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In the first three quarters of the year, the State Service for Special Communications and Information Security of Azerbaijan identified 650 cyberattack indicators as a result of its cyber threat analysis activities.

Azernews reports, according to a statement released by the Service, the identified indicators were used to detect and block targeted Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) aimed at Azerbaijani government institutions. These preemptive measures successfully prevented the attacks before they could cause damage.

Out of the 650 cyber threat indicators:

216 were identified through internal investigations

434 were detected in response to requests from government agencies

The State Service continues its efforts to enhance cybersecurity resilience and protect the nation’s critical information infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

Azerbaijan’s trade turnover with the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) approached 6 billion US dollars in the first eight months of 2025, Azernews reports.

This was stated by First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev during his speech at the Azerbaijan Halal Business (AZHAB) Forum held in Baku.

Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan is one of the most active members of the OIC, giving priority to political, economic, and cultural relations with its member states.

‘Azerbaijan has made great contributions to the establishment of multiculturalism, intercultural and intercivilizational dialogue, and the promotion of Islamic values in the world,’ he said. ‘The prestige gained by our country in the Islamic world was reflected in the declaration of Baku in 2009 and Nakhchivan in 2018 as the capitals of Islamic culture. The events held in 2017 within the framework of the Year of Islamic Solidarity also contributed to strengthening cooperation between Muslim countries.’

Speaking about the growing scope of economic ties, Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan’s trade and investment cooperation with OIC countries aims to further facilitate trade, strengthen customs cooperation, and encourage mutual investments.

‘In January-August 2025, the trade turnover between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the OIC countries amounted to about 6 billion US dollars. Moreover, around 11,000 companies from OIC member states operate in our country. This demonstrates the depth of economic relations and mutual interest, reaffirming Azerbaijan’s role as an important and proactive economic partner in the OIC space,’ he added.

The AZHAB Forum gathered representatives of government bodies, business circles, and international organizations to discuss halal industry standards, export potential, and Azerbaijan’s position as a growing hub for Islamic business and sustainable trade.

12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held in GabalaThe meeting underscored the evolution of the OTS from a platform for cultural collaboration into a significant geopolitical and economic actor. Leaders emphasized that shared historical roots, languages, and cultural values provide a strong foundation for coordinated action, fostering stability and growth across member states.

During his opening remarks, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Gabala’s historical significance, noting that it served as the capital of Caucasian Albania from the 4th century BC to the 8th century AD. Aliyev also expressed gratitude to the Kyrgyz Republic for its leadership in presiding over the OTS and acknowledged Azerbaijan’s contribution of 2 million U.S. dollars to the OTS Secretariat to support its initiatives.

The President underscored the Organization’s transformation from a cultural platform into a geopolitical center of influence, emphasizing that shared history, language, and values unite the member states as a regional family. He stressed that peace and security are the foundations of development, recalling the Nakhchivan Agreement and the recent Garabagh Declaration as key instruments guiding the Organization’s mission.

Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s military and defense cooperation within the OTS, including over 25 bilateral and multinational exercises with Trkiye in the past year. He proposed hosting joint military exercises in Azerbaijan in 2026 for member states, emphasizing that military strength safeguards independence and territorial integrity.

Reflecting on Azerbaijan’s recent historical achievements, Aliyev reiterated the significance of the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020 and the 2023 counter-terrorism operations that ended decades of occupation, restoring the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also highlighted the peace agreement with Armenia, initialed in Washington, framing it as a turning point for the South Caucasus toward lasting stability.

Discussions at the summit highlighted regional connectivity and transport projects as central to the OTS’s agenda. Azerbaijan’s strategic location, along with infrastructure such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the International Trade Port of Alat, and the Middle Corridor, positions the Turkic states to strengthen trade links between Central Asia, Trkiye, and Europe. The opening of the Zangazur Corridor further enhances this regional connectivity, serving as a second artery within both the North-South and East-West transport corridors. Since 2022, cargo traffic along the Middle Corridor has risen significantly, and the recent opening of the Zangazur Corridor adds a new artery for regional trade.

In addition to logistics, energy security remains a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s regional strategy. The President outlined the country’s role in supplying natural gas to 14 countries, its position as a strategic link between the Caspian region and international markets, and ongoing investments in renewable energy, aiming for around 40% of energy production from renewables by 2030. Azerbaijan has also established joint investment funds with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, collectively facilitating projects across the Turkic world totaling over 20 billion U.S. dollars.

Beyond politics and economics, the summit emphasized cultural and educational cooperation. Aliyev proposed marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress in 1926, highlighting the historical continuity and identity shared across Turkic nations. He also acknowledged the contributions of member states to the reconstruction of liberated territories in Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur, citing schools, mosques, and infrastructure projects built with the support of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Turkmenistan, and Trkiye.

In a broader perspective, the OTS is evolving as a model of regional integration. From coordinated infrastructure projects to joint diplomatic initiatives, the Organization is steadily asserting its presence on the global stage, leveraging the diverse strengths of its member states: Kazakhstan’s energy resources, Uzbekistan’s industrial potential, Trkiye’s geopolitical influence, and Azerbaijan’s strategic location and economic dynamism. The Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor, in particular, exemplifies the OTS’s commitment to economic sovereignty and logistical independence, reducing reliance on external powers.

The summit reaffirmed that the strength of the Turkic States Organization lies in unity, shared identity, and actionable cooperation. Under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, the focus has been on economic integration, security collaboration, cultural exchange, and sustainable development, highlighting the country’s leadership role in shaping the organization’s trajectory.

In conclusion, the 12th OTS Summit showcased the Organization as a dynamic regional force, strengthening bonds among Turkic nations, promoting peace and security, and advancing initiatives that have both local and global impact. United, the Turkic world rises!

During the plenary session of the 222nd meeting of UNESCO’s Executive Board at the organization’s headquarters, Elman Abdullayev, Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, presented the country’s statement, Azernews reports.

The statement provided information on Azerbaijan’s active participation during its four-year membership on the Executive Board. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan would continue to engage actively within the UNESCO platform and contribute to the organization’s mandate.

Elman Abdullayev stressed the significance of international solidarity and multilateral cooperation on the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter and the UNESCO Constitution. In this context, he drew attention to Azerbaijan’s efforts for peace, security, and cooperation in the region, as well as the steps taken to advance the peace process with Armenia. He particularly noted the historic meeting held on August 8, 2025, in Washington between the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States, and Armenia, which led to the initial signing of the peace agreement text.

Referring to Azerbaijan-UNESCO cooperation, the Permanent Representative underscored the importance of projects in quality education, initiatives in science and artificial intelligence, strengthening the role of women and youth in science, and promoting intercultural dialogue within the framework of the “Baku Process.”

He also expressed the necessity of joint efforts under UNESCO to combat all forms and manifestations of racism.

It was declared that Azerbaijan, in full alignment with UNESCO’s values, would resolutely continue its work to strengthen international peace.

Since its inception, the Azerbaijan National Committee? t? UNESCO has made significant contributions? t? various UNESCO programs and projects.

These include efforts? t? safeguard and promote Azerbaijan’s cultural sites, support educational initiatives, and foster international cooperation? ?n the fields? ?f science and technology.

Azerbaijan National Committee? t? UNESCO continues? t?? be committed? t? its mission? ?f promoting peace and cooperation through education, culture, and science.

In 2003, the parties signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education, and communication, which allowed Azerbaijan to become one of the donors of UNESCO.

Many Azerbaijani cultural sites have been included? in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, including Icherisheher (Old City) with Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah’s Palace, Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, etc. In 2021, Lankaran District was included? ?n the UNESCO list “Network? ?f Creative Cities”.

UNESCO also honors Azerbaijan’s outstanding personalities like the poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi, Fikrat Amirov, great philanthropist and oil magnate Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, etc.

Relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan have entered a new stage of dynamic development, according to German Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ralf Horlemann, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the High-Level German-Azerbaijani Conference on Export Financing titled ‘Innovations and Technologies at the Financial Crossroads’, Horlemann noted that there has been a noticeable intensification of political dialogue and mutual engagement between Brussels and Baku.

‘Currently, numerous reciprocal visits are being made from Brussels to Baku and from Baku to Brussels. This is a positive development, as the European Union is Azerbaijan’s largest trade and investment partner and demonstrates its readiness to actively participate in the development of the region,’ the ambassador stated.

He highlighted that German-Azerbaijani economic and trade ties have also strengthened, particularly following the visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Azerbaijan in April.

‘A roadmap defining the perspective directions of cooperation was recently signed, and we already see German companies taking concrete steps. For instance, the agreement reached between SEFE and SOCAR in the gas sector, or the interest of German manufacturer MAN in assembling electric buses in Azerbaijan, clearly illustrate this growing partnership,’ Horlemann emphasized.

The ambassador underlined that such initiatives demonstrate both countries’ commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and deeper economic collaboration within the broader EU-Azerbaijan partnership framework.

On October 7, 2025, the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) convened in Gabala, Azerbaijan, ahead of the 12th Summit of the OTS Heads of State, Azernews reports.

The meeting brought together Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov, Kazakhstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Yermek Kosherbayev, Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeenbek Kulubayev, Trkiye’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Hakan Fidan, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Bakhtiyor Saidov, and Hungary’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto. Also in attendance were OTS Secretary-General Kubanychbek Omuraliev, representatives of member governments, and heads of international organizations.

Among the distinguished participants was Aktoty Raimkulova, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, who addressed the gathering.

Ms. Raimkulova expressed her gratitude to the Azerbaijani side for its warm hospitality and for hosting the Summit at such a high level. She emphasized that peace and security remain key priorities for strengthening cooperation among Turkic states and for preserving the region’s shared cultural heritage for future generations.

In her detailed presentation, Ms. Raimkulova reviewed the Foundation’s activities during 2025.

‘This year, we have implemented 65 projects covering restoration, museification, digitization, and cultural exchange programs. Across all our initiatives, we prioritize integration, cooperation, and unity. In line with the Vision of the Turkic World – 2040 document and the Astana Charter, we published the first Multilingual Catalogue of Turkic World Cultural Heritage. This publication will serve as the foundation for the upcoming digital platform Turkic Heritage,’ she noted.

She went on to highlight several key achievements, including the multi-volume Anthology of Turkic Folklore Heritage, implemented under the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and with the support of Turkic leaders.

The Foundation also organized an international conference at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris to mark the 950th anniversary of Divani Lughat at-Turk, the monumental lexicon of Turkic languages.

Ms. Raimkulova noted that the Foundation continues to strengthen its partnerships with UNESCO, ICESCO, and other Turkic cooperation organizations, guided by the Vision of the Turkic World – 2040 and TURKTIME documents.

She further underlined that at the informal OTS Summit held in Budapest in May, a historic decision was made to admit Uzbekistan as a full member of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation-a development that has further enriched the Turkic family.

The Foundation’s head also welcomed Turkmenistan’s intention to join as an observer, describing it as an important step and expressing hope that the country would soon become a full member of the organization.

Ms. Raimkulova concluded her address with a call for greater cultural solidarity and unity among Turkic states, underscoring that shared heritage remains the cornerstone of the Turkic world’s collective identity and future.

The Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) convened in Gabala on October 7, ahead of the 12th Summit of the OTS Council of Heads of State, Azernews reports.

The meeting focused on strengthening unity, enhancing cooperation, and addressing regional and global challenges through closer coordination among the member states.

In his opening remarks, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that the dynamic relations based on brotherhood and mutual trust among the Turkic states stand out at a time when global confidence in international organizations is declining.

‘The dynamics of cooperative relations established on the basis of brotherhood and mutual trust between OTS member states at a time when trust in international organizations is shaken is not only a source of pride for all of us, but also a solid basis for us to look to the future with hope,’ Bayramov said.

He added that the decision, initiated by President Ilham Aliyev, to hold two OTS Summits annually has created greater flexibility for in-depth discussions and more effective coordination among member countries.

Highlighting the importance of solidarity and political alignment in addressing current global and regional security challenges, the minister underlined that the Turkic world has the potential to play a stronger role in shaping the evolving international security architecture.

Bayramov also reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to lasting peace in the region, noting that Baku’s efforts toward normalization with Armenia aim to ensure sustainable stability and cooperation.

Touching upon the organization’s strategic role as a bridge between Europe and Asia, the minister stressed that the OTS continues to develop its potential in transport, logistics, and transit connectivity.

‘The organization has enormous potential in this direction. This line is also an integral part of the Middle Corridor. The declaration of the TRIPP route within the framework of the Washington Summit, which will provide unhindered movement between the western regions of Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan through the Zangezur corridor, is an important step in terms of diversifying connections in our region,’ Bayramov said.

The meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers continued with discussions on ways to further enhance cooperation within the Turkic world and strengthen the organization’s institutional capacity.

Gabala is hosting a meeting of the Foreign Ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azernews reports.

The session is taking place within the framework of the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the OTS, which will also be held in Gabala.

The gathering brings together foreign ministers from member states to discuss regional cooperation, economic partnerships, and cultural ties, setting the stage for high-level discussions at the upcoming summit.

The 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) got underway in Gabala, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

Distinguished heads of state and government,

Dear friends,

Welcome to Gabala, the ancient city of Azerbaijan. Gabala served as the capital of Caucasian Albania, spanning a vast geographical area, which was established in the 4th century BC and thrived until the 8th century AD.

At the outset, I extend my gratitude to the Kyrgyz Republic for its successful leadership in presiding over the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Today, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has evolved from merely a platform for cooperation into one of the significant geopolitical centers. It is gratifying to see our Organization’s prestige grow on the international stage. Our shared historical and ethnic roots, along with common national and spiritual values, bring us together as a family.

To support the work of the Organization, our country has contributed 2 million U.S. dollars to the account of the OTS Secretariat.

Internal political and economic stability, a strategic geographical location, positive demographics with a young population, vast potential in transport and logistics, rich natural resources, and growing capabilities in the military and defense technology sectors position the OTS as a significant actor on the global stage.

It is gratifying that the Organization of Turkic States has established the practice of holding informal summits alongside official ones. Last year’s inaugural informal summit in Shusha, as well as our meeting in Budapest this year, are both remembered for the significant decisions.

Dear colleagues,

Today, peace and security are essential foundations for the development of any country.

The Nakhchivan Agreement, the founding document of our Organization, highlights the safeguarding of peace and security as primary goals. Given the current geopolitical and security challenges worldwide, it is crucial that the Turkic states unite as a single center of power, in line with the Garabagh Declaration adopted at last year’s informal summit in Shusha and following the ‘Regional peace and security’ theme of today’s summit.

It is well understood that development cannot be achieved without ensuring security. In a time when the norms and principles of international law are being gravely violated, cooperation among our countries in military and defense-technical fields becomes one of the crucial factors. In this regard, we maintain strong cooperation with our ally, Trkiye. Just in the past year, over 25 bilateral and multinational military exercises have been carried out jointly with Trkiye.

Considering the extensive cooperation between our countries in military, defense, and security areas, we propose holding joint military exercises for the member states of the Organization of Turkic States in Azerbaijan in 2026.

In today’s world, military strength is a crucial element in safeguarding the independence and territorial integrity of any country.

Our historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, along with resolute counter-terrorism measures in 2023, ended the 30-year occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories. This restored our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over our ancient lands. This historical achievement represents not only the triumph of Azerbaijan’s national will and determined struggle but also a vital contribution to the establishment of justice, peace, and stability in the region.

The initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia two months ago at the White House in Washington is set to transform the South Caucasus into a region of peace. Following the joint call to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group and related structures during the Washington summit, the decision made by the OSCE on 1 September also ended these remnants of the former conflict.

Accordingly, these steps have reconfirmed the peace agenda championed by Azerbaijan.

We will never forget the occupation by Armenia. We will forever hold the memory of our Martyrs close to our hearts. We avenged their blood on the battlefield. We expelled the occupiers from our ancestral lands, achieved a brilliant victory, and secured a just peace.

Dear friends!

Transport and communication links hold strategic significance within the Organization of Turkic States. Efforts to harness the potential of the Turkic world in transport, communication, transit, and related fields have resulted in the realization of projects with global impact.

Azerbaijan is an active player in the East-West and North-South transport corridors, serving as a vital bridge between Trkiye and Central Asia across geographic, economic, transport, and other domains.

Since 2022, cargo traffic through the Middle Corridor has increased by approximately 90%. Transit time along the route has significantly decreased. Assets such as the Caspian Sea’s largest trade fleet, the International Trade Port of Alat, which is expected to reach a capacity of 25 million tons per year in the coming years, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, 9 international airports, the region’s largest cargo airline, and other factors have contributed to establishing Azerbaijan as a major international transport hub.

In this context, one of the key outcomes of the Washington summit was the opening of the Zangazur Corridor. This corridor is significant as a new transport artery and serves as a second route within both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor.

Another key area closely tied to peace, regional connectivity, and economic development is energy security. Our country plays an active and strategic role in advancing these objectives on a global scale. Azerbaijan has proven itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in ensuring the energy security of many countries.

We serve as a strategic link between the Caspian region and international markets through a network of diversified oil and gas pipelines. At present, Azerbaijan exports natural gas to 14 countries. In terms of geographic coverage, Azerbaijan ranks first among nations exporting natural gas via pipeline.

Azerbaijan is also attracting significant investments in renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower. By 2030, approximately 40% of our energy production is expected to come from renewables.

Currently, we are developing a green energy corridor connecting Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Europe.

Azerbaijan and the member states of the OTS have carried out numerous significant investment projects. To date, over 20 billion U.S. dollars have been invested in the economies of our fraternal countries. The majority of these investments have been made in the Turkish economy. Additionally, Azerbaijan has established joint investment funds with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Through these funds, many future projects will be realized.

Overall, these initiatives serve to deepen economic integration within the Turkic world, strengthening cooperation among our friendly and brotherly nations in energy and transport, and sustainable development of our region.

As I mentioned, our common history and ethnic roots, our languages unite us like one family. Hereby, I would like to emphasize the historic significance of the First Turkological Congress organized in Baku in 1926.

I propose that the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress next year be solemnly organized within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.

I am confident that our Summit will further strengthen the position of the Organization of Turkic States through the decisions we make, contributing even more to the well-being and security of our peoples.

At the end of my speech, I would like to once again express my gratitude to our fraternal countries for their support in the restoration of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur. School named after Mirzo Ulugbek, the Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Center in Fuzuli, and the school named after Manas in Aghdam are already operational. These are gifts from our Uzbek, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz brothers. A school built in Jabrayil is a gift of our Hungarian brothers. Fuzuli Mosque, the foundation of which is laid today, is a gift from our Turkmen brothers. Brotherly Turkish companies are constructing numerous tunnels, bridges, and roads. Azerbaijanis will never forget this brotherly support.

The 2nd Azerbaijan Halal Business (AZHAB) Forum has officially opened in Baku, bringing together government officials, international experts, academics, and business representatives from across the world under the theme ‘Halal industry as a source of sustainability in a rapidly changing world’, Azernews reports.

The two-day forum, organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMEDA) with the support of the Ministry of Economy, aims to strengthen cooperation in investment and trade, foster knowledge exchange, and attract foreign investment to Azerbaijan and the wider region.

The opening ceremony features addresses by local and foreign officials, the signing of documents, panel discussions, and the launch of an exhibition. Over the course of the event, six panel sessions will be held focusing on themes such as Islamic finance, halal business management, and strengthening partnerships between institutions supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This year’s forum is organized in partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), SESRIC, SMIIC, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce Halal Services, and Caspian Event Organisers LLC, and is sponsored by ATENA LLC and Bilge Group.

An exhibition showcasing halal products and services also opened today as part of the ‘AZHAB Forum 2025.’

The inaugural AZHAB Forum was held in October 2024, attracting around 350 participants, including 100 international guests from regions such as Australia, America, Eurasia, and Africa. The event was supported by a resolution of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.

‘One of the key outcomes of the Washington summit was the opening of the Zangazur Corridor,’ said President Ilham Aliyev during his address at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States.

‘The Zangazur Corridor is significant as a new transport artery and serves as a second route within both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor,’ the head of state added.