Category: Azer News

The 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) got underway in Gabala, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

Distinguished heads of state and government,

Dear friends,

Welcome to Gabala, the ancient city of Azerbaijan. Gabala served as the capital of Caucasian Albania, spanning a vast geographical area, which was established in the 4th century BC and thrived until the 8th century AD.

At the outset, I extend my gratitude to the Kyrgyz Republic for its successful leadership in presiding over the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Today, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has evolved from merely a platform for cooperation into one of the significant geopolitical centers. It is gratifying to see our Organization’s prestige grow on the international stage. Our shared historical and ethnic roots, along with common national and spiritual values, bring us together as a family.

To support the work of the Organization, our country has contributed 2 million U.S. dollars to the account of the OTS Secretariat.

Internal political and economic stability, a strategic geographical location, positive demographics with a young population, vast potential in transport and logistics, rich natural resources, and growing capabilities in the military and defense technology sectors position the OTS as a significant actor on the global stage.

It is gratifying that the Organization of Turkic States has established the practice of holding informal summits alongside official ones. Last year’s inaugural informal summit in Shusha, as well as our meeting in Budapest this year, are both remembered for the significant decisions.

Dear colleagues,

Today, peace and security are essential foundations for the development of any country.

The Nakhchivan Agreement, the founding document of our Organization, highlights the safeguarding of peace and security as primary goals. Given the current geopolitical and security challenges worldwide, it is crucial that the Turkic states unite as a single center of power, in line with the Garabagh Declaration adopted at last year’s informal summit in Shusha and following the ‘Regional peace and security’ theme of today’s summit.

It is well understood that development cannot be achieved without ensuring security. In a time when the norms and principles of international law are being gravely violated, cooperation among our countries in military and defense-technical fields becomes one of the crucial factors. In this regard, we maintain strong cooperation with our ally, Trkiye. Just in the past year, over 25 bilateral and multinational military exercises have been carried out jointly with Trkiye.

Considering the extensive cooperation between our countries in military, defense, and security areas, we propose holding joint military exercises for the member states of the Organization of Turkic States in Azerbaijan in 2026.

In today’s world, military strength is a crucial element in safeguarding the independence and territorial integrity of any country.

Our historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, along with resolute counter-terrorism measures in 2023, ended the 30-year occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories. This restored our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over our ancient lands. This historical achievement represents not only the triumph of Azerbaijan’s national will and determined struggle but also a vital contribution to the establishment of justice, peace, and stability in the region.

The initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia two months ago at the White House in Washington is set to transform the South Caucasus into a region of peace. Following the joint call to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group and related structures during the Washington summit, the decision made by the OSCE on 1 September also ended these remnants of the former conflict.

Accordingly, these steps have reconfirmed the peace agenda championed by Azerbaijan.

We will never forget the occupation by Armenia. We will forever hold the memory of our Martyrs close to our hearts. We avenged their blood on the battlefield. We expelled the occupiers from our ancestral lands, achieved a brilliant victory, and secured a just peace.

Dear friends!

Transport and communication links hold strategic significance within the Organization of Turkic States. Efforts to harness the potential of the Turkic world in transport, communication, transit, and related fields have resulted in the realization of projects with global impact.

Azerbaijan is an active player in the East-West and North-South transport corridors, serving as a vital bridge between Trkiye and Central Asia across geographic, economic, transport, and other domains.

Since 2022, cargo traffic through the Middle Corridor has increased by approximately 90%. Transit time along the route has significantly decreased. Assets such as the Caspian Sea’s largest trade fleet, the International Trade Port of Alat, which is expected to reach a capacity of 25 million tons per year in the coming years, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, 9 international airports, the region’s largest cargo airline, and other factors have contributed to establishing Azerbaijan as a major international transport hub.

In this context, one of the key outcomes of the Washington summit was the opening of the Zangazur Corridor. This corridor is significant as a new transport artery and serves as a second route within both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor.

Another key area closely tied to peace, regional connectivity, and economic development is energy security. Our country plays an active and strategic role in advancing these objectives on a global scale. Azerbaijan has proven itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in ensuring the energy security of many countries.

We serve as a strategic link between the Caspian region and international markets through a network of diversified oil and gas pipelines. At present, Azerbaijan exports natural gas to 14 countries. In terms of geographic coverage, Azerbaijan ranks first among nations exporting natural gas via pipeline.

Azerbaijan is also attracting significant investments in renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower. By 2030, approximately 40% of our energy production is expected to come from renewables.

Currently, we are developing a green energy corridor connecting Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Europe.

Azerbaijan and the member states of the OTS have carried out numerous significant investment projects. To date, over 20 billion U.S. dollars have been invested in the economies of our fraternal countries. The majority of these investments have been made in the Turkish economy. Additionally, Azerbaijan has established joint investment funds with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Through these funds, many future projects will be realized.

Overall, these initiatives serve to deepen economic integration within the Turkic world, strengthening cooperation among our friendly and brotherly nations in energy and transport, and sustainable development of our region.

As I mentioned, our common history and ethnic roots, our languages unite us like one family. Hereby, I would like to emphasize the historic significance of the First Turkological Congress organized in Baku in 1926.

I propose that the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress next year be solemnly organized within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.

I am confident that our Summit will further strengthen the position of the Organization of Turkic States through the decisions we make, contributing even more to the well-being and security of our peoples.

At the end of my speech, I would like to once again express my gratitude to our fraternal countries for their support in the restoration of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur. School named after Mirzo Ulugbek, the Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Center in Fuzuli, and the school named after Manas in Aghdam are already operational. These are gifts from our Uzbek, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz brothers. A school built in Jabrayil is a gift of our Hungarian brothers. Fuzuli Mosque, the foundation of which is laid today, is a gift from our Turkmen brothers. Brotherly Turkish companies are constructing numerous tunnels, bridges, and roads. Azerbaijanis will never forget this brotherly support.

By the end of 2024, Malta, Taiwan, South Korea, and Spain have emerged as the countries with the lowest fertility rates globally, Azernews reports.

Malta tops the list, with an average of just 1.06 children born per woman over her lifetime. Taiwan follows closely with 1.11, while South Korea and Spain share third place at 1.12 each. Singapore rounds out the top five, registering a fertility rate of 1.17.

Other countries in the bottom ten include Lithuania (1.18), Poland (1.20), Italy (1.21), Ukraine (1.22), and both Macau and Hong Kong at 1.24.

Russia finds itself within the top 30 of this ‘anti-ranking,’ with a fertility rate of 1.4, alongside nations like Japan, Cyprus, and Norway.

In stark contrast, the highest fertility rates continue to be recorded in African countries. Niger leads globally with an average of 6.64 children per woman. The rest of the top five includes Angola (5.7), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (5.49), Mali (5.35), and Benin (5.34).

Addressing concerns over declining birth rates, Russian State Duma deputy Tatyana Butskaya announced in May that from 2026, birth rate indicators will be incorporated into the key performance metrics (KPIs) for regional governors. She emphasized that every working day for governors will begin with a review of demographic data. Moreover, not only regional authorities but also educational institutions and employers will be involved in monitoring and addressing birth rate trends.

This move reflects growing recognition worldwide of the demographic challenges posed by declining fertility rates-issues that have profound implications for economic growth, social welfare, and long-term national development.

On October 7, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev called President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Azernews reports.

The 2nd Azerbaijan Halal Business (AZHAB) Forum has officially opened in Baku, bringing together government officials, international experts, academics, and business representatives from across the world under the theme ‘Halal industry as a source of sustainability in a rapidly changing world’, Azernews reports.

The two-day forum, organized by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMEDA) with the support of the Ministry of Economy, aims to strengthen cooperation in investment and trade, foster knowledge exchange, and attract foreign investment to Azerbaijan and the wider region.

The opening ceremony features addresses by local and foreign officials, the signing of documents, panel discussions, and the launch of an exhibition. Over the course of the event, six panel sessions will be held focusing on themes such as Islamic finance, halal business management, and strengthening partnerships between institutions supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

This year’s forum is organized in partnership with the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), SESRIC, SMIIC, the Islamic Chamber of Commerce Halal Services, and Caspian Event Organisers LLC, and is sponsored by ATENA LLC and Bilge Group.

An exhibition showcasing halal products and services also opened today as part of the ‘AZHAB Forum 2025.’

The inaugural AZHAB Forum was held in October 2024, attracting around 350 participants, including 100 international guests from regions such as Australia, America, Eurasia, and Africa. The event was supported by a resolution of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers.

The economic cooperation agreement between Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is expected to be ratified by the end of 2025, paving the way for strengthened bilateral relations, Azernews reports.

This was highlighted by Sanan Nasibli, representative of the Dubai Chamber of Commerce in Azerbaijan, during his speech at the seminar ‘Development of the Textile Sector and Promotion of Global Integration.’

Nasibli noted that the UAE has concluded comprehensive economic cooperation agreements with 27 countries, nine of which have already been ratified. ‘Azerbaijan is among them. The agreement with Azerbaijan is expected to be ratified by the end of this year. This also gives impetus to more dynamic and expanded cooperation between our countries,’ he said.

The ratification is anticipated to further boost trade, investment, and sectoral collaboration between Azerbaijan and the UAE, creating new opportunities for businesses in both nations.

The Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov has met with athletes who achieved high results in international competitions over the past month, Azernews reports.

The meeting, held at the Azerbaijan State Academy of Physical Education and Sport, began with the playing of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan.

Appreciating the achievements in international arenas, Farid Gayibov congratulated the athletes and their coaches.

During the meeting, a video was shown highlighting the achievements gained in international competitions during the month.

Afterwards, representatives of various sports spoke about the competitions they participated in and their results.

At the end, the minister wished the athletes even greater success in upcoming competitions.

‘One of the key outcomes of the Washington summit was the opening of the Zangazur Corridor,’ said President Ilham Aliyev during his address at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States.

‘The Zangazur Corridor is significant as a new transport artery and serves as a second route within both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor,’ the head of state added.

The East has long been the cradle of civilization. It is a region of immense potential, steeped in culture, history, and innovation. For centuries, it was the world’s locomotive, a hub of economic growth, scientific discovery, and cultural development. Yet, in the past few centuries, the East has come to symbolize stagnation, a place left behind by modernity, struggling to reclaim the dynamism it once possessed. Among these nations, Iran’s decline is particularly stark.

There are many reasons for this regression, but one of the most significant, in my view, is the persistent refusal to take responsibility. The Mullah regime has repeatedly failed to acknowledge its own mistakes, preferring instead to shift the blame outward. Every social, economic, and political problem becomes the fault of external actors-whether the United States, Israel, or now, even Azerbaijan. This culture of scapegoating is both self-destructive and dangerous.

Iran was once the most dynamic country in its region. Its annual GDP growth reached 30 to 40 percent, and its economy outperformed its neighbors before the Islamic revolution. Yet following the Islamic Revolution, the country’s fortunes reversed dramatically. Today, Iran’s economic performance is comparable to African nations, and in per capita GDP. For examples, in the 1990s, as the Soviet Union disintegrated, Iran’s per capita GDP far exceeded that of these emerging nations; today, it falls short by more than twofold.

Where does the blame lie? According to Tehran’s ruling clerics, the answer is never Iran itself. Low per-capita income? The United States and Israel. High child mortality? Again, foreign interference. A faltering education system? External enemies. Even internal security failures-such as the assassination of a high-ranking Iranian general in their bedroom in the heart of Tehran-are attributed to other nations. However, the most ironic is Iranian parliamentarian Kamran Ghazanfari’s recent accusation against Azerbaijan. Indirectly he claimed that Azerbaijan bears responsibility for the death of the Iranian late president. This is both absurd and revealing: a regime that cannot protect its own leadership assigns blame to its neighbor, as if Azerbaijan were tasked with guarding Tehran.

The consequences of this mentality extend far beyond rhetoric. Iran’s failure to take responsibility endangers both its own citizens and its neighbors. A sudden and tectonic collapse, whether economic, political, or social, would likely trigger massive migration. For Azerbaijan, a nation of just ten million, even a fraction of the displaced population from Iran would be catastrophic. There are more than thirty million ethnic Azerbaijanis in Iran alone, not to mention other ethnic groups such as the Talysh, Kurds, and various Turkic peoples. Conservative estimates suggest that even five million refugees would overwhelm Azerbaijan’s infrastructure and economy. The reality is that no country can absorb a refugee wave equal to or exceeding its own population without facing devastating consequences.

Yet Iran’s clerical leadership seems indifferent to such risks. The regime refuses accountability and shields itself from criticism, even as tectonic shifts-both literal and metaphorical-shape its society. Problems that could be addressed through reform are ignored. Social crises, economic stagnation, and political unrest persist because admitting failure is seen as unacceptable. Instead, the blame is projected outward, creating a culture in which no internal problem is ever resolved.

This avoidance of responsibility has tangible consequences. Iran is not merely stagnating in comparison with Europe or developed nations; it is increasingly competing with countries such as North Korea or Afghanistan in terms of development and social outcomes. Its failure to modernize and reform leaves it vulnerable to both internal crises and external manipulation. Meanwhile, the scapegoating of Azerbaijan illustrates the regime’s willingness to exploit neighboring countries as convenient distractions from its own failures.

The question is whether Iran can change. History suggests that regimes unwilling to accept responsibility either reform or fade into irrelevance. The clerical establishment faces a choice: either confront the country’s systemic failures or follow the path of Syria’s Ba’athist regime, consigned to the margins of history. Yet, for Iran’s neighbors, particularly Azerbaijan, the stakes are immediate. Stability in Iran is in Azerbaijan’s interest because any significant upheaval would have profound humanitarian and economic repercussions.

The lesson is clear. Societies that refuse to take responsibility for their own mistakes-those that externalize blame for every failure-cannot hope to develop sustainably. They risk stagnation, decline, and in the most extreme cases, collapse. Iran’s leadership must recognize that scapegoating external actors will not reverse its decline. Without accountability, the country is trapped in a cycle of self-inflicted crises, while the broader region braces for the consequences.

Iran’s potential is immense, but it cannot be realized under a regime that refuses to admit mistakes. History rewards those willing to confront their failures and learn from them; it punishes those who externalize blame. For Iran, the time to take responsibility is now, before the tectonic shocks-both literal and political-become unmanageable. For its neighbors and for the millions of people who depend on its stability, the consequences of continued denial could be catastrophic.

President of the Republic of Trkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Azerbaijan on October 7 to attend the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azernews reports.

Traffic restrictions will be applied on certain roads in the city of Ganja on the official closing day of the third CIS Games, Azernews reports.

On October 8, the date of the closing ceremony, traffic will be fully restricted at the intersections of Heydar Aliyev Avenue, Muhammad Fuzuli Street, Ataturk Avenue, Turgut Ozal Street, Behram bay Akhundov, Faiq Nemanzade, Ilham Mz?ff?roglu, and Chingiz Mustafayev streets.

Due to the traffic restrictions on Ataturk Avenue, routes 6 and 7 will be rerouted through Heydar Aliyev Avenue during the event.

Route 12 will have a change in its final stop, which will be Bilal Qahramanov Street instead of the Ganja Railway Station due to the restrictions on Ataturk Avenue.

Routes 1, 4, 6, 7, and 8 will continue to operate along Heydar Aliyev Avenue.

Spectators attending the closing ceremony will be able to use public transportation passing near the Ganja City Stadium area.

Azerbaijan is hosting the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games from September 28 to October 8, 2025, marking a significant event in the region’s sports calendar.

This multi-sport competition brings together athletes from CIS member states and invited countries, aiming to promote friendship, cooperation, and athletic excellence.

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 are participating in the third CIS Games.

Event mascots Babir and Leyla are helping to generate enthusiasm among young fans.