Category: Azer News

The United States has imposed a 10 percent tariff on most softwood lumber and timber imports from New Zealand, a move industry groups say will negatively impact the country’s forestry and wood-processing sectors, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Industry leaders warned Wednesday that the new duty will reduce New Zealand’s competitiveness, squeeze profit margins, and ultimately increase costs for American consumers.

‘These tariffs are highly disruptive to New Zealand’s forestry sector, especially at a time when confidence and stability are crucial,’ said Elizabeth Heeg, chief executive of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA).

Heeg emphasized that the tariffs pose immediate challenges for both forest growers and wood processors, but noted the industry’s commitment to diversifying and expanding into new markets.

‘This adds uncertainty and risk for exporters who have been working hard to develop long-term, sustainable supply chains that benefit both countries,’ she said.

The tariff, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump following a Section 232 investigation into national security concerns related to timber imports, will come into effect on October 14. Initially, Washington considered tariffs as high as 50 percent but eventually settled on 10 percent.

In 2024, New Zealand exported approximately 370 million NZD (around 215 million USD) worth of radiata pine products to the United States, making the U.S. the third-largest market for New Zealand’s value-added forest products, according to the NZFOA.

Mark Ross, chief executive of the New Zealand Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association, noted that the increased costs might either be absorbed by exporters or passed on to U.S. buyers, potentially impacting prices and supply chains.

New Zealand’s forestry industry is one of the country’s largest export sectors and a significant contributor to its economy, employing over 50,000 people and supplying sustainable wood products to more than 130 countries worldwide.

On October 1, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the opening ceremony of a new park established in Baku’s Narimanov district, Azernews reports.

Eldar Azizov, Head of the Baku City Executive Authority, informed the head of state and the First Lady about the park.

The new recreational area is located at the intersection of Ahmad bey Aghaoglu, Tabriz, and Talat Shixaliyev streets, near the Italy-Azerbaijan University. Covering an area of 3.5 hectares, the park features gazebos, an amphitheater, a tennis court, entertainment zones for children, and a modern lighting system. All necessary facilities have been created for both quiet relaxation and sports activities.

Azerbaijan has expressed gratitude to Great Britain for its consistent support in the ongoing normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to London Elin Suleymanov shared this on her social media account following her meeting with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and the UK’s Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty during a conference in Liverpool.

The 11th conference of think tanks from the Turkic States Organization (OTS) in Baku reflects more than routine diplomatic engagement; it underscores the growing strategic coherence of the Turkic World amid a period of global uncertainty. As multilateral institutions face mounting pressures and geopolitical competition intensifies across Central Eurasia, the OTS is positioning itself as a unique regional actor capable of leveraging shared culture, history, and economic interests to enhance stability and cooperation.

The conference highlighted how shared history, culture, and values create unique advantages for cooperation among Turkic states, while also addressing pressing issues such as geopolitical competition, the erosion of multilateral mechanisms, and transnational threats like cyberattacks and climate change. Participants emphasized the importance of strengthening unity, fostering economic and security collaboration, and exploring the potential for the OTS to act as a stabilizing force in the region and beyond.

Azernews spoke with Professor Vasa László, Senior Research Fellow at the Hungarian Institute for International Relations and Trade, to explore the significance of these forums, the potential of the OTS as a regional actor, and the implications for both member and observer states in navigating today’s global disorder.

– What does holding the 11th conference of OTS think tanks in Baku signal about Azerbaijan’s role within the Organization?

These OTS think-tank forums are always organized as a side event of the Sumit of OTS head of states. It was in Baku now, as the OTS Summit is organized by Azerbaijan. Sure, these events allow to focus on topics which are important for the host country. This time we were discussing how the OTS can act as regional actor during the global uncertainties. Connected to this, we also investigated the future ways of the integration of Turkic states.

– In the current era of global disorder, what unique advantages does the Turkic World have compared to other regional groupings?

The OTS countries share not only common economic and security interests but also a common culture, history, and experiences from the past. So these make it to a kind of family, instead of just a group of different countries with same actual interests. The like minded OTS countries recognized that among the uncertainties, they have to act united, as they will be stronger together.

– With global institutions under pressure and multilateralism fragmenting, can the OTS position itself as an alternative or complementary mechanism for regional stability?

Indeed, OTS countries play a crucial role in Central Eurasia’s stability. For instance, no other groupings can negotiate with the Taliban government in Afghanistan. OTS countries are also harmonizing their activities in the field of defense and security, moreover, in the related industries. The Middle Corridor affects all Turkic countries and this fact itself pushes the whole region towards stability.

– What role can observer states (such as Hungary and others) play in broadening the OTS’s influence beyond the Turkic geography?

Hungary as observer is as active within the OTS as the member countries, initiating new projects, e.g. the drought research institute, contributing equally to the Turkic Investment Fund and in Budapest is the only foreign diplomatic representation of the OTS, where the costs are covered by the Hungarian government. Hungary as an EU member, can be an excellent base for Turkic companies and organizations for their expansion and operations in Europe.

– How might competition among global powers in Central Asia and the South Caucasus affect the unity and strategic autonomy of the Turkic States?

Deepening the integration of the OTS is the best way to maintain and keep the sovereignty. The big players are more and more interested for the Turkic stats, due to their resources and the fact that the Middle Corridor goes through these countries. But with proper governance and harmonized foreign policies, these influence attempts can be handled.

Azerbaijan Chess Federation has organized a master class for national chess players, Azernews reports.

Chess players between the ages of 14, 16, and 18, who will participate in the World Chess Championship, had a session with Rauf Mammadyarov, a three-time European champion and member of the national team.

Discussing preparation for prestigious tournaments, Rauf Mammadyarov analyzed various games and answered questions from the chess players.

Azerbaijani men’s chess team will participate in the European Team Championship. Rauf Mammadyarov is included in the national team roster.

The European Team Chess Championship will take place in Batumi, Georgia, from October 4 to 15.

The event features separate Open and Women’s sections, with each competition consisting of 9 rounds played under a Swiss system.

The 2025 European Team Chess Championship will showcase 75 teams, including 39 in the Open tournament and 36 in the Women’s Championship.

Chess, for centuries, has been a popular game in Azerbaijan with ancient roots closely related to traditions. The country could preserve these traditions as chess remains a crucially popular sport for now.

To popularise this original game, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, who is also the chairman of the National Olympic Committee, signed in 2009 an executive order initiating a state-supported chess development program, covering the years 2009-2014.

The 42nd Chess Olympiad, held in Baku, is indeed an excellent example of great attention paid to the development of chess games in the country.

The large-scale event attracted a total of 1,587 participants, including 894 in the Open category and 693 in the Women’s event, making the Baku Chess Olympiad a significant event.

Similarly, the FIDE World Chess Cup 2023 in Baku captivated chess fans with its high-calibre competition and exhilarating matches.

Featuring a highly competitive lineup, the World Cup provided an exciting venue to display the remarkable skill and strategic finesse of elite chess players.

Approximately 206 competitors participated in the open section, along with 103 players in the women’s competition.

The national chess players have always been taking high places at top-ranked tournaments.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has extended congratulations to China on the occasion of its National Day, Azernews reports.

The post was shared on the ministry’s official social media account, stating:

The Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation, led by the Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova, has departed for a working visit to Cape Town, South Africa, on September 30, Azernews reports.

The delegation was welcomed at Cape Town International Airport by the Chairman of the Public Oversight Committee of the Parliament of South Africa, Cedric Thomas Frolik, the Chargé d’Affaires of Azerbaijan in South Africa, Huseyn Rahimli, and other officials.

During the visit, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova will take part in the 11th Summit of the Speakers of Parliaments of the “Big Twenty” (P20). She is scheduled to deliver a speech at the summit and hold bilateral meetings with the heads of participating parliamentary delegations.

Former commander of the Armenian occupying forces in Garabagh, Jalal Harutyunyan, will finally serve his prison sentence, Azernews reports citing Armenian media.

According to the information, Armenia’s Court of Cassation has refused to review the lawyers’ appeal and upheld the decision of the Court of Appeals. As a result, the previously issued sentence of 5.5 years in prison for the general has officially come into force.

Harutyunyan had earlier been found guilty of negligence under martial law in a high-profile criminal case initiated in 2022, connected to certain episodes of the 44-day war. The case drew significant public attention as it exposed shortcomings in Armenia’s military leadership during the conflict.

In August 2025, lawyers representing the heirs of Armenian soldiers who died due to Harutyunyan’s negligence claimed that the general had been attempting to evade punishment, deliberately avoiding court documents and skipping hearings to delay the process.

With the latest court ruling, his attempts to escape accountability have come to an end.

Hyundai Motor Co., South Korea’s largest automaker, announced on Wednesday that its sales rose by 8.3% in September compared to the same month last year, driven primarily by strong demand for high-end and sport utility vehicle (SUV) models, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap agency.

The company sold 372,298 vehicles in September, up from 336,140 units in September 2024, according to an official statement.

Domestic sales surged 18.3% to 66,001 units, compared to 55,805 a year earlier, while overseas sales increased 6.4% to 306,297 units from 287,872.

The top-selling model in the domestic market was the Avante sedan with 7,657 units sold, followed by the Santa Fe SUV with 5,763 units, and the Grandeur sedan at 5,398 units.

From January to September, Hyundai’s total sales increased by 1.1%, reaching 3,110,909 vehicles, up from 3,075,720 in the same period last year.

‘Strong sales of our flagship models have continued to drive year-on-year global growth,’ said a Hyundai Motor spokesperson. ‘We will continue to expand our market share steadily by launching new vehicles with exceptional product appeal.’

Hyundai has been aggressively investing in electric and hybrid SUVs, positioning itself as a major player in the growing eco-friendly vehicle market, which is expected to be a key driver of future growth worldwide.

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.