Category: Azer News

The 11th Baku International Book Fair has opened its doors at Baku Expo Center, Azernews reports.

Organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the event was attended by members of the Azerbaijani Parliament, government officials, as well as representatives of literature and foreign guests.

During the opening ceremony Chairman of the Culture Committee of the Azerbaijani Parliament, People’s Artist Polad Bulbuloglu stated that this international exhibition demonstrates Azerbaijan’s cultural potential, the development of the publishing industry, and the strengthening of ties with world literature. He expressed confidence that such projects will expand even further in the future.

In his speech, President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), Academician Isa Habibbayli stressed that the book fairs are significant events in the cultural life of society.

According to him, such events not only present new books but also create extensive opportunities for the development of reading culture, the strengthening of reading habits, and the exchange of scientific and literary ideas. The academician emphasized that these exhibitions serve to promote the national and spiritual values, to familiarize the public with world literature, and to introduce Azerbaijan’s rich scientific and cultural heritage.

The Azerbaijan’s Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) Sabina Aliyeva emphasized that such international exhibitions are of great importance not only for culture but also for education, particularly in expanding legal knowledge.

She outlined that the events like these, aimed at raising awareness about human rights, contribute to the development of legal thinking and legal culture in society, help citizens better understand their rights and duties, and create a foundation for increasing transparency and accountability in the activities of government institutions.

Other speakers at the event, including People’s Writer and First Secretary of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union, Chingiz Abdullayev, Deputy Culture Minister Farid Jafarov, and Chairman of the Azerbaijan Publishers Association, Shamil Sadik, all highlighted the significance of the exhibition in the development of book culture in the country.

They stated that the exhibition serves as a bridge between writers and readers, contributing to the increasing interest of the new generation in literature and promoting national literary heritage.

In line with the contemporary challenges of the world, this year’s Baku International Book Fair, dedicated to the theme “Techno-Human: Yesterday’s Legend, Today’s Reality,” features 68 foreign organizations from 23 countries (Turkiye, Italy, the USA, Argentina, the UK, Lithuania, Qatar, Indonesia, Spain, China, South Korea, etc.) and 123 local publishing houses, printing, and book-related enterprises.

The 11th Baku International Book Fair will be recorded in history as the one with the highest number of foreign participants. Spain, Kuwait, and Indonesia are participating for the first time.

Over the course of seven days, more than 220 events are planned to take place in presentation zones, booths, and conference rooms.

The exhibition will feature masterclasses for children and adults, book presentations on inclusivity and other relevant topics, book signings, conferences, symposia, competitions, reading and music hours, as well as cooperation platforms for the participants of the book industry.

This year, the State of Qatar is the honorary guest country. Qatar is represented at the fair by a large delegation consisting of government officials, renowned scientists, literary figures, and artists.

The International Pavilion of the exhibition showcases Qatar’s unique cultural heritage, contemporary literature, and artistic treasures. Additionally, in the special zone for children, interactive presentations, examples of children’s literature, and cultural programs will be organized for young visitors.

Azerbaijan’s People’s Writers, poets, well-known young authors, as well as famous foreign writers are participating in the exhibition.

For the first time this year, the exhibition halls have been organized in accordance with international standards.

Two halls have been opened at the Baku Expo Center this year, with foreign participants being represented in the International Hall.

Given the intensification of commercial relations between local and foreign entities in the book industry sector, a “Networking Zone,” “Illustrators Wall,” and “Signature Zone” (for book signing ceremonies after authors’ presentations) have been created for the first time at the exhibition.

As in previous years, the exhibition will host a specially designed “Children’s World,” story hours, performances, and other activities for young readers. In other words, opportunities for reading are provided for every member of the family at the exhibition.

During the book fair, visitors will be able to use special buses from the “Elml?r Akademiyasi,” “28 May,” and “Koroglu” metro stations to the Baku Expo Center throughout the daytime.

Entrance to the exhibition is free of charge.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev shared a post on his social media accounts congratulating the Qarabag football club on their latest victory.

Azernews presents the post: ‘I wholeheartedly congratulate the Qarabag football club and the entire Azerbaijani football community on their confident victory over the Danish champion, Copenhagen football club.

Qarabag continues to make our nation proud by securing two brilliant wins in two matches in the league phase of the world’s strongest club tournament, sharing the top positions with the giants of international football.’

Preparations are underway for the training and certification of tourist guides for the Garabagh region, alongside the development of online tourist guide commentaries for the area, Azernews reports.

The initiative also includes improving the quality of tourist guidance in the Baku-Absheron region and preparing Chinese-speaking guides to enhance services for international visitors.

The State Tourism Agency has already launched the relevant work and entrusted its implementation to the Public Union of the Azerbaijan Tourist Guides Association. A contract has been signed, with 118 thousand manats (approximately $69,000) allocated to the public union for the project.

This initiative is part of Azerbaijan’s broader efforts to strengthen the tourism sector in recently liberated territories and key regions frequented by international tourists.

Euronews has recently published a report on the success of the Baku Security Forum, underlining Azerbaijan’s growing role as a hub for international dialogue on global security issues, Azernews reports.

The third edition of the forum brought together representatives from more than 80 countries to exchange views on countering terrorism, cybercrime, disinformation, and humanitarian crises.

The report notes that the forum served as an important platform for global cooperation, emphasizing that modern security challenges require joint responses. ‘The speakers emphasized that global terrorist networks can only be effectively confronted through unified strategies of governments. The participation of the UN in the forum for the first time demonstrates the importance of the event in terms of developing real security measures. The delegates concluded that international cooperation is vital today to protect citizens, strengthen the resilience of states and develop trust between countries in a rapidly changing security environment,’ Euronews stated.

The Baku Security Forum has steadily gained international recognition in recent years, with experts pointing out that its agenda reflects the pressing challenges of global security architecture and highlights Azerbaijan’s mediating role in fostering trust and collaboration.

China’s General Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) rose to 51.2 in September, while the Services PMI reached 52.9, according to fresh data released Tuesday by RatingDog. Both figures remain above the 50-point mark, signaling continued expansion across key areas of the Chinese economy, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Commenting on the manufacturing data, Yao Yu, founder of RatingDog, said the latest reading ‘indicates a sustained improvement in manufacturing conditions.’ He also highlighted a notable milestone: ‘New export orders returned to growth for the first time since March 2025,’ suggesting a gradual rebound in external demand.

The services sector also remained resilient, although growth slightly moderated compared to August. ‘It’s encouraging to see that demand for services stayed solid in September,’ Yao added. ‘New export business expanded for the third consecutive month, with survey feedback pointing to a continued recovery in the tourism sector as a key driver.’

This uptick in economic indicators comes amid growing optimism around China’s post-pandemic recovery efforts, supported by targeted policy stimulus and improving global trade sentiment. Analysts suggest that sustained momentum in both manufacturing and services could help China stay on track with its annual growth targets, despite broader global headwinds.

The third day of Baku Climate Action Week 2025 has officially begun.

Azernews reports that today’s session will feature keynote speeches by COP29 President and the Azerbaijani President’s Special Representative on Climate Issues, Mukhtar Babayev, as well as Azerbaijan’s Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, among other high-level officials.

The day’s agenda will focus on critical climate-related challenges, including agriculture and food security in the context of climate change, climate technologies, and the sustainable management of regional water resources.

It’s worth noting that Azerbaijan successfully hosted the first Baku Climate Action Week in 2024, held in partnership with London. That inaugural event served as a nationwide call to mobilize society in the lead-up to COP29, scheduled for November 2024.

Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Finance, has met with Algeria’s ambassador to the country, Zakia Ighil, to discuss the development of bilateral ties, Azernews reports.

The sides hailed the successful progress of relations between Azerbaijan and Algeria in political, economic, energy, and other areas, while also exploring new prospects for strengthening cooperation.

Minister Babayev emphasized the importance of enhancing collaboration in the energy sector, supporting mutual investment initiatives, and boosting trade exchanges between the two nations.

Expressing appreciation for the warm reception, Ambassador Ighil noted that she would make every effort to further expand relations during her tenure in Azerbaijan.

Concluding the meeting, Minister Babayev wished the ambassador success in her diplomatic activity.

The economic relationship between Azerbaijan and Italy is not just a tale of trade figures and energy pipelines-it is a story of historical depth, strategic foresight, and mutual trust. These two nations, separated by geography but united by centuries of cultural and commercial exchange, have built a partnership that now stands as one of the most dynamic and forward-looking in the Euro-Caucasus region.

Historically, the Azerbaijani and Italian peoples have maintained close ties, dating back hundreds of years. From the days of the Silk Road to the Renaissance, trade and cultural exchanges flourished between East and West. It is this legacy of connectivity that laid the foundation for modern cooperation. When Azerbaijan declared independence in the early 1990s, Italy was among the first European countries to recognize its sovereignty-a gesture that signaled the beginning of a new era in bilateral relations.

Over the past three decades, this partnership has evolved into a robust economic alliance. Italy has consistently ranked among Azerbaijan’s top trading partners, and in 2025, the relationship reached new heights. In the first eight months of the year, trade turnover between the two countries hit $8.3 billion, accounting for nearly a quarter of Azerbaijan’s total foreign trade. This figure is not just impressive-it is indicative of a deep and diversified economic engagement.

At the heart of this relationship lies energy. Italy is the largest importer of Azerbaijani oil and the second-largest recipient of its natural gas. The Southern Gas Corridor, and particularly the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), has become a strategic lifeline for Europe’s energy security, with Italy serving as a key entry point for Azerbaijani gas. This infrastructure not only strengthens bilateral ties but also positions Azerbaijan as a reliable energy supplier to the broader European market.

Yet, the partnership is not confined to hydrocarbons. Azerbaijan is actively pursuing economic diversification, and Italy has emerged as a vital collaborator in this effort. One of the most promising areas of cooperation is renewable energy. Azerbaijan has set an ambitious goal to export 4 gigawatts of green energy to Europe by 2040. This vision is backed by concrete agreements with European countries, including plans to transmit electricity via underwater cables across the Black Sea. Moreover, Azerbaijan is working with Central Asian nations to facilitate the export of their renewable energy through its territory, transforming the country into both an energy hub and a transit corridor.

This shift toward green energy is not merely a strategic pivot-it is a reflection of Azerbaijan’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Italian companies, known for their technological expertise and environmental leadership, are well-positioned to support this transition. Already, Italian firms are involved in key infrastructure projects in Azerbaijan, including the development of power stations and the modernization of energy grids.

Beyond energy, the Azerbaijan-Italy partnership extends into infrastructure, manufacturing, education, and culture. Joint ventures and investment initiatives are growing, with Italian businesses increasingly viewing Azerbaijan as a gateway to the wider Caspian region. Educational exchanges and cultural collaborations further enrich the relationship, fostering mutual understanding and people-to-people connections.

Diplomatically, the two countries have maintained a steady and constructive dialogue. High-level visits, strategic agreements, and shared positions on regional issues have reinforced the sense of partnership. Italy’s support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and its active role in EU-Azerbaijan relations underscore the depth of political alignment.

Looking ahead, the potential for further cooperation is immense. As Azerbaijan continues to modernize its economy and expand its global footprint, Italy remains a trusted partner with the capacity and willingness to contribute. From smart cities to digital transformation, from agribusiness to tourism, the opportunities are vast and varied.

In a world facing complex challenges-from energy transitions to geopolitical tensions-the Azerbaijan-Italy economic relationship offers a model of resilience and strategic clarity. It is a partnership built not only on shared interests but on shared values: respect, reliability, and a commitment to progress.

As the global economy shifts toward sustainability and connectivity, Azerbaijan and Italy are not just keeping pace-they are setting the standard. Their alliance is a testament to what can be achieved when history, vision, and cooperation converge.

A specialized research university focused on artificial intelligence will be established in Kazakhstan to train highly qualified professionals in the field, Azernews reports.

This directive was issued by President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev during the inaugural meeting of the Council for the Development of AI held in Astana.

‘The educational institution should be granted a special status. Moreover, it is essential to involve leading universities from around the world as partners,’ Tokayev emphasized.

The head of state also stated that the government is expected to present detailed proposals on the matter by the end of the year.

‘The primary goal of the new university is to train experts capable of applying AI technologies across all sectors of the economy. The institution should serve as a hub for knowledge, research, innovation, and international collaboration,’ the President added.

Kazakhstan aims to become a regional leader in AI development, leveraging its unique position as a bridge between Europe and Asia, and plans to integrate AI solutions into industries such as energy, agriculture, and smart city infrastructure.

Genesis, the independent luxury brand of Hyundai Motor Group, announced on Tuesday that it has successfully completed a comprehensive series of domestic and international performance tests for the GV60 Magma, the automaker’s upcoming first high-performance electric vehicle (EV), Azernews reports, citing Yonhap agency.

Testing began early this year in Sweden, where Genesis rigorously evaluated the GV60 Magma’s acceleration and chassis control under extreme winter conditions. Additional trials took place in California, USA, focusing on heat resistance, cooling efficiency, and power output in high-temperature environments.

In New Zealand, the vehicle was put through its paces in heavy snowfall to verify braking performance, cornering agility, and overall driving stability on slippery roads.

Most recently, last week in South Korea, Genesis conducted final tuning tests on highways, mountainous terrain, urban traffic, and at the renowned Inje Speedium racing circuit in Gangwon Province to refine high-speed handling and ride comfort.

A Genesis spokesperson stated, ‘The GV60 Magma will deliver a unique driving experience that embodies Genesis’ vision for the future of high-performance luxury-combining cutting-edge electric technology with sophisticated design and exhilarating performance.’

This global testing campaign underscores Genesis’ commitment to blending luxury and performance in its electric future, aiming to compete with established high-performance EVs while setting new standards for driving dynamics and comfort.