Category: Azer News

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko has said that his country could have experienced a situation similar to Ukraine’s if attempts to distance Belarus from Russia had succeeded during the political crisis that followed the 2020 presidential election.

Speaking at the ‘Youth. Belarus. Future’ forum in Minsk, Lukashenko said Western countries had sought to separate Belarus from Russia during the unrest that followed the August 2020 presidential election.

‘They tried to do this in 2020,’ Lukashenko said, according to Russian media reports. ‘If it had succeeded, we would have had what is happening in Ukraine now.’

Lukashenko has long portrayed Belarus’s close relationship with Russia as a central element of the country’s security. His latest remarks again linked the survival of Belarus’s political system to maintaining its alliance with Moscow.

The 2020 election triggered mass protests after Belarusian authorities declared Lukashenko the winner. Western governments rejected the official result, while Russia backed Lukashenko as the political crisis intensified. In August 2020, Russian President Vladimir Putin said Moscow had prepared a reserve of law-enforcement personnel that could be deployed to Belarus if the situation deteriorated, although he said there was no immediate need to use the force.

Claims regarding violations of the rights of ethnic Armenian prisoners are completely unfounded.

This was stated in a statement issued by the Ombudsman’s Office.

It was reported that, within the framework of the Ombudsman’s activities as part of the National Preventive Mechanism, meetings were held with ethnic Armenian individuals, including Ruben Vardanyan, both during the preliminary investigation and court proceedings, as well as after they were convicted and transferred to correctional facilities. The conditions in which they were held, the situation regarding the protection of their rights, and issues related to their treatment were continuously monitored.

It was noted that these monitoring activities were carried out in accordance with international standards, and the situation regarding the protection of human rights and freedoms was kept under constant observation.

‘During unannounced visits conducted by myself, as well as by members of the Ombudsman’s National Preventive Group, the rights of these individuals, including R. Vardanyan, were explained to them in their native language. Their current health condition was examined by the doctor who is a member of the NPG, and relevant publications and legislative acts in their native language were provided to them in accordance with their requests. In addition, numerous works of fiction in various languages were provided to them upon their requests.

It should be noted that each of these individuals has the opportunity to contact the Ombudsman’s 916 Call Center, and every appeal they made received a timely response in accordance with the law.

During our consecutive visits, it was observed that the conditions in the facility where the aforementioned prisoners are serving their sentences meet modern standards, that no cases of discrimination against these prisoners have been allowed, and that their rights and freedoms established by international documents and national legislation are ensured, including their rights to engage in sports, take walks, and organize their leisure time. It should be noted that, despite having no funds in their accounts when they were transferred to correctional facilities, they were provided with unrestricted access to telephone calls with their family members and access to information.

It was also observed by us that the aforementioned prisoners’ requests concerning notary and medical services were addressed in accordance with the legislation.

Most recently, Araik Harutyunyan’s request concerning notary services was fulfilled, and as it coincided with the day of a visit, members of the Ombudsman’s National Preventive Group also observed on site that this service was being provided.

In addition, requests submitted by these individuals to the Ombudsman for additional medical examinations, additional telephone calls with family members, and their consecutive appeals to state institutions, both personally and through their lawyers, were also addressed.

As a result of the monitoring and visits independently conducted by the Ombudsman, we would like to state that the rights of these individuals, who were convicted and sentenced to imprisonment after their commission of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious crimes were proven in court, are ensured without any discrimination. Claims made on behalf of the aforementioned individuals on internet websites in this regard are completely unfounded, do not reflect the truth, and serve biased political purposes,’ the statement said.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) is expected to keep its key interest rate unchanged at 6.5% at its meeting next Wednesday.

According to an analytical review by Dutch banking group ING, the CBA is likely to maintain the key rate at 6.5% at its upcoming meeting.

‘Current inflation in Azerbaijan remains stable at around 5.6-5.8%, which is within the 4% ± 2% target range,’ ING said.

At the same time, ING analysts believe that against the backdrop of rising inflation and interest rates globally and across the region, the CBA’s comments could place greater emphasis on inflation risks.

The bank also does not rule out the possibility that the regulator could issue more hawkish signals regarding future monetary policy.

The CBA last kept its key interest rate unchanged on July 31, 2026.

Under a decision by the CBA Board, all parameters of the interest rate corridor were left unchanged. The key interest rate was maintained at 6.5%, while the lower and upper bounds of the interest rate corridor remained at 5.5% and 7.5%, respectively.

According to the CBA, the decision on the parameters of the interest rate corridor took into account actual and projected inflation dynamics, as well as developments in the domestic financial market.

On the one hand, an upward revision to the inflation forecast creates conditions for tighter monetary policy. On the other hand, the significant excess of foreign currency supply over demand in the foreign exchange market supports a more accommodative monetary policy.

The CBA said the balance between these factors resulted in the decision to keep the parameters of the interest rate corridor unchanged.

Austria has extended temporary border checks with Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Slovenia for another six months.

The government said the main reason for the extension is the continued fight against illegal migration and human trafficking.

Austrian Interior Minister Gerhard Karner said the measures remain necessary. According to the government, the checks should have as little impact as possible on people who regularly cross the borders, including commuters travelling to and from work.

Some checks are reportedly being carried out not directly at the border but in areas close to it. Austrian authorities say the current system makes border controls more flexible and efficient.

Under the Schengen rules, routine checks at internal EU borders are not permitted. However, member states can temporarily reintroduce controls in response to security threats and other exceptional circumstances.

Passengers travelling from Hungary to Austria, particularly during busy periods, are therefore advised to allow extra time for possible checks. Authorities say the aim is to minimize disruptions to regular cross-border travel and daily commuting.

Armenia’s Economy Minister Gevorg Papoyan’s recent statement to journalists vividly demonstrates the net benefits that freeing societies from the economic burden of regional conflicts and establishing trade relations in conditions of peace can bring. According to the minister, as a result of the start of fuel imports from Azerbaijan to Armenia, fuel prices in the country have been kept at a level below the sharp pace of increases in global markets. In economic terms, Azerbaijan has prevented a supply-side inflation shock in Armenia through its energy resources.

Of course, assessing the outcome of this process merely as a reduction in citizens’ daily transportation and commuting costs would be to see only the superficial side of the issue. When viewed from a deeper macroeconomic perspective, the picture becomes clearer.

As is known, following the Second Karabakh War (2020) and Azerbaijan’s full restoration of its sovereignty in September 2023, the geopolitical stagnation that had persisted in the South Caucasus for decades was disrupted. The phase of conflict that began in 1988-before the collapse of the Soviet Union-with Yerevan’s territorial claims against Karabakh and inflicted heavy socioeconomic losses on both sides came to an end. Armenia being compelled toward peace and the post-conflict realities opened the door to limited but strategically significant trade contacts between the sides.

The first fruits of these contacts became visible at a time when a global inflationary wave was raging. After the COVID-19 pandemic, disruptions in supply chains around the world, followed by geopolitical crises, fueled mass inflation. As a rule, the economies of developing countries are more vulnerable to macroeconomic factors and external shocks than those of developed countries. The world has still not fully recovered from the negative effects of the inflationary wave that began with COVID-19.

In economics, inflation is often referred to as an ‘unfair’ or ‘regressive tax.’ This is because it is a mechanism that is not officially regulated but ruthlessly erodes the purchasing power of the population, particularly low- and middle-income groups. In developing countries, food products constitute a large share of the inflation basket. Food inflation, in turn, directly intersects with fuel prices. Every stage, from planting and harvesting a product in the field to its processing, delivery to supermarket shelves, and arrival on the consumer’s table, is linked to transportation and energy costs.

Therefore, although Armenian officials may refrain from openly acknowledging it, fuel imported from Azerbaijan has significantly curbed overall inflationary pressures in Armenia and prevented a sharp jump in food prices. Every specialist familiar with the fundamental laws of economics can confirm that securing fuel from a cheaper and logistically advantageous source reduces production and delivery costs in a country, thereby directly supporting macroeconomic stability.

Now, let us imagine the bigger picture for a moment: If a final peace agreement is signed between the two countries, communications are opened, and trade relations are fully restored, how much could the regional economy benefit from this?

For years, Armenia, having become a hostage to its irredentist and occupation policies, allocated more than 5% of its GDP to military expenditures and, by this measure, became one of the most militarized countries in Europe. The elimination of the risk of war allows Armenia to reduce the burden of unproductive military spending and direct these resources toward education, healthcare, and socioeconomic infrastructure projects.

At the same time, taking advantage of the opportunities offered by Azerbaijan as a regional logistics hub and energy center could help Armenia move away from its status as an isolated ‘economic island.’ Peace is not simply about disarmament; peace means the opening of transit routes, a sharp reduction in logistics costs, diversification of markets, and the inflow of foreign direct investment into the region.

If a peace agreement is concluded and all communications are opened, this will directly contribute to increased production volumes in both countries, the creation of new jobs, and economic growth. Establishing direct trade relations between neighboring countries primarily creates high profitability and a competitive advantage by minimizing logistical distances and transportation costs.

It is no coincidence that when we look at the geographical distribution of Azerbaijan’s foreign trade in the non-oil sector, we see that geographically close neighboring countries account for a significant share. Regional partners such as Russia, Georgia, and Kazakhstan are among the top ten destinations in our export portfolio. With the restoration of communications and the liberalization of the trade regime, it is entirely realistic for Armenia to join this list as well. This would mean not only capital flows, but also increased business activity in border regions and the creation of thousands of new jobs on both sides.

We hope that Yerevan will free itself from the illusions of supporters of external policies, draw the right lessons from its history, and permanently abandon its irredentist claims. With the realization of Azerbaijan’s proposed peace agenda, the period of conflict that for decades led to the loss of human resources and the destruction of national wealth will be left behind, and the South Caucasus will enter a new development trajectory based on mutual economic benefit.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on the awarding of oil industry workers.

The representatives of the industry have been awarded for their contributions to the development of Azerbaijan’s oil industry.

With the “Labor” Order (3rd degree)

Ulviyya Baghirova

Tamam Bayatly

Teymur Jafarov

Zakir Ahmadov

Jahid Guliyev

Mubariz Guliyev

Rafael Guliyev

Naghi Rustamov

Rauf Rustamov

Rasim Valiyev

With the “Taraggi” Medal

Zavur Abbasov

Murad Abdullayev

Raig Aslanov

Khayal Jafarov

Teymur Eyvazov

Gulahmad Hakhiyev

Zakir Hashimov

Rauf Mahmudlu

Turkhan Maharramli

Elshad Mammad-Hasanov

Nuru Mardanov

Kanan Mirzayev

Zaza Mgebrishvili

Elton Mustafayev

Nurlan Mustafayev

Nahid Nuriyev

Ebru Sulhan

Vidadi Yusifov

If we go back several centuries and look at the history of the ancient East, what we encounter is not only empires, wars and battles for territory. There is another, more enduring history of this geography, which is a history created by language, words and literature.

Until just a century ago, there were three lingua francas across the vast geography of the Muslim East: Arabic, Persian and Azerbaijani. While Arabic was an important medium of the religious and scholarly world, and Persian was one of the principal means of communication in the broader literary and administrative-cultural space, the Azerbaijani language also gained significant literary and cultural influence, particularly in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan, Anatolia, Iraq and various regions of Iran.

There is a striking feature in the history of the Azerbaijani language. The influence of this language cannot be explained solely by the campaigns of rulers and the movements of armies. One of the greatest weapons of Azerbaijani was its poets.

Nasimi, Fuzuli, Khatai and other great masters of the word transformed the Azerbaijani language from merely a means of everyday communication into a literary language capable of expressing profound philosophical and poetic ideas. Their works carried the language across borders and into the literary memory of different peoples and geographies.

In this regard, Nasimi’s place is particularly significant. He is one of the most prominent 14th- and 15th-century masters of Sufi poetry and a major early figure in Azerbaijani literature. A recent example of how Nasimi’s name is being kept alive in Azerbaijan today is President Ilham Aliyev’s recent visit to the ‘Nasimi Gardens’ complex in Shamakhi. The complex features a 21-meter-high monument installation of Nasimi created in a modern style. Visible from various points of Shamakhi, this work makes Nasimi’s name part of the city’s modern landscape.

This is not simply a matter of a statue. Here, a physical and symbolic connection is being created between the great poet of the Middle Ages and modern Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan did not begin remembering Nasimi today. The preservation and promotion of his legacy have been continuing at the state and societal levels for decades. In 1973, the 600th anniversary of Nasimi was widely commemorated. Research into his work was intensified, and scholarly and artistic works about him were created. In 1979, a monument to Nasimi was erected in Baku.

Later, Nasimi’s name was also brought to the international stage. In 2017, the 600th anniversary of his death was commemorated at UNESCO headquarters in Paris. Since 2018, the Nasimi – Poetry, Art and Morality Festival has been held in Azerbaijan. In 2019, the year was declared the ‘Year of Nasimi’ in Azerbaijan.

That year, various events were held across the country to mark the 650th anniversary of Nasimi, while his work was researched anew, promoted and brought to new generations.

All of this demonstrates one fact: Azerbaijan does not preserve its classical figures simply as memories of the past, but it seeks to make them part of contemporary cultural life.

Nasimi’s position in today’s Azerbaijan is explained precisely by this. He is not only a poet of the 14th-15th centuries. His name lives on today in a scholarly institution, on a street, in a monument, in books, at a festival and now in the large tourism and cultural complex in Shamakhi.

In fact, keeping Nasimi’s legacy alive is part of a much larger story of Azerbaijani literature. In this story, Nizami, Fuzuli, Nasimi, Khatai and other great poets are not only individual figures, but also representatives of the great cultural line shaped by the Azerbaijani word over the centuries.

Empires have risen and fallen throughout history. Borders have changed. Rulers have replaced one another. Swords have rusted. But the words created by poets have survived and passed from generation to generation.

That is where the strength of Azerbaijan’s classical literature lies.

If the Azerbaijani language occupied an important place in the literary and cultural life of a vast geography during certain periods of its history, this can be attributed more to the power of the word than to military force. Poets carried the language with them to different courts, cities and cultural centers. Their works demonstrated the capabilities of Azerbaijani and increased the influence of the language.

In this sense, Nasimi is not merely part of Azerbaijan’s past. He is a living symbol of the Azerbaijani language and culture, having survived the test of time and reached the present day.

This is also where the significance of the complex created in his name in Shamakhi lies. The name of a poet who lived more than six centuries ago appears once again today in the cultural landscape of modern Azerbaijan. This is not simply the preservation of historical memory, but its transfer into a new era.

Some peoples remember their history through fortresses and swords. Azerbaijan, however, has written one of the strongest pages of its history through the words of its poets. And Nasimi is one of the greatest figures of that word.

The Grape and Wine Festival kicked off on September 19 in Meysari village of Shamakhi, bringing together the region’s winemaking and viticulture traditions, national music and a festive atmosphere.

The two-day festival is being held in Meysari village and is organized by the Shamakhi District Executive Authority, Abqora restaurant and the Nasimi Gardens complex.

Festival guests were welcomed with performances by traditional wind and percussion ensembles. A ceremonial parade of wine producers was also held, accompanied by a drum show.

Now in its fifth edition, the festival aims to promote local grape and wine production, increase the export potential of wine products, raise public awareness of Azerbaijan’s history of viticulture and winemaking and the work being carried out in the sector, and contribute to expanding the region’s tourism opportunities.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Shamakhi District Executive Authority head Tahir Mammadov said the current period was marked by a number of significant events for Shamakhi.

He noted that during President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva’s visit to Shamakhi, the opening of several important tourism and cultural facilities, including hotels, recreation centers, creative spaces and cultural venues, had taken place. According to Mammadov, these projects are helping further expand the district’s tourism and cultural potential.

The district head stressed that the development projects implemented in Shamakhi benefit not only local residents but also visitors to the region.

Mammadov said the Grape and Wine Festival, which has already become a tradition, makes an important contribution to promoting Shamakhi’s rich viticulture and winemaking heritage, increasing the district’s tourism appeal and supporting the region’s socio-economic development.

Agriculture Minister Majnun Mammadov said the festival contributes to the development of viticulture and winemaking in Azerbaijan, the formation of wine culture and the promotion of locally produced wines.

The minister noted that viticulture and winemaking have ancient traditions in Azerbaijan. He said significant progress had been achieved in the development of the sector as a result of the attention and support provided by the state.

Mammadov also highlighted the work of grape growers, noting that farmers make a major contribution to cultivating high-quality grapes, delivering the produce to processing facilities and ensuring the production process.

The minister also praised the work of winemakers and technologists involved in producing high-quality wines.

The program continued with performances of traditional Azerbaijani dances, including the ‘Grape’ dance, which reflects the country’s viticulture traditions.

Festival participants had the opportunity to learn more about Azerbaijan’s ancient viticulture and winemaking traditions, as well as the country’s rich tourism potential. Visitors were also offered a variety of entertainment programs and shows.

Held on the premises of the Shirvan Wines LLC viticulture and winemaking complex in Meysari village, the festival featured various brands showcasing their grape products.

A range of activities for different age groups added to the festival atmosphere throughout the day. Guests took part in various competitions and quizzes.

A special program was also prepared for the festival’s youngest visitors. Children took part in interactive games and other activities in the entertainment zone, while also dancing and having fun with animators.

The first day of the festival continued until the evening and featured performances by popular singers Roza Zargerli, Kazim Can and Joseph U.O, as well as DJ Kamon.

The Grape and Wine Festival will continue on September 20.

Isgandar Javadov has been awarded the “Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan” for his long-standing, effective work in the development and promotion of Azerbaijani football.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

The text of the document has been published on the official website of the President of Azerbaijan.

Baku will host its first National Costume Day festival on September 19 at the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve, offering a full-day programme dedicated to the richness, beauty and distinctive character of Azerbaijan’s national costume heritage.

The festival will be held at two main venues – Gosha Gala Square and the grounds of the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex.

A key feature of the event will be the participation of all guests, officials, representatives of state institutions and media outlets in national costumes. In this way, national dress will serve not only as an object of display, but also as the main symbol connecting everyone taking part in the festival.

The programme at Gosha Gala Square will run from 11:00 to 18:00. An exhibition of Azerbaijani national costumes and information materials about them will be open throughout the day, while an exhibition of historical costumes used in the film “Taghiyev” will run from 12:00 to 18:00.

The square will host a series of national dance performances, beginning at 13:30. From 13:40 to 14:00, visitors will see a presentation of costumes reflecting the historical period depicted in the film “Taghiyev.”

A presentation of national costumes featuring Icherisheher residents will follow from 14:35 to 14:50, while ethnic costumes accompanied by national music will be presented from 14:50 to 15:10.

Students of the College of Industry and Technology will present national costumes from 15:20 to 15:50, followed by another national dance performance.

From 16:00 to 16:35, local designer Mehriban Khalilzade will present her original collection. At the same time, from 16:00 to 18:00, visitors will be able to watch the process of making and producing kelaghayi and take part in the “Arachin in My Hands” master class.

Nargiz Surkhayeva’s original collection will be presented from 16:50 to 17:20. Students of the Azerbaijan State Children’s Philharmonic will perform national dances from 17:20 to 17:30, followed by a presentation of an original collection by local designer Gunay Hasanli from 17:30 to 18:00.

The evening programme will continue at the Shirvanshahs’ Palace Complex from 18:00 to 20:40, beginning with a procession.

The official opening will take place from 18:30 to 18:35, with opening remarks by Rufat Mahmud, chairman of the Board of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve.

A folklore ensemble will give a concert from 18:35 to 18:50, followed by national dance performances.

At 19:00, Gulzada Abdulova will present her collection “From the Past to the Present.” National dance performances will continue from 19:20 to 19:30, followed by a presentation of Gulnara Khalilova’s national costume collection from 19:30 to 19:50.

The programme will then turn to the traditional clothing of different peoples. Dances of the peoples of the world will be performed from 19:50 to 20:00, followed by a presentation of national costumes from different countries with the participation of foreign embassies from 20:00 to 20:10.

The festival will conclude with the multimedia performance “The Breath of Baku,” scheduled from 20:10 to 20:40.

The organizers say the festival will combine exhibitions, costume presentations, traditional crafts, music, dance and contemporary design, giving visitors an opportunity to explore Azerbaijan’s national costume heritage in the historic setting of Icherisheher.