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On October 16, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, accompanied by Cardinal James Harvey, the Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, visited the Basilica in the Vatican City to review the progress of restoration and construction work carried out with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Priest Don Lodovico Turrisi and architect Marco Ciriachi provided First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva with detailed information about the Basilica and the restoration process there.

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is the second largest church in Vatican City after St. Peter’s Basilica and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. Built over the burial site of Saint Paul the Apostle, the Basilica is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and is regarded as one of the most sacred and historically significant monuments of the Roman Catholic Church. Inside the Basilica, mosaic portraits of all popes from St. Peter to the present day are displayed. Located away from the bustling environment of the Vatican, the Basilica stands out for its calm and spiritual atmosphere.

On September 11, 2024, within the framework of the ‘Jubilee Year,’ celebrated by the Holy See every 25 years, a document was signed between the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to ensure the preservation and restoration of the marble coverings and decorative elements of Saint Paul’s Basilica. The document was signed by former President of the Governorate Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov.

Saudi Arabia and the United States are planning to finalize a military cooperation agreement in November, which would designate any attack on the Kingdom as a direct threat to “peace and security” in the region, Azernews reports.

The deal is expected to be formalized during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud’s upcoming visit to the United States next month.

A senior White House official told the press that “negotiations are currently underway to sign some form of agreement during the Crown Prince’s visit,” though “the specific details have yet to be finalized.”

This potential agreement reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two countries amid increasing regional tensions. Analysts believe it could signal a deeper U.S. commitment to Saudi Arabia’s defense, especially in light of recent threats from regional actors and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Experts also suggest that the pact might include enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and cooperation on emerging technologies, including cybersecurity and missile defense systems.

The announcement comes at a crucial time as both nations seek to strengthen their alliance in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics and evolving security challenges.

The United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) will hold a Trade and Business Conference dedicated to the Chamber’s 30th anniversary.

Azernews reports, the event is scheduled for December 9 and will bring together government officials, business leaders, investors, and representatives from the financial sector of both the U.S. and Azerbaijan to discuss the next phase of economic cooperation.

Marking three decades since its founding, USACC views the conference as a timely opportunity to review its achievements, assess current trends, and set an agenda focused on strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and innovation.

Since its establishment in 1995, USACC has served as a leading platform for developing commercial, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries.

Over the past 30 years, the Chamber has played a vital role in promoting dialogue between the public and private sectors, stimulating trade, diversifying business, and expanding economic cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan.

Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious redesign of the Windows operating system, aiming to transform it into a platform driven primarily by voice commands and artificial intelligence (AI), Azernews reports.

Yusuf Mehdi, the company’s executive vice president, told The Verge about plans to deeply integrate AI capabilities throughout every layer of the system, moving far beyond simply adding a chatbot.

According to Microsoft’s leadership, a new era of computing is approaching, where AI will no longer be a standalone tool but will become an essential part of hundreds of millions of daily use cases. The ultimate vision is to create what Mehdi calls a true ‘AI computer’ by rebuilding the core of the operating system around these advanced technologies.

‘Our goal is to rewrite the entire OS around AI, creating what can be called a true AI computer,’ Mehdi said.

The current version of Windows 11 already incorporates some AI-powered features. For instance, users can now activate the Copilot assistant using the voice command ‘Hey, Copilot!’ This hands-free feature allows quick access to the assistant for answers, productivity help, or general inquiries. The interaction is signaled by a beep, and users can end the session simply by saying ‘goodbye,’ after which the assistant shuts down automatically.

Another recent innovation is the Copilot Vision feature, which is available in all regions where Copilot operates. This functionality enables AI to analyze the contents displayed on the screen, assisting users with applications, troubleshooting, or even providing step-by-step guidance for tasks such as completing games. Unlike the earlier Recall function, which faced privacy concerns, Copilot Vision requires explicit user consent before scanning the screen, operating similarly to how Microsoft Teams handles broadcasting.

Microsoft is testing a feature called Copilot Actions. This functionality will empower the AI assistant to perform tasks directly on the PC-such as editing photo batches-automatically. Currently, Copilot Actions is in closed beta with a limited number of scenarios as Microsoft continues to optimize the underlying AI model.

This ambitious integration of AI into Windows highlights Microsoft’s commitment to redefining personal computing, where intelligence is embedded seamlessly to enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience. As AI becomes more deeply woven into the operating system, the way people interact with their devices could be fundamentally transformed, moving us closer to a future where computers understand and anticipate our needs intuitively.

The Azerbaijani Wrestling Federation has announced the team that will compete in the U-23 World Wrestling Championship to be held in Novi Sad, Serbia, on October 20-27, Azernews reports.

The World Championship will kick off with the Greco-Roman wrestling events.

Under the leadership of head coach Aleksandr Tarakanov, senior coach Rovshan Bayramov, and coaches Hasan Aliyev and Kamran Mammadov, Azerbaijan will be represented by a talented team of athletes across various weight categories: Elmir Aliyev (55 kg), Ilkin Gurbanov (60 kg), Ziya Babashov (63 kg), Faraim Mustafayev (67 kg), Ruslan Nurullayev (72 kg), Davud Mammadov (77 kg), Elmin Aliyev (82 kg), Lachin Valiyev (87 kg), Ali Guliyev (97 kg), and Aykhan Mardanov (130 kg).

Following that, women wrestlers will enter the competition under the leadership of acting head coach Togrul Asgarov, senior coach Aghahuseyn Mustafayev, and coach Solmaz Adilova.

The female athletes representing Azerbaijan are Asmar Jankurtaran (50 kg), Elnura Mammadova (53 kg), Gultakin Shirinova (55 kg), Nargiz Samadova (57 kg), Gunay Gurbanova (59 kg), Birgul Soltanova (62 kg), and Ruzanna Mammadova (65 kg).

In the final days of the tournament, freestyle wrestlers will compete. Under the leadership of head coach Khetag Gazyumov, senior coach Jabrayil Hasanov, and coaches Taymuraz Kokoyev and Sharif Sharifov, the freestyle athletes representing Azerbaijan are Muhammadali Alizad? (57 kg), Jeykhun Allahverdiyev (61 kg), Aykhan Abdullazad? (65 kg), Kanan Heybatov (70 kg), Magomed-Bashir Khaniyev (74 kg), Farid Jabbarov (79 kg), Ali Tsokayev (86 kg), Sadig Mustafazade (92 kg), Zafar Aliyev (97 kg), and Khetag Karsanov (125 kg).

Matches will begin every day at 12:00 (Baku time). The medal matches will start at 20:00.

The World Championship will be officiated by Category I referee Asif Shiraliyev, as well as Category I referees Kamran Aliyev and Habib Nurulu.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the 4th meeting of the Asian Cultural Council of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, Azernews reports.

“Dear event participants,

I cordially greet you at the 4th meeting of the Asian Cultural Council of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), dedicated to the theme ‘From National Diversity to Global Solidarity: The Role of Culture in the New World Order.’

The Asian continent, with its rich cultural heritage, historical diversity, and dynamic development potential, possesses broad opportunities to advance global transformation processes. The political parties representing the peoples of this region play a significant role not only in preserving national cultural values but also in promoting international cooperation, mutual respect, and inter-civilizational understanding.

The ICAPP Asian Cultural Council serves as an important platform for highlighting the continent’s potential for intercultural dialogue. The central theme of this meeting aligns with humanity’s most pressing priorities, contributing to the establishment of a new global order based on humanist and inclusive principles.

Azerbaijan has historically been a unique space where various civilizations have converged, and cultures, religions, and traditions have formed through mutual influence. In our multi-ethnic and multi-confessional country, the peaceful coexistence of representatives of all religions and ethnic groups, grounded in mutual respect, trust, and harmony, has played an important role in socio-political development. The preservation of multiculturalism and traditions of tolerance is an integral part of the social-cultural foundations of Azerbaijani society and constitutes one of the main directions of state policy.

At the same time, Azerbaijan promotes harmonious relations among different cultures on the international stage and consistently advances a number of initiatives within the framework of inter-civilizational dialogue. The World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, traditionally hosted by Azerbaijan, has evolved into a key platform supporting international initiatives aimed at promoting peace through culture.

In the modern era, humanity is undergoing a profound transformation, with the existing global order being tested by multifaceted challenges such as armed conflicts, ecological crises, and socio-economic inequalities. In this context, culture serves as an invaluable factor that unites people and societies around universal human values and promotes social integration. Alongside the preservation of national traditions, openness to dialogue and mutual understanding shapes the collective formation of a shared future in contemporary international relations. Thus, culture emerges as a vital tool contributing to global stability.

Last November, Azerbaijan’s hosting of the prestigious COP29 international conference reaffirmed our country’s role as a hub for global dialogue, cooperation, and consensus. Just as combating climate change demands collective human effort, preserving international peace, cultural mutual understanding, and global solidarity requires an equally significant collective commitment. Both challenges compel nations to take action based on the principles of global responsibility and collective obligation.

I am confident that the 4th meeting of the Council, held in our country, will further strengthen the traditions of dialogue among peoples in Asia and beyond, while providing a fresh impetus to global cultural integration.

I believe that the discussions held and decisions adopted at this meeting will enrich global dialogue, convey a message of solidarity and unity to the international community, and further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation among our peoples and countries.

Turkmenistan Culture Days have come to an end in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The closing ceremony took place in Ganja. The event was jointly organized by the Culture Ministries of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

The final concert celebrated the long-standing cultural and friendly relations between the two nations, with the goal of further enhancing the bonds between their peoples.

The program included performances by artists from both Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. People’s Artists of Turkmenistan, along with folklore and ethnographic groups, expressed the spirit of unity and camaraderie through their performances.

Azerbaijan was represented by People’s Artists Gulyanag and Gulyaz Mammadova, Honored Workers of Culture Mehpara Jafarova, Rustam Jafarov, Sahri Aliyeva, and the Goygol State Song and Dance Ensemble.

Turkmenistan’s contributions came from Jemal Saparova, Bahar Annayeva, Maya Orazberdiyeva, Kerven Yovbasarov, Rustam Hallyyev, and the “Dokmachylar” folklore and ethnographic ensemble, who delivered a memorable stage performance.

Through their collaborative performances, the artists from both nations symbolized the friendship and cultural connection between them.

The Turkmenistan Culture Days took place in Baku and Ganja. A large delegation of cultural figures and artists from the brotherly country visited Azerbaijan for the occasion.

The event featured a rich program including a broad presentation of Turkmen music, decorative and applied arts, museum exhibitions, culinary masterpieces, and literary presentations.

The opening of the exhibition titled “Arkhadag: The Pillar of Turkmen National Heritage” took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

The event was attended by Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Nursahat Shirimov, members of parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, cultural and scientific figures from both countries, and other guests.

The Turkmen national costumes for both men and women, as well as samples of weaving and decorative-applied arts such as carpets and palaz (traditional rugs), were showcased as part of the exhibition.

The exhibition also featured photographs depicting historical figures of the brotherly nation, as well as ancient cultural landmarks and images reflecting modern developments.

Moreover, the Turkmenistan Literature Corner opened at the Azerbaijan National Library.

During the event, the significance of literary ties between the two countries was emphasized. Topics such as translation and publication of literary works in Azerbaijani and Turkmen, as well as prospects for further cooperation in the humanitarian field, were discussed.

Furthermore, Turkmen national cuisine was presented at Seaside Boulevard, followed by a spectacular gala concert that featured breathtaking performances by both Turkmen and Azerbaijani artists.

Ford Motor Company is recalling nearly 625,000 vehicles in the United States due to issues related to seatbelt functionality and rear-view camera displays, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Friday, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

According to the NHTSA notice, approximately 332,778 Ford Mustang models are being recalled because of a potential seatbelt malfunction that could compromise passenger safety. Meanwhile, the rear-view camera display defect affects around 291,901 vehicles, including popular models such as the Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks.

The seatbelt issue reportedly involves a fault that may prevent the belt from properly securing occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a collision. The camera display problem causes the rear-view image to intermittently fail, potentially reducing driver visibility when reversing.

Ford has stated it will notify affected owners and provide free repairs to address these safety concerns. This recall underscores ongoing challenges automakers face in ensuring vehicle safety while integrating increasingly complex electronic systems.

Experts note that as vehicles become more technologically advanced, the potential for software and hardware glitches grows, making timely recalls and robust quality control essential to maintaining consumer trust.

Past misunderstandings between Azerbaijan and France have been resolved, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he received the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Azerbaijan, Sophie Lagoutte.

This announcement comes at a crucial moment. As we have highlighted during the EPC Summit earlier this month, the event served as a clear signal of a turning point in Azerbaijan-France relations. The developments we are now witnessing confirm that prediction: the prospects for bilateral cooperation are becoming clearer, and both sides appear ready to focus on pragmatic, mutually beneficial engagement.

Azerbaijan has long shaped its foreign relations based on international law and shared interests. Tensions with France had emerged in previous years, largely due to certain French politicians’ biased approach to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, as well as France’s broader geopolitical posture. French officials, in turn, insisted their policy was ‘neutral.’ However, states do not have permanent friends or enemies-they have strategic partners and rivals with whom they interact according to interests. Today, France seems to have abandoned its previous destructive approach toward Azerbaijan, and Baku has responded in kind, signalling a new phase of constructive diplomacy.

Still, the economic ties between the two nations mostly held. Between January and August, Azerbaijan exported roughly $46.3 million in goods to France, while importing about $159.4 million in return. These figures closely mirror those of prior years, making clear that despite political disagreements, the practical trade relationship remained resilient. One clear indication that the previous tensions were largely political and somewhat superficial (without minimising their importance) is the continued ability of French companies and entrepreneurs to operate freely in Azerbaijan. Today, around 60 French companies are active in the country. Even a brief look back shows that France has played a pioneering role in Azerbaijan’s energy sector, most notably, the French company TotalEnergies was the first to develop offshore gas production in Azerbaijan.

France’s earlier support for Yerevan, however, had been driven primarily by its own interests, but it is increasingly evident that ignoring Baku would now be a missed opportunity. With regional dynamics shifting and the South Caucasus gaining geopolitical attention, renewed engagement offers tangible benefits for both sides.

The significance of this shift is also visible in the reactions of the Armenian diaspora, which has launched a series of envious and fear-driven campaigns online, some even targeting our own publications. Such reactions highlight how consequential this new dynamic has become. Azerbaijan’s growing role as an indispensable player in regional and Eurasian affairs is undeniable.

Now, France, under mounting domestic pressure, is itself at a crossroads. The country is experiencing what many observers call its most severe political crisis in seventy years. Soaring energy and food prices, slowing GDP, high debt, and rising social unrest have created broad public discontent and frequent strikes.

President Macron’s authority has been challenged from within and without. He recently reappointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who had just resigned amid cabinet disputes-and yet even that change has done little to restore stability. The new cabinet faces the threat of a no-confidence vote, and critics from both opposition parties and internal circles have called for early presidential elections. Polls show that 68% of French citizens believe the government is out of touch with society, and 54% believe Macron has lost the ability to form a stable administration.

In this turbulent environment, Macron has sought to deflect blame. During a visit to Egypt for ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, he sharply criticised French opposition parties for intensifying the political crisis. The message was unmistakable: domestic dissent must not derail foreign policy.

Against that backdrop, Macron does not want to be left out of the South Caucasus. France has strategic interests in the region, especially regarding Armenia. Weakening his legitimacy at home could push him to secure influence abroad before his position weakens further. Engaging more constructively with Azerbaijan now is one such move.

While France may not be the ‘France of old,’ Paris still retains the capacity to influence complex regions through careful strategic and economic moves. The key question now is whether this engagement will be sustained, and what it could mean for the stability and prosperity of the South Caucasus. Thanks to the foresight signalled during the EPC Summit, we can already see that Azerbaijan-France relations are entering a promising new chapter.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the World Bank have exchanged views on expanding long-term cooperation in support of sustainable development goals.

Azernews reports that the discussion took place during a working visit by CBA Chairman Taleh Kazimov to Washington, D.C., where he met with Antonella Bassani, Vice President of the World Bank for the Europe and Central Asia region.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing collaboration, particularly in ensuring macroeconomic stability and enhancing financial inclusion in Azerbaijan. They also reviewed the initiatives and projects outlined in the new Country Partnership Framework for Azerbaijan.

Additionally, the two officials discussed prospects for broadening cooperation in the long-term to further support sustainable development objectives.