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The 11th conference of think tanks from the Turkic States Organization (OTS) in Baku reflects more than routine diplomatic engagement; it underscores the growing strategic coherence of the Turkic World amid a period of global uncertainty. As multilateral institutions face mounting pressures and geopolitical competition intensifies across Central Eurasia, the OTS is positioning itself as a unique regional actor capable of leveraging shared culture, history, and economic interests to enhance stability and cooperation.

The conference highlighted how shared history, culture, and values create unique advantages for cooperation among Turkic states, while also addressing pressing issues such as geopolitical competition, the erosion of multilateral mechanisms, and transnational threats like cyberattacks and climate change. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening unity, fostering economic and security collaboration, and exploring the potential for the OTS to act as a stabilizing force in the region and beyond.

Azernews spoke with Professor Vasa László, Senior Research Fellow at the Hungarian Institute for International Relations and Trade, to explore the significance of these forums, the potential of the OTS as a regional actor, and the implications for both member and observer states in navigating today’s global disorder.

– What does holding the 11th conference of OTS think tanks in Baku signal about Azerbaijan’s role within the Organization?

These OTS think-tank forums are always organized as a side event of the Sumit of OTS head of states. It was in Baku now, as the OTS Summit is organized by Azerbaijan. Sure, these events allow to focus on topics which are important for the host country. This time we were discussing how the OTS can act as regional actor during the global uncertainties. Connected to this, we also investigated the future ways of the integration of Turkic states.

– In the current era of global disorder, what unique advantages does the Turkic World have compared to other regional groupings?

The OTS countries share not only common economic and security interests but also a common culture, history, and experiences from the past. So these make it to a kind of family, instead of just a group of different countries with same actual interests. The like minded OTS countries recognized that among the uncertainties, they have to act united, as they will be stronger together.

– With global institutions under pressure and multilateralism fragmenting, can the OTS position itself as an alternative or complementary mechanism for regional stability?

Indeed, OTS countries play a crucial role in Central Eurasia’s stability. For instance, no other groupings can negotiate with the Taliban government in Afghanistan. OTS countries are also harmonizing their activities in the field of defense and security, moreover, in the related industries. The Middle Corridor affects all Turkic countries and this fact itself pushes the whole region towards stability.

– What role can observer states (such as Hungary and others) play in broadening the OTS’s influence beyond the Turkic geography?

Hungary as observer is as active within the OTS as the member countries, initiating new projects, e.g. the drought research institute, contributing equally to the Turkic Investment Fund and in Budapest is the only foreign diplomatic representation of the OTS, where the costs are covered by the Hungarian government. Hungary as an EU member, can be an excellent base for Turkic companies and organizations for their expansion and operations in Europe.

– How might competition among global powers in Central Asia and the South Caucasus affect the unity and strategic autonomy of the Turkic States?

Deepening the integration of the OTS is the best way to maintain and keep the sovereignty. The big players are more and more interested for the Turkic stats, due to their resources and the fact that the Middle Corridor goes through these countries. But with proper governance and harmonized foreign policies, these influence attempts can be handled.

Former commander of the Armenian occupying forces in Garabagh, Jalal Harutyunyan, will finally serve his prison sentence, Azernews reports citing Armenian media.

According to the information, Armenia’s Court of Cassation has refused to review the lawyers’ appeal and upheld the decision of the Court of Appeals. As a result, the previously issued sentence of 5.5 years in prison for the general has officially come into force.

Harutyunyan had earlier been found guilty of negligence under martial law in a high-profile criminal case initiated in 2022, connected to certain episodes of the 44-day war. The case drew significant public attention as it exposed shortcomings in Armenia’s military leadership during the conflict.

In August 2025, lawyers representing the heirs of Armenian soldiers who died due to Harutyunyan’s negligence claimed that the general had been attempting to evade punishment, deliberately avoiding court documents and skipping hearings to delay the process.

With the latest court ruling, his attempts to escape accountability have come to an end.

Preparations are underway for the training and certification of tourist guides for the Garabagh region, alongside the development of online tourist guide commentaries for the area, Azernews reports.

The initiative also includes improving the quality of tourist guidance in the Baku-Absheron region and preparing Chinese-speaking guides to enhance services for international visitors.

The State Tourism Agency has already launched the relevant work and entrusted its implementation to the Public Union of the Azerbaijan Tourist Guides Association. A contract has been signed, with 118 thousand manats (approximately $69,000) allocated to the public union for the project.

This initiative is part of Azerbaijan’s broader efforts to strengthen the tourism sector in recently liberated territories and key regions frequented by international tourists.

The economic relationship between Azerbaijan and Italy is not just a tale of trade figures and energy pipelines-it is a story of historical depth, strategic foresight, and mutual trust. These two nations, separated by geography but united by centuries of cultural and commercial exchange, have built a partnership that now stands as one of the most dynamic and forward-looking in the Euro-Caucasus region.

Historically, the Azerbaijani and Italian peoples have maintained close ties, dating back hundreds of years. From the days of the Silk Road to the Renaissance, trade and cultural exchanges flourished between East and West. It is this legacy of connectivity that laid the foundation for modern cooperation. When Azerbaijan declared independence in the early 1990s, Italy was among the first European countries to recognize its sovereignty-a gesture that signaled the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations.

Over the past three decades, this partnership has evolved into a robust economic alliance. Italy has consistently ranked among Azerbaijan’s top trading partners, and in 2025, the relationship reached new heights. In the first eight months of the year, trade turnover between the two countries hit $8.3 billion, accounting for nearly a quarter of Azerbaijan’s total foreign trade. This figure is not just impressive-it is indicative of a deep and diversified economic engagement.

At the heart of this relationship lies energy. Italy is the largest importer of Azerbaijani oil and the second-largest recipient of its natural gas. The Southern Gas Corridor, and particularly the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), has become a strategic lifeline for Europe’s energy security, with Italy serving as a key entry point for Azerbaijani gas. This infrastructure not only strengthens bilateral ties but also positions Azerbaijan as a reliable energy supplier to the broader European market.

Yet, the partnership is not confined to hydrocarbons. Azerbaijan is actively pursuing economic diversification, and Italy has emerged as a vital collaborator in this effort. One of the most promising areas of cooperation is renewable energy. Azerbaijan has set an ambitious goal to export 4 gigawatts of green energy to Europe by 2040. This vision is backed by concrete agreements with European countries, including plans to transmit electricity via underwater cables across the Black Sea. Moreover, Azerbaijan is working with Central Asian nations to facilitate the export of their renewable energy through its territory, transforming the country into both an energy hub and a transit corridor.

This shift toward green energy is not merely a strategic pivot-it is a reflection of Azerbaijan’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Italian companies, known for their technological expertise and environmental leadership, are well-positioned to support this transition. Already, Italian firms are involved in key infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan, including the development of power stations and the modernization of energy grids.

Beyond energy, the Azerbaijan-Italy partnership extends into infrastructure, manufacturing, education, and culture. Joint ventures and investment initiatives are growing, with Italian businesses increasingly viewing Azerbaijan as a gateway to the wider Caspian region. Educational exchanges and cultural collaborations further enrich the relationship, fostering mutual understanding and people-to-people connections.

Diplomatically, the two countries have maintained a steady and constructive dialogue. High-level visits, strategic agreements, and shared positions on regional issues have reinforced the sense of partnership. Italy’s support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and its active role in EU-Azerbaijan relations underscore the depth of political alignment.

Looking ahead, the potential for further cooperation is immense. As Azerbaijan continues to modernize its economy and expand its global footprint, Italy remains a trusted partner with the capacity and willingness to contribute. From smart cities to digital transformation, from agribusiness to tourism, the opportunities are vast and varied.

In a world facing complex challenges-from energy transitions to geopolitical tensions-the Azerbaijan-Italy economic relationship offers a model of resilience and strategic clarity. It is a partnership built not only on shared interests but on shared values: respect, reliability, and a commitment to progress.

As the global economy shifts toward sustainability and connectivity, Azerbaijan and Italy are not just keeping pace-they are setting the standard. Their alliance is a testament to what can be achieved when history, vision, and cooperation converge.

Genesis, the independent luxury brand of Hyundai Motor Group, announced on Tuesday that it has successfully completed a comprehensive series of domestic and international performance tests for the GV60 Magma, the automaker’s upcoming first high-performance electric vehicle (EV), Azernews reports, citing Yonhap agency.

Testing began early this year in Sweden, where Genesis rigorously evaluated the GV60 Magma’s acceleration and chassis control under extreme winter conditions. Additional trials took place in California, USA, focusing on heat resistance, cooling efficiency, and power output in high-temperature environments.

In New Zealand, the vehicle was put through its paces in heavy snowfall to verify braking performance, cornering agility, and overall driving stability on slippery roads.

Most recently, last week in South Korea, Genesis conducted final tuning tests on highways, mountainous terrain, urban traffic, and at the renowned Inje Speedium racing circuit in Gangwon Province to refine high-speed handling and ride comfort.

A Genesis spokesperson stated, ‘The GV60 Magma will deliver a unique driving experience that embodies Genesis’ vision for the future of high-performance luxury-combining cutting-edge electric technology with sophisticated design and exhilarating performance.’

This global testing campaign underscores Genesis’ commitment to blending luxury and performance in its electric future, aiming to compete with established high-performance EVs while setting new standards for driving dynamics and comfort.

The investigation into the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) aircraft in Kazakhstan remains ongoing, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan’s Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev, as he told the press.

Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan is cooperating with both Russia and Kazakhstan in the inquiry. ‘We hope this investigation will also reach a logical conclusion,’ he said.

On December 25, 2025, an Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) Embraer E190AR aircraft tragically crashed near Aktau, Kazakhstan, while en route from Baku to Grozny. The plane carried 67 people, including 62 passengers and 5 crew members. The accident claimed 38 lives, including the captain, co-pilot, senior flight attendant, and 35 passengers, while 29 passengers survived. Despite the loss of life, the professionalism and courage of the crew enabled the plane to make an emergency landing, saving the lives of passengers.

Preliminary investigations suggest a possible external attack, with speculation surrounding a Russian-made Pantsir-S1 system. The aircraft reportedly issued a distress signal before descending sharply and exploding upon impact.

BMW of North America LLC is recalling 145,102 vehicles in the United States due to a potential safety hazard, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Wednesday. The recall affects several models, including the 2020 340i, X6; 2020-2025 840i; 2020-2022 740Li; 2019-2020 X7; and X5 vehicles, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

According to the NHTSA, the starter motor in these vehicles may overheat due to an electrical overload, which poses a risk of igniting combustible materials in the engine compartment and causing a fire.

Owners of the affected vehicles will begin receiving notification letters starting November 17. BMW dealers will replace the faulty engine starter free of charge.

This recall highlights the increasing complexity of modern vehicle electrical systems, especially as manufacturers incorporate more advanced technology and hybrid components, making early detection and resolution of such issues even more critical for safety.

During his official visit to Azerbaijan, President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella visited Martyrs’ Alley on October 1, Azernews reports.

The President paid tribute to the memory of Azerbaijan’s heroic sons who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the country’s independence and territorial integrity, and laid a wreath at the “Eternal Flame” monument.

Azerbaijani athletes have achieved impressive results at Prague European Open 2025, Azernews reports.

Mehram Imamverdiyev (81 kg) won a gold medal, while Konul Aliyeva (48 kg) and Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (52 kg) secured bronze medals.

Earlier, Islam Rahimov (66 kg) won a gold medal, Nazir Talibov (66 kg) took silver, and Hseyn Allahyarov and Murad Muradli (both 60 kg) earned bronze medals.

In total, Azerbaijan achieved 2 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze medals, securing second place in the overall team ranking and first place in the men’s competition.

The Prague European Open 2025 is a professional judo competition, part of the European Judo Union’s continental tour.

Some 405 judokas from 35 countries participated in Prague European Open 2025.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art across the country. Since 2015, the Federation has been led by Rovnag Abdullayev.

The country’s modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The list of the country’s top judo fighters includes Rustam Orujov, Irina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelym Kotsoiev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.

At the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, judokas Hidayat Heydarov (73 kg) and Zelym Kotsoiev (100 kg) earned gold medals for Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan is preparing a comprehensive ‘National Strategy for the Efficient Use of Water Resources’ aimed at establishing modern water management and water sustainability systems across the country. The primary goal of this strategy is to ensure the efficient, sustainable management, monitoring, and protection of Azerbaijan’s water resources.

Azernews reports that this was announced by Aliaga Azizov, Deputy Head of the Strategy, International Cooperation and Research Department and Head of the Science and Innovation Sector at the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan (SAWR), during his speech at Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW2025).

Azizov outlined the key principles and objectives of the strategy, emphasizing that effective water resource management begins with accurate assessment. ‘This involves conducting hydrological and hydrogeological research, collecting data from studies, and implementing sensors and automated technologies to gather real-time information,’ he stated.

The official further explained the next step as adopting an efficient water management model: ‘This means integrated management of all Azerbaijan’s water basins, including both trans-boundary and internal rivers. Basin-based planning and management are core principles, especially critical for the proper allocation of water to agriculture, which remains the country’s largest water consumer.’

Azizov also highlighted efforts to improve water use efficiency and reduce losses: ‘Currently, there are water losses and leakages in drinking and irrigation systems in Azerbaijan. One of the strategy’s goals is to minimize these losses by 2040. Additionally, 100% installation of water meters in drinking water systems will be ensured.’

Addressing regional water potential, he noted, ‘The efficient use of water resources in the Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur regions holds strategic importance. Numerous projects are underway to ensure water security in these areas.’

All principles and targets of the strategy are long-term, with implementation planned through 2040.