Category: Azer News

International credit rating agency Moody’s Ratings has reaffirmed the Baa3 long-term issuer rating of Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company (SOCAR), AzerNEWS reports.

In its latest report, the agency said the rating reflects SOCAR’s baseline credit assessment (BCA) of ba2, Azerbaijan’s Baa3 foreign-currency sovereign rating, the government’s full ownership of the company, the strong financial interdependence between SOCAR and the state, and the high likelihood of government support should the company encounter financial difficulties.

The agency said SOCAR’s baseline credit profile is supported by the company’s strategic role in Azerbaijan’s oil and gas sector and its importance to the national economy. Moody’s also highlighted the company’s solid financial performance, strong credit metrics, and close ties with the Azerbaijani government, which maintains substantial financial reserves and has the capacity to provide support if necessary.

At the same time, Moody’s pointed to several factors that constrain SOCAR’s credit profile. These include declining hydrocarbon production, the company’s growing mergers and acquisitions activity, corporate governance considerations, exposure to fluctuations in global oil prices, and the high concentration of its operations in Azerbaijan.

Several guests who attended a reception hosted by the French Embassy in Armenia to mark France’s National Day on July 14 have reportedly been hospitalized, AzerNEWS reports.

According to local media, many attendees of the Bastille Day celebration sought medical assistance after the event and were diagnosed with an intestinal infection.

In a statement issued on July 18, the French Embassy in Armenia confirmed that a number of guests who attended the July 14 reception had reported symptoms consistent with food poisoning.

“Guests who attended the reception held at the Embassy of France on the occasion of the National Day on July 14, 2026, have informed us that they experienced symptoms of food poisoning,” the embassy said.

The embassy expressed its sincere apologies to those affected and stated that it hopes the cause of the illness will be identified. It added that the matter has been referred to the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Armenia.

Among the attendees at the reception was Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan, along with other government officials and diplomatic representatives.

The exact cause of the reported food poisoning has not yet been determined, and Armenian health authorities are expected to investigate the incident.

The United States has officially closed its Consulate General in Peshawar, Pakistan, AzerNEWS reports.

The announcement was made in a statement published on the diplomatic mission’s official X account.

According to the statement, responsibility for diplomatic engagement with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Province has been transferred to the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Affairs Unit (KPU) at the U.S. Embassy in Islamabad.

The U.S. Department of State first announced plans to gradually close the Peshawar Consulate in early May. The decision was made with consideration for the safety of diplomatic personnel and the need to allocate resources more efficiently.

The closure marks the end of the consulate’s operations, with its responsibilities now being handled through the U.S. Embassy in Pakistan’s capital.

As a result of consular measures by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Ukraine, the body of Samad Nasrullayev, captain of the “Atlas Bey” vessel, was repatriated to Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry’s post on X.

“The body of Samad Nasrullayev, captain of the “Atlas Bey” vessel, was sent to our country on July 17 as a result of the relevant consular measures and coordination efforts undertaken by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Ukraine,” the ministry said.

The Foreign Ministry once again expressed its deepest condolences to the captain’s family and loved ones.

“May he rest in peace,” the statement added.

A new international organization dedicated to advancing global cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) will be headquartered in Shanghai, following the signing of a founding agreement by representatives of 29 founding member states, AzerNEWS reports.

According to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the new World Organization for AI Cooperation will operate as an independent intergovernmental international organization in accordance with the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

The ministry said the organization will be guided by the principles of extensive consultation, joint contribution, and shared benefits, while placing human interests at the center of its work. Its mission will be to promote international cooperation and global governance in the field of artificial intelligence, ensuring the technology develops in a healthy, orderly, secure, and equitable manner for the benefit of all humanity.

The founding agreement was signed during a ceremony attended by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who signed the document on behalf of the Chinese government.

The 29 founding members include Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Russia, Indonesia, Laos, and 24 other countries.

The signing ceremony was also attended by UN Secretary-General António Guterres, along with representatives of several governments and international organizations.

Two U.S. service members were killed in Jordan on July 17, AzerNEWS reports.

“On July 17, two U.S. service members in Jordan were killed in action as U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and partner forces defended against Iranian ballistic missile and drone attacks,” CENTCOM said in a social media post.

According to CENTCOM, one additional U.S. service member remains missing following the incident.

The command also said that four other U.S. troops were evacuated to hospitals in Jordan for medical treatment. They have since been discharged, while other personnel who sustained minor injuries have returned to duty with their units.

Azerbaijan is taking new steps to strengthen the professional capacity of its cultural institutions and expand its role in international cultural dialogue, AzerNEWS reports.

As part of the Concept, a professional training program titled “State Protocol and International Cultural Cooperation” has been conducted for employees of the Culture Ministry to support the development of human capital and strengthen institutional capacity.

The training program consisted of three modules and 12 sessions covering topics such as the fundamentals of state protocol, diplomatic etiquette, the organization of international events, cultural diplomacy, cooperation with UNESCO, and the practical application of international protocol.

The training was delivered by diplomat and expert Fikrat Pashayev.

Its purpose was to enhance the Ministry of Culture employees’ knowledge and skills in the fields of state protocol and international cooperation, as well as to strengthen their professional approach to organizing international events.

On January 14, 2026, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev approved the “Azerbaijani Culture – 2040” Cultural Concept, a comprehensive long-term strategy designed to shape the country’s cultural development over the next 15 years

The initiative is aimed at harmonizing cultural traditions with modern approaches, safeguarding Azerbaijan’s national identity while supporting sustainable growth and strengthening the country’s cultural influence internationally.

The Concept outlines a vision for a modern cultural framework based on national and moral values, with a focus on ensuring systematic and sustainable progress across various cultural fields. Special attention is given to the Azerbaijani language, with measures planned to expand its role in cultural life, support its further development, and increase its recognition worldwide.

The strategy includes coordinated efforts to promote the Azerbaijani language as a dynamic means of communication and creative expression. Expected outcomes include the advancement of Azerbaijani literary language, the creation of new cultural and intellectual works, and wider use of Azerbaijani in digital spaces.

The Concept also emphasizes the importance of promoting the language internationally to strengthen its position in global communication. It aims to improve both the volume and quality of scientific, media, and literary content produced in Azerbaijani, ensuring its continued relevance as a cultural and intellectual resource.

Implemented under the coordination of the Ministry of Culture, the “Azerbaijani Culture – 2040” Concept will be carried out in three phases: 2026-2030, 2031-2035, and 2036-2040. Each stage includes specific goals and institutional measures designed to guide the country’s cultural development.

The Turkic World Week was held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from June 29 to July 3 to mark the commemorate the 100th anniversary of the historic First Turkological Congress.

The event was organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), and the Ministry of Science and Education, in cooperation with the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), TURKSOY, Baku State University, the Turkic Academy, and the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation.

The week-long program gathered officials, representatives of international organizations, scholars, and cultural figures to commemorate the lasting significance of the First Turkological Congress, held in Baku in 1926.

The events highlighted the common cultural heritage of Turkic peoples, promoted humanitarian ties, and supported the development of new scholarly initiatives throughout the Turkic world.

A major achievement of the program was the adoption of the Khankandi Declaration, a document that sets out future directions for cooperation among Turkic states in areas such as science, education, language, culture, and the preservation of shared historical heritage.

The declaration also reaffirmed the commitment to the values and principles introduced at the First Turkological Congress.

Pakistan-based English-language news outlet Dispatch News Desk (DND) has published an analytical article examining the outcomes of the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, describing the event as an important platform for addressing the evolving role of media in an increasingly complex information environment.

In the article, the author argues that the forum demonstrated how journalism is being reshaped by rapid technological advances, particularly the growing influence of artificial intelligence and the spread of disinformation. According to the publication, participants stressed that media organizations must adapt to these challenges while preserving professional ethics, credibility and public trust.

The analysis also highlights discussions on the responsibility of journalists in an era of digital transformation, noting that the widespread use of AI-powered tools has created new opportunities for content production but has also increased the risks associated with misinformation and manipulated content. The publication suggests that these developments require stronger international cooperation and more effective mechanisms for verifying information.

The article further points to President Ilham Aliyev’s participation in the forum, saying his remarks focused on regional developments, Azerbaijan’s foreign policy priorities, transport connectivity and the country’s post-conflict reconstruction efforts. According to DND, the President’s address provided participants with broader insights into the geopolitical dynamics of the South Caucasus and Azerbaijan’s vision for regional cooperation.

The publication concludes that the Shusha Global Media Forum has evolved beyond a traditional gathering of journalists into an international platform where media professionals, policymakers and experts exchange views on the future of journalism, technological innovation and the growing importance of reliable information in a rapidly changing global landscape.

Participants of the “Azerbaijani Culture Summer School” project have completed their visit to the Karabakh region, where they explored key cultural, educational, and historical sites in Khankandi, AzerNEWS reports.

The initiative aims to introduce participants to Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, post-war reconstruction efforts, and the region’s renewed role in education and development.

The project, organized on the initiative of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Azerbaijan Cultural Center named after Heydar Aliyev, operating under the Azerbaijani Embassy in Uzbekistan, included a visit to Karabakh University.

During the visit, participants learned about the university’s activities and modern educational infrastructure.

They were informed that, established by a decree of the President of Azerbaijan, Karabakh University is the first state higher education institution founded in the liberated territories.

Officials highlighted that the university’s mission is to train highly qualified specialists for the region, promote scientific research, and support Khankandi’s transformation into a major center of education and innovation.

The participants also visited Victory Park, a landmark reflecting Azerbaijan’s restoration of territorial integrity and the historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War.

They received information about the course of the war, the liberation of Azerbaijani cities and settlements, and the restoration of national sovereignty.

The park was presented as not only a symbol of victory and remembrance but also as a representation of Khankandi’s revival, the return of peaceful life, and the extensive reconstruction projects underway across Karabakh.

The next stop of the “Azerbaijani Culture Summer School” participants will be Baku.

The winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup will become the first team in football history to receive a unique championship award, AzerNEWS reports.

For the first time ever, championship rings will be presented at a FIFA World Cup tournament. The tradition is well known in major American sports leagues, and its introduction at the 2026 World Cup is especially symbolic because the tournament will be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.

A limited edition of 2,026 championship rings will be produced, with each ring featuring an individual serial number as a tribute to the year of the tournament. Thirty rings will be presented to the players and coaching staff of the winning team, while the remaining 1,996 rings will be available for purchase worldwide as official FIFA-licensed memorabilia.

The design of the rings will include the image of the World Cup trophy on one side and the winning team’s emblem on the other. Each ring will be individually numbered, customized to size, and accompanied by a certificate of authenticity.

Immediately after the final whistle, the captain and head coach of the champions will receive temporary commemorative rings. The official championship rings for all 30 members of the winning team will then be specially produced, with the award ceremony taking place once they are completed.

The introduction of championship rings marks a new chapter in World Cup traditions and brings the tournament closer to the culture of American professional sports, where such awards have become symbols of legacy and victory.

In the 2026 World Cup final, Spain and Argentina will compete for the title. The decisive match will be held on July 19 at the stadium in New Jersey and will begin at 23:00 Baku time.