Category: Azer News

Several players and members of the coaching staff of Portugal’s football club Benfica, including head coach José Mourinho, have contracted a viral infection ahead of a crucial match against Porto, Azernews reports.

If the situation does not improve, the match scheduled for October 5 may be postponed.

Under Portuguese championship regulations, a match can be delayed if fewer than 13 players are available to play. Players must also be certified fit to participate by the relevant health authorities. As of now, Benfica’s management has not officially requested a postponement.

José Mourinho has been leading Benfica since September 18, marking a new chapter in the club’s season. The upcoming fixture against Porto is seen as a significant test for the team under the new coach.

Victoria Beckham showed a collection of slip dresses, roomy suits and soft, leather jackets with crinkled edges for her namesake label’s spring summer runway show, held at the 17th century Val-de-Grace abbey in Paris on Friday, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

Guests arrived after dark, crossing rain-slicked cobblestones to reach the cloisters inside.

Models marched under the arched corridors in sharp-toed shoes, parading dresses cut in asymmetric shapes and uneven hems, the fabric bunched together in places, some covered with a dusting of spray paint.

Trousers were low-waisted, cinched with thin belts and paired with tops that were slit open in front, while suit jackets came in boxy shapes, without lapels.

Handbags included a roomy duffle bag, a structured camera bag and one that resembled an accordion.

In written show notes, the brand described the collection as an “abstract adaptation of the coming-of-age wardrobe,” noting that Beckham had spent time reviewing photos of herself as a young adult.

Paris Fashion Week, which runs through October 7, features big name brands including Louis Vuitton, Dior, Chanel, Saint Laurent and Hermes.

This season has featured a record number of designer debuts as brands across the industry seek creative reboots to spark interest from inflation-weary shoppers.

The final stage of the boxing competitions at the 3rd CIS Games, hosted by Azerbaijan, continued in Baku with another moment of triumph for the home crowd, Azernews reports.

In the women’s 48-kilogram weight category, Azerbaijani boxer Gler Hseynova entered the ring against Russia’s Daria Gavrina in a highly anticipated final. Displaying composure, strength, and tactical precision, Hseynova outperformed her opponent and claimed the gold medal, further cementing Azerbaijan’s reputation as a rising power in women’s boxing.

Her victory was greeted with loud applause from spectators, who have turned out in large numbers to support the national team throughout the Games. The gold medal adds to Azerbaijan’s growing tally and underlines the host country’s success both in organizing the tournament and in sporting performance.

Hseynova’s success is not only a personal milestone but also a source of national pride, inspiring young athletes and highlighting the country’s commitment to strengthening women’s participation in sport.

The III CIS Games, which began earlier this month, have brought together 1,624 athletes from 13 countries to compete across a wide range of sports, from athletics and swimming to team disciplines and combat sports. Organizers have praised the high level of competition and the spirit of camaraderie among participating nations.

The second Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW) concluded in Azerbaijan, bringing together nearly 3,000 participants from 25 countries, Azernews reports.

The week-long event included government representatives, parliamentarians, scientists, business and women leaders, young climate activists, and officials from multilateral organizations.

Over eight venues across the capital, 46 sessions and events covered more than 30 topics, providing a platform for dialogue on the path to COP30 in Brazil. Key international organizations, including the United Nations, the Nizami Ganjavi International Center, Brazil’s SEBRAE, and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development, participated alongside former heads of state, parliamentarians, academics, and youth leaders.

The breadth of topics highlighted the complexity of the climate crisis. Discussions focused on climate finance and accountability, energy transition and mobility, adaptation and resilience, sustainable food systems and circular economy, as well as gender and leadership in climate action. Roundtables examined institutional capacity for climate resilience, green construction, climate-smart agribusiness, green transition, and sustainable fashion. Notably, the COP29 Sustainability Report was presented for the first time, and the Azerbaijan Universities Climate Network was officially established.

Youth engagement was a central theme, featuring the Youth Climate Forum, the Art and Innovation for the Planet exhibition showcasing young artists and startups, the Sustainable Career Fair connecting students with green economy opportunities, and the Little Climate Champions program promoting environmental awareness among children.

BCAW 2025, held between Rio Climate Action Week and COP30, highlighted Azerbaijan’s emerging role as a climate dialogue hub. For the country, soon to hand over COP presidency to Brazil, the week offered more than discussion-it reinforced a climate legacy and strengthened international collaboration, positioning Azerbaijan as a proactive leader in global climate action.

Azerbaijan’s successful diplomacy is gaining momentum day by day. Under the leadership of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the country is achieving remarkable progress – not only in its economic development, but also in enhancing its geopolitical influence across Eurasia and beyond. From energy partnerships to regional connectivity and peace-building, Azerbaijan is steadily strengthening its role as a reliable and strategic partner on the international stage.

On October 1-2, 2025, President Ilham Aliyev of the Republic of Azerbaijan participated in the 7th Summit of the European Political Community (EPC), held in Copenhagen, Denmark. The summit brought together nearly 50 European leaders to address shared challenges, including European security, energy resilience, migration, and hybrid threats. For Azerbaijan, this high-level gathering served as an important platform to reaffirm its strategic role in regional stability, energy cooperation, and intercontinental connectivity.

Azerbaijani President Aliyev’s visit was marked by several significant diplomatic engagements. His meeting with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan reflected a continued commitment to peace-building in the South Caucasus. Both sides reaffirmed the agreements reached at the Washington Peace Summit, emphasized the importance of regional transport links, and welcomed the formal closure of the OSCE Minsk Group structure, recognizing it as a step toward shaping new, modern mechanisms for regional cooperation. The leaders agreed to maintain dialogue and pursue confidence-building measures that support long-term peace.

During meetings with European Council President António Costa and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, President Ilham Aliyev was congratulated on the progress made in advancing the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan. Both European leaders expressed their appreciation for Azerbaijan’s constructive approach and reaffirmed the European Union’s commitment to supporting the peace process moving forward. They emphasized that achieving sustainable peace in the South Caucasus is not only vital for regional stability but also for broader European security. In this context, Costa and von der Leyen highlighted the importance of developing transport connectivity across the region, stressing that the EU views these infrastructure projects as critical for fostering economic integration and interregional cooperation.

The meeting also underlined Azerbaijan’s growing strategic role in European energy security. It was noted that, in accordance with the Strategic Energy Partnership Agreement signed between the EU and Azerbaijan in 2022, the volume of Azerbaijani gas exports to the European market has significantly increased. President Aliyev shared that Azerbaijani gas now reaches 10 European countries, including 8 EU member states, underscoring Azerbaijan’s emergence as a trusted and essential energy partner for Europe, particularly in the context of ongoing efforts to diversify energy sources and reduce dependency on single suppliers.

President Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the congratulations and emphasized that the achievements in the peace process are of historical importance not only for Azerbaijan but also for Armenia and the broader region. He noted that both countries have already adapted to the realities of peace and stressed that Azerbaijan remains fully committed to pursuing a forward-looking, stable, and lasting peace, driven by regional cooperation, mutual respect, and shared prosperity.

In a separate meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, both leaders emphasized the growing ties between Azerbaijan and Italy within the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership. They discussed recent milestones, including the opening of the Italy-Azerbaijan University in Baku, and the deepening of cooperation in energy, investments, education, and cultural exchange. These engagements reflect Azerbaijan’s broadening diplomatic scope, combining bilateral depth with multilateral outreach.

At the summit level, Azerbaijan’s support for the Middle Corridor – a key East-West transport and trade route – was also recognized. President Aliyev detailed the ongoing development of Azerbaijan’s logistics and transport infrastructure, which is helping facilitate increasing cargo transit from Central Asia to Europe. This underscores Azerbaijan’s position as a vital link between continents, particularly in a time of evolving global supply chains and geopolitical realignment.

Qarabag : A name of triumph in every arena

Interestingly, on the very day of President Aliyev’s meetings in Copenhagen, a football match was played between Qarabag FC – Azerbaijan’s leading football club – and FC Copenhagen, in Azerbaijan’s capital. Qarabag FC secured a decisive 2:0 victory, symbolically mirroring the success achieved in diplomacy.

The name Qarabag has, over the past five years, become a national emblem of resilience and achievement. Since 2020, it has stood for a new era of unity, development, and strength. Now, it echoes not only in political discussions and reconstruction projects, but also on international sports stages. From the halls of diplomacy to the arenas of UEFA, Qarabag represents victory.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid, President of the Republic of Iraq, on the occasion of the country’s national day, Azernews reports.

“Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my most sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and all your people on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Iraq.

I highly value our recent meeting in New York and the exchange of views we held. I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts to further strengthen Azerbaijan-Iraq relations and to fully realize the potential of our mutually beneficial cooperation, both bilaterally and within multilateral frameworks.

On this significant day, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and the friendly people of Iraq lasting peace and prosperity.”

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Azernews reports.

“Dear Mr. President,

On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my sincere congratulations to you and all your people on the occasion of October 3 – German Unity Day.

Germany is an important partner for us, and we attach great importance to the comprehensive development of our bilateral relations. Your visit to Azerbaijan in April gave a fresh impetus to the advancement of our cooperation, which encompasses a broad agenda.

I believe that we will continue our joint efforts to further develop the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Germany, sustain our mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields, and enrich it with new content.

On this festive occasion, I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and the friendly people of Germany lasting peace and prosperity,” the letter reads.

On October 2, a ceremonial event was held to announce the results of the 7th Baku International Architecture Competition, Azernews reports.

Head of the Baku Media Center, also participated in the event.

Elbay Gasimzada, the Chairman of the Board of the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan, stated that the Baku International Architecture Competition had been held for the 7th time since 2013.

He recalled that in the first competition, more than 100 projects from 20 countries were presented. He continued, saying, “We decided to continue this tradition and repeat it every two years. The number of participants has been growing year by year. In this competition, 270 projects from about 40 countries were presented. This competition is one of the 5 most prestigious competitions of the International Union of Architects. The jury has always consisted of 5 members, 4 of whom are internationally recognized foreign experts from the International Union of Architects. The competition, held in seven categories, is quite reputable.”

Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli mentioned that, within the framework of the Baku International Architecture Competition, many renowned architects from around the world gather every two years in our capital to participate in solving the most important issues and contribute to the development of this field.

“President Ilham Aliyev provides sustainable and comprehensive support for the development of architecture. First Vice-President, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Mehriban Aliyeva is a patron of Azerbaijani culture. Mehriban Aliyeva gives special attention to architecture as an essential part of culture and contributes to the preservation, restoration, and transfer of cultural heritage to future generations. Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and the head of the Baku Media Center, Arzu Aliyeva, also closely support cultural projects and are, in general, the closest friends of cultural figures and architects,” the minister added.

Then, the members of the competition’s jury were awarded the Union of Architects of Azerbaijan’s highest award, the academic Mikayil Huseynov Commemorative Medal.

Following that, the results of the competition were announced. The top three winners in each category were honored.

The event continued with an artistic program.

‘Gedik Kaynak’ LLC, a resident of the Neftchala Industrial District managed by the Economic Zones Development Agency, has exported another 100 tons of electrode products to Turkmenistan. According to the agency, the company will gradually deliver a total of 600 tons of products to the country, Azernews reports.

Registered as a resident of the Neftchala Industrial District in 2021, ‘Gedik Kaynak’ LLC currently produces electrodes in eight sizes, including two types. In the next stage, the enterprise plans to expand its product range by launching the production of stainless steel and aluminum electrodes.

As the only electrode producer in Azerbaijan, the enterprise has an annual production capacity of 330 tons. With an investment value of 7.5 million manats (about $4.4 million), it has also created more than 20 permanent jobs.

In addition to meeting domestic demand under the ‘Geka’ brand, the company exports its products to Iraq, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, while negotiations are underway to enter the Russian and Kazakh markets.

Maqsud Mahsudov, a member of the Azerbaijani team in trampoline gymnastics, has won a gold medal at the third CIS Games, Azernews reports.

He scored 60.190 points in the men’s individual competition and climbed to the top of the podium.

Earlier, Seljan Mahsudova had won a bronze medal in the women’s individual competition.

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