Category: Azer News

Elchin Amirbayov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Special Assignments, held a series of high-level meetings during his working visit to the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Azernews reports.

Within the framework of the visit, Amirbayov met with the Netherlands’ Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation, Aukje de Vries; Secretary-General of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Christiaan Rebergen; Deputy Foreign Minister Marcel de Vink; Deputy National Security Adviser to the Dutch Prime Minister Joost van Deutekom; Chair of the Senate Committee on Foreign Affairs, Defence and Development, Senator Koen Peterssen, as well as other committee members and prominent political and public figures.

The meetings focused on key areas of Azerbaijan-Netherlands bilateral relations. The sides noted the positive dynamics observed in political ties throughout the year, highlighting as a major outcome the agreement reached between President Ilham Aliyev and Dutch Prime Minister Dick Schoof at the European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen to strengthen cooperation in several fields. It was also emphasized that meetings between foreign ministers, inter-ministerial consultations, and reciprocal visits at the level of deputy foreign ministers and other officials have contributed to maintaining a sustained political dialogue.

Particular attention was paid to the organization of high-level reciprocal visits, the continuation of regular political consultations, and the identification of new areas of cooperation. The current state of cooperation across various sectors was reviewed, alongside discussions on future prospects and mutually beneficial priority areas.

The parties stressed that, in addition to intergovernmental dialogue, interparliamentary cooperation could play an important role in strengthening trust and deepening mutual understanding. Possible steps to enhance relations between the parliaments of the two countries, including reciprocal visits by lawmakers and the activities of parliamentary friendship groups, were discussed.

During the meetings, Amirbayov briefed his counterparts on the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the conditions necessary to ensure lasting peace in the South Caucasus, and Azerbaijan’s consistent political approach and concrete steps in this direction. He also provided information on large-scale reconstruction and rehabilitation works in the liberated territories, as well as the challenges posed by extensive mine contamination. The Dutch side welcomed progress toward normalization and expressed its full support for the peace process.

The discussions also covered the current state and future prospects of Azerbaijan-EU relations, ongoing bilateral documents under consideration, and the development of regional transport connectivity. It was noted that 2025 has been marked by positive momentum in EU-Azerbaijan relations, and the importance of preserving and further strengthening this trend in the coming months was underlined.

Amirbayov expressed concern that the recently adopted ‘EU-Armenia Strategic Partnership Agenda’ does not reflect the realities on the ground in the region. He voiced hope that the European Union’s efforts to support the normalization process would contribute to lasting peace and stability between Azerbaijan and Armenia, would not undermine mutual trust, and would not complicate Azerbaijan-EU relations.

The visit was also significant in terms of enhancing economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands. A broad meeting attended by Head of the MFA’s Europe Department Erik Weststrate, Special Envoy for Trade Mark Hasselaar, and senior representatives of the Netherlands Enterprise Agency (RVO) and the Confederation of Netherlands Industry and Employers (VNO-NCW) focused on cooperation in agriculture, water management, port infrastructure, transport, logistics, renewable energy, high technology, and urban development. Opportunities to expand trade turnover and promote mutual investments were discussed. The Dutch side expressed strong interest in comprehensive cooperation with Azerbaijan and supported deepening ties in potential areas in the near future.

As part of the visit, a roundtable discussion was organized by the Netherlands’ leading think tank, the Clingendael Institute. Addressing experts specializing in the region, representatives of the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and leading media outlets, Amirbayov spoke about geopolitical developments in the South Caucasus, the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, and Azerbaijan’s relations with the EU, NATO, and the Netherlands, answering numerous questions from participants.

During his stay, Amirbayov also gave interviews to The Holland Times and representatives of analytical centers based in The Hague.

In recent months, the European Union’s (EU) policy toward the South Caucasus has increasingly come under scrutiny. Although official Brussels continues to emphasise its commitment to peace, stability, and cooperation, the actual steps taken and the documents adopted often point in the opposite direction. This contradiction becomes especially evident in the context of Azerbaijan-Armenia relations, where new realities are emerging after years of conflict. Instead of embracing these developments and supporting genuine normalisation, the EU’s position appears inconsistent, selective, and at times openly biased.

One of the clearest examples of this inconsistency is the recent document signed between the EU and Armenia. Strikingly, the text makes no reference to the peace agenda shaped with the mediation of US President Donald Trump, nor to the TRIPP project proposed within that framework. This omission is not accidental. Rather, it reflects Brussels’ deliberate attempt to sideline the Washington platform and elevate the Paris-Brussels axis as the primary channel of influence in the region. Such a move reveals the EU’s preference for geopolitical manoeuvring over genuine support for reconciliation.

It is also no longer a secret that influential liberal and globalist circles within the EU, including networks associated with George Soros, are uneasy about the real peace process taking shape in the South Caucasus. For these groups, the emergence of an independent regional balance is less attractive than the preservation of a controlled tension. Managed instability allows external actors to maintain leverage, while genuine peace would reduce their influence. In this light, hearings on Azerbaijan held in the European Parliament are less about human rights concerns and more about applying political pressure.

The European Parliament’s approach to Azerbaijan has long been characterised by systematic double standards. Before the 2020 Patriotic War, the institution often failed to support Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity to the same extent as it did for Georgia, Ukraine, or Moldova. Instead, baseless accusations and slanders were frequently directed against Baku. This selective approach exposes the existence of a distorted understanding of law within the European Parliament, where principles are applied inconsistently depending on political convenience.

Another contradiction lies in the EU’s activation of the EUMA mission in Armenia, which operates without a legitimate mandate. Far from contributing to trust-building or real security, this mission serves to freeze existing tensions and legitimise external interference. By strengthening such mechanisms, Brussels undermines the very peace agenda it claims to support.

The EU’s loyal stance toward Armenia is also evident in the sphere of sanctions. On the one hand, five ships linked to Azerbaijan have been subjected to restrictions. On the other hand, similar activities carried out through other countries, such as Cyprus and more, are overlooked. Germany’s continued large-scale energy imports from Russia, the transfer of European-produced electronics to Russia via Armenia, and their subsequent use in the war against Ukraine further highlight Brussels’ selective principles. Such contradictions weaken the EU’s credibility and raise questions about its true priorities.

Equally troubling is the European Parliament’s silence regarding human rights abuses in Armenia. While the institution regularly organises hearings on Azerbaijan, it has failed to respond to the imprisonment of dozens of opposition figures, religious leaders, and public activists in Armenia in 2025 on fabricated charges. These cases neither become topics of hearings nor appear in official documents. The double standard is glaring: Azerbaijan is constantly criticised, while Armenia’s violations are ignored.

Moreover, over the past four years, Armenia has become one of the main channels for parallel imports and exports to Russia under the sanctions regime. Yet this reality is overlooked by European structures. At the same time, while the European Parliament calls on Azerbaijan to release alleged war criminals, it adopts a contradictory stance regarding Ruben Vardanyan, presented as one of the oligarchs who financed the war against Ukraine. Such inconsistencies further erode trust in Brussels’ declarations.

Taken together, these developments suggest that the EU is once again attempting to redraw dividing lines in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan’s growing regional and international influence is causing visible concern in Brussels. Yet the reality is that the EU itself is experiencing a deep political and institutional crisis and is gradually losing its subjectivity in global politics. References in the new US National Security Strategy to the erosion of values in Europe openly confirm this decline.

Under these circumstances, the European Parliament’s biased debates on Azerbaijan have no real legal or political impact. At the core of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy lie national interests, and there is no turning back from this course. Unless the EU abandons its outdated narratives and embraces a more balanced approach, it will not be able to gain the status of a reliable partner in the South Caucasus.

Hyundai Motor Group announced on Thursday that it will significantly expand its plug-and-charge (PnC) electric vehicle (EV) charging network starting in 2024, aiming to provide a more seamless and secure charging experience for its customers, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

PnC is an international standard technology that allows drivers to begin charging their EVs simply by connecting the charging cable, with user authentication, charging, and payment all handled automatically-eliminating the need for cards or additional verification steps typical in conventional charging systems.

As part of this expansion, Hyundai will increase the number of PnC-enabled chargers beyond its current 64 E-pit charging stations by partnering with 12 major domestic charging operators, including Chaevi, GS ChargEV, and NICE Infra. The company’s goal is to make the charging experience more accessible and user-friendly across the country.

Initially, Hyundai will collaborate with Chaevi and Hyundai Engineering to integrate PnC technology into their existing charging stations, with plans to boost the number of PnC-enabled chargers to over 1,500 by the first quarter of 2026. In the second half of 2024, Hyundai also aims to enable PnC functionality for slower chargers, after confirming the communication standards and payment systems for these stations.

A company official commented that this expansion is just the first step in enhancing the EV charging experience, which will ultimately allow drivers to enjoy greater convenience and security. The group also expressed its commitment to collaborating with the government and other stakeholders to drive innovation in EV charging infrastructure, helping to accelerate the adoption of electric vehicles.

Hyundai is exploring ways to integrate renewable energy solutions into its charging network, ensuring that more of the electricity powering EVs comes from sustainable sources. This effort aligns with Hyundai’s broader sustainability goals and could potentially lower the carbon footprint of the entire charging ecosystem.

This move is part of Hyundai’s broader strategy to lead the future of mobility, making the transition to electric vehicles easier and more accessible for everyone. As EV adoption grows globally, such advancements in infrastructure will be crucial in ensuring that the shift towards sustainable transportation is both practical and efficient.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to the Amir of the State of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on the occasion of Qatar’s national holiday, Azernews reports.

“Your Highness,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincerest congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to your brotherly people on the occasion of the national holiday of the State of Qatar.

The level of Azerbaijan-Qatar relations, rooted in common religious and cultural values, brotherhood, and Islamic solidarity, is gratifying.

I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts to strengthen our interstate relations, built on mutual trust and support, and to fully benefit from the potential of our mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and multilaterally.

On this festive day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your high state activities, and the brotherly people of Qatar everlasting peace and prosperity,” the letter reads.

A seminar on ‘Promoting the Use of Inclusive Language in the Media’ was jointly organized by the UN Office in Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, with participation from media representatives, NGOs working with persons with disabilities, members of the UN Communication and Inclusion Working Groups, and experts, Azernews reports.

Deputy Minister Rashad Mustafayev opened the seminar by highlighting Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts in the social protection, rehabilitation, and societal integration of persons with disabilities.

He noted that, in line with the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, national legislation has been updated to replace outdated or stereotypical language with modern, ethical expressions that respect the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities.

UN Resident Coordinator Vladanka Andreeva emphasized the UN Guidelines on Inclusive Communication on Disability, noting that the seminar aimed to foster dialogue, share best practices, and enhance media capacity for using inclusive language.

Participants engaged in practical exercises to improve media coverage of persons with disabilities. They reviewed news texts containing incorrect terminology, portrayals of basic rights as concessions, or depictions of persons with disabilities as objects of pity, and reworded them into neutral and respectful language.

The seminar also featured an interactive session titled ‘The Words We Choose’ and a presentation on ‘Understanding Disability and Inclusion – Key Concepts and Terminology.’ Participants took part in workshops on writing short news stories and features using inclusive language, with results evaluated collectively.

Organizers stressed that media reporting on disability should avoid outdated or vulgar terms and instead use language that reflects respect, inclusivity, and legislative standards, promoting inclusive language as a standard journalistic practice.

The trial of Ruben Vardanyan, an Armenian citizen accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, and other serious offenses under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, continued on December 18.

According to Azernews, the hearing took place at the Baku Military Court, where the prosecutor presented the state’s case.

During the proceedings, the prosecutor called for Ruben Vardanyan to be sentenced to life imprisonment.

The 6000th match in the history of the Azerbaijan football championships has been played, Azernews reports. The Round 15 fixture of the Azerbaijan Premier League between Qarabag and Araz-Nakhchivan (5:1) became notable for this historic milestone.

This encounter entered the history of Azerbaijan championships as the 6000th match held in the top division.

Before this game, the results of 5,999 matches had already been recorded in the league tables. Out of the 6,000 matches, 279 were registered as technical results.

The national championships, first held in 1992, began on May 3 of that year. The tournament, now in its 34th season, was initially played in a spring-autumn format for the first two seasons, later switching to the autumn-spring system. The 2001/2002 and 2019/2020 seasons were interrupted and not completed.

In the current season, 86 matches have been played, with one of them recorded as a technical result.

The Azerbaijan Premier League was first organised in 2007 and succeeded the Top Division, which existed from 1992 to 2007. FC Qarabag won the title in the 2022-2023 season for the tenth time.

The 2024-25 Azerbaijan Premier League marks the 33rd season of Azerbaijan’s top-tier football competition.

On April 27, 2025, during the 32nd round of the Premier League, Qarabag FC clinched the title with four matches to spare after a 1-1 draw against Sabah.

This victory made them the champions for the 12th time overall and for the fourth consecutive season.

This season is the final one featuring 10 teams, as the league will expand to 12 teams starting from the 2025-26 season.

Cooperation among states, societies, and expert communities within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) creates a solid foundation for a collective fight against disinformation, said Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of Azerbaijan’s Media Development Agency.

As reported by Azernews, speaking at the Forum on Combating Disinformation among Turkic States in Ankara, Ismayilov noted that merely monitoring social media platforms is no longer an effective tool in countering modern information threats.

‘Today, we increasingly understand that simple observation of social networks is insufficient. There is a growing need for deeper analysis and more accurate identification of information,’ he said. ‘If information confrontation was once largely confined to political platforms, the situation has now fundamentally changed. What was previously local and episodic has evolved into a systematic, multi-level phenomenon.’

Ismayilov stressed that the rapid development of modern technologies, digital platforms, and media tools has turned the spread of manipulative content into an almost continuous process, making individual states, often unknowingly, direct targets of disinformation operations. In this context, Turkic states face rising risks from new-generation information and digital threats.

He added that as fake content becomes more sophisticated, the scale and reach of disinformation campaigns continue to expand.

‘The more actively falsifications are used, the wider their target audience becomes. The only effective response lies in public awareness, protecting societies from intellectual confusion, and freeing people from imposed ignorance. This is both a measure of societal maturity and the effectiveness of state institutions,’ Ismayilov emphasized.

According to him, disinformation in Azerbaijan is increasingly disguised under neutral or humanitarian narratives, particularly during periods when the country is implementing large-scale strategic projects. Such campaigns, he said, aim to create uncertainty, distrust, and hidden pressure, often promoting fabricated narratives under the guise of ‘alternative viewpoints.’

Ismayilov recalled that Azerbaijani government representatives have repeatedly warned that global disinformation tools-including fake news, deepfakes, algorithmic manipulation, and the misuse of artificial intelligence-are increasingly being employed as instruments of pressure and interference.

‘These challenges require not only national responses but also coordinated, collective defense mechanisms,’ he said. ‘Public awareness and high levels of trust between states must form the backbone of such defenses.’

He underscored that education, analytical platforms, media literacy, and critical information assessment skills should be regarded as integral components of national security. A strong, independent, objective, and professionally managed information ecosystem, he added, is essential for every state.

Ismayilov also stressed the importance of protecting the new generation of journalists, experts, and analysts from professional degradation and value distortion.

‘Training programs, specialization, professional expertise, and ethical standards form the foundation of the future media environment. The fight against disinformation must be based on continuous dialogue, joint research, and experience-sharing, rather than fragmented efforts,’ he said.

Highlighting the importance of Azerbaijan-Trkiye cooperation, Ismayilov noted that joint initiatives aimed at strengthening information security, along with Trkiye’s recent steps in this field, are of strategic significance. Consultations, expert engagement, technological solutions, and rapid response mechanisms have already marked important progress.

‘These efforts contribute to fostering responsible public behavior, preventing the spread of manipulation, and reinforcing ethical standards in both national and international information spaces,’ he added.

Concluding his remarks, Ismayilov emphasized that close cooperation between Azerbaijan and Trkiye, as well as collaboration among states, societies, and expert communities within the OTS, provides a strong basis for a collective response to disinformation.

‘This direction should become one of the key priorities on the agenda of joint platforms and coordination mechanisms,’ he said.

The forum in Ankara brings together representatives of state institutions, leading media organizations, and experts in the field. Azerbaijan is represented by senior officials from the Media Development Agency, the Presidential Administration, leading analytical centers, and major news agencies.

Within the forum’s framework, participants will discuss the impact of disinformation on national security, public opinion, and regional stability, as well as practical mechanisms for joint action in the modern information environment. In line with the OTS Action Plan for 2025, the forum aims to serve as a platform for exchanging knowledge and experience in media literacy, information security, countering disinformation, responsible use of digital technologies, international broadcasting, and next-generation journalism.

Within the Ambassadors Cultural Club project, a creative workshop titled “Czechia Through the Eyes of Azerbaijani Artists” has been organized by the Embassy of the Czech Republic in Azerbaijan in cooperation with the NGO Arts Council Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The event took place at Crescent Mall in the format of an open live show. Guests had the opportunity to observe the artistic process in real time, interact with the artists, and ask them questions. This format made the workshop accessible and engaging for a wide audience. Representatives of other diplomatic missions as well as media personalities attended the event. The distinguished guests viewed the exhibited artworks.

At the opening ceremony, Czech Ambassador to Azerbaijan Milan Sedlácek expressed his satisfaction with the high level of organization, praised the professionalism of the participants, and emphasized the important role of international cultural projects in strengthening ties between countries. The ambassador thanked project head Dadash Mammadov for the partnership and support, and congratulated the artists on the successful workshop and the upcoming New Year.

In turn, Dadash Mammadov, Head of Arts Council Azerbaijan, thanked the Czech Embassy for its cooperation and noted that the main goal of such initiatives is to promote the work of Azerbaijani artists to a broad audience.

The exhibition featured works by artists Leylifer Museibova, Nigar Muslimova, Oksana Kazimova, Asmar Asadi, Leyla Orujova, Eldar Babazade, Nailya Maharramova, Roya Hasan, Aydan Mammadli, Tarana Aliyeva, Raul Sadigov, Sevinj Ahmad, and Ulviya Kheyrullazade.

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

Azerbaijan’s national air carrier, AZAL, is introducing a new service designed to provide more comfort and personal space in Economy Class. The airline now offers the option to ‘block’ an adjacent seat, allowing passengers to book extra space by keeping the seat next to them, or even an entire row, unoccupied.

This option gives travellers greater comfort during their journey: more room to move, added privacy, and a calmer travel experience. The launch of this service reflects AZAL’s strategy to develop personalized solutions and enhance comfort at every stage of the journey. The option is available only in Economy Class and does not apply to Business Class or Extra Legroom Economy seats.

How the service works:

– After purchasing a ticket, passengers receive an email a few days before departure offering the option to block the adjacent seat. Passengers can also submit their own offer by visiting the AZAL Upgrade page on azal.az or accessing the Manage Booking section.

– Prior to the flight, passengers are notified whether their offer has been accepted.

– The price of the service depends on the route, flight duration, and current seat availability.

– The service is available only if there are unoccupied seats on board. If the flight becomes fully booked and the seat must be reassigned to another passenger, the payment is automatically refunded, and the customer receives a notification.

A short video tutorial on how to use the service is available at YouTube.