Category: Azer News

Baku Slavic University has embraced the teaching of the core tools of statecraft, as global tensions rise and geopolitical interests are breaking down the old traditions of international politics and rules based international order.

Over the last eighty years, this university has made a lasting impact in driving the national economy forward and adopting curriculum tradition from which local students have greatly benefited.

Today Baku is experiencing significant and top quality results as Azerbaijan has become a driving force of international diplomacy in Eurasia.

As a result of the great leadership of Azerbaijan’s national leader Heydar Aliyev, thanks to his steadfast efforts, the gradual education reforms in Azerbaijan in the early 1990s, at all stages and levels, have already shown their effectiveness and results. The education system of the nation has improved through the guidance of a defined set of goals set within the framework of ‘National Strategy for the Development of Education in the Republic of Azerbaijan,’ which enabled every public servant to look upon this university with pride and encouragement.

The leadership of President Ilham Aliyev and his executive decrees and orders aimed at improving the education system in accordance with the highest standards and the achievement of concrete targets, state programs have adopted scholarship programs that are sending the Azerbaijani youth to prestigious educational institutions abroad. These are the message and instructions for all national higher institutions, in their road towards a more sustainable future.

The main feature of dialectics and philosophy, as well as future plans of Azerbaijan’s education system is to save the experience gained through past decades and to preserve the admirable experiences and academic legacy while respecting a set of the values, traditions, national mentality and the principles of loyalty.

Baku Slavic University, which commemorates its 80th anniversary this year, is committed to these principles and carries out its current and future activities in accordance with these principles.

In the 1940s after the Second World War, Baku Slavic University, which was established and functioned under different names in different periods, has aimed for a long time to prepare professionals of the Russian language and literature teachers, currently it is a center of scientific and educational activities assigned to train high-skilled specialists in Russian language and literature, Slavonic studies, Translation art, International relations and pedagogical specialties.

Equipped with a wise foresight by the great national leader Heydar Aliyev, the profile of Azerbaijani Pedagogical Institute of Russian Language and Literature was expanded with the aspiration to further develop the educational, literary, cultural, political, diplomatic and socio-economic relations with its neighbor country, Russia, the CIS, Eastern, Central and Southern European countries and the Slavic-Greek world. Baku Slavic University, a unique public institution of higher education, was established in 2000. Unlike other Slavic universities in the CIS, Baku Slavic University was established with the initiative of Azerbaijani Government and aims at meeting the educational needs and fulfilling its national strategy of tertiary education objectives.

At a time when the Russian language evokes a great interest in Baku, the University has made the preparation of pedagogical expertise as its top priority, prepares textbooks on the Russian language and literature for secondary schools, remains a scientific and methodological centre for the Russian-language schools and for all of these reasons Baku Slavic University carries out joint projects with leading Universities and scientific and methodological centers in Russia.

Today Baku Slavic University functions as one of the biggest centers of Russian Slavonic philology in the Caucasus and Transcaucasia and it carries out scientific researches in Azerbaijani, Turkish-Slavic and European studies, promotes multicultural studies of the Azerbaijani people in the world, as well as holds international scientific conferences.

Students from all over the world learn the Azerbaijani and the Russian language at Baku Slavic University and have the chance to get the bachelors, masters and postgraduate degrees in different specialties.

Baku Slavic University is an institute of higher education with great scientific and pedagogical potential. There are more than 70 candidates of science, professors, and more than 200 Ph.D. Professors and Assistant Professors. There are plenty of cooperation agreements with foreign universities which make it possible for specialists from other Universities, as well as our teaching staff to get the chance of working here and abroad.

The world’s prominent political leaders, religious and public figures are among the honorary doctors of our University. Lectures delivered by the honorary doctors, especially by political leaders, educational and cultural centers inaugurated in their presence, the attention paid by most of them to relations between their country’s universities and BSU has made a unique impression on its professors and students.

As a continuation to the wonderful and impressive legacy of Academician Kamal Abdullayev, BSU pays a great attention to the accomplishment and realization of the scientific potential of the University, promotion and publication of research projects carried out by department chairs and scientific and research laboratories, regular publication of scientific works, etc.

On September 14, 2010, the Chancellor of the Baku Slavic University (BSU), associate member of ANAS Kamal Abdulla was awarded ‘Dede Gorgud’ prize of the ‘Dede Gorgud’ National Foundation and gold medal. A ceremony was organized in the University on the occasion of the presentation of the awards. Addressing the event, president of the ‘Dede Gorgud’ National Foundation, founder and editor-in-chief of the ‘World of Azerbaijan’ magazine Eldar Ismayilov highlighted the scientific activities of Kamal Abdulla. The same day, Kamal Abdulla`s book entitled ‘Let`s speak in Azerbaijani language’ was published in Bucharest.

The University publishes ‘Scientific Works’ (Language and Literature, Social Science Series), as well as a number of scientific publications prepared jointly with various foreign universities, the magazine ‘The Russian language and literature’, scientific journal ‘Tagiyev’s readings,’ thematic and high school yearbooks, various dictionaries and reference books, encyclopedias, textbooks and monographs. It is not a coincidence that the scientific research schools at the University, formed during the period of the Former Soviet Union have fulfilled their mission and have expanded the scope of research today. Indeed, there are honorable successors of these scientific schools including professors Mehmet Tagiyev and Ali Huseynov with their work on lexicography and phraseology; literary relations and investigation founded by professors Michayil Rafili, Murtuz Sadikhov, Habib Babayev, pedagogical and methodological departments directed and formed by professors Leila Vakilova, Bashir Ahmadov, Chingiz Badalov; Translation and Azerbaijani studies and multiculturalism departments, established during the modern development stage and due to efforts and the effective initiative of Honorable Academician Kamal Abdulla; Dostoevsky’s studies, carried out by Prof. Mammad Qojayev and many others.

Baku Slavic University carries out preparation of experts for the unique majors in bachelors, masters and postgraduate degrees. Students and professionals from more than 15 countries get their education in our campus. The university focuses on the implementation of the concept of continuous education and as a result the University involves the School and Lyceum Complex under Baku Slavic University, where students get elementary, secondary and higher education. The Department of Additional Education, which includes professional development, retraining and probation, is another effective way to strengthen the potential of its future experts. The Graduate Dissertation board carries out training of young and new scientific and scientific-pedagogical researchers in the Russian language and literature, literary theory, comparative linguistics and the like.

The students of our University, Eldar Gasimov and Aysel Teymurzadeh, who graduated from the School and Lyceum Complex under Baku Slavic University, represented Azerbaijan at the ‘Eurovision’ song contest. Students from philological faculty, have collected interesting samples of folklore during their expeditions in Ivanovka village of Ismayilli Region, populated by the Russian population, and they have published a book volume of fascinating folklore samples named: ‘Russian folklore of Azerbaijan.’

The University marks its 80th anniversary with great expectations for the future. This anniversary is not only for the professors and students, but also for local and foreign friends of BSU, graduates, for everyone who cooperates with this prestigious institution, incoming students and their parents.

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Peter Tase is a freelance writer and journalist of International Relations, Latin American and Southern Caucasus current affairs. He is the author of America’s first book published on the historical and archeological treasures of the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan (Republic of Azerbaijan); has authored and published four books on the Foreign Policy and current economic – political events of the Government of Azerbaijan. Tase has written about International Relations for Eurasia Review Journal since June 2012.

NASA announced that the International Space Station’s Crew-11 mission will return to Earth no earlier than Wednesday, January 14, following a medical issue affecting one crew member, Azernews reports.

The four astronauts are scheduled to complete their return by landing in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California aboard the SpaceX Crew Dragon Endeavour early on January 15.

The decision to bring the crew back ahead of their originally planned departure was made as a precautionary measure to ensure the health and safety of all crew members.

The European Union and the Mercosur bloc are set to sign their long-awaited trade agreement on Saturday, marking a major milestone in relations between Europe and South America.

European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen will travel to Paraguay on 17 January for the signing ceremony, a Commission spokesperson confirmed. She will be accompanied by European Council President António Costa, according to his cabinet.

The move follows a vote on Friday in which a majority of EU member states backed the signing of the agreement, clearing the final political hurdle after years of negotiations.

Once in force, the EU-Mercosur deal would create the world’s largest free-trade area, covering around 700 million people. From Brussels’ perspective, the agreement represents a significant geopolitical gain at a time when China’s economic influence in Latin America is expanding and US trade policy has become increasingly protectionist under President Donald Trump.

The deal aims to reduce tariffs and deepen trade links between the EU and Mercosur, which comprises Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay.

Supporters argue the agreement will boost exports, investment and strategic ties on both sides of the Atlantic, while critics within Europe have raised concerns over environmental standards, agricultural competition and enforcement mechanisms.

Saturday’s signing is expected to open the door to ratification processes in both the EU and Mercosur member states, a step that could still face political challenges in several European capitals.

The supply of petroleum products from Azerbaijan to Armenia is continuing, with a new shipment dispatched on January 11, Azernews reports.

A train consisting of 18 rail wagons loaded with 979 tonnes of AI-92 grade petrol departed from Bilajari station towards Böyk K?sik. The cargo will be delivered to Armenia in transit through Georgia.

Earlier, on January 9, 2026, Azerbaijan sent a total of 2,698 tonnes of fuel to Armenia, including 1,742 tonnes of AI-95 petrol and 956 tonnes of diesel fuel, transported in 48 rail wagons.

Prior to that, on December 18, another shipment of 1,220 tonnes of AI-95 automotive fuel was delivered to Armenia.

The ongoing deliveries highlight the continued logistical and energy trade flows between the two neighbouring countries despite longstanding political tensions.

The U.S. government has detained another oil tanker as part of its cooperation with Venezuela’s interim government.

As reported by Azernews, U.S. President Donald Trump announced this on the social media platform Truth.

Trump said the tanker had left Venezuela without authorization from Washington and was detained in coordination with the country’s interim government.

‘Today, the United States, working in coordination with the interim government of Venezuela, detained an oil tanker that departed Venezuela without our approval. The tanker is now being returned to Venezuela, and the oil will be sold under a major energy agreement we have prepared for such transactions,’ Trump said.

Indonesia has temporarily suspended access to the Grok application amid concerns over the misuse of artificial intelligence to generate fake pornographic content, the country’s Minister of Communication and Digital, Meutya Hafid, announced on Saturday.

As reported by Azernews, according to the minister, the decision aims to protect women, children, and the wider public from the risks posed by AI-generated content, particularly non-consensual sexual deepfakes. Hafid emphasized that such practices constitute a serious violation of human rights, personal dignity, and citizen security in the digital space.

She noted that in several countries women have reported their photos being manipulated using the application to create unauthorized nude images, raising alarms over Grok’s failure to adequately prevent or control such abuse.

The ministry has also requested Platform X to urgently clarify the negative impacts associated with Grok’s use. The application was developed under the oversight of billionaire Elon Musk through the social media platform X and the X.AI Corp.

Authorities in Iran have arrested 100 individuals in the Baharistan region for leading unrest and disrupting public order, while schools across Isfahan province have been ordered to switch to remote learning, local media reported.

As reported by Azernews, according to Tasnim news agency, the Baharistan governor stated that the arrested individuals used both cold and firearms against civilians and security forces during the disturbances.

The crisis management director of Isfahan province confirmed that all schools, kindergartens, and pre-school institutions in the province and its districts will remain closed tomorrow, transitioning to online education at all levels.

These developments come amid two weeks of mass protests across Iran against the current political administration. Over the past week alone, at least 217 protesters have reportedly been killed.

The official Washington has sent a message of support to protesters in Iran. Secretary of State Marco Rubio addressed the Iranian people in a post on his X account, saying, ‘The United States stands with the brave people of Iran,’ Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Meanwhile, U.S. President Donald Trump described the situation in Iran as highly complex, noting that the central government has already lost control over several cities, a scenario that would have seemed unimaginable just days ago.

Trump also reiterated that the United States would respond strongly if violence is used against the protesters.

The unrest began in late December of last year due to the sharp depreciation of Iran’s national currency, the rial, high inflation, and other economic problems. Reports indicate that there have been casualties among the protesters.

During operations conducted by police officers on January 9, more than 31 kilograms of narcotics were seized, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Internal Affairs.

The confiscated drugs included over 1 kilogram of heroin, nearly 25.9 kilograms of marijuana, more than 1.4 kilograms of the psychotropic substance methamphetamine, over 2.2 kilograms of hashish, and nearly half a kilogram of opium.

Authorities said that firm measures to combat illegal drug circulation will continue.

Azerbaijan is poised to take a significant step forward in both renewable energy and water infrastructure, as Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power prepares to implement a large-scale seawater desalination project alongside its expanding renewable energy portfolio in the country. The announcement comes amid broader global and regional efforts to diversify energy sources and enhance climate resilience.

The planned desalination facility, with a capacity of 300,000 cubic meters per day, represents one of the largest water infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan’s history and will be built near Baku at the Sumgayit Chemical Industrial Park. The project was awarded to ACWA Power following a public-private partnership (PPP) tender, and a Public-Private Partnership Agreement valued at approximately USD 400 million has already been signed with the Azerbaijan State Water Resources Agency. The agreement covers the design, construction, financing, ownership, operation, and maintenance of the facility over a 27.5-year period, after which it will be transferred to the state agency.

This initiative comes at a time when Azerbaijan is placing increased emphasis on water resource management and water security, recognizing that a significant share of the country’s water resources originates outside its borders. Desalination helps address growing demand in urban and industrial centers such as Baku and the surrounding Absheron Peninsula, which rely heavily on external water sources.

Officials and experts have highlighted the strategic importance of diversifying water supply to complement traditional freshwater sources, especially in the face of climate change and increasing urbanization. By securing a reliable, high-capacity source of drinking water, the project is expected to significantly enhance water resilience for households, industry, and public services.

ACWA Power did not arrive in Azerbaijan with its desalination plans alone. The company has already established a strong presence in the country through its 240 MW Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant, which was inaugurated recently and marks the largest renewable energy project of its kind in Azerbaijan and the wider Caucasus region. That project, co-financed by international lenders including the OPEC Fund for International Development and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, illustrates how foreign direct investment can complement national energy diversification goals.

The wind plant, divided between Absheron and Khizi with a total of 37 turbines and producing enough clean electricity to power over 300,000 households, will also reduce natural gas consumption and cut hundreds of thousands of tons of carbon emissions annually once fully operational.

ACWA Power’s leadership sees Azerbaijan as more than just a project location. Selim Guven, Head of ACWA Power for Trkiye and Azerbaijan, emphasized that the desertion plant is part of a broader cooperation strategy, noting that Azerbaijan’s strong energy potential and commitment to renewables create favorable conditions for long-term investment. Guven has also mentioned plans to develop energy export interconnection lines that could enable wind and solar power capacity in Azerbaijan to reach markets such as Europe, enhancing regional energy integration.

The inland desalination project is expected to help Azerbaijan not only address domestic water needs but also increase resilience against climate variability and manage long-term resource scarcity. It aligns with national water strategies that prioritize efficient resource use and support sustainable development goals.

Internationally, ACWA Power’s involvement underscores the growing trend of integrating energy transition projects with critical water infrastructure, which is increasingly seen as a key feature of climate-resilient development. The company, renowned as one of the largest private water desalination operators globally, brings extensive experience in deploying large-scale water technology solutions in multiple regions worldwide.

For Azerbaijan, the combined momentum of renewable energy expansion and the deployment of advanced water infrastructure signals a maturing sustainability landscape.

While renewable generation directly supports reductions in fossil fuel dependence, the desalination plant addresses another pillar of modern infrastructure: reliable access to freshwater. By attracting major foreign investment and leveraging public-private partnership frameworks, the country is building foundations for a more resilient and diversified economy.