Category: Azer News

In line with the bilateral agreement reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia and guided by the principles of humanism, four individuals convicted under various articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan and serving sentences in the country have been extradited to Armenia, Azernews reports.

Azernews reports that those transferred are Khachatryan Vagif Cherkezi, Sujyan Gevorg Rubenovich, Davtyan David Tigrani, and Eulcekcian Viken Abraham. The extradition is described as one of the practical outcomes of the peace process established between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

According to official information, the rights of the extradited individuals were fully ensured during their detention in Azerbaijan. Their health status and detention conditions complied with international standards. Prior to the transfer, all four underwent medical examinations, which confirmed that their health conditions were satisfactory.

The court’s decision sentenced each convicted individual to 15 years in prison.

It was also noted that Vagif Khachatryan, whose health condition had previously raised concerns, received all necessary medical assistance and remained under continuous medical supervision until his extradition.

The interview phase of the Volunteer Program, being implemented as part of preparations for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), has officially begun, Azernews reports.

According to information, around 10,000 candidates who successfully passed the initial screening will be invited for interviews from among about 16,000 applicants. It was noted that about 1,500 applications were submitted by foreign nationals.

The interview stage is considered a key step in forming a professional, responsible, and highly motivated volunteer team for WUF13. Its main objective is to assess candidates’ knowledge and skills, communication and teamwork abilities, as well as their motivation. Interviews will be conducted in stages, with the selection process carried out in line with the principles of transparency, objectivity, and fairness.

Candidates who successfully complete the interview stage will be enrolled in a training program scheduled for January-April 2026. The program has been designed around three main areas: general orientation, task allocation, and venue-specific preparation. These trainings will enable volunteers to perform their duties effectively and professionally during the Forum. A total of 2,500 volunteers who successfully complete the training program will be engaged across various areas of the Forum.

During WUF13, volunteers will be involved in welcoming and registering participants, providing information services, supporting organisational activities in session and exhibition areas, coordinating cultural programs, and assisting in other key areas.

The Volunteer Program will make a significant contribution to the development of young people’s knowledge and skills, provide international experience, and expand opportunities for cooperation in a multicultural environment.

It should be recalled that the 13th session of the World Urban Forum will be held from May 17 to 22 this year at the Baku Olympic Stadium. WUF13 is an open international platform, and participation in the Forum is free of charge. Registration for WUF13 has been open since September of last year via the official website of the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat).

The US Energy Information Administration (EIA), operating under the Department of Energy, has released its latest forecast for Azerbaijan’s average daily oil and other liquid hydrocarbon production through 2027, Azernews reports.

According to the EIA’s monthly report, Azerbaijan’s average daily production of oil and other liquid hydrocarbons is expected to stand at 540 thousand barrels in 2027, reflecting a stabilization at a lower level compared to previous years.

The report notes that in 2025, Azerbaijan’s daily production amounted to 570 thousand barrels, fully in line with earlier forecasts. For 2026, the EIA projects production to decline to 540 thousand barrels per day, a forecast that remains unchanged from previous assessments.

Looking back, the EIA estimates that Azerbaijan’s daily oil and other liquid hydrocarbon production in 2024 stood at 600 thousand barrels, indicating a gradual downward trend over the medium term.

According to the EIA’s monthly report:

2027 production is expected to average 540 thousand barrels per day.

In 2026, production is also forecast at 540 thousand barrels per day, unchanged from previous estimates.

In 2025, Azerbaijan produced 570 thousand barrels per day, in line with earlier forecasts.

In 2024, the country’s average daily output was 600 thousand barrels per day.

Adding longer-term context based on EIA historical data:

In 2023, Azerbaijan’s daily oil and other liquid hydrocarbon production was about 620 thousand barrels per day.

In 2022, the figure stood at roughly 670 thousand barrels per day.

The data indicate a steady downward trend in average daily production since 2022, reflecting mature field declines and structural changes in Azerbaijan’s hydrocarbon sector, even as the country balances traditional energy output with diversification efforts.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan emphasized the importance of recognizing territorial integrity, inviolability of borders, and sovereignty as essential for resolving regional conflicts, during his speech on January 14 at the IACHR Security Forum titled ‘Armenia and Peace at the Crossroads of Risks and Opportunities’, Azernews reports.

Referring to the document adopted in Prague on October 6, 2022, in which Armenia recognized the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, including Garabagh, Pashinyan noted: ‘If we had not made those decisions, I won’t even try to describe what would have happened in our region as a whole, let alone in the Republic of Armenia, as of January 14, 2026.’

He highlighted the progress toward stability, noting that the Armenia-Azerbaijan issue is gradually turning into a framework of security, cooperation, and predictability: ‘This is a very big achievement. Today we have reached the point where the open questions related to the TRIPP project, which existed after the adoption of the declaration, have received answers.

We must have a resolution that fully satisfies and should satisfy Armenia, naturally fully satisfies the United States, fully satisfies, in my opinion, Azerbaijan. This gives a green light to the work of establishing long-term and stable peace in the region.’

Pashinyan also acknowledged the role of U.S. President Donald Trump, stressing that his personal interest and involvement had decisive significance in achieving these outcomes. ‘Now we need to think about further steps,’ he added, signaling continued efforts toward strengthening regional stability and cooperation.

The jury of the Women’s Worldwide Car of the Year (WWCOTY) competition, composed entirely of women, has announced the preliminary list of winners for 2026. The best vehicles have been selected across six categories, all competing for the main award, which will be officially announced in March, Azernews reports.

This marks the 15th consecutive year of the competition. This year, the jury evaluated 55 eligible models released in the previous year that were available on at least two continents or in 40 countries worldwide.

The winners include both well-known models and exciting new releases. The Nissan Leaf was named the best compact car, the Skoda Elroq stood out among small crossovers, and the Mercedes-Benz CLA was recognized as the most notable new passenger car.

In the larger vehicle categories, the Hyundai Ioniq 9 won Big Crossover, while the Toyota 4Runner was named the best SUV. The list of winners is completed by the Lamborghini Temerario, which claimed the best sports car title.

Additionally, two special awards were presented: Renault and Ford were recognized for their significant contributions to the automotive industry and for introducing advanced technologies.

“During the voting process, we focused on vehicles that meet people’s real needs. Electrification, digitalization, and environmental friendliness have become essential requirements,” said Marta Garcia, Executive President of WWCOTY.

Over the years, WWCOTY has highlighted the growing influence of women in the automotive industry, not only as consumers but also as engineers, designers, and decision-makers, helping shape the future of mobility.

The Ministry of Defence of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Office of the Human Rights Commissioner (Ombudsman) have signed a joint action plan for 2026 aimed at strengthening cooperation on the protection of the rights of military personnel and assessing the state of human rights observance.

According to Azernews, the Ministry of Defence announced that the document, titled ‘The Activities of the Ombudsman Institution and Measures Taken to Protect the Rights of Military Personnel,’ outlines a comprehensive framework for joint initiatives to be implemented throughout the year.

Under the plan, specific dates, venues, and responsible officials have been identified for the activities scheduled in 2026.

As part of the initiative, a range of events will be organized across various branches of the armed forces, military units, formations, and special-purpose military educational institutions under the Ministry of Defence.

These activities will include meetings focused on the protection of servicemen’s rights and the overall state of human rights compliance, presentations on relevant topics, and extensive discussions addressing questions and concerns raised by military personnel.

Iran has expressed concern that Armenia may be turning into a hub for forces hostile to Tehran, according to Iranian Ambassador to Yerevan Khalil Shirgolami, Azernews reports via Sputnik.

‘The events in Iran are planned by Israel and the United States with the goal of dividing our country, and if this happens, I can say with certainty that Armenia will be among the losers,’ Shirgolami said.

He reported that for the past six days, from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM, groups of protesters, described as Western supporters, have gathered in front of the Iranian Embassy in Yerevan, using obscene and offensive language.

‘We have repeatedly voiced our complaints to the relevant authorities in Armenia, but the picketers act with impunity. During the most difficult times, we stood by the people and government of Armenia. Today, we are in a difficult situation, and the events in front of the Iranian Embassy in Armenia will remain in the historical memory of the Iranian people,’ the ambassador added.

Shirgolami emphasized that Iranian diplomats have conveyed their concerns to Armenian authorities and stressed that Armenia should never become a source of threat to Iran.

The protests in Iran began in late December 2025, triggered by the devaluation of the Iranian rial. Initially focused on sharp fluctuations in the exchange rate and their impact on prices, the demonstrations escalated in several cities into riots and clashes with police. Slogans adopted a political tone, targeting Iran’s current political system, and included supporters of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah of Iran.

Casualties were reported among both protesters and security forces, though the exact death toll remains unclear. Western media estimates range from 700 to 2,000. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council accused the US and Israel of orchestrating the unrest, and the Foreign Ministry claimed it has irrefutable evidence of foreign interference.

US President Donald Trump openly encouraged protesters to seize government buildings, stating that ‘assistance to the protesters’ was already on the way.

The ongoing unrest in Iran has not impacted rail freight transport between Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic, Azernews reports, according to a statement from Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) in response to a Trend inquiry.

ADY confirmed that cargo shipments along the North-South Corridor towards Iran are continuing as usual.

“Last year, 665,000 tons of cargo were transported via the North-South Corridor. At the Astara Terminal, over 13,000 TEU (Twenty-foot Equivalent Unit) containers were handled, marking an increase of approximately 65% compared to the same period in 2024,” the company added.

It is worth noting that since December 28, 2025, protests have erupted in Iran following a sharp depreciation of the national currency. The wave of protests has now been ongoing for over two weeks, gripping the country.

Acting on the instructions of the Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament of Azerbaijan), Sahiba Gafarova, Azerbaijani parliamentarian and Vice-President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), Sevil Mikayilova, participated in the 298th session of the IPU Executive Committee.

As reported by Azernews, the event, organized by Qatar’s Advisory Council (parliament), took place in Doha on January 13-14.

During the session, participants discussed a wide range of issues on the agenda. The discussions focused primarily on assessing the implementation of the IPU’s current strategy and outlining the main directions for the new five-year strategy.

In addition, several organizational and parliamentary matters were reviewed, aimed at strengthening the IPU’s role and enhancing the efficiency of its mechanisms.

TotalEnergies and Bapco Energies are launching BxT Trading, an equally owned trading joint venture backed by flows from Bapco Energies’ Refinery. The signing ceremony was witnessed yesterday by His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Chairman of Bapco Energies, and Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of TotalEnergies in Abu Dhabi, Azernews reports.

As a competitive new player in the Middle East, BxT Trading will support Bahrain’s oil industry by leveraging its downstream portfolio for maximizing value and broadening its access to global markets. Through this joint venture, Bapco Energies will benefit from TotalEnergies’ global expertise in trading and will develop advanced trading, pricing, analysis, and risk management capabilities.

With BxT Trading, TotalEnergies is strengthening its trading position in the Middle East, where the Company already has trading activities, in addition to its international hubs in Houston, Geneva and Singapore. This new initiative enhances the trading teams’ responsiveness and agility, reinforcing their local footprint that enables them to better address regional specificities.

His Highness Shaikh Nasser bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Representative of His Majesty for Humanitarian Works and Youth Affairs and Chairman of Bapco Energies announced: ‘The launch of BxT Trading reflects the Kingdom’s commitment to forging long-term strategic partnerships with leading global energy companies. BxT Trading represents a strategic step forward for Bapco Energies and the Kingdom of Bahrain. Through this partnership with TotalEnergies, we are enhancing our global trading capabilities, strengthening our downstream value chain, and reinforcing Bahrain’s position as a competitive and trusted player in the international energy markets.’

Patrick Pouyanné, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies, stated: ‘We are happy about this new partnership with Bahrain and Bapco Energies, which strengthens our presence in the Middle East. BxT Trading reflects our long-standing commitment to act as a trusted partner in the region, dedicated to innovation, operational excellence and value creation.’