Category: Azer News

Over the past year, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation (AJF) has supplied nearly 6,000 “Taishan” brand tatami mats to 80 sports halls nationwide, Azernews reports.

Since 2022, as part of a large-scale support initiative covering Baku and the regions, the federation has distributed a total of 13,200 tatami mats to 179 sports halls.

In parallel, between 2022 and 2025, AJF has inaugurated new judo halls in numerous locations, including Ganja, Sumqayit, Qusar, Agstafa, Zagatala, Goranboy, Sabirabad, Agali village in Zangilan district, Zir? settlement in Baku, Agdash, Kurdamir, Astara, Jalilabad, Tartar, Qakh, Imishli, Shabran, and Mosul village in Zagatala.

These initiatives reflect the federation’s ongoing commitment to developing judo infrastructure and promoting the sport across Azerbaijan.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art worldwide. Since 2015, the Federation has been led by Rovnag Abdullayev.

The country’s modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The list of the country’s top judo fighters includes Rustam Orujov, Irina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.

The Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater has presented the opera “Tosca” by the outstanding Italian composer Giacomo Puccini on the stage of the Opera Studio of the Baku Music Academy, Azernews reports.

The role of Cavaradossi was performed for the first time by Honored Artist Ramil Gasymov, marking the realization of his 27-year-long dream.

‘I clearly remember watching Giacomo Puccini’s opera Tosca on the stage of the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theater back in 1998. The role of Tosca was performed by a living legend of our time, Khuraman Gasimova; Cavaradossi was sung by People’s Artist of Georgia Teimuraz Gugushvili; and at the conductor’s podium stood a living legend of our musical culture, Rauf Abdullayev.

The music of that evening struck me to the depths of my soul. Especially the death scene of Cavaradossi, his aria, and the dramatic line of the work as a whole, expressed through the music, left an indelible mark on my memory. It was precisely that evening that a feeling-a dream-was born within me: to one day perform this role myself. And that dream has come true. I performed the role of Cavaradossi!

From the very first minutes of the performance, I felt the sincere support and attention of my dear friend, the director of the theater where I work, the world-renowned tenor Yusif Eyvazov. The highest level of professionalism of the conductor, Ayyub Guliyev, the unified ensemble spirit of the soloists, and, most importantly, the love of the audience, who breathed in unison with the stage, made this evening truly priceless for me. I express my deep gratitude to each and every one of them. This was not just a performance-it was the stage embodiment of a dream I had been pursuing for many years,” Ramil Gasimov shared.

In the performance, the role of Tosca was sung by Honored Artist Ilaha Afandiyeva, and the role of Scarpia by Honored Artist Anton Fershtandt. Honored Artist Tural Aghasiyev also took part in the production, along with soloists Mahir Taghizade, Rza Khosrovzade, Igor Yadrov, Ruslan Persan, and Fatima Mammadova. At the conductor’s podium was the chief conductor of the Opera and Ballet Theater, Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az.Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

The establishment and development of information systems based on a unified approach, the strengthening of mutual integration, and the introduction of centralized management mechanisms will significantly improve efficiency, transparency, and operational effectiveness in financial management.

As reported by Azernews, citing the Ministry of Finance, this was stated by Finance Minister Sahil Babayev during a meeting of the Working Group on Digital Governance and Electronic Information Systems held at the Ministry.

The minister noted that extensive reforms aimed at digitalization and the implementation of modern management mechanisms in public financial management were launched under a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on August 25, 2025. Within the framework of the decree, the ‘Digital Public Finance’ information system is being developed not as a set of separate platforms, but as a fully integrated, unified ecosystem.

In line with the meeting’s agenda, the Digital Finance Center presented an overview of the current state of the Ministry’s digital governance and electronic information systems, as well as priorities for their development and integration within a single framework. Live demonstrations of the core digital systems were also conducted.

The presentations provided detailed information on the ‘Digital Public Finance’ information system, e-contracting, e-accounting, the Budget Information Management System (BIMS), the Electronic Strict Reporting Forms System, the e-budget portal, and the Unified Data and Reporting System.

It was emphasized that the ‘Digital Public Finance’ system enables centralized management and integration of financial systems under a single framework. Through the e-contracting system, the conclusion, execution, and monitoring of public procurement contracts will be carried out entirely in an electronic environment. The e-accounting information system, in turn, will allow for the centralized recording of opening balances, automated asset accounting, and the application of a unified approach to public-sector accounting.

Within the Electronic Strict Reporting Forms System, the full digitalization of 44 types of strict reporting forms will reduce paper-based processes and strengthen control mechanisms. The e-budget portal will function as an electronic budget guide, while the Unified Data and Reporting System, based on the ‘Data Lakehouse’ approach, will support the creation of a centralized data environment, advanced analytics, and evidence-based decision-making.

The meeting also reviewed the key tasks for the current year, discussing major digital projects and the action plan, the development, expansion, and integration of systems, as well as planned measures in technical, institutional, and regulatory areas.

Minister Sahil Babayev stressed the importance of coordinated action and consistent reforms in implementing the assigned tasks, underlining that further strengthening digital financial management remains one of the Ministry’s top priorities, and issued relevant instructions.

At a time when global energy markets are under increasing pressure from geopolitical tensions, climate commitments, and growing demand, Azerbaijan’s energy strategy stands out for its balance between reliability and transformation. While remaining a key supplier of traditional energy resources to international markets, the country is simultaneously accelerating its transition toward renewable energy, positioning ‘green energy’ as both an economic driver and a pillar of long-term energy security.

This dual-track approach aligns with Azerbaijan’s broader socio-economic development strategy, its post-conflict reconstruction agenda, and its ambition to strengthen regional stability through sustainable infrastructure. In this context, the power sector has evolved from being merely a domestic utility backbone into a strategic instrument supporting green growth, export diversification, and investor confidence.

With the commissioning of new generation facilities, Azerbaijan’s total installed electricity capacity has reached 9,732.5 MW, marking an increase of 1,317 MW, or 15.6 percent, compared to 2024. This expansion is not only quantitative but structural, reflecting a shift toward cleaner and more diversified sources of energy.

According to 2025 data, Azerbaijan’s power system comprises:

24 thermal power plants (7,903 MW),

65 hydroelectric power plants (1,443.5 MW),

9 solar power plants (278.2 MW),

5 wind power plants (63.5 MW),

1 solid waste power plant (37 MW),

3 hybrid power plants (7.3 MW).

Renewable energy capacity, including hydropower, totals 1,829.6 MW, accounting for 18.8 percent of overall generation capacity. Importantly, parallel investments in grid infrastructure have increased transmission capacity to 29,714 MVA, ensuring system stability and integration of intermittent renewable sources. This growing capacity has already translated into tangible outcomes. In 2024, Azerbaijan produced 28.4 billion kWh of electricity, meeting domestic demand while exporting 1.4 billion kWh. In the first nine months of 2025 alone, exports approached 1 billion kWh, underlining Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a regional electricity supplier.

A symbolic and practical milestone in Azerbaijan’s green energy transition was marked on January 8 with the official opening of the 240 MW Khizi-Absheron Wind Power Plant, implemented by Saudi Arabia’s ACWA Power. This project represents the first renewable power facility built by ACWA Power in Azerbaijan and signals the deepening of strategic energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and leading global investors.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, President Ilham Aliyev described the project as ‘a very significant event’ that strengthens Azerbaijan’s energy capacity and reflects the country’s openness to international partnerships in renewables. The President emphasized that this project is not an endpoint but part of a broader pipeline, noting that ACWA Power has ‘bigger plans’ in Azerbaijan, including participation in the country’s first Caspian Sea desalination project.

The involvement of PowerChina as the general contractor further illustrates Azerbaijan’s ability to attract major global players across different segments of the energy value chain, such as construction, investment, and technology transfer. A key analytical takeaway from the President’s speech is Azerbaijan’s insistence on the parallel development of traditional and renewable generation capacities. As President Aliyev underlined, energy security can only be ensured by maintaining a reliable baseload through thermal generation while expanding renewable capacity.

The commissioning of a 2,000 MW traditional power plant in Mingachevir alongside new solar and wind facilities demonstrates this balanced model. This approach has enabled Azerbaijan to maintain energy self-sufficiency, avoid supply shocks, and create the flexibility needed to integrate variable renewable sources without compromising system reliability.

Renewable energy development is also closely linked to Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction policy. In the liberated territories of Garabagh and East Zangezur, three solar power plants with a combined capacity of 340 MW are under construction in Jabrayil, while around 40 small hydroelectric power plants with a total capacity exceeding 300 MW have already been built using public funds.

Plans indicate that small hydropower capacity in these regions alone could reach 500-600 MW, transforming them into green energy hubs and supporting sustainable resettlement, industrial activity, and infrastructure development.

One of the most strategic dimensions of Azerbaijan’s green agenda lies offshore. According to international estimates cited by President Aliyev, the wind energy potential of Azerbaijan’s sector of the Caspian Sea is around 157 GW – a figure that places the country among the most promising offshore wind markets globally.

Based on signed contracts, Azerbaijan plans to commission:

6 GW of wind and solar capacity by 2030, and

8 GW by 2032, excluding additional hydropower.

Such volumes would not only meet rising domestic demand but also significantly expand electricity exports, reinforcing Azerbaijan’s position as a regional energy hub.

A central message of the President’s speech was Azerbaijan’s investment credibility. The country has attracted over $300 billion in foreign investment, underpinned by political stability, a strong macroeconomic position, and a consistent contractual framework. With foreign debt slightly above 6 percent of GDP and foreign exchange reserves exceeding external debt by 16-17 times, Azerbaijan ranks among the world’s most financially resilient economies. Recent upgrades by international rating agencies to investment-grade status with a positive outlook further strengthen its appeal to long-term investors.

President Aliyev’s explicit assurance that contracts are inviolable – ‘our word is as valuable and legal as our signature’ – addresses one of the most critical concerns for foreign investors, particularly in capital-intensive sectors such as renewable energy.

Looking ahead, Azerbaijan is also addressing the next structural challenge of renewable integration: energy storage. The country is launching its first 250 MW Battery Energy Storage System, implemented by AzerEnerji, and has invited foreign investors to participate in future projects.

At the same time, Azerbaijan is positioning itself to attract energy-intensive industries of the future, including data centers and artificial intelligence infrastructure, leveraging its growing clean energy base. Azerbaijan’s green energy policy is no longer a complementary agenda; it is becoming a central pillar of national development, regional cooperation, and investment strategy. By combining traditional energy strength with rapid renewable expansion, ensuring financial stability, and maintaining contractual reliability, Azerbaijan is redefining its role from a resource supplier to a strategic energy partner. As global energy security concerns intensify, Azerbaijan’s model – grounded in balance, diversification, and investor trust – offers a compelling case study for energy-producing countries navigating the transition to a low-carbon future.

Armenia expects to import 7,600 tons of oil products from Azerbaijan, according to a statement by Armenian Economy Minister Gevork Papoyan.

Azernews reports that Papoyan shared the information on his social media account, providing details on ongoing and planned deliveries via Azerbaijan’s territory.

‘As of January 8, 2026, 8,485 tons of Russian grain have already arrived in Armenia by rail from the territory of Azerbaijan. A further 4,103 tons of grain, as well as 7,600 tons of Azerbaijani oil products – 6,100 tons of gasoline and 1,500 tons of diesel fuel – are on the way,’ the minister wrote.

Papoyan recalled that in 2025, Armenia imported 6,580 tons of grain by rail through Azerbaijan, including 1,000 tons of Kazakh-origin grain and 5,580 tons of Russian grain. In addition, 1,210 tons of Azerbaijani gasoline were delivered during the same period.

The minister also linked the new shipments to expected changes in the domestic fuel market.

‘As I have already noted, gasoline and diesel fuel prices are expected to decrease by 80 drams (0.36 manat – ed.) per liter compared to the prices of the previous month. I am pleased to announce that in connection with this development, other companies engaged in the sale of petroleum products are also working on reducing prices,’ Papoyan stated.

The expected imports mark a continued use of Azerbaijani transit routes and energy supplies in Armenia’s trade and fuel market dynamics.

Military Prosecutor Bahruz Ahmadov held a meeting with the Commander of the Air Forces of the Ministry of Defense, Lieutenant General Namig Islamzadeh, and a group of military personnel.

Azernews reports, citing the Military Prosecutor’s Office, that during the event, Ahmadov spoke about the high level of professionalism demonstrated by the Air Forces during the 44-day Patriotic War, underlining their crucial role both during the conflict and in the current period.

He stressed that alongside physical preparedness, it is essential for servicemen to continuously improve their theoretical knowledge, master modern technologies, apply them professionally, and maintain strict discipline in order to achieve sustained success.

During the meeting, military personnel expressed their satisfaction with the conditions created by President and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, noting their readiness to successfully fulfil the tasks assigned to them in the future.

The event concluded with the presentation of gifts to servicemen who distinguished themselves in service, along with wishes for continued success in their professional activities.

Amid large-scale protests in Iran, Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL) has canceled the flight scheduled for today on the Baku-Tehran-Baku route, Azernews reports.

AZAL said that additional information will be provided regarding the resumption of flights on this route, noting that passengers will be promptly notified as soon as updates become available.

It was also reported that Turkish Airlines has canceled 17 flights scheduled to Tehran, Mashhad, and Tabriz, citing the same situation.

AZAL apologizes for the inconvenience and appreciates the understanding and patience of its passengers.

It is important to note that the safety of flights and passengers is AZAL’s top priority.

The next batch of oil products has been delivered from Azerbaijan to Armenia.

Azernews reports that a total of 2,698 tons of oil products, transported in 48 railway wagons, were dispatched today from the Bilajari station to Armenia. The shipment includes 1,742 tons of AI-95 gasoline and 956 tons of diesel fuel.

According to the information, the wagons loaded with oil products will transit through the territory of Azerbaijan to Georgia and from there continue onward to Armenia.

It was recalled that on December 18, the State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) delivered the first locally sourced oil cargo to Armenia. At that time, 1,220 tons of AI-95 automotive fuel, loaded into 22 tank wagons, were sent by a freight train of Azerbaijan Railways (ADY) from the Baku Freight Station to the Boyuk Kesik station.

Both nations have made efforts to move beyond enmity and heal the wounds inflicted by the war since 2025. Many believe that the tank cars carrying Azerbaijani oil to Armenia represent one of the attempts at building trust between the two nations. It should be noted that this was the second batch of oil Azerbaijan exported within a month.

The first batch of Azerbaijani oil was exported on December 18, 2025. At that time, the Garabagh clique, the main beneficiaries of the long-standing conflict, tried to create a storm in a teacup, circulating reports that ordinary Armenian citizens opposed trade with Azerbaijan, in an effort to throw the Pashinyan government under the bus. Yet the reality proved otherwise: the imported oil was fully consumed within 20 days, and Armenia exported oil again.

Armenia’s Minister of Economy, Gevork Papoyan, confirmed the robust demand for Azerbaijani oil. ‘The imported gasoline sold out within days, which shows how high the demand is,’ he told local media. In a later Facebook post, Papoyan highlighted that, alongside Azerbaijani oil, Kazakh and Russian grain had also entered Armenia through Azerbaijani territory. He emphasised that these developments could drive diesel prices down across the country. Moreover, Azerbaijani flights now traverse Armenian airspace, cutting both travel time and expenses for passengers, a small but significant sign of growing connectivity between the two nations.

Ümid 2026 Arts Competition will take place at the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater on January 10-11, Azernews reports.

The event is organized by the Azerbaijan Youth Union and the Azerbaijan Dance Association.

As part of the competition, participants will present performances in various fields of art. The program includes pop and classical vocals, folk and classical musical instruments, modern and classical dance, visual arts, artistic recitation, folklore, and other disciplines. All performances will be evaluated by a professional jury.

“This competition is aimed at sparking interest among children and young people in various forms of art, developing their creative abilities, and discovering and supporting new talents. We are pleased to support children and youth on this path,” said Aziz Azizov, President of the Azerbaijan Dance Association.

Participants who particularly distinguish themselves in the competition will be awarded the Grand Prix and diplomas.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.

The International Mugham Center has hosted its first mugham evening of the year, with a special focus on female interpretations of Azerbaijan’s traditional mugham music, Azernews reports.

The concert opened with a piece by composer Jahangir Jahangirov from the film “Koroglu”, performed by the ensemble. The evening continued with solo performances from the Mugham Center’s talented artists.

Sevinj Sariyeva, an honored artist, Nisbat Sadrayeva, a soloist at the Mugham Center, and Gulnar Gudratli, the winner of the Mugham Television Contest, totally captivated the audience with their impressive skill and delicate interpretations of mugham traditions. Their performances were met with thunderous applause from the audience.

Also featured in the concert were soloists of the Mugham Center, Elgiz Aliyev, Mirpasha Shukurov, Grand Prix winner of the 4th Mugham Television Contest, and Yusif Jafarbayli, laureate of the 9th Mugham Television Contest.

The performers were accompanied by an exceptional group of musicians: Rustam Muslimov on tar, Araz Aghaverdiyev on kamancha, Mehta Mammadalizade on qanun, Rafael Asgarov on balaban, Siyavush Kerimov on nagara, and Saday Badalov on gosha naghara.

The Mugham Center was established on the initiative of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, in accordance with the presidential decree dated April 6, 2005.

The center, which laid its foundation that same year and is known as one of Baku’s unique architectural projects, opened its doors in 2008.

The Mugham Center regularly organises large-scale music festivals and concerts by highly acclaimed cultural figures.

The Center also takes important steps towards bolstering cultural ties with Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and other countries.

The International Mugham Center is determined to further expand its work and promote Azerbaijani musical culture.

Numerous projects are being carried out by the center in the direction of studying and promoting mugham art.

In 2025, the Mugham Center became the first cultural institution in Azerbaijan to be awarded “international” status by legislation.

This new status contributes to improving the financial well-being of the people working at the center, which has been one of the leading concert institutions in Baku for many years.

The International Mugham Center has seen a noticeable rise in interest last year, particularly from tourists attending mugham and ethnoconcerts.

during the 9th “Mugham” TV Contest, the center hosted numerous concerts, attracting a diverse range of visitors.

Monthly events cater to both music specialists and casual attendees, with advertising banners placed outside to draw in more tourists. During the day, as tourists pass by in anticipation of the evening performances, many stop to admire the center’s striking architecture and inviting atmosphere.

This growing international interest was particularly evident during the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when many race fans and visitors to Baku also attended IMC’s musical events.