Category: Azer News

BMW of North America LLC is recalling 145,102 vehicles in the United States due to a potential safety hazard, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Wednesday. The recall affects several models, including the 2020 340i, X6; 2020-2025 840i; 2020-2022 740Li; 2019-2020 X7; and X5 vehicles, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

According to the NHTSA, the starter motor in these vehicles may overheat due to an electrical overload, which poses a risk of igniting combustible materials in the engine compartment and causing a fire.

Owners of the affected vehicles will begin receiving notification letters starting November 17. BMW dealers will replace the faulty engine starter free of charge.

This recall highlights the increasing complexity of modern vehicle electrical systems, especially as manufacturers incorporate more advanced technology and hybrid components, making early detection and resolution of such issues even more critical for safety.

On October 1, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Denmark for a working visit at the invitation of Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen and President of the European Council António Costa to participate in the 7th European Political Community Summit, Azernews reports.

At Copenhagen International Airport, President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were welcomed by officials.

Agriculture is among the sectors most severely impacted by climate change. That’s why, alongside water, transport, and urban development, it stands as a central focus of today’s discussions. These sectors are essential pillars for Azerbaijani society and the national economy, and ensuring their sustainability while reducing their environmental footprint is critical.

Azernews reports that these remarks were made by Mukhtar Babayev, President of COP29 and Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan for Climate Issues, during the opening session of Day 3 of Baku Climate Action Week.

Babayev noted that this morning’s session is dedicated to agriculture and food security, both of which were listed as key priorities in the COP29 Presidency’s Action Agenda last year.

‘As the host country, we are committed to sharing our experience and further strengthening efforts in this direction,’ Babayev said. ‘Severe water scarcity continues to affect our agricultural communities. That is why we introduced the ‘Water for Climate Declaration’ as part of the COP29 Presidential Initiatives. More than 60 countries have already committed to strengthening partnerships, advancing research, and raising the profile of water-related climate issues.’

He also highlighted the establishment of the Baku Water and Climate Dialogue, an initiative aimed at enhancing international cooperation, improving climate governance, and promoting joint management of trans-boundary water basins.

‘Just as rivers do not recognize borders, our responsibility for water must also transcend them,’ Babayev stressed. ‘Unfortunately, the sharp decline in water availability observed in our region has become one of today’s most pressing environmental challenges. This is driven not only by climate change, but also by mounting pressures on fragile ecosystems. If we fail to act in time, the consequences could be catastrophic.’

Babayev reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s readiness to closely collaborate with the United Nations in this area. He also acknowledged the existence of multiple programs supporting agriculture and rural communities but noted the real challenge lies in ensuring farmers can access these opportunities.

‘That’s why, within the COP29 framework, we officially launched the ‘Baku Harmony Climate Initiative for Farmers’ – a platform aimed at enhancing farmers’ resilience to climate change by expanding access to support mechanisms,’ he said. ‘This initiative will help farmers more easily reach the resources they need, while also helping policymakers identify and address funding gaps.’

In conclusion, Babayev emphasized the importance of turning international climate commitments into meaningful action at the national level:

‘Dear friends and colleagues, today we are presented with new opportunities to translate international agreements within the COP process into real results at home. I look forward to discussing with you how we can make this happen more effectively.’

During his official visit to Azerbaijan, President of the Italian Republic Sergio Mattarella visited Martyrs’ Alley on October 1, Azernews reports.

The President paid tribute to the memory of Azerbaijan’s heroic sons who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for the country’s independence and territorial integrity, and laid a wreath at the “Eternal Flame” monument.

Azerbaijani athletes have achieved impressive results at Prague European Open 2025, Azernews reports.

Mehram Imamverdiyev (81 kg) won a gold medal, while Konul Aliyeva (48 kg) and Gultaj Mammadaliyeva (52 kg) secured bronze medals.

Earlier, Islam Rahimov (66 kg) won a gold medal, Nazir Talibov (66 kg) took silver, and Hseyn Allahyarov and Murad Muradli (both 60 kg) earned bronze medals.

In total, Azerbaijan achieved 2 gold, 1 silver, and 4 bronze medals, securing second place in the overall team ranking and first place in the men’s competition.

The Prague European Open 2025 is a professional judo competition, part of the European Judo Union’s continental tour.

Some 405 judokas from 35 countries participated in Prague European Open 2025.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art across the country. 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, Zelym Kotsoiev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.

At the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, judokas Hidayat Heydarov (73 kg) and Zelym Kotsoiev (100 kg) earned gold medals for Azerbaijan.

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) is actively supporting Azerbaijan in implementing climate initiatives within the agricultural sector, said Viorel Gutu, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Europe and Central Asia, during his speech at Baku Climate Action Week, Azernews reports.

He praised Azerbaijan’s leadership in climate action, particularly in agriculture and food security, and associated Baku with the success of COP29, one of the most impactful climate summits in recent years. Gutu highlighted the launch of the ‘Baku Harmony Climate Initiative for Farmers’-a joint effort between COP29 and FAO-as a major step in engaging farmers and rural communities in climate resilience.

This initiative has become a flagship program under the FAST Partnership (Food and Agriculture for Sustainable Transformation), aimed at expanding climate finance for food and agriculture systems.

FAO is also working closely with Azerbaijan to modernize agricultural value chains, enhance digitalization, strengthen laboratories and certification systems, and pilot farm-level monitoring tools to track sustainability.

In collaboration with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, FAO is also implementing projects focused on biodiversity conservation, sustainable forest management, combating land degradation, and responsible pesticide use.

Azerbaijan is preparing a comprehensive ‘National Strategy for the Efficient Use of Water Resources’ aimed at establishing modern water management and water sustainability systems across the country. The primary goal of this strategy is to ensure the efficient, sustainable management, monitoring, and protection of Azerbaijan’s water resources.

Azernews reports that this was announced by Aliaga Azizov, Deputy Head of the Strategy, International Cooperation and Research Department and Head of the Science and Innovation Sector at the State Agency for Water Resources of Azerbaijan (SAWR), during his speech at Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW2025).

Azizov outlined the key principles and objectives of the strategy, emphasizing that effective water resource management begins with accurate assessment. ‘This involves conducting hydrological and hydrogeological research, collecting data from studies, and implementing sensors and automated technologies to gather real-time information,’ he stated.

The official further explained the next step as adopting an efficient water management model: ‘This means integrated management of all Azerbaijan’s water basins, including both trans-boundary and internal rivers. Basin-based planning and management are core principles, especially critical for the proper allocation of water to agriculture, which remains the country’s largest water consumer.’

Azizov also highlighted efforts to improve water use efficiency and reduce losses: ‘Currently, there are water losses and leakages in drinking and irrigation systems in Azerbaijan. One of the strategy’s goals is to minimize these losses by 2040. Additionally, 100% installation of water meters in drinking water systems will be ensured.’

Addressing regional water potential, he noted, ‘The efficient use of water resources in the Garabagh and Eastern Zangezur regions holds strategic importance. Numerous projects are underway to ensure water security in these areas.’

All principles and targets of the strategy are long-term, with implementation planned through 2040.

Trampoline gymnastics competitions have started Shaki as part of third CIS Games in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

Around 45 athletes from 7 countries, including Azerbaijan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Turkiye, Uzbekistan) are competing at the event, which is being held at the Shaki Olympic Sports Complex.

The qualification round for the women’s individual event has already concluded.

Some 22 female gymnasts competed for a spot in the finals. Three female athletes from Azerbaijan – Seljan Mahsudova, Shafiqa Humbatova, and Vafa Alisultanova, represented the country in the qualification phase.

For the first time in the history of the CIS Games, competitions are being held across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, Yevlakh, and Khankandi.

Each city hosts events in different sports, with the second-largest city, Ganja, serving as the main hub and officially designated the CIS Sports Capital for 2025.

Around 23 sports are being contested across 12 venues, highlighting a broad and inclusive athletic program.

A total of 1,624 athletes from 13 countries had confirmed participation. Event mascots Babir and Leyla are helping to generate enthusiasm among young fans.

Renewable energy sources are being actively deployed in Garabagh and East Zangezur, which have been declared ‘zero-emission zones,’ while master plans are being prepared for 12 cities and 90 villages, Azernews reports.

Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, Anar Guliyev, made the announcement during Baku Climate Action Week.

According to him, over the past four years, Azerbaijan has commissioned 38 small hydropower plants, which together have enabled a reduction of 620,000 tons of carbon emissions.

Azerbaijan has also put forward strategic initiatives in sustainable urban planning aimed at developing climate-resilient and inclusive cities.

Guliyev emphasized that while cities account for nearly 80 percent of global GDP, they are also responsible for about 70 percent of global emissions and two-thirds of world energy consumption.

‘Sustainable urbanization relies on master plans as its main instrument. These plans are designed for a 20-year period and are regularly updated. Currently, the master plans of 65 out of 79 cities across the country have been renewed, with another 10 awaiting approval. The flagship example is the Baku-2040 Master Plan. This document envisions polycentric development, preservation of cultural heritage, efficient land use, and the creation of an environmentally responsible urban environment,’ Guliyev said.

Ramin Mammadzade is an internationally recognized and certified English-speaking martial arts instructor and master.

He holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Aikido and a 2nd Dan black belt in Kyokushinkai Karate (Shin Kyokushin discipline).

Recently, he was awarded 4th Dan black belts in four traditional Japanese sword and weapon arts: Kenjutsu – 4th Dan, Iaijutsu – 4th Dan, Nitojutsu – 4th Dan and Kobujutsu – 4th Dan.

In addition, he is a 3rd Kyu in Judo, a 1st Kyu in Iaido (Shin Kage Ryu style), and a 5th Kyu yellow belt in Nunchaku-Do.

Ramin is the official representative of the World Nunchaku Association and the International Kobudo Association in Azerbaijan. He has also been actively practicing, developing, and promoting Kendo in Azerbaijan for many years.

Dedicated to the path of Budo, he continuously works on his personal growth and strives to expand and strengthen the practice of Japanese martial arts in Azerbaijan.

In his interview with AZERNEWS, Ramin Mammadzade opened up about his recent trip to Turkiye, where he had the chance to collaborate with some of the most renowned figures in the martial arts world, including Hanshi Metin Kayar.

During his visit, he participated in a seminar focused on four martial arts disciplines related to swordsmanship: Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu, and Kobujutsu. He was also honored to receive direct guidance from Soke Irie Yasuhiro, a 10th Dan master from Japan, as well as Hanshi Metin Kayar, a 16-time world champion.

Q: What prompted your recent trips to Turkiye, and what were the key objectives you aimed to achieve?

A: Long time I have been collaborating for with the world-known martial artist such as Hanshi Metin Kayar. He is a 16-time world champion in various disciplines, including karate, kickboxing, and martial arts related to swordsmanship. I am very proud and honored to work with such an outstanding master and remarkable personality.

I have been training and practicing according to his program. Metin Kayar created a unique system called Budo 7, which combines seven directions of Japanese martial arts. I will provide more details about this below.

By invitation of Metin Kayar, I traveled to Istanbul, Turkiye, where I represented Azerbaijan. Masters from Turkiyeey also participated on this event together with Metin Kayar and his Sensei from Japan Soke Irie Yasuhiro, holder of the 10th Dan in Ju Jutsu. Hanshi Mettin Kayar himself also holds the 10th Dan, received from his teacher.

This trip, which took place from September 17 to September 21, 2025, was very interesting and fruitful. We combined intensive training with cultural activities. The seminar included sessions in four directions of martial arts related to swords and weapons: Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu and Kobujutsu

In addition, we visited many attractions and historical sites in Istanbul, which made the trip even more enriching and memorable.

Q: How did you come to be an official representative of international martial arts organizations? What are your responsibilities in this role now?

A: After long and dedicated collaboration with Hanshi Metin Kayar and intensive trainings, I embarked on the trip I had previously mentioned to Turkiye. During this visit, I was officially awarded with 4th Dan grades in four martial arts disciplines, as well as the official representative of the organizations: Kokusai Budokan Renmei and Nihon Bushido Kodokai. I am honored to serve as the representative of these organizations in Azerbaijan and am committed to developing these four disciplines in the country.

Additionally, I would like to introduce the BUDO7 system, a unique martial arts framework created by Hanshi Metin Kayar. This system encompasses seven martial arts, and in the future, I plan to promote all of these disciplines here in Azerbaijan.

It was a great privilege to meet such distinguished masters as Soke Irio Yasohiro, 10th Dan in Jiu-Jitsu from Japan, and Hanshi Mitin Koyar, his student, also a 10th Dan in multiple disciplines and a 16-time champion. The trip was filled with inspiring and positive experiences. I gained invaluable knowledge and returned to Azerbaijan full of energy and motivation to represent these organizations and further develop these martial arts.

I have already begun training sessions, holding two classes in these disciplines. One of the key areas is Budo Kendo, where Hanshi Metin Kayar developed his own style, which include katas/kumite and etc. Foam swords fighting by Metin Kayar is very interesting for children and for adults, with foam swords you do not injure anyone rather that have fights with wooden or metal swords and it is very interesting and takes much energy. The sessions have been met with great enthusiasm, especially from the children. We continue to advance and promote these martial arts across Azerbaijan, fostering growth and passion for BUDO in our community.

THE BUD07 is no ordinary martial arts system. It is the life’s work of Metin Kayar, a 16-time world champion in various disciplines – including six titles in karate kumite, three in kenjutsu (weapon forms), two in kobudo (karate weapons), two in karate kata (forms running), and three in kickboxing. From this unique mastery, budo7 was born – a path based on seven traditional Japanese martial arts: Kendo, Ken-Jutsu, Kobu-Jutsu, Karate, Goshin-Jutsu, Aiki-Jutsu and Ju-Jutsu.

But budo7 goes deeper. Each of these disciplines represents an inner line, a principle that transcends technique: Politeness and Appreciation, Recognize and address the good, Confronting the negative with attitude, Maintain balance and equilibrium, Lifelong learning and understanding, Feel the right timing, Concentration and vitality in the here and now. These seven lines connect body, mind, and heart into a harmonious unity. Budo7 is not a rigid style-it is a living path formed from the most valuable elements of traditional Japanese martial arts. Those who do it train not only technique, but also posture.

Q: What does it mean for you to represent both Azerbaijan and Japanese martial arts in such an important way?

A: This is the first time in the history of Azerbaijan and in the history of Japanese martial arts that someone has received a degree in these disciplines. In other words, an Azerbaijani has become a representative of these two major organizations. I believe that I am writing a new chapter in the history of Japanese martial arts in Azerbaijan.

For me, it is a great honor and pride to be a representative of these organizations, to develop the BUDO7 system in Azerbaijan, and to promote the four martial arts of Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu, and Kobujutsu, as well as, in the future, the other martial arts included in the BUDO7 system in Azerbaijan. I will do everything in my power to successfully advance these martial arts in our country.

Q: What are your plans for promoting Aikido and other martial arts in Azerbaijan?

A: Plans for the development of these martial arts in Azerbaijan? Yes, of course, I have plans – big plans. I am already opening a group for children under the BUDO7 system. I am starting classes in Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu, and later I will also conduct training in Nitojutsu and Kobujutsu.

Let me explain the difference: Kenjutsu is when the sword is held with both hands. Iaijutsu is performed with one hand on the sword. Nitojutsu is practiced with two swords, one in each hand. Kobujutsu involves training with various types of traditional weapons, such as nunchaku, bokken (wooden sword), jo, bo, tonfa, saya, and many others.

I will be developing these martial arts both in Azerbaijan and on the international level.