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Azerbaijan’s First Deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov has been awarded the “Istiglal” Order, Azernews reports.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, Eyyubov was awarded the mentioned order for his great contributions to the socio-economic development of the country.

The state budget of Azerbaijan has increased nearly 50 times over the past 30 years, according to Deputy Minister of Economy Sahib Alakbarov.

As reported by Azernews, citing Alakbarov, he made the remarks during a scientific-practical conference held by the Parliamentary Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship. The event was dedicated to the “Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty” and focused on the topic of “Economic Foundations of State Sovereignty and Economic Independence.”

Highlighting the country’s progress, the deputy minister noted that between 2004 and 2024, Azerbaijan’s overall economy grew by 3.8 times, while the non-oil sector expanded 3.7 times.

“In 2003, the poverty rate stood at 44.7% and unemployment at 9.2%. By 2024, these figures had dropped significantly to 5.3%,” he said.

He added that a total of $344.4 billion has been invested in the national economy over the past two decades, with $213.2 billion directed toward the non-oil sector. According to Alakbarov, this reflects the country’s political stability and the reliability of its investment climate.

Azerbaijan is taking decisive steps to maximize the potential of the Middle Corridor by enhancing infrastructure and streamlining cross-border operations, Azernews reports.

Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev made this statement during his speech at the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum.

‘We have been working closely with our partners in Kazakhstan and especially Georgia, and I am grateful to them for ensuring the full use of the existing infrastructure,’ Nabiyev said, emphasizing the deepening regional cooperation underpinning the Middle Corridor’s success.

He noted that cargo transportation through Azerbaijan has increased substantially since 2022. ‘The volume of cargo passing through our territory has increased almost fivefold. As for container transportation, in 2023 we had only one or two block trains from China. Last year, this figure increased to almost 280, and in the first nine months of this year we increased this figure to 290. We expect about 400 container trains by the end of the year, and this is not the limit,’ he said.

Highlighting progress in reducing transport times, Nabiyev added, ‘When we started, it took about 53 days for the train to reach the ports of Poti and Batumi from the China-Kazakh border. Now we have managed to reduce this time to 15-18 days, but this is not the end. Our colleagues in Brussels have noted that it is quite possible to reduce this time to about 14 days, and we believe in this.’

He also underlined Azerbaijan’s commitment to addressing both infrastructural and procedural challenges along the route. ‘In August, we worked on the corridor project together with the Georgian and Kazakh railways. We engaged a consulting company to audit the section of the route-from the Kazakh border to the ports of Poti and Batumi, as well as our terminal in Akhal-Tekelyak. This allowed us to identify both infrastructure and bureaucratic obstacles. And in September, we signed a roadmap that includes specific action points to be implemented by 2028,’ Nabiyev concluded.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to the newly elected Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi.

Azernews presents the letter:

“Dear Madame Prime Minister,

I sincerely congratulate you on your election as Prime Minister of Japan.

We attach special importance to the comprehensive development of Azerbaijan-Japan relations. At present, there are excellent opportunities to further enrich cooperation between our two countries with new content in various fields.

I am confident that, in line with the interests of our peoples, we will make joint efforts to strengthen our interstate relations and expand our mutually beneficial cooperation on both bilateral and multilateral levels, fully utilizing the existing potential.

Once again, I convey my congratulations to you and wish you good health, happiness, and success in your responsible state activities for the well-being of the friendly people of Japan.”

Master’s students of the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory, who participated in a scientific internship program at the Baku Music Academy (BMA), have presented a concert program at the Academy, Azernews reports.

The concert was dedicated to the 140th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s great composer Uzeyir Hajibayli.

At the beginning of the concert, Baku Music Academy’s Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Professor Narmina Guliyeva, spoke about the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan relations, noting the long-standing traditions and the continued collaboration between the two countries’ higher education institutions, which she highly praised.

People’s Artist, Doctor of Philosophy, Vice-Rector for Science and Creative Affairs, Professor Gulnaz Abdullazade, wished the students success in their endeavors.

The concert featured works by composers from Kazakhstan and other countries, as well as folk music pieces.

At the end of the event, Nargiz Huseynova, Head of the Additional Education Department at Baku Music Academy, was presented with a certificate of appreciation from the delegation of the Kazakhstan National Conservatory.

The Kazakh National Conservatory’s master’s students were awarded certificates confirming the completion of their professional development courses.

In turn, the students expressed their gratitude to the Baku Music Academy’s faculty and staff, particularly to People’s Artist and Baku Music Academy’s Rector, Professor Farhad Badalbayli, for their attention and care.

The master’s students of the Kurmangazy Kazakh National Conservatory (Group 1) are nearing the completion of their scientific internship program at the Baku Music Academy.

On October 22, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Estonia.

The Foreign Minister congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the achievements attained in Washington regarding the advancement of the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, according to Azernews.

The head of state expressed his gratitude for the congratulations, highlighting the special role of U.S. President Donald Trump in this process. President Ilham Aliyev noted that the agreements reached at the Washington meeting are of historical significance and emphasized the importance of establishing a transport link between mainland Azerbaijan and its Nakhchivan region.

The Estonian Foreign Minister underscored that Azerbaijan’s permission for the transit of grain imported by Armenia from Kazakhstan through Azerbaijani territory is a significant step toward the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations.

The minister stated that he arrived in Azerbaijan with a large business delegation and noted that a business forum was held in Baku, expressing hope that such events would boost the development of economic and trade relations between the two countries.

He mentioned Estonia’s support for Azerbaijan’s relations with the European Union and NATO, and praised the positive momentum in the development of Azerbaijan-EU relations.

President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled his meetings with the President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen in Tirana and Copenhagen, noting that new prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union have opened in energy, transport connectivity, and other areas.

Margus Tsahkna also extended congratulations on the successful hosting of COP29 in Azerbaijan, emphasizing that the event had produced significant outcomes in advancing the international climate agenda.

During the conversation, they exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

On October 22, Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Asadov met with Prime Minister of Georgia Irakli Kobakhidze during his working visit to Tbilisi, Azernews reports via the Cabinet of Ministers.

During the meeting, Prime Minister Asadov conveyed the greetings of President Ilham Aliyev to his Georgian counterpart. In response, I. Kobakhidze expressed gratitude and asked to extend his greetings to the President of Azerbaijan.

The leaders highlighted the significance of the 5th Tbilisi Silk Road Forum and expressed satisfaction with the comprehensive development of bilateral relations based on good neighborliness and strategic partnership.

Prime Ministers A. Asadov and I. Kobakhidze discussed ways to expand mutually beneficial cooperation in trade, economic and investment initiatives, transport and transit, oil and gas, green energy, humanitarian projects, and other areas. They also reviewed ongoing joint projects in various sectors.

Renowned photographer Reza Deghati has visited Baku to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s victory in the 44-day Second Garabagh War, Azernews reports.

During his trip, Deghati’s photographs of Azerbaijan, with a special focus on the Garabagh region, were exhibited in various locations. His works were showcased at the Tsinandali International Classical Music Festival in Georgia, as well as in exhibitions in the French cities of Toulouse, Bayonne, and Labastide-Rouairoux, in August and September.

Deghati was also the first photographer to display his work, particularly his images of Azerbaijan and Garabagh, at the newly opened “Image Garden” in Saint-Benoît, Poitiers, France. Situated in the historic 16th-century region, this open-air cultural space was designed as a modern venue for exhibitions, and its inauguration featured Deghati’s photographs. Visitors to the exhibitions included students, schoolchildren, and art lovers.

From August 22 to September 7, Deghati was invited as a key speaker and mentor at the 9th International Photography Meeting of the International Federation of Photographic Art (FIAP), held in China’s Hunan and Inner Mongolia regions.

During the event, Deghati travelled with over 400 photographers from 40 countries, including China, visiting various locations over 15 days. They gave presentations on the social impact of photography and the truths of Garabagh, with Deghati sharing his personal experiences.

Reza Deghati noted that, of all the photographers at the event, only the Turkish representative had objective knowledge of Garabagh, while the others mainly held one-sided views based on Armenian sources.

Believing photography is the most powerful tool for conveying truth, Deghati expressed his confidence that lasting peace would eventually be established in the region, a peace that will be celebrated alongside the people of Azerbaijan.

A roundtable titled “Uzeyir Hajibayli – 140” has taken place at the Baku Music Academy (BMA), organized by the Department of Humanities, Azernews reports.

The event was dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the birth of Azerbaijan’s outstanding composer Uzeyir Hajibayli.

Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs at Baku Music Academy, Professor Narmina Guliyeva, addressed the roundtable.

In her remarks, Professor Narmina Guliyeva highlighted Uzeyir Hajibayli’s contributions to the development of Azerbaijani musical culture.

She pointed out that his rich legacy continues to serve as an example for the younger generation today.

Head of the Department of Humanities, Professor Tarlan Guliyev, delivered a speech on the topic “One of the Preservers of History,” speaking about Uzeyir Hajibayli’s role in preserving national cultural values and shaping musical education.

Researcher at the Azerbaijan Institute of Manuscripts, Yegana Rahnulla, gave a presentation on “Manuscript Copies of Musical Works with Known Authors.”

Associate Professor of the Department, Mehriban Javadova, presented a report titled “Uzeyir Hajibayli and Fuzuli’s ‘Leyli and Majnun”, discussing the spiritual and aesthetic connections between the works of these two great artists.

Dr. Naila Samadova, an employee of the Institute of Manuscripts, gave a presentation titled “A Glimpse into the Archives of Uzeyir Hajibayli and Muslim Magomayev,” sharing interesting facts about the creative legacies of these prominent composers.

Senior Researcher at the Institute of Manuscripts, Aytan Imanova, discussed “Uzeyir Hajibayli’s Socio-Political Activity,” noting the composer’s significant role in the formation of national liberation and educational ideologies.

PhD in Philology and Senior Lecturer at the Department of Humanities, Yaqut Guliyeva, reported on “Uzeyir Hajibayli’s Journalism Activities,” discussing the composer’s contributions to the field of journalism.

Uzeyir Hajibayli significantly shaped national musical identity, achieving the distinction of composing the first opera in the Islamic world.

His opera “Leyli and Majnun” (1908) drew upon traditional folk music and dance, forms of expression transmitted orally.

Hajibayli’s subsequent operas, including “Sheyh Sanan,” “Rustam and Sohrab,” “Asli and Karam,” “Shah Abbas,” “Khurshudbanu and Harun,” and “Leyli,” also prominently featured national folk music elements, particularly mugham.

Beyond opera, Hajibayli composed three comedies: “Husband and Wife” (1910), “If not this one, that one” (1911), and “Arshin Mal Alan” (1913).

“Arshin Mal Alan,” or “The Cloth Peddler,” stands out as one of his most beloved and enduring operettas.

This operetta has enjoyed widespread international success, with performances in numerous languages across over 60 countries, encompassing the U.S., Austria, France, China, Greece, India, Russia, and Turkiye.

The cycle of master classes dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the birth of the great composer, musicologist, and educator Uzeyir Hajibayli has concluded, Azernews reports.

The events were organised by the Culture Ministry’s Scientific, Methodological, and Qualification Centre for Culture (MEMIM).

The project, which took place in Baku, Sumgayit, and Khyrdalan from October 8 to 18, was implemented for teachers and students of music and art schools, with support from the Azerbaijan Cultural Workers’ Trade Union, as well as assistance from the Baku City Department of Culture and the Absheron-Khizi Regional Department of Culture.

On October 13, as part of the project, a cello master class was held at the 11-year music school No. 21 named after Leopold and Mstislav Rostropovich in Baku. The session was conducted by honoured artist, professor, and dean of the Faculty of Performance Arts at the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibayli, Nazmiya Abbaszadeh.

On October 14, another master class in the class of khanende (traditional vocal music) was held at the Baku Children’s Art School No. 2 named after Vagif Mustafazadeh, with participation from honoured artist and associate professor at the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, Tayyar Bayramov.

On October 15, a master class on playing the tar was conducted at the Children’s Art School No. 3 named after Said Rustamov in Sumgayit. In addition to this educational institution, teachers and students from a number of schools under the regional administration participated in the class, led by the outstanding tar player, educator, people’s artist, and professor Vamig Mamedaliev.

On October 16, a master class on playing the saz was held at the 11-year music school No. 35 named after Georgy Sharoeyev in Baku. The lesson was conducted by Mubarik Aliyev, associate professor at the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, Dr. of Philosophy in Art Studies.

On October 17, a piano master class took place in Khyrdalan, Absheron district, at the Gara Garaev Art School, with participation from the school’s director, Dr. Philosophy in Art Studies, and Professor Kyonul Huseynova.

On the same day, another master class on the clarinet was organised at the Baku Children’s Music School No. 33.

The session, led by the chief instructor at the Baku Music Academy named after Uzeyir Hajibayli, Anar Mammadov, featured performances by students from a number of Baku’s music schools, performing works by Azerbaijani and international composers.

On the final day of the project, October 18, a dance master class was held at the Central Art School named after Gara Garayev in Baku, with participation from the People’s Artist, choreographer, and artistic director of the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble, Rufat Khalilzade. This class attracted interest from young talents studying in the dance speciality.

On the same day, another vocal master class took place at the Baku Children’s Art School No. 2 named after Vagif Mustafazadeh, conducted by honoured artist and chief instructor at the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, Zemfira Ismayilova.

At the beginning of the master classes, the heads of MEMIM departments, Dr. Philosophy in Art Studies, associate professor Jamila Mirzoyeva, Honoured Cultural Worker Lala Karimova, centre specialist Leyla Rzayeva, and head of the cultural institutions sector at the Absheron-Khizi Regional Department of Culture, Zaur Jafarov, spoke about the special importance of the project in developing the talents of children and youth.

It was emphasised that the master classes were dedicated to the 140th anniversary of the birth of the great composer Uzeyir Hajibayli for a reason. Uzeyir bay, as an outstanding organiser of education, made exceptional contributions to the establishment and development of music education in Azerbaijan. At all of the master classes, renowned specialists offered valuable advice to children, youth, and teachers, which is very helpful for their professional growth and future activities.

The master classes were held at music and art schools with the aim of adapting the educational process to the requirements of specialised programs, enhancing the professionalism of teachers, and enriching the knowledge and skills of students.

The master classes covered 12 specialities, including tar, kamancha, saz, balaban, kanun, khanende vocal art, piano, violin, cello, clarinet, vocal singing, and choreography.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.