Armenia opens criminal probe into Serzh Sargsyan over landmark sale

Armenian authorities have launched a criminal investigation into former President Serzh Sargsyan on suspicion of abuse of power over the sale of the historic Black Fortress in Gyumri while he was serving as the country’s defense minister, AzerNEWS reports.

According to Armenia’s Investigative Committee, investigators have obtained prima facie evidence suggesting that in May 2005 Sargsyan authorized the direct sale of the Black Fortress, a nationally significant historical and cultural monument, together with a 0.7-hectare plot of land, to a private individual for AMD 23 million (approximately $63,000).

The Black Fortress, located in Armenia’s second-largest city of Gyumri, covers an area of 626.45 square meters and is classified as an immovable monument of national historical and cultural significance.

Investigators allege that the transaction was carried out without the required government decision authorizing the sale. As a result, the state reportedly lost ownership of the landmark, which was later omitted from a 2007 government list of state-owned historical and cultural monuments protected from privatization.

If formal charges are brought and Sargsyan is convicted, he could face up to eight years in prison under Armenian law.

IMF approves $690 million tranche for Ukraine under extended fund facility

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has approved a new loan tranche of approximately $690 million for Ukraine, AzerNEWS reports.

The Executive Board of the IMF authorized the disbursement following the completion of the first review of Ukraine’s 48-month Extended Fund Facility (EFF) program.

With this latest release, Ukraine’s total financial assistance under the framework has reached $2.2 billion. The funds are part of a broader four-year, $8.1 billion EFF program originally approved by the IMF in February.

President Ilham Aliyev: I am confident that the documents signed today will elevate our relations to a new level

“I am confident that the documents signed today will elevate our relations to a new level,” said President Ilham Aliyev during a joint press conference with Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz, AzerNEWS reports.

“We had already wished for the start of a strategic dialogue, and we have achieved it,” the head of state added.

Azercell achieves international recognition in cybersecurity

Company becomes the first Azerbaijani corporate organization to join FIRST

Azercell Telecom has officially joined the Forum of Incident Response and Security Teams (FIRST), one of the world’s leading organizations for cybersecurity incident response.

With this achievement, Azercell becomes the first and only corporate organization from Azerbaijan to join the global FIRST community. The company has also established the country’s first officially registered Telecom Computer Emergency Response Team (Telecom CERT).

FIRST membership is awarded only after a rigorous international assessment of an organization’s cybersecurity governance, incident response capabilities, and ability to collaborate with the global cybersecurity community. Today, FIRST brings together 874 incident response teams across 118 countries, including those of leading technology companies such as Google, Microsoft, Amazon, and Cisco. Azerbaijan is also represented by the Special Communication and Information Security State Service, the National Cybersecurity Agency, and the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Joining FIRST is a significant international recognition of Azercell’s cybersecurity capabilities. It confirms that the company’s cybersecurity practices meet globally recognized standards and positions Azercell as a trusted partner within the global cybersecurity community. The achievement reflects Azercell’s long-term commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity capabilities and building a more resilient digital infrastructure.

In line with the Information Security and Cybersecurity Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2023-2027, Azercell continues to strengthen its cybersecurity ecosystem through ongoing investment in advanced technologies and continuous improvement of its security processes.

As part of these efforts, the company has expanded the use of artificial intelligence across its security operations, enabling faster incident analysis, more effective vulnerability detection, and improved risk assessment. Enhanced real-time monitoring capabilities allow potential threats to be identified earlier and addressed more quickly.

Azercell was also the first telecom company in Azerbaijan to implement an AI-powered architecture for cyber threat detection and centralized security management.

As a member of FIRST, Azercell gains access to a global network for real-time cyber threat intelligence, early warning information, industry best practices, and direct collaboration with leading incident response teams around the world. This will further strengthen the company’s ability to prevent, detect, and respond to cyber threats, enhance the resilience of its network and digital services, and contribute to the continued development of Azerbaijan’s national cybersecurity ecosystem.

Azercell will continue investing in advanced cybersecurity capabilities and expanding international partnerships, contributing to the continued strengthening of Azerbaijan’s digital infrastructure and cyber resilience.

Presidents of Azerbaijan and Germany held one-on-one meeting [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived at the ‘Villa Borsig’ residence in Berlin to meet with President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, AzerNEWS reports.

German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier welcomed the Azerbaijani President.

President Ilham Aliyev signed a commemorative book here.

A one-on-one meeting between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Germany is currently being held.

President: Azerbaijani-German relations will contribute to cooperation and peace throughout our region

“Germany, as a leading country in the European Union, is increasing its influence in the South Caucasus,” said President Ilham Aliyev during a joint press conference with Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz.

The head of state noted: “Azerbaijani-German relations will contribute not only to bilateral ties, but also to cooperation, peace, and tranquility throughout our region.”

DREAM Fest 2026 to unite global music stars on Caspian coast

Baku is preparing to host the third edition of DREAM Fest 2026,AzerNEWS reports.

The music festival will take place from July 23 to 26 at Sea Breeze Resort on the Caspian coast.

The four-day festival will feature performances by artists from different countries and musical genres. Among this year’s international headliners are British singer John Newman, American artists Ty Dolla $ign and Busta Rhymes, Algerian rai legend Cheb Khaled, and Turkish stars EDIS and Zeynep Bastik.

The lineup also includes well-known performers such as Thomas Nevergreen, Egor Kreed, Lucy Chebotina, Stas Mikhailov, JONY, Ani Lorak, Artik and Asti, EMIN, Alessandro Safina, Jah Khalib, Alsou, Emre Altug, Brandon Stone, Andru Donalds (ENIGMA), Aygun Kazimova, Elnur Huseynov, Nigar Jamal, Orkhan Zeynalli, Tunzala Aghayeva, Aysel, Faig Aghayev, Roza Zergerli, Dilara Kazimova, Zulfiyya Khanbabayeva, SABI, and others. Organizers say more artists will be announced in the coming days.

The festival will be hosted by TV presenter and blogger Regina Todorenko and Azerbaijani television producer and presenter Murad Dadashov.

In addition to concerts, visitors can enjoy a red carpet, meetings with artists, the unveiling of new stars on the Sea Breeze Walk of Fame, themed parties, and other entertainment throughout the festival.

Organizers say DREAM Fest 2026 aims to bring together internationally known performers, regional stars, and music fans for four days of live entertainment on the Caspian coast.

Germany-Azerbaijan Business Council reflects broader shift in economic diplomacy

Economic relationships are strongest when they are built not only on trade and investment, but also on trust, shared ambition, and institutions that endure beyond political cycles. As global markets become increasingly interconnected, countries are seeking more structured ways to transform economic potential into lasting partnerships. Against this backdrop, the establishment of the German-Azerbaijani Business Council symbolizes a new chapter in bilateral cooperation-one that aims to deepen commercial ties, foster innovation, and create a sustainable framework for long-term engagement between the business communities of Germany and Azerbaijan.

In today’s global economy, sustainable partnerships are increasingly built not only through government-to-government agreements but also through strong institutional mechanisms that facilitate continuous dialogue between businesses, policymakers, and investors. The German-Azerbaijani Business Council embodies this modern approach by providing a permanent platform where representatives of both countries can exchange ideas, identify common interests, and transform economic potential into practical cooperation. Rather than relying on occasional meetings or isolated business forums, the Council establishes a systematic mechanism designed to promote lasting engagement and tangible outcomes.

Germany has long been recognized as one of Europe’s leading industrial and technological powers, while Azerbaijan has steadily expanded its role as a regional economic hub connecting Europe with the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. The creation of the Business Council demonstrates the growing recognition of Azerbaijan’s economic potential, favorable investment opportunities, and strategic geographic position. As regional connectivity becomes increasingly important in international trade, Azerbaijan’s role as a bridge between East and West continues to attract greater attention from international business communities seeking reliable and diversified economic partnerships.

One of the Council’s most significant contributions will be its ability to facilitate direct communication between companies from both countries. Strong business relationships are often built through regular interaction, trust, and a clear understanding of mutual interests. By bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, industry representatives, and public institutions, the Council creates an environment where partnerships can develop more efficiently and where new investment projects can be identified and advanced through continuous cooperation.

Innovation and sustainability are central themes of the Council’s mission. Modern economic growth increasingly depends on technological advancement, knowledge-based industries, and environmentally responsible development. The emphasis on promoting innovative and future-oriented economic relations reflects a shared vision of expanding cooperation into sectors that will shape tomorrow’s economy. Such collaboration creates opportunities for businesses to exchange expertise, explore emerging industries, and develop initiatives that contribute to long-term economic resilience and competitiveness.

Investment promotion represents another important dimension of the new institutional framework. Every successful investment requires confidence, information, and effective communication between potential partners. The Business Council serves as a bridge that can connect investors with promising projects while supporting the identification, development, and, where appropriate, implementation of joint initiatives. This structured approach helps create an environment where investment opportunities become more visible and cooperation can progress in an organized and coordinated manner.

Knowledge sharing is equally valuable in strengthening bilateral economic relations. The Council is expected to encourage the exchange of professional expertise, sector-specific experience, and practical business knowledge through various working formats. Such cooperation allows businesses and institutions to learn from each other’s strengths, improve professional capabilities, and identify best practices across different industries. Continuous dialogue between experts contributes to stronger institutional capacity while encouraging innovation and higher standards of business cooperation.

Another important aspect of the Business Council is its advisory role in supporting improvements to the business and investment environment in both countries. Constructive recommendations developed through direct interaction with the business community can help create conditions that encourage entrepreneurship, investment, and long-term economic cooperation. A well-functioning dialogue between governments and private sector representatives strengthens confidence among investors while supporting policies that facilitate economic growth and commercial activity.

The establishment of the German-Azerbaijani Business Council also reflects the growing importance of institutional cooperation in an increasingly interconnected global economy. International business relationships today require stable platforms that can respond to evolving market conditions, promote regular communication, and encourage long-term strategic planning. By institutionalizing cooperation rather than relying solely on individual projects, both countries are laying the groundwork for deeper and more diversified economic engagement in the years ahead.

Economic partnerships flourish when they are supported by trust, consistency, and shared objectives. The new Council provides exactly such a framework by bringing together government institutions and private enterprises in pursuit of common economic goals. Its comprehensive mandate-ranging from investment promotion and business networking to knowledge exchange and policy recommendations-creates multiple channels through which bilateral cooperation can continue to expand.

Ultimately, the launch of the German-Azerbaijani Business Council represents a forward-looking step in the development of bilateral economic relations. It signals a mutual commitment to strengthening institutional cooperation, encouraging innovation, facilitating investment, and expanding direct engagement between the business communities of both countries. As Germany and Azerbaijan continue to deepen their economic ties, the Council has the potential to become an important platform for fostering sustainable partnerships, unlocking new commercial opportunities, and supporting a dynamic and future-oriented economic relationship that benefits both nations.

President Ilham Aliyev: Azerbaijan is determined to deliver its green energy to Europe in the future as well

“Today, our gas is delivered to 10 European Union member states, which is undoubtedly a significant contribution to energy security,” said President Ilham Aliyev during a joint press conference with Federal Chancellor of Germany Friedrich Merz.

“Considering that Azerbaijan also exports its oil to Germany and is determined to deliver its green energy to the Europe in the future, cooperation in the energy sector will be very wide-ranging,” the head of state emphasized.

Azerbaijani-German documents signed in Berlin [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

A signing ceremony of German-Azerbaijani documents was held in Berlin on July 21, AzerNEWS reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and Federal Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany Friedrich Merz signed the “Joint Declaration on the Strategic Agenda for Bilateral Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Federal Republic of Germany”.

During the event, the Joint Declaration on the Establishment and Operation of the Azerbaijan-Germany Business Council was also signed.