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On October 16, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva visited Europe’s largest pediatric hospital, Bambino Gesù.

The First Vice-President familiarized herself with the hospital’s molecular genetics and clinical diagnostics laboratories.

President of Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital Tiziano Onesti provided Mehriban Aliyeva with detailed information about the laboratories.

Located in Rome and recognized as an extraterritorial institution of the Holy See, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital was founded in 1869 by the Salviati family and initially operated as a private facility. It is among the first pediatric hospitals in Italy.

It was highlighted that although the hospital is financed by the Italian state and operates as a public healthcare institution, it remains under the jurisdiction of the Holy See and is directly accountable to it. In 2006, Bambino Gesù was accredited by the Joint Commission International as an academic hospital and is now recognized as Europe’s largest children’s hospital and research center.

The San Paolo branch of the hospital serves as the main hub for its large research laboratories, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies for genetic and cellular research. The branch also includes a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility where advanced treatment methods are applied. Clinical diagnoses are cross-verified with genetic analyses, enabling the implementation of personalized medical approaches through metabolic research.

On September 10 of this year, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation was signed between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Holy See’s Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital.

This partnership will make a significant contribution to the development of research in rare diseases, molecular genetics, clinical diagnostics, and related fields in Azerbaijan. It will provide Azerbaijani scientists and researchers with the opportunity to gain experience in advanced scientific methods and to conduct research in laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technologies. As a result, a cadre of specialists capable of carrying out independent scientific studies in these areas will be established in Azerbaijan, along with the creation of new laboratories meeting international standards. Furthermore, the cooperation envisions the participation of Azerbaijani healthcare professionals in training and exchange programs.

The Baku Military Court continued the trial on October 17 in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, with the hearing proceeding to the stage of document examination, Azernews reports.

The reviewed documents included materials based on interviews with various media outlets, public statements, and social media posts by the accused individuals – Arayik Harutyunyan, Bako Sahakyan, David Babayan, and others. These materials reportedly contained calls inciting ethnic, national, and religious hostility, as well as statements directed against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan. They also included messages interpreted as calls for war and terrorism.

It was emphasized that, following Armenia’s military aggression, the ongoing trial concerns Armenian citizens charged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, genocide, and the preparation and execution of a war of aggression. The defendants also face accusations of terrorism, financing terrorism, and attempting to seize or retain power by force, among other serious crimes.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva arrived in the Holy See – Vatican on an official visit.

On October 16, as part of the visit, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, along with family members, participated in the opening ceremony of the restoration project of the Catacombs of Commodilla, supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and reviewed the restoration work carried out.

The First Vice-President was welcomed by Monsignor Pasquale Iacobone, President of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Culture and President emeritus of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology, and Amedeo Ciaccheri, President of the Municipality of Rome VIII.

Monsignor Pasquale Iacobone noted that First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva has been closely and effectively cooperating with the commission for many years. He expressed deep gratitude to her for attending the opening of the Catacombs of Commodilla.

Highlighting that two other significant projects were implemented with Azerbaijan prior to this initiative, he emphasized that the restoration of the Saint Marcellino and Pietro Catacombs, as well as the Saint Sebastian Catacombs, was achieved thanks to the efforts of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

‘With the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, we have jointly undertaken restoration work that was both challenging and highly inspiring, infusing us with great energy,’ he added.

Monsignor Iacobone recalled the memorable visit of members of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology to Azerbaijan in July 2024, expressing profound gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for the high-level completion of this project.

Gianfranco Ravasi emphasized his sincere and deep bonds of friendship with Azerbaijan, noting that he had visited the country three times, was received by President Ilham Aliyev during those visits, and, by the President’s decision, was awarded one of the highest state decorations of Azerbaijan – the ‘Dostlug’ (Friendship) Order.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi spoke about his sincere friendship and mutual respect with First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, saying: ‘These relations have developed over many years and have left a deep and lasting impression on me personally. During our organized visits, we witnessed the First Vice-President’s special commitment to the field of archaeology, as she personally visited the restored sites. Of course, thanks to her support and the assistance provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, today we are writing a new chapter in our cooperation with the opening of these catacombs. I express my deep gratitude to the First Vice-President for the work accomplished.’

He also noted that both sides demonstrated great harmony in this field.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva expressed her great honor at paying another visit to the Holy See, noting that this was her sixth visit to the Vatican over the past 14 years.

‘I am very glad that over these years we have established excellent cooperation. With each of our visits here, the number of our friends increases,’ the First Vice-President said.

Mehriban Aliyeva emphasized that for centuries, Azerbaijan has been a land where representatives of different religions and cultures have lived together in peace, mutual respect, tolerance, and harmony. ‘Today, these principles form the basis of both our state policy and our way of life. I am confident that in today’s complex world, the expanding cooperation and friendship between our countries serve as an example,’ she added.

Expressing her deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to joint projects in both the Vatican and Azerbaijan, the First Vice-President said: ‘As the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, we are interested and ready to continue our cooperation in the future. I believe this activity will be sustainable. Finally, I extend my congratulations to all of you on the ‘Jubilee Year,’ which carries great spiritual significance for the Catholic world. I also take this opportunity to invite you to visit Azerbaijan.’

President of the VIII Municipality of Rome, Amedeo Ciaccheri, expressed his gratitude to those working under the leadership of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the restoration work. He said he had been involved in the project for several years and highlighted the close cooperation with the Embassy of Azerbaijan.

Later, the opening ceremony of the Catacombs of Commodilla-restored by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation-was held.

During the visit of representatives from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s religious communities to the Vatican, an agreement was signed on March 4, 2021, between the Foundation and the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology regarding the restoration of the Catacombs of Commodilla. The site, discovered in the 18th century, first underwent research in 1900. This catacomb, which contains some of the earliest Christian-era artifacts, is also known as the burial place of the Christian martyrs Felicissimus and Agapitus and served as a pilgrimage site for believers during the Middle Ages.

The catacomb features frescoes depicting the first Christian martyr St. Stephen, Jesus presenting the keys of heaven to the Apostle Peter, and other religious scenes of exceptional historical and spiritual value. In the 1950s, the construction of residential buildings in the surrounding area negatively affected the structural stability of the site. The support provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation safeguarded this invaluable archaeological monument from the risk of collapse.

During the restoration process, modern technologies and materials were applied, including the use of safe and environmentally friendly methods to protect workers’ health. Nanotechnology was employed to reinforce the structures, while laser technology was used to treat painted surfaces. All materials were selected for their compatibility with the underground environment.

By actively financing large-scale restoration projects in the Vatican, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation continues to make a significant contribution to the preservation of global cultural heritage. These initiatives are highly valued by the Holy See as exemplary models of effective cooperation and the strengthening of intercultural dialogue.

Hyundai Motor is accelerating efforts to diversify its sales networks with tailored market strategies for China and India, amid ongoing global uncertainties – including the potential imposition of auto tariffs in the United States, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

Beijing Hyundai Motor Company (BHMC), Hyundai’s joint venture in China, began taking preorders on Thursday for its new compact electric SUV, the Elexio, according to industry sources.

Similar in size to the Kia EV5, the Elexio measures 4.615 meters (about 15.1 feet) in length and 1.875 meters (6.15 feet) in width. It is powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by Chinese automaker BYD, offering an impressive maximum range of 722 kilometers (449 miles) on a single charge, based on Chinese certification standards.

The Elexio was developed and manufactured entirely in China. It features design elements tailored specifically for Chinese consumers – notably incorporating the number eight, a symbol of good luck in China, into its daytime running lights. The interior boasts a large 27-inch wide infotainment display, catering to local preferences for advanced in-car technology.

Beijing Hyundai priced the Elexio between 130,000 yuan ($18,240) and 150,000 yuan, roughly matching the local price of the Kia EV5, which stands at 149,800 yuan.

The company plans to launch six China-exclusive electric vehicles by 2027, starting with a new compact electric sedan next year, as part of a localization strategy aimed at reclaiming lost market share.

China remains the world’s largest auto market, with 31.44 million vehicles sold last year – nearly double the 15.9 million units sold in the United States.

However, Hyundai Motor Group’s sales in China have plummeted since the 2017 THAAD missile defense controversy, with combined sales of Hyundai and Kia dropping to just 204,573 units last year, accounting for a mere 0.65 percent market share. This contrasts sharply with 2016, before the fallout, when the group sold 1.14 million units and held nearly 4 percent of the market.

‘Hyundai likely believes that recovering even half of its pre-THAAD market share would translate into over 600,000 units sold annually,’ said Cho Chuel, senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade. ‘However, local startups have flooded the market with sub-premium EVs, so competition will be intense.’

Hyundai is also doubling down on its India operations. On Wednesday, the company held an investor day in Mumbai, announcing plans to invest $5.1 billion in India by 2030.

This investment will be directed toward modernizing local production facilities and boosting R and D for market-specific models. Hyundai aims to launch eight hybrid SUVs and five electric vehicles by 2030.

In 2027, Hyundai will introduce an India-exclusive Genesis model to tap into the country’s rapidly growing premium car segment. The company plans to expand production capacity by leveraging its plants in Pune (250,000 units annually), Chennai (760,000 units), and Kia’s Anantapur plant (350,000 units), targeting a combined annual capacity of 1.4 million vehicles within a few years.

To spearhead this effort, Hyundai will appoint Tarun Garg, currently COO of Hyundai India, as its new CEO starting in January – marking the first Indian national to hold the position since the subsidiary was founded in 1996.

India was the world’s third-largest auto market last year, with 5.23 million vehicles sold. Hyundai sold about 610,000 units, capturing an 11.6 percent market share. The company aims to increase this share to 15 percent by 2030.

‘There’s no need to chase market share blindly. Sustainable, profitable growth is more important,’ said Hyundai Motor President Jose Muñoz during the India investor day.

‘The plan is to respond to India’s expanding premium auto market with Genesis,’ said Kwon Yong-joo, professor of automotive transport design at Kookmin University.

Meanwhile, Hyundai also opened an experiential showroom in Tokyo earlier this month. It plans to target Japan’s compact EV segment with its small electric vehicle Casper, marketed locally as the Inster. However, Hyundai’s presence in Japan remains minimal – only 759 units were sold from January to September this year.

‘With rising uncertainty in the U.S. market, Hyundai is working to reduce its reliance on American sales by strengthening its networks in Asia and other regions,’ said Lee Hang-koo, adviser at the Korea Automotive Technology Institute. ‘However, increased local production in key markets like the U.S., China, and India may affect output at domestic plants.’

Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic States (TURKPA) Ramil Hasan met with Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Kayrat Saribay to discuss expanding cooperation between the two organisations, Azernews reports.

According to TURKPA, Kayrat Saribay congratulated Ramil Hasan on the beginning of his tenure and wished him success in his new role. The meeting highlighted the long-standing collaboration between TURKPA and CICA, as both sides reviewed the current state of relations and outlined future prospects.

The officials reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening ties, emphasising the importance of fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing regional peace and cooperation.

The open court hearing session for criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanian, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, who are 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 of power, forcible retention of power, and numerous other crimes resulting from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on October 17.

The court session was held at the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with the panel consisting of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). Each accused individual was provided with an interpreter in their native language, as well as legal representatives for their defense.

The session was attended by the accused persons, their defenders, a portion of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors defending the state prosecution.

Judge Z. Aghayev stated that a group of people had applied to the court, noting that they would not be able to participate in the court proceedings for compelling reasons, and that their statements to the preliminary investigation should be examined in the trial.

No one objected to the subsequent examination of their statements from the preliminary investigation.

Z. Aghayev mentioned that those statements would be announced during subsequent sessions.

Afterwards, the trial continued with the announcement of documents.

The court proceedings reviewed the documents based on the interviews of accused Arayik Harutyunyan, Bako Sahakyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, Davit Ishkhanian, and others to a number of internet resources, their statements and opinions expressed during the meetings, as well as the posts made on their social media accounts.

According to the documents, those interviews, statements, speeches, and posts featured calls, spreading ethnic, national, and religious hostility between the peoples, and against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan, other criminal information, as well as incitements to war and terrorism.

Following the announcement of the documents, the presiding judge gave the floor to the accused to hear their views on the documents.

Accused L.Mnatsakanyan requested to re-examine his interview with the Armenian journalist on the Jidir Duzu plain.

Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Defense of State Prosecution at the Prosecutor General’s Office, said that the interview had already been screened at one of the previous court hearings, during the interrogation of the accused, and that Levon Mnatsakanyan answered the questions from the state prosecutors about it.

He emphasized that when the interview was reviewed during the previous hearing, Levon Mnatsakanyan expressed his opinions on the parts he disagreed with, which was also reflected in the minutes of the hearing. The public prosecutor added that there was no need to re-examine that evidence and requested the court to take the above into account.

Subsequently, Judge Zeynal Aghayev announced the part of the minutes of the hearing where the mentioned video interview was presented, and where Levon Mnatsakanyan raised his objection.

Then, the defendant D. Ishkhanyan filed an appeal, claiming he had been given the opportunity to view the video recording of the interview with former Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia Manvel Grigoryan.

It should be noted that at the previous court hearing, D. Ishkhanyan had requested that the video recording to be loaded to the tablet provided to the defendants.

D. Ishkhanyan also requested to familiarize himself with a copy of a secret document signed by Kamo Vardanyan, the ‘deputy chief of staff of the army’ of the so-called regime.

A copy of the order was presented to the accused for familiarization.

Additionally, the defendants Davit Ishkhanyan and David Babayan stated that they did not agree with many of the details indicated in the announced documents.

Defendant A. Ghukasyan requested the court to provide conditions for him to express his opinion on the announced documents at the next court hearing.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev stated that the request would be taken into account.

The court proceedings will continue on October 20.

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, David 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.

At the instruction of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense has inspected the logistical support and combat readiness level of Azerbaijani Army units, Azernews reports.

According to the Ministry of Defense, senior officials visited commando military units and other formations to assess the quality of improvements made to the social and living conditions of servicemen and to review the organization of military service.

Following the inspection, Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, gave additional instructions to responsible officers regarding winter preparedness, further improvement of service and living conditions in military units, enhancement of combat capability, seasonal maintenance of weapons and equipment, and the continuity of logistical support.

Highly praising the combat and moral-psychological readiness of the personnel, the minister met with servicemen to discuss issues of their interest.

During the meeting, Minister Hasanov spoke about the successful reforms implemented in the field of army building under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He noted that the President’s resolute defense of Azerbaijan’s national interests at high-level international events has further strengthened the country’s reputation and influence on the global stage. The minister also conveyed to the personnel the key directives set by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief for the Azerbaijani Army.

Later, Minister Hasanov instructed officers to ensure strict adherence to discipline and safety regulations, promote healthy interpersonal relations within the ranks, and pay special attention to the health and well-being of the personnel.

Colonel General Hasanov emphasized the importance of maintaining constant oversight of troop organization, keeping all types of logistical support under close attention, and strengthening control over the observance of safety rules. He issued concrete directives to the command staff to that effect.

On October 17, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican.

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva expressed her pleasure at meeting Cardinal Pietro Parolin again and congratulated the Catholic world on the occasion of the ‘Jubilee Year.’

She thanked the Secretary of State for his participation in the COP29 event held in Azerbaijan in November last year and hailed the dynamic expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See in recent years.

Emphasizing that Azerbaijan embodies the values of religious tolerance and multiculturalism as both state policy and a societal norm, Mehriban Aliyeva spoke about the work carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation within the framework of cooperation with the Holy See. She noted the great potential for further developing bilateral relations. Speaking about the relations with the Catholic community in Azerbaijan, the First Vice-President said: ‘The issue raised during the Secretary of State’s visit to Azerbaijan in November last year-the construction of a second Catholic Church in our country-has found a positive resolution. A positive decision on this matter has already been made by President Ilham Aliyev, and construction of the second Catholic Church in the capital will begin in the near future.’ Mehriban Aliyeva underlined that Cardinal Pietro Parolin is regarded in Azerbaijan as a close friend of the country and its people and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the successful and steady development of bilateral cooperation.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed his honor at seeing First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva again and conveyed his deep appreciation to the Azerbaijani state and personally to President Ilham Aliyev for efforts in strengthening relations with the Holy See. He described his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Azerbaijan at COP29 as a gesture of respect toward the Vatican. Highlighting the projects implemented with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Cardinal praised the cooperation and the exemplary relations between the state and the Catholic community in Azerbaijan. ‘The construction of a second Catholic Church in Baku is a highly commendable development, and for that, we are grateful to Azerbaijan. This is yet another manifestation of the care and respect shown to all religions in your country. Azerbaijan serves as an example for many countries in this regard,’ he said.

The Cardinal also noted that the awarding of Bishop Vladimir Fekete, Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, with the ‘Friendship’ Order by President Ilham Aliyev is another sign of respect toward the Holy See.

Pietro Parolin congratulated Azerbaijan on the signing of the Joint Declaration by Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the United States on August 8 in Washington and on the initialing of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He reaffirmed the Vatican’s unequivocal support for peace in the region.

Expressing her gratitude to Cardinal Pietro Parolin for his congratulations, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva highly valued the outcomes of the Washington Summit, emphasizing that the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia remain committed to the peace agenda and expressing hope for the establishment of lasting peace in the region.