Category: Azer News

Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of US President Donald Trump, said on Sunday that the United States would no longer act as ‘the big idiot with the chequebook’ in global affairs.

Speaking at the 23rd Doha Forum in Qatar, Trump Jr. said Washington would not continue to shoulder the financial burden for international issues that, in his view, offer no clear benefit to the American public.

He argued that the Russia-Ukraine war is not a priority for most Americans and claimed that US counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean pose a ‘far greater clear and present danger’ to the country than events in Europe.

Trump Jr. insisted that the US wants peace in Ukraine but said European nations must ‘step up’ and assume a greater share of responsibility.

Recalling criticism directed at his father, he said Donald Trump had been portrayed as a leader who would trigger World War III, yet instead sought to de-escalate conflicts across different regions.

He praised Qatar for its cooperation with Washington during the Gaza peace talks, saying Doha was genuinely committed to achieving peace rather than pursuing international prestige.

While emphasising that Washington’s priority is domestic investment, he said the US would continue competing with China over rare-earth minerals.

Asked whether the US would take part in Gaza’s reconstruction, Trump Jr. said it would – but stressed that ‘no one in America wants to bear the entire responsibility.’

A tactical-special exercise titled ‘Organisation of Warning Systems During Emergencies, Search for Persons Trapped Under Debris, and Management of Forces and Equipment During Rescue Operations’ was held in the territory of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve under the organisation of the Main Operations Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES).

As reported by Azernews, citing the Ministry, the purpose of the exercise was to inform residents and employees of facilities operating within the Reserve about potential emergencies they may face, to improve operational coordination and interaction during emergencies, to test the practicality of existing response plans, and to carry out relevant public awareness activities.

A total of 46 personnel from the MES and the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration, along with six specialised vehicles, took part in the exercise.

The training consisted of both theoretical and practical components.

During the theoretical part, MES specialists provided staff of the Icherisheher Reserve Administration with extensive information on emergency situations and related behaviour rules, including the organisation of evacuation procedures. Questions were answered in detail.

In the practical phase, the participants carried out an assessment of the situation created by a simulated ‘explosion’ accompanied by a conditional fire within the Reserve’s territory, ensured the rapid deployment of forces and equipment to the scene, and organised reconnaissance, search-and-rescue operations, and coordinated management by commanders.

The simulated fire was extinguished within a short time by the firefighting units of the Ministry. Individuals ‘left helpless’ inside the affected building were ‘rescued’ by emergency responders, provided with first aid, and handed over to the relevant authorities.

Later, a meeting was held to review the outcomes of the exercise and issue corresponding instructions.

UN Security Council President Samuel Zbogar on Saturday expressed support for Lebanon’s territorial unity and sovereignty, calling for all parties to commit to the ceasefire agreement signed on Nov. 27, 2024.

He made the remarks during a press conference at the conclusion of a visit by a UN Security Council delegation to Beirut, where members met Lebanese officials and toured the Blue Line, the border demarcation marking Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, according to Anadolu Agency.

The UN official said the Security Council renews its commitment to the stability of Lebanon and the region as a whole, and continues to hold regular consultations on the situation in Lebanon and along the Blue Line.

‘We came to Beirut at a pivotal time for the implementation of … the cessation of hostilities agreement of November of last year,’ said Zbogar.

Recently, Israel’s public broadcaster reported that the country ‘is preparing for a military escalation’ in anticipation of potential security deterioration in Lebanon due to what it described as the ‘growing capabilities of Hezbollah.’

‘We reaffirm the council’s support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence,’ said Zbogar.

On Aug. 11, 2006, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1701, which called for a complete cessation of hostilities following a 33-day war between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.

Zbogar further affirmed that the “safety of peacekeepers must be respected and that they must never be targeted.’

‘We support the Lebanese government’s decision to ensure the state’s monopoly of arms.’

Under US-Israeli pressure, the Lebanese government decided last August to disarm Hezbollah, and the army drafted a five-phase plan to remove its weapons.

However, Hezbollah quickly rejected the plan, calling the decision a ‘sin’ and insisting on Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory, which it has failed to do despite making pledges to leave.

On Friday, the UN delegation began its visit to Lebanon after arriving from Syria, where it met with President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Army Commander Rodolphe Haikal.

Georgian Minister of Education, Science and Youth Givi Mikanadze and Azerbaijani Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev visited Georgian Technical University to discuss strengthening cooperation in higher education and scientific research, Azernews reports, citing local media.

During the visit, the university’s rector, academician David Gurgenidze, briefed the ministers on the university’s international projects, scientific and academic achievements, and ongoing research initiatives. He also highlighted the active participation of the university’s scientists and students in some of the world’s largest scientific experiments.

The ministers and invited guests toured an exhibition of scientific projects and met with Georgian and Azerbaijani students presenting innovative works in robotics, artificial intelligence, and modern technologies.

In a highlight of the visit, David Gurgenidze awarded Emin Amrullayev the title of Honorary Doctor of Georgian Technical University for his outstanding contribution to developing academic and scientific ties between the university and Azerbaijani higher education institutions.

An international charity event was held in Ankara under the auspices of the Association of Solidarity of the Wives of Turkish Foreign Ministry Partners (DMEDD).

Azernews reports, citing Report, that representatives of diplomatic missions from 50 countries operating in Ankara, along with their spouses, members of the press and local residents, took part in the event.

Azerbaijan was represented with two stands organised by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Turkey. Gnel M?mm?dova, the wife of Ambassador R?sad M?mm?dov, said one stand showcased a variety of traditional Azerbaijani dishes, while the other featured national teas, assorted local products, small carpet samples, kelagayi scarves and other handicrafts.

Organisers noted that Azerbaijani products attracted strong interest from visitors.

The cultural segment of the event included dance and performance pieces from various countries, including Azerbaijan.

Simay Gmrkç, head of DMEDD, told Report that the event required extensive effort from both the association and the spouses of diplomats stationed abroad and in Ankara. For this reason, she said, the charity fair is held only once every two years.

Diplomatic representatives from Azerbaijan, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Turkmenistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Japan, Bangladesh, the Philippines and Iran, who were present at their respective stands, described the charity event as highly valuable in comments to Report.

DMEDD was founded on 24 September 1981 to support the families-particularly the spouses and children-of Turkish diplomats and Foreign Ministry staff who were martyred while performing their duties abroad. Over the years, the association has broadened its activities and now carries out extensive assistance programmes, especially in the fields of education and healthcare.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, together with the head of Baku Media Center, Arzu Aliyeva, visited an institution for orphaned and homeless girls in Dhaka, the capital of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, on December 6 as part of their visit to the country.

The management and teaching staff of ‘Shorkari Shishu Poribar’ (Government Orphanage) provided detailed information about the institution’s activities. It was noted that the facility, operating under the Department of Social Services and financed through voluntary donations from various sources, permanently houses more than 130 children. In addition to education, the children receive vocational training and are taught various work skills to prepare them for future life.

Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva then familiarized themselves with the conditions and needs of the orphanage, including the dormitories and classrooms, and held a heartfelt conversation with the teaching staff and children. They were informed that, guided by the principle of humanism consistently upheld by the Azerbaijani state on a global scale, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation implements various social projects in different countries. In this context, the possibility of implementing an assistance program for the institution was discussed.

At the end of the visit, the pupils of the orphanage performed a program featuring Bangladeshi folk songs and dances for the guests from Azerbaijan.

A gathering titled ‘The 5th Assembly of Students and Graduates in Sweden” was held in the city of Uppsala, organised by the public union ‘Sweden Students and Alumni Network Azerbaijan’.

Azernews reports that Azerbaijani students and graduates from various cities across Sweden took part in the event. The main aim of the assembly was to strengthen connections among young Azerbaijanis studying or having completed their studies in Sweden, to encourage social interaction, and to facilitate academic discussions.

The programme began with a historical tour and a visit to the museum in Uppsala. Participants learned about Scandinavia’s oldest university, Sweden’s tallest cathedral, and the city’s 1,600-year history.

Following the city tour, the head of the Board of the Public Union, Glgn F?rziyeva, together with board members N?rmin Abbasova and M?ftun Qafarov, presented information about the organisation’s history, its projects, and the benefits of membership. Rahil M?mm?dov, co-founder of the union, discussed the organisation’s contributions aligned with Azerbaijan’s youth policy and called on young people to participate actively in this process.

‘The voluntary unification of educated and capable young people to contribute to our society shows that they will become determined and hardworking professionals in the future,’ Rahil M?mm?dov noted.

The organisation, founded in 2020 and restructured with new priorities in 2021, has identified as its core strategy until 2030 the strengthening of unity among members, improving academic literacy, and advancing towards greater goals.

Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Sweden, Zaur Ahmadov, praised the achievements of young Azerbaijanis studying in Sweden and the educational opportunities created abroad by the Azerbaijani state. He emphasised Azerbaijan’s successes in international events and expressed confidence that young people would contribute more actively in these areas.

‘It is commendable that students who study or have graduated in Sweden demonstrate unity and contribute to our state’s youth policy. From this perspective, carrying out more constructive and purpose-oriented work is essential,’ the ambassador stressed. He also highlighted the importance of the state programme on foreign education, recalling that hundreds of young Azerbaijani students have been sent to leading higher education institutions across the Union. The ambassador added that this platform plays a crucial role in strengthening the ties of Azerbaijani students abroad with the homeland.

During the academic segment of the event, the topic ‘Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability in the Caspian Sea Region Through the Lens of Swedish Nature Preservation Experience’ was discussed, forming the basis of the organisation’s annual action plan.

During the discussions, Hamid?xanim Hseynova, a master’s student in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Sciences at Lund University, delivered a speech. She addressed the ecological crisis in the Caspian Sea, its regional impact, and key points emphasised by President Ilham Aliyev in his address to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

After the speeches, Swedish director Mikael Silkeberg’s documentary film ‘History of Folk Jazz from West to East’ was screened. Participants then joined a quiz dedicated to the history and culture of Azerbaijan and Sweden. Winners of the intellectual contest were awarded by the organisation.

It should be noted that the Public Union ‘Sweden Students and Alumni Network Azerbaijan’ is a non-political, non-profit organisation that operates both in Azerbaijan and Sweden with the aim of uniting Azerbaijani students and graduates living in Sweden, expanding their interests and connections, and organising projects in the fields of education, science, business, technology, sustainable development, and culture.

A delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic Baku Torobayev, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, visited the Alley of Honor on December 7.

Azernews reports that the delegation first paid tribute to the memory of Heydar Aliyev, the National Leader of our people, the architect and founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state, by laying a wreath at his grave and arranging fresh flowers.

Then, the grave of the prominent ophthalmologist-scientist, Academician Zarifa Aliyeva, was visited, and fresh flowers were laid in front of it.

An event-exhibition titled “The Delicate Signature of Independence: Fatali Khan Khoyski” dedicated to the 150th anniversary of the outstanding statesman Fatali Khan Khoyski, was held at the Azerbaijan Independence Museum.

According to Azernews, 27 rare photographs from the funds of the Azerbaijan Independence Museum, the personal archives of Doctor of Philosophy in History Dilgam Ahmad and Doctor of Philosophy in Philology Adalat Tahirzade, as well as the State Archive Fund, were displayed within the framework of the exhibition.

These materials serve as an important source for a deeper study of Khoyski’s political legacy, state-building activities, and the historical realities of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

The event featured scientific presentations and discussions dedicated to Khoyski’s statehood legacy.

The exhibition is of great importance in terms of preserving the legacy of Fatali Khan Khoyski and passing it on to future generations, while also bringing important moments in the history of Azerbaijani statehood back to the agenda.

The exhibition will run until December 12.

Italy is believed to have supplied Ukraine with another group of M109L self-propelled howitzers, adding to the roughly one hundred units Rome has already transferred since the start of the full-scale war. Although the Italian government has not formally announced any new deliveries, such public confirmation is not required, and analysts suggest a fresh batch has likely been dispatched, according to Ukrainian sources.

According to military observers, the howitzers sent most recently may have required extensive repairs after years in storage. ‘This is the first batch in a long time, so returning these systems to operational condition may not have been straightforward,’ one expert noted.

Italy previously transferred a substantial number of M109L systems to Ukraine, beginning in 2022. By October of that year, several dozen had already been delivered, with the remainder arriving gradually throughout 2022 and 2023. As reported by A-129 Mangusta, by June 2023 the Ukrainian Defence Forces had received over one hundred of the systems from Italian stockpiles – suggesting that there has been a pause of around two and a half years before the latest shipment.

Questions now focus on the state of the newly supplied vehicles. It is likely that some have been refurbished for frontline use, while others could serve as donors for spare parts given the heavy maintenance needs of the platform.

Ukraine has so far lost 108 M109 systems of all variants (A3/A4/A5/A6/L), according to the Oryx analytical database. Despite these losses, the M109 remains an important part of Ukraine’s artillery capabilities, and all remaining units require continuous repair and technical support.

In a separate development, Defence Express earlier reported that Italy has revived a long-dormant project to develop a counterpart to Germany’s RCH-155 – the RH1-155/52 Hitfire – signalling renewed interest in strengthening its domestic artillery industry.