Category: Azer News

‘ASAN service,’ established 13 years ago on the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, has evolved into one of Azerbaijan’s leading innovation platforms. In a short period, its innovative public-service model has been successfully implemented nationwide and is now being exported internationally.

As reported by Azernews, these remarks were made by Ulvi Mehdiyev, Chairman of the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan, during the opening ceremony of the ASAN Artificial Intelligence Center (ASAN AI HUB).

Mehdiyev noted that nearly 30 countries are currently studying the ASAN model with the intention of adopting it. This global interest, he said, stems from several factors:

‘ASAN’s openness to innovation and its support for new ideas are key elements enabling its international recognition and adoption.’

The chairman emphasized that the importance of artificial intelligence has now become undeniable:

‘According to the latest data, the AI market has already reached a value of $800 billion. Forecasts suggest that by 2030, this figure will climb into the trillions of dollars. Nearly 400 million people are already using AI solutions in various forms.’

He added that around 70% of international companies and businesses have integrated at least one AI solution into their operations.

‘This shows that AI has become an integral part of our lives – a crucial tool in the economy, industry, healthcare, education, and both social and personal spheres. Azerbaijan is keeping pace with these global trends. As you know, in March this year, the President approved the Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2028, which outlines serious tasks and a national framework for AI development,’ he said.

Mehdiyev stressed that Azerbaijan is not lagging behind; on the contrary, it is demonstrating a clear ambition to be among the leading countries, declaring the application of AI in governance, the economy, industry, and other sectors as a national priority.

Azerbaijan has discussed new opportunities for energy cooperation with the European Union (EU), Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov announced in a post on his X account, Azernews reports.

‘We held productive discussions with Mariyana Kuyundžic, the head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan,’ Shahbazov wrote.

‘We reviewed the development of our strategic energy partnership, including the Southern Gas Corridor, the ‘Green Energy Corridor’ initiative, energy efficiency, hydrogen, and other priority areas. We also evaluated emerging opportunities for cooperation in light of the new realities in the region.’

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to His Excellency Mr. Thongloun Sisoulith, President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic.

Azernews presents the letter:

‘Dear Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincere congratulations to you, and through you, your entire people on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of founding of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, and convey my best wishes.

Azerbaijan attaches special importance to the expansion of relations with Laos, and the enrichment of cooperation with new content both bilaterally and multilaterally.

I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts to strengthen friendly relations between our countries and fully utilize the potential of our mutually beneficial cooperation.

On such a remarkable day, I wish you robust health, success in your endeavors, and your brotherly people everlasting peace and prosperity.

Sincerely,

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 28 November 2025’.

The leadership of the Azerbaijan Boxing Federation (ABF) has met with the men’s national team ahead of the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships Dubai 2025, Azernews reports.

In his remarks, Advisor to the President of the Azerbaijan Boxing Federation Samir Huseynov stressed the significance of the championship, adding that high results are expected from each of the Azerbaijani boxers.

Huseynov, who inquired about the team’s condition and offered recommendations, emphasised that the team for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympics will be formed based on the results of the Azerbaijani championship.

ABF Secretary-General Nagi Safarov and Board member Rovshan Huseynov called on the boxers to be aware of their responsibilities and wished them success.

Following this, a report from the national team’s head coach, Ravshan Khodjayev, was presented. He stated that the team is ready for the World Championship and that the boxers’ morale is high.

Note that Azerbaijan will be represented by 11 boxers at the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships Dubai 2025, scheduled for December 3-13.

Boxing is known as one of the oldest sports in the history of humankind.

The earliest evidence of boxing dates back to Egypt around 3,000 BC.

This sport was introduced to the ancient Olympic Games by the Greeks in the late 7th century BC.

In 1924, the International Amateur Boxing Federation (FIBA) was established.

Since 1946, it has been referred to as the International Boxing Association (AIBA). Boxing made its Olympic debut at the 1904 Games in St. Louis.

In 1926, the boxing championship was held for the first time in Azerbaijan, where national boxers took first place.

Since 1992, the Azerbaijani Boxing Federation has become a full member of the International Boxing Association (AIBA).

Azerbaijani boxers have won many prestigious awards at many international championships.

Aghasi Mammadov has entered Azerbaijan’s history of boxing as the first national boxer, as a gold medallist at the world championship.

Another Azerbaijani boxer, Fuad Asadov, was among the medallists at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games.

Many times, Azerbaijan has been chosen as the host country for major boxing championships.

The AIBA Youth World Championships were held in Baku in 2019. This world championship was the first licensed youth tournament to qualify for the 2010 Olympic Games held in Singapore.

The country also hosted the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships, which was the first major qualifying event for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

The deputy foreign minister and former chief negotiator of COP29 in Azerbaijan, Yalchin Rafiyev, has said that Azerbaijan played a key mediating role in Trkiye’s successful bid to host COP31, Azernews reports.

He made the remarks during an international conference at ADA University on the role of universities in green energy and sustainability.

Rafiyev added that Trkiye’s hosting of COP31, following Azerbaijan, signals a growing regional focus on environmental and ecological issues, and underlined that Azerbaijan has offered its support to Trkiye. He also noted that a delegation from Azerbaijan is expected to be received by Trkiye in the near future.

It should be noted that while COP30, held in Brazil this year, faced challenges and delivered fewer major breakthroughs, COP29 in Baku concluded with landmark outcomes that helped reshape global climate policy. The summit achieved a historic milestone in climate finance through the adoption of the New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG), strengthened the transparency framework, and advanced the operationalisation of carbon markets under Article 6.

The ranking of the best films of 2025 has been released, highlighting a year packed with exceptional cinema. First place went to the drama “Battle After Battle”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Chase Infinity, Benicio del Toro, and Teyana Taylor, Azernews reports.

Second place is claimed by “Hamnet”, a moving film that delves into William Shakespeare’s personal tragedy-the loss of his only son. Based on Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, the film stars Paul Mescal as Shakespeare and Jessie Buckley as his wife Agnes.

Rounding out the top three is the detective thriller “Black Suitcase – A Double Game”, directed by Steven Soderbergh. Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender play a married couple who are also intelligence agents, navigating a tense world of espionage and intrigue.

The rest of the top ten features standout titles such as “Train Dreams”, “New Wave”, “Simple Accident”, “Method of Elimination”, “Sorry Baby”, “Marty the Magnificent”, and “Sentimental Value”.

The second ten offers a diverse selection of films, including “Peter Khujar’s Day”, “Eddington”, “Universal Language”, “Happiness to All”, “Orwell: 2+2=5”, “How to Become a Guinea Fowl”, “The Phoenician Scheme”, “The Romantic Generation”, “Frankenstein”, and “Guns”.

A striking feature of this year’s list is the wide variety of genres, ranging from deeply emotional dramas and historical biopics to inventive thrillers and quirky comedies. Critics have pointed out that 2025 may be a turning point in cinematic storytelling, blending classic narrative techniques with bold experimental approaches.

Several of this year’s films are pushing the boundaries of visual effects and immersive storytelling, hinting at a future where cinema increasingly combines traditional artistry with cutting-edge technology, from virtual sets to AI-assisted cinematography.

An event of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) will be held in Baku from December 9 to 11, Azernews reports, citing the State Civil Aviation Agency under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport.

It is worth noting that the Agency has already begun preparations for the gathering.

The agency stated that, during the financing process, the Cabinet of Ministers’ decision dated November 4, 2008 – which approves the ‘Rules for Allocating and Spending State Budget Funds for International and National Events Held by State-Funded Organizations, as well as for Receiving and Servicing Delegations and Officials from Foreign Countries’ – will be taken into account.

The second meeting of the Mapping Working Group of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) will be held in Baku on December 2-3, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources.

According to the Ministry, the gathering will bring together representatives of geodesy, cartography, land management, cadastre, remote sensing, and geographic information systems institutions from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Trkiye, as well as observer states Hungary and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Azerbaijan will participate in the session with delegates from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, the Geodesy and Cartography Agency under the Ministry, and specialists from other relevant state bodies.

The meeting will review the implementation status of the goals set during the Working Group’s first session, held on September 30-October 1, 2024, in Ankara. Participants will also discuss ways to strengthen cooperation in the field of mapping, outline new objectives, and examine opportunities for their practical implementation.

The event, taking place ahead of World Environment Day and the World Urban Forum (WUF13), both scheduled to be held in Baku in 2026, reflects Azerbaijan’s consistent efforts to enhance collaboration in geodesy, cartography, and geographic information systems, while advancing environmental protection and sustainable management initiatives.

The annual forum of ADA University alumni living abroad was held this year at the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Berlin, bringing together graduates, university leadership, diplomats, and partners for a wide-ranging exchange of ideas, Azernews reports.

Dedicated to the ‘Year of Constitution and Sovereignty’, the event was jointly organized by ADA University, the ADA University Foundation, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Germany, and the Azerbaijan Cultural Center, with support from Kolin Azerbaijan.

Opening the forum, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Germany Nasimi Aghayev stressed the importance of uniting ADA graduates in Europe, noting that the knowledge and experience Azerbaijani youth acquire abroad plays a critical role in representing the country’s intellectual potential globally. He highlighted that the achievements of ADA graduates in diverse fields reflect the university’s high educational standards and international outlook. The ambassador added that such initiatives strengthen Azerbaijani-German relations and help build long-term cooperation among alumni.

ADA University Vice-Rector Gunay Ziyadova delivered a detailed presentation on the university’s latest innovations, academic advancements, and future development plans. She underlined that ADA continues to progress in education and innovation, with its global alumni network playing an essential role in this growth.

Rector of ADA University, Ambassador Hafiz Pashayev, addressed the event as the keynote speaker, emphasizing that graduates-regardless of where they live-remain an integral part of the university’s mission. He encouraged alumni to actively participate in collaborative initiatives, stressing that such engagement creates new opportunities for both graduates and the institution.

The forum continued with a panel discussion moderated by Zohra Asadova from ADA’s Alumni Affairs Department. ADA graduates Mashdi Aliyev, Fidan Eminli, Sabira Imrani, Aydin Javadov, and Jamila Talibzadeh shared their professional journeys, academic experiences, and perspectives on how ADA’s values shape success across sectors. Participants also exchanged views on global trends, emerging challenges, and the evolving needs of international job markets.

Now a well-established tradition, ADA University’s alumni forums bring together graduates in various countries each year, contributing to stronger networks, closer cooperation, and new joint initiatives within the global ADA community.

Azerbaijani karateka Irina Zaretska has claimed a bronze medal at the 27th Karate World Championships, Azernews reports.

Competing in the 68 kg weight category, she secured the bronze by winning her bout for third place.

Meanwhile, Asiman Gurbanli (84 kg), however, lost his bronze medal match and ultimately finished in fifth place.

The 27th Karate World Championships brought together 378 karate fighters from 86 countries.

Irina Zaretska has competed for Azerbaijan since 2015. She earned a silver medal in the women’s +61 kg category at the 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics.

Zaretska is a three-time World Karate Champion in the women’s 68 kg division, winning gold in 2018, 2021, and 2023.

She has also claimed two gold medals in this category at both the Islamic Solidarity Games (2017 and 2022) and the European Games (2015 and 2023).

Asiman Gurbanli is an Azerbaijani karateka who claimed the gold medal in the men’s kumite +84 kg category at the 2019 European Games in Minsk, Belarus. He also earned a bronze medal in the men’s +84 kg event at the 2021 World Karate Championships held in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

In 2023, he won one of the bronze medals in the men’s +84 kg event at the European Games held in Poland.

Founded in 1994, the Azerbaijan Karate Federation is a full member of the World Karate Federation (WKF) and the European Karate Federation (EKF).

Over the past few years, Azerbaijan’s karate fighters have been the winners of the prestigious international tournaments, European and World Championships.

The list of strong national karate fighters includes five-time World Champion Rafael Aghayev, European Champions Abdulkarimov Parviz, Aghasiyev Jeyhun, Madadov Rustam, Ildirimzade Fayyaz, Aliyev Niyazi and Asiman Gurbanli, bronze medalist of European Championship Ilaha Gasimova, Atayev Amal, Jafarov Yusif, Atamov Shahin, Huseynov Rashad and others.