competitive edge in the global marketplace.’

The open court hearing on criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes resulting from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on October 2, Azernews reports.

The session, held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with a panel consisting of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that each of the accused was provided with an interpreter in their preferred language and defense lawyers.

The hearing was attended by the accused, their defense attorneys, some of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors defending the state’s accusations.

Victim Ilham Mammadov testified first. He stated that on May 10, 2002, while serving in the military and heading to his post, he was captured by Armenian armed forces near Haram. Mammadov noted that he was unarmed at the time. Armenian soldiers beat him and subjected him to torture. He described one officer as particularly cruel and later learned his name was Levon.

Responding to questions from Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev, Mammadov identified accused Levon Mnatsakanyan as the perpetrator, stating: ‘He punched me in the head and then struck me with the butt of his rifle. He took me to a rock and fired at me. At that time, my back was facing the positions of the Azerbaijani Army. He forced me to stand in a spot where our forces might have shot me unknowingly. Later, they made me walk through mined areas against my will.’

Mammadov also answered questions from prosecutor Nasir Bayramov, head of the Department for the Protection of State Accusations of the Prosecutor General’s Office, Special Assistant to the Prosecutor General Tugay Rahimli, and other state prosecutors Tarana Mammadova and Vusal Abdullayev. He explained that he was held for a week in Azerbaijani territories then occupied by Armenian forces before being transferred to Armenia. After 6 months and 15 days in captivity, he was handed over to Azerbaijan.

In response to defense questions, Mammadov said he did not know Mnatsakanyan before his capture and was unaware of his position at the time. ‘But based on his attitude, I assume he was the chief of staff,’ he added.

Answering questions from accused Levon Mnatsakanyan, Mammadov confirmed he was born in 1973 and held the rank of lieutenant when captured. ‘I received my officer rank upon graduating from the Azerbaijan State Agricultural Academy, which had a military department,’ he said.

He added that during his extended military service, he initially served on the rear front before being deployed to the front line, where he was captured shortly after.

Accused Mnatsakanyan confirmed an incident in 2002 involving the capture of an Azerbaijani soldier, stating that the individual was brought in for investigation, questioned by the investigators, and later handed over to the relevant authorities. He claimed the prisoner was not subjected to torture and was provided with water and bread.

In response to questions from the prosecutor defending the state accusation, Mnatsakanyan said he did not know if the captured Azerbaijani was Mammadov and that he did not recognize him.

The lawyer for accused Melikset Pashayan requested a confidential meeting with their clients, which Judge Zeynal Aghayev granted during the recess.

Accused Davit Ishkhanyan requested that the court provide a list of internationally registered organizations and media outlets in Azerbaijan. The presiding judge stated that this matter falls outside the court’s jurisdiction and activities. He noted that there are no problems with the activities of international organizations in Azerbaijan; they operate legally and respect the country’s legislation. His lawyer can provide the list to him.

The judge also informed Davit Ishkhanyan that a video interview of Manvel Grigoryan, former Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia, previously presented and admitted as evidence, would be loaded onto the defendants’ tablets.

It should be noted that after the video material was examined in court, Davit Ishkhanyan had requested that the full video be loaded onto their tablets.

The court proceedings continued with the announcement of documents related to the criminal cases.

First, documents regarding the killing and wounding of Azerbaijanis due to Armenian armed forces’ attacks, including mine sabotage incidents, were announced.

Subsequently, documents on crimes committed by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups on September 19-20, 2023, were presented.

The court also announced documents on incidents in liberated territories where civilians were killed or injured due to explosions of mines and other explosive devices.

Additionally, documents related to the killing of telejournalist Chingiz Fuad oglu Mustafayev (posthumously awarded the title of ‘National Hero of Azerbaijan’) were announced.

The court session featured documents on the military operation conducted in Dashalti village of Shusha district on January 26, 1992; the attack on the TEM-2-7065 locomotive on the Gazakh-Barkhudarly railway line on April 23, 1992; the shelling of the Barkhudarly railway station on September 9, 1991; and other incidents.

Furthermore, documents on the shelling of Tartar district during the Patriotic War, the significant damage inflicted on ‘TartarCotton’ OJSC, and the shelling of Fuzuli, Beylagan, Goranboy, Barda, Aghdam, Aghjabadi, Jabrayil (Jojug Marjanli village), and the city of Naftalan during the Patriotic War were announced.

The court also presented documents on rocket attacks on Yevlakh district and Goran village in Goranboy district, the shelling of the city of Mingachevir, and rocket launches toward Siyazan, Kurdamir, and Gabala districts on October 22, 2020.

The next set of documents announced concerned the destruction caused by Armenian armed forces in occupied territories, including damage to individual residential houses, non-residential buildings, and cultural heritage.

The court announced documents on the massive damage to the forest fund of Lachin district and the destruction of houses in Lachin district and other areas.

Documents related to the illegal settlement of the population, the smuggling of weapons to the Karabakh region, and the use of phosphorus shells were also presented.

The examination of the documents was accompanied by photographs related to the criminal cases.

The trial will continue on October 3.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state – including the aforementioned criminal association – on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals – Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan – are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.

In an era where global supply chains are being redefined and geopolitical fault lines are shifting, the emergence of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route-commonly known as the Middle Corridor-offers a compelling alternative to traditional East-West trade routes. The recent agreement between the railway operators of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia to establish a unified long-term tariff across the entire corridor marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Eurasian logistics. This is not merely a technical adjustment; it is a strategic alignment that could reshape the economic geography of the region.

The Middle Corridor stretches from China through Central Asia, across the Caspian Sea, through the South Caucasus, and onward to Europe. It bypasses both Russia and Iran, offering a politically neutral and economically efficient route for freight transport. In the wake of global tensions, sanctions, and the need for diversified trade channels, this corridor has gained unprecedented relevance. It is no longer a secondary option-it is fast becoming a primary artery for Eurasian commerce.

The significance of this corridor lies not only in its geography but in its potential to foster regional cooperation and economic integration. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia are not merely transit countries; they are strategic stakeholders in a new vision for Eurasia. Their decision to harmonize tariffs across the corridor is a bold step toward eliminating logistical bottlenecks and enhancing the competitiveness of the route. It sends a clear message to global markets: the Middle Corridor is open for business, and it is here to stay.

The agreement, signed during the VII International Transport and Logistics Business Forum ‘New Silk Way’ in Almaty, is embedded within a broader action plan aimed at removing ‘bottlenecks’ along the route. These bottlenecks-whether infrastructural, procedural, or regulatory-have long hindered the corridor’s full potential. By committing to joint development of port, rail, and logistics infrastructure, and by embracing digitalization of procedures, the three countries are laying the groundwork for a seamless and modern transport ecosystem.

This is not just about trains and tariffs. It is about vision, resilience, and strategic foresight. The Middle Corridor offers a lifeline to landlocked Central Asian economies, a gateway for Chinese goods to reach European markets, and a bridge for European exporters to access Asia. It is a corridor of opportunity, and the recent trilateral agreement is a testament to the political will required to unlock that opportunity.

Moreover, the unified tariff structure simplifies the cost calculation for shippers and logistics companies, making the corridor more attractive and predictable. In a world where time is money and uncertainty is the enemy of investment, such predictability is invaluable. It reduces friction, accelerates decision-making, and enhances the corridor’s appeal to global logistics players.

The strategic importance of the Middle Corridor cannot be overstated. It is a counterbalance to the Northern Corridor and the Southern Corridor. It offers a stable, secure, and efficient route that aligns with the interests of a wide array of stakeholders-from multinational corporations to regional governments. Its development is not just a regional priority; it is a global necessity.

The trilateral agreement also reflects a deeper geopolitical reality: the rise of regionalism in a multipolar world. As global powers recalibrate their strategies, regional actors are stepping up to shape their own destinies. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia are demonstrating that cooperation, not confrontation, is the key to progress. Their alignment on the Middle Corridor is a model for others to follow.

In conclusion, the Middle Corridor is more than a transport route-it is a strategic project that embodies the aspirations of a new Eurasia. The recent agreement on unified tariffs is a milestone that will accelerate its development and enhance its global standing. As the world looks for alternatives to congested and politicized trade routes, the Middle Corridor stands out as a beacon of connectivity, cooperation, and economic promise. The future of Eurasian logistics is being written today-and the ink is flowing through Baku, Almaty, and Tbilisi.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Azernews reports.

“Dear Shavkat Miromonovich,

Dear Brother,

I am deeply pleased to extend my heartfelt congratulations and to convey my most sincere wishes to you and, through you, to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan on the occasion of a significant milestone – the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Although our diplomatic relations span a history of thirty years, the traditions of unity, solidarity, mutual respect, and support between our brotherly peoples have been passed down from century to century and generation to generation. It is particularly gratifying that interstate relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, built on the solid foundations of shared roots, history, language, culture, religious-spiritual values, and brotherhood, have dynamically developed over the past period, rising to the highest level – that of an alliance. The agreement we signed last year is a crucial historic document that formalizes and eternalizes the natural alliance between our two independent, strong, and sovereign states. I would like to particularly emphasize your exceptional role and contributions in strengthening and elevating the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan unity and partnership to this level.

Today, Uzbekistan is a country that has earned great prestige and trust not only in the region but also on the international stage. As a brotherly nation, we take great pride in witnessing the remarkable transformations, socio-economic development, the strengthening of the country’s economic potential, and the growing global image of Uzbekistan under your determined leadership.

Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations encompass a multifaceted cooperation agenda. We are delighted by the continuous expansion and enrichment of our mutually beneficial cooperation in political, economic, trade, industrial, energy, transport-logistics, security, investment, agricultural, humanitarian, and other fields. The unprecedented achievements we have attained in a short period through bilateral cooperation contribute to the progress of our countries, the well-being of our peoples, regional cooperation, and overall prosperity and stability.

The people of Azerbaijan will never forget Uzbekistan’s consistent support and just stance in upholding Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the inviolability of its internationally recognized borders in accordance with the norms and principles of international law and the requirements of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. I once again express my deep gratitude to you for your repeated visits to our liberated territories, your support for the construction of a school in Fuzuli named after the great son of the Uzbek people, Mirzo Ulugbek, the establishment of a joint sewing enterprise in Khankendi, and other initiatives that strengthen our bilateral relations. We regard these as a vivid symbol of brotherly Uzbekistan’s support for the restoration of Karabakh and, at the same time, of our solidarity and brotherhood.

Just as in our bilateral relations, our countries’ joint efforts in addressing important issues on a multilateral basis are commendable. The cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan within international organizations, based on mutual trust and support, continues successfully. Our shared perspectives on regional and international issues, our common goals and aspirations, and the support we provide each other in addressing challenges serve the interests of our peoples and our states.

Currently, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Caspian region are transforming into a single geopolitical region. The robust relations and effective cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan undoubtedly play a significant role in the positive processes unfolding in this geographic region.

Dear Brother,

I highly value the special attention and hospitality shown to me during each of my visits to your enchanting country, as well as the genuine brotherhood reflected in our relations. I fondly recall our meetings held in an atmosphere of warmth and sincerity.

I am confident that, driven by the unyielding will of our brotherly peoples, who are bound by unbreakable ties, we will successfully continue our joint efforts to preserve and strengthen the noble traditions of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan interstate relations and to deepen our alliance.

On this momentous historic anniversary, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, wishing you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and lasting peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan,” the letter reads.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

“Dear Ilham Heydar oglu,

Dear brother,

Your Excellency, I am deeply pleased to extend my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to you and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan on the auspicious 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

I would like to particularly note that the past period has been rich with memorable events in our cooperation, with relations developing consistently across all fields. A robust legal framework and effective institutional mechanisms, along with multilateral formats, have been established to comprehensively and sustainably strengthen our comprehensive long-term relations.

Undoubtedly, the fraternal ties and strong bonds of friendship that unite Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, coupled with our regular and productive high-level dialogues, serve the common progress of our brotherly peoples.

In particular, the complete elevation of our interstate relations to a new historic stage of alliance in recent years can be regarded as a brilliant practical expression of our firm political will and joint consistent efforts.

Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I am confident that our strategic partnership, grounded in principles of mutual trust and respect, will continue to develop rapidly across all priority areas, including politics, economy, trade, transport, logistics, energy, industry, agriculture, tourism, and culture.

Undoubtedly, our upcoming series of important meetings this year-both in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan-will provide favorable opportunities not only to discuss the prospects of our bilateral relations but also for an in-depth exchange of views on the most pressing issues of regional partnership.

On this landmark occasion in the chronicle of our multifaceted relations, I once again congratulate Your Excellency, and wish you robust health, family happiness, great success in your highly responsible state activities, and peace, security, prosperity, and sustainable progress for the brotherly people of Azerbaijan,” the letter reads.

An international conference themed “The Role of Libraries in Preserving National and Spiritual Values” has been held as part of the 11th Baku International Book Fair, organized by Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and Azerbaijan National Library, Azernews reports. The event took place at Baku Expo Center.

The conference was opened by Professor Karim Tahirov, Director of the Azerbaijan National Library, who stated that the increasing interest in books in recent years is a matter of pride. He emphasized that libraries are not only a storage place for national and spiritual values but also play a crucial role in their reliable preservation and transmission to future generations.

The professor further noted that books and publications are key components of national and spiritual values. Therefore, it is important to increase attention to their protection and preservation. Libraries play a significant role in the implementation of this mission.

The Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Azerbaijani Parliament, People’s Artist Polad Bulbuloglu, emphasized that books have always been preserved in Azerbaijan and various countries around the world.

He also pointed out the importance of international book fairs and stressed the need to increase young people’s interest in books. He stated that the primary goal is the preservation of books and the national and spiritual values.

Speakers at the conference included Ayhan Tuglu, Director of the Turkish National Library, Dr. Afet Abbasova, Director of the Presidential Library of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Doctor of Philology, Professor, Mohamed Adil Embarsh, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Morocco to Azerbaijan, Associate Professor Alamdar Jabbarli, Dean of the Faculty of Information and Documentation Management at Baku State University, and Seham Alezam, Director of the Kuwait National Library.

The speakers highlighted that libraries are sacred places that unite the memory, knowledge, and culture of a nation and preserve books. They emphasized that the preservation of national and spiritual values reflects respect for our history, present, and future. The speeches particularly highlighted the attention and care given to libraries by the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The importance of the Baku International Book Fair was also noted, as well as the need for establishing connections between libraries.

A video dedicated to the Azerbaijan National Library was also presented during the event. The conference continued with presentations.

Deputy Director of the Department of Scientific Work and Library-Information Services of the Azerbaijan National Library Edibe Ismailova, spoke on “The Activities of the National Library of Azerbaijan in the Preservation of Cultural Heritage,” Samira El Malizi, Director of the National Library of the Kingdom of Morocco, presented “Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future: The Commitment of the National Library of Morocco,” Ayhan Tuglu, Director of the National Library of the Republic of Turkiye, gave a speech on “The Role of Libraries in the Protection of Cultural Heritage: The National Library of the Republic of Turkiye,” Dr. Afet Abbasova, Director of the Presidential Library of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, talked about “Libraries – Bridges that Lead Our Values into the Future,” Seham Alezam, Director of the Kuwait National Library, spoke on “From Heritage to the Future: The Role of the Kuwait National Library in the Cultural Field,” Dr. Huseyn Huseynov, Director of the Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, and Doctor of Technical Sciences, discussed “The Role of Libraries in the Preservation and Development of National and Spiritual Values,” Associate Professor Mubariz Mammadli, Director of the Republic Scientific-Technical Library under the State Agency for Intellectual Property of the Republic of Azerbaijan, presented “The Protection of Azerbaijan’s Scientific and Cultural Property at the Republic Scientific-Technical Library,” and Aygn Koçak, Head of the Department of Research in Library Science and Methodical Support at the Azerbaijan National Library, presented “Precious Istanbul Publications Preserved at the Azerbaijan National Library (Rare Works from the 18th-19th Centuries).”

Note that the 11th Baku International Book Fair will run until October 7 at the Baku Expo Center.

This year’s fair, themed “Technoman: yesterday’s legend, today’s event”, creates opportunities for broad discussions on the impact of technology on human life in the scientific and cultural context of the modern era.

The fair features participation from 41 foreign organizations from 18 countries and more than 100 local publishing, printing, and book-related institutions.

Throughout the fair, a variety of events are organized, including masterclasses for children and adults, book presentations on inclusion and other relevant topics, book signings, conferences, symposiums, contests, reading and music hours, and collaboration platforms for stakeholders in the book industry.

More than 250 events in various formats are being held over the course of the fair.

Prominent writers and scholars from countries such as Turkiye, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Qatar, and others will also take part.

Special shuttle buses will be available for visitors from the “Elml?r Akademiyasi,” “28 May,” and “Koroglu” metro stations to the Baku Expo Center. Admission to the fair is free of charge.

On October 2, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in Copenhagen, Azernews reports.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands congratulated the head of state on the results achieved in Washington regarding the advancement of the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing their significance.

President Ilham Aliyev, in turn, highlighted the importance of the Washington Declaration, signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump, and the document on the normalization of relations between the two countries for regional peace, noting that peace already exists between the two nations. During the meeting, they emphasized that Dutch companies are successfully operating in Azerbaijan, spanning sectors such as shipping, port construction, the electrical industry, agriculture, urban planning, and other areas.

The discussions also touched upon cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands within international organizations.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands extended congratulations on the successful hosting of COP29 in Azerbaijan, noting that significant results were achieved in the context of the international climate agenda during the event.