Category: Azer News

As Azerbaijan pushes forward with its peace agenda and reconstruction efforts, recently, a striking imbalance has recently emerged in the international response, particularly from Europe. During the years of occupation, the European Union and various European organisations regularly introduced peacebuilding programs, civil society initiatives, and grant-based projects, many of which ultimately helped maintain the existing status quo rather than resolve the conflict. Yet now, in a period when Azerbaijan has restored its sovereignty, opened the path for normalisation with Armenia, and is addressing the immense humanitarian and infrastructural consequences of occupation, Europe’s involvement has sharply declined.

Azerbaijan today finances almost the entirety of its demining operations alone, despite more than 20 per cent of its territory being left in ruins and heavily contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance. Only a handful of states, such as Uzbekistan and Pakistan, have provided meaningful assistance. Europe, which once showed sustained interest and even competition in peace initiatives during the conflict, now demonstrates near-total passivity. This is particularly evident when contrasted with the EU’s vigorous political, financial, humanitarian, and reconstruction support for Ukraine.

Azerbaijan, despite this discrepancy, has not withheld its own assistance to Ukraine, raising questions about why Europe applies a selective, asymmetric standard in its approach to post-conflict recovery. While the EU invests heavily in Ukrainian reconstruction and mine clearance, it has not initiated even a single substantial reconstruction or demining project in Azerbaijan. This selective engagement not only undermines Europe’s credibility but also reinforces doubts about its intentions and priorities in the South Caucasus.

The current reality invites discussion on whether Europe has strategically distanced itself from a peace process in which Azerbaijan now holds the initiative, and whether this withdrawal risks weakening regional stability. At the same time, new regional platforms, such as the Zangazur corridor and broader connectivity projects, present opportunities for meaningful support in energy, transport, reconstruction, and humanitarian fields. Yet Europe remains detached, prompting sharper questions about its future role, its geopolitical principles, and its long-term vision for the region.

‘Europe has abandoned the South Caucasus at the very moment when real peace became possible,’ British political scientist Neil Watson told Azernews, before outlining his assessment:

‘To regain credibility and relevance in the South Caucasus, the EU should establish a dedicated EU Recovery and Demining Fund for the Azerbaijani region of Garabagh, focusing on rebuilding critical infrastructure, schools, and agriculture in the liberated territories, thereby making a public and symbolic commitment. The EU should support the Zangazur Corridor, also known as the Trump International Corridor for Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), not just as a transport route, but as a blueprint for regional connectivity, energy diversification away from Russia, and a path towards a stable and interconnected South Caucasus, which has the potential to become essential in the New World Order. The EU must appoint a Special Envoy for the South Caucasus, embedding the region into the EU’s strategic agenda, rather than treating it as a peripheral issue. Brussels should invest in the digital and green transformation of the region before China, Trkiye, or the Gulf states dominate this space. It is also important to launch a Brussels-Garabagh Dialogue Platform involving Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society, moderated by EU institutions, thereby playing a moral and diplomatic balancing role.’

Watson continued:

‘EU foreign policy is more about inertia and optics than principle. Armenia was seen as the so-called ‘victim’ as it fitted the EU’s preferred narrative of a fragile Christian democracy needing support. When Azerbaijan regained control of its internationally recognised territories, it ceased to be the underdog and used the Russian expansionist mentality to its advantage. Europe struggles to engage with strong, assertive partners who don’t follow its playbook. Geopolitical bias played a role – especially under pressure from Armenocentric France, which heavily influenced the policy stance in Brussels.’

He added, and in the conclusion, warned that the EU has a choice:

‘The EU only supports peace when it’s convenient and beneficial to it. EU neutrality is selective. It doesn’t protect principles; it protects narratives. This has undermined the EU’s image as a reliable peacebroker and shifted trust toward alternative power centres like Trkiye. The ultimate message is dangerous: ‘Strength and sovereignty won’t be rewarded, unless they align with EU preferences. Europe has a choice: reclaim its influence by being bold and fair, or remain a spectator in a region moving toward new alliances. Azerbaijan has played its hand. The South Caucasus is united and independent of Russian domination for the first time.’

‘Azerbaijan hosts several prestigious international events related to the media, and constantly, puts forward important initiatives in this area,’ President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his address to the participants of the D-8 Media Forum themed ‘Promoting Dialogue, Cooperation and Regional Solidarity’, Azernews reports.

‘Aligning our national media strategy with the international practice, we focus, in particular, on increasing professionalism of journalists, broadcasting evidence-based news and developing media literacy. At the same time, we support the creation of information platforms via the regional collaboration,’ the President of Azerbaijan emphasized.

On November 18, ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Albania and Tirana Art Gallery, with the support of Tirana City Municipality, held the next exhibition of Azerbaijani carpets in Europe at Tirana Art Gallery.

The exhibition is dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the inclusion of the traditional art of carpet weaving in the UNESCO Representative List of intangible cultural heritage with the direct initiative and support of the first vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva. The next day, on November 19, a meeting and master classes were held between students of art faculties of various educational institutions and Azerbaijani artists.

The special event organized to mark the opening of the “May your hands remain well!” exhibition was attended by officials of Albanian state institutions, members of parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps in Tirana, media representatives, representatives of science and academic circles, artists and cultural figures, as well as members of Azerbaijani, Turkish and other communities living in Albania.

The “May your hands remain well!” carpet collection includes traditional carpets from the Karabakh, Guba and Shirvan carpet weaving schools woven in the workshops of ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC, as well as works from various special collections. These include one carpet from the ’44’ collection of ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC in collaboration with Rashad Alekperov, two carpets from the ‘Architect of Memory’ and ‘Woman’ collections with Aydan Salahova, one carpet from a joint project with Faig Ahmed, three exclusive carpets from the ‘Pomegranate Symphony’ collection with young artist Samira Allahverdiyeva, and two – ‘Nakhchivan’ and ‘Qarabagh’ carpets by Rufat Ismayil in collaboration with ‘AFFFAIR’. In addition, the exhibition will feature two carpets by the Albanian artist Xhevahir Kolgji, who in his works connects East and West and thus tries to destroy the borders.

The exhibition was declared open by the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Albania, Anar Huseynov. The Diplomat informed about the history of carpet weaving, which is one of the vivid examples of Azerbaijan’s ancient and rich cultural heritage, and the state’s care for the development of this art in our country. The ambassador noted that the purpose of the exhibition is to convey the culture and truth of Azerbaijan to local residents through art. The two-month exhibition will contribute to the rapprochement of the peoples of Azerbaijan and Albania. He thanked the municipality of Tirana for the conditions created for the exhibition.

During his speech, Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC, Honored Artist Emin Mammadov congratulated the event participants on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the November 8 Victory Day and the magnificent victory, which we recently celebrated and which is written in golden letters in the centuries-old history of our people, and spoke about the history of the organization. The Chairman said that the main goal of ‘Azerkhalcha” OJSC is to preserve the tradition of carpet weaving and further develop this art. He stressed that Azerbaijani folk-applied art and its branch, carpet weaving, occupy a special place in the history of the national culture of our people. E.Mammadov spoke about the short history of various carpets displayed at the exhibition and spoke about the future plans and main goals of ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC.

Then, Director of The Art Gallery of Tirana Edith Pula and Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Azerbaijan Besart Kadia, who visited his homeland for this exhibition, continued the event with their speeches.

In order to promote the art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan to the world, protect our national spiritual heritage, adapt it to the modern era and pass it on to future generations, and support the promotion of the art of carpet weaving, the “Qarabakh” and “Nakhchivan” carpets, belonging to the joint “A New Look at Cultural Heritage” collection of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC and “AFFFAIR”, were donated to the Tirana Art Gallery by “PASHA Holding” and “PASHA Bank”. These carpets will continue to be displayed in the gallery’s permanent collection. At the same time, another example of ‘Nakhchivan’ carpet was presented by ‘Pasha Holding” to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania as a gift.

The process of weaving a real Azerbaijani carpet was demonstrated and master classes were held for the visitors of the exhibition. Participants of the exhibition have the opportunity to make their own loops on the carpet. A special certificate of ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC was also presented to everyone who participated in the weaving process of the Azerbaijani carpet. The exhibition will last until January 20.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of D-8 Media Forum on Fostering Dialogue, Collaboration, and Regional Cohesion, Azernews reports.

The letter reads:

“Dear Forum participants,

I cordially welcome you to the first ever Media Forum of the Developing-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation (D-8). It is a significant event to hold such first Forum in the city of Baku on the initiative of Azerbaijan.

As you may know, last year, the Republic of Azerbaijan was unanimously elected to the D-8 membership. It is a notable case that the organization operating for almost thirty years, has adopted the decision for its expansion for the first time. This reflects the international confidence placed in our country as it mirrors our strong friendly and cooperative relations, our unity and solidarity with each member country. The D-8 member countries with total population of 1,2 billion people and vast economic potential, share religious and cultural values. Today, spanning three continents, the D-8 platform disposes wider opportunities to advance the development in such important areas as sustainable economic growth, digital transformation, AI, mitigating global climate change and ensuring energy security. Azerbaijan has transformed into an important actor of regional and international cooperation by building multifaceted partnerships with D-8 countries in energy, transportation and communication spheres.

Since its membership to the D-8 family, Azerbaijan puts efforts for its institutional development. And, it is seen not only in the economic area of collaboration, but also cultural, social and humanitarian ones. During almost one year period since Azerbaijan’s acceptance into D-8, the first meeting of D-8 NGOs was organized in the city of Baku by our country’s initiative as it was in the case with the D-8 High-Level Climate and Urban Dialogue that took place within D-8 Week. Azerbaijan will continue to give its further contribution to expand the collaboration within this institution.

I stress my confidence that this Forum which brings together public and political figures, communication professionals and media representatives from friendly countries, will become an effective platform to discuss new challenges emerging in global information arena and reach common goals. During this period when communities are facing global crisis, new challenges and difficulties, it is extremely important to provide mutual support and showcase media solidarity between our countries.

The information cannot rest as a mere news in the contemporary world as it plays an important role in shaping confidence and understanding between peoples by turning into a main driving force of international relations, public opinion and economic development.

Currently, the media environment is affected by rapid transformations. It is regrettable that there is a never-ending rise of disinformation, fake news, hybrid threats, deepfakes, AI misuse and other manipulation cases in global information space. Besides having a serious impact on the countries’ image and their internal life, these factors damage the international stability as a whole, and undermine the confidence among countries. This is why one of primordial tasks of D-8 Media Forum is to form a credible collaboration between media institutions of member countries to build a just, impartial, non-biased and responsible information space.

Azerbaijan hosts several prestigious international events related to the media, and constantly, puts forward important initiatives in this area. Aligning our national media strategy with the international practice, we focus, in particular, on increasing professionalism of journalists, broadcasting evidence-based news and developing media literacy. At the same time, we support the creation of information platforms via the regional collaboration.

Today’s Forum is a new line of cooperation opening up favorable opportunities to share experience between media institutions of friendly countries. I do believe that ideas voiced here coupled with proposals and joint project initiatives to be made, will play a significant role in the future information policies of D-8 countries.

Hoping to see D-8 Media Forum to contribute significantly to fostering cooperation, mutual confidence and solidarity between our peoples and ensuring information security, I wish every single success to it.”

Armenia’s recent reciprocal delegation visit to Azerbaijan, coming on the heels of the Azerbaijani delegation’s trip to Yerevan, shows a reality and a turning point that would have seemed unthinkable even a year ago. For decades, relations between the two neighbours appeared frozen stiff, locked in a cycle of hostility that many believed would never thaw. Yet, against all odds, the ice has finally begun to melt. The fact that this breakthrough emerged not from grand international summits, but from direct bilateral engagement, speaks volumes about the new realities of the South Caucasus.

For years, peace initiatives were lost in a maze of multilateral formats, such as trilateral, quadrilateral, and everything in between. Meeting after meeting ended in stalemate. Now, with hindsight, it is clear that these efforts fell flat because they were approached through the wrong lens. External actors, especially Western institutions and European structures, viewed the region through their own interests, agendas, and geopolitical calculations. They acted as though the South Caucasus were a chessboard on which they could advance their own positions. Meanwhile, genuine peace remained out of reach.

The failure of these formats was no mystery, but only a myth sustained by diplomatic inertia. Armenia and Azerbaijan were treated less as sovereign actors capable of resolving their own differences and more as pawns in someone else’s geopolitical game. The result was predictable: much ado about nothing.

This dynamic became especially clear around 2020, when international pressure on Azerbaijan began to mount. At the very moment when a country suffering thirty years of occupation sought to restore its territorial integrity, a chorus of criticism, manipulation, and misinformation arose from media outlets, political platforms, and even international organisations. What became visible was the stark contrast between declared peacebuilding intentions and the rather more dubious motives hiding behind a curtain of hypocrisy.

One of the most influential forces behind this wave of pressure was the Armenian diaspora in the United States, especially those clustered around the Democratic Party and the Biden administration. Drawing encouragement from sympathetic figures in Washington, diaspora networks sought to weaponise the US Congress and the State Department against Azerbaijan. Even during COP29, a global climate conference where geopolitics should have no place, the former US administration attempted to send irrelevant and openly partisan figures to Baku. Their behaviour laid bare their underlying aim: supporting separatist narratives regardless of the context.

Despite such provocations, Azerbaijan stuck to its guns. Whether on the battlefield during the Patriotic War or on the diplomatic stage during global climate negotiations, Baku presented its case firmly yet responsibly. COP29, widely recognised as a success, demonstrated what effective leadership in a global forum looks like. Ironically, COP30, the successor event, stumbled into controversy, offering a textbook example of how poor organisation and political meddling can derail an international summit. It takes two to tango, and when some actors insist on distracting from the real issues with irrelevant agendas, even the best-designed events falter.

When Azerbaijan and Armenia held their first bilateral dialogue in Abu Dhabi, the reaction of certain actors drew a clear picture of their own. Those who had long insisted that peace was impossible without Western involvement suddenly fell silent. The quiet in some European capitals was deafening. Their predictions of perpetual conflict, their insistence that external ‘mission teams’ were indispensable, all crumbled in the face of simple facts: Baku and Yerevan had chosen to speak directly, and it worked.

Meanwhile, the European Union continues to keep its monitoring mission stationed in Armenia, binoculars in hand, even though the risk of renewed war has dramatically decreased and both sides now speak openly about lasting peace. The mission’s very persistence suggests that Brussels is struggling to digest the new realities. The South Caucasus of 2025 is no longer the region of the 1990s, where outside actors could dictate terms and carve out spheres of influence. The ground has shifted, and some in Europe are finding it hard to regain their footing.

The collapse of the OSCE Minsk Group serves as yet another symbol of this changing landscape. For years, the group clung to the illusion that the conflict could be frozen indefinitely while Europe played referee. Some members openly fantasised about returning to the ‘old status quo,’ as though the last four years had not transformed the region beyond recognition. But reality is what it is: Azerbaijan liberated its own territories and restored its sovereignty. Europe did not lift a finger.

It is natural to ask: Why did Europe’s peace initiatives flow freely when Azerbaijani lands remained under occupation, but dry up completely once both Armenia and Azerbaijan began negotiating in good faith? The contrast speaks for itself. The European Union, which spares no effort in supporting Ukraine’s reconstruction, mine-clearance, and institutional aid, has not launched a single serious project to help Azerbaijan deal with the devastation caused by three decades of occupation. This is not jealousy speaking, but merely an illustration of the double standards that continue to plague international politics.

Victims of mines in Ukraine and Azerbaijan are equally human, equally deserving of dignity and support. If the EU claims to act from principle, not preference, then surely it should adopt a consistent approach. Yet Azerbaijan’s appeals for assistance have been met with indifference, even as the EU invests billions in other conflict zones. It is a bitter pill to swallow, especially given Europe’s vast experience in reconstruction programmes worldwide.

Europe could play a constructive role in the post-war rebuilding of the South Caucasus. Projects such as the Zangazur corridor, also known by its modern designation, TRIP, along with major transport and energy links, offer huge potential for connectivity, commerce, and stability. But instead of lending a hand, Europe has chosen to sit on the fence. It is a missed opportunity that may one day come back to haunt it.

The last thirty years of European engagement, before and after the occupation, reveal one undeniable truth: peace must be free from narrow interests, political ambitions, and hidden agendas. It must be grounded in fairness, consistency, and respect. Today, Europe loudly champions open transport routes and communication links, yet turns a blind eye to the very initiatives that would achieve precisely that in the South Caucasus.

When these projects finally come to fruition, and they will, those who ignored them will surely line up to applaud, attempting to rewrite history and place themselves centre stage. Such political theatre is as old as diplomacy itself.

But the heart of the matter is this: peace in the South Caucasus was not built in Brussels, Washington, or Paris. It was built in Abu Dhabi, Washington, under the Trump administration, Baku, and Yerevan through direct dialogue, mutual recognition of reality, and pragmatic cooperation. By organising bilateral visits without third-party pressure, Armenia and Azerbaijan have demonstrated that peace is not a fairy tale. It is a practical choice, made by neighbours who share a region, a future, and the responsibility to ensure that the tragedies of the past are never repeated.

The so-called ‘impossibility theorem’ of South Caucasus peace has been shattered. And it was shattered by the two parties themselves.

President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on the conscription of citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan for active military service from January 1 through January 30, 2026, and the discharge of active military personnel into the reserve, Azernews reports.

The decree noted the following:

1. Citizens of Azerbaijan born in 2008 and who have reached the age of 18 by the day of conscription (including that day), as well as citizens born in 1996-2007, who are up to 30 years old, who haven’t completed active military service in the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, who don’t have the right to a deferral from conscription for active military service or who have not been exempted from conscription for active military service, shall be called up for active military service from January 1 to 30, 2026.

2. Active military servicemen who have completed their service period as stipulated in Article 38.1.1 of the Law of Azerbaijan “On military duty and military service” shall be released into reserve from January 1 to 30, 2026.

3. The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan must take the measures stipulated in the legislation for the implementation of this decree.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has approved the export of the latest American semiconductors to companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, Azernews reports.

According to the official document, the agency ‘authorized the export of cutting-edge U.S. semiconductors, equivalent to up to 35,000 Nvidia Blackwell chips, to two companies in Saudi Arabia and the UAE.’ The companies in question are Abu Dhabi-based G42 and Saudi Humain, both of which are actively involved in artificial intelligence (AI) research and development.

The Department of Commerce emphasized that granting this permit ‘will help maintain the United States’ leading position in technology,’ particularly in AI-related innovations.

This move highlights the growing role of the Middle East in global AI development. By providing access to some of the world’s most advanced chips, U.S. authorities are not only supporting allied nations but also fostering international AI collaborations that could accelerate breakthroughs in areas ranging from healthcare to autonomous systems. Some analysts suggest that these partnerships might position the UAE and Saudi Arabia as emerging hubs for high-performance AI research, bridging the gap between Silicon Valley and the Middle East.

On November 18, a meeting and master class with renowned Uzbek miniature artist Jahangir Ashurov took place, organized by the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration, followed by the opening of an exhibition of his works, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva, Arzu Aliyeva, Alena Aliyeva, as well as various artists.

During the gathering at the Baku Photography House, Jahangir Ashurov spoke about his artistic journey, demonstrated his creative techniques, and engaged with participants’ questions.

Artists, designers, researchers, and art enthusiasts took part in the event, gaining a close look at the delicate craft of miniature painting and experiencing its unique charm.

Later, the exhibition “Oriental Miniature: A Journey Through Time” by Jahangir Ashurov opened in the Baku Photography House’s exhibition hall.

The exhibition holds special significance as it showcases the deep and rich heritage of miniature art to the public.

Work on the development of the latest American F-47 fighter has officially begun, Azernews reports.

This was announced by U.S. President Donald Trump, who highlighted that the aircraft is being developed as part of the ambitious New Generation Air Dominance (NGAD) program.

The first test flights of the sixth-generation F-47 fighter are expected to take place in 2028. Most details remain classified, but available information suggests that the aircraft will have a range exceeding 1,600 km, a top speed of over Mach 2 (approximately 2,248 km/h), and advanced stealth technologies to reduce radar visibility.

The U.S. Air Force plans to acquire at least 185 units, with each aircraft potentially costing more than $300 million.

The F-47 is part of the broader NGAD initiative, which also includes the development of unmanned wingmen, next-generation engines, advanced weapons, electronic warfare systems, and new combat management technologies.

Experts note that the NGAD program could redefine air combat. By integrating manned and unmanned aircraft into an AI-coordinated network, pilots might one day control entire swarms of autonomous drones-turning what was once science fiction into a potential reality.

The final stage of the Republican Literary Recitation Contest “Poetry of Khazri” has been held in Baku, Azernews reports.

The competition is organized by the Culture Ministry’s Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center for Culture (MEMIM) in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the national poet Nabi Khazri.

Around 50 participants took part in the qualifying round of the competition, which was held with the organizational support of the Union of Theatrical Figures of Azerbaijan, in partnership with the Qanun Publishing House and MIMTA Publishing House. From this group, 14 finalists showcased their skills before the jury.

The jury, which included People’s Artist, Professor Mammadsaafa Gasimov, poet, writer, playwright, and screenwriter Ilgar Fahmi, and Honored Artist, actor, master of literary recitation, Professor Azad Shukurov, determined the winners.

As a result of the competition, Anar Ahmadov won 1st place, Ramil Huseynzade and Huseynagha Aslanov took 2nd place, and Syama Aghazade (Mughanna) came in 3rd place.

The winners will be awarded at a solemn event to be held soon.

The contest was organized with the aim of developing the creative abilities of talented reciters, increasing interest in the art of literary declamation, enriching the artistic and aesthetic taste of young people, and promoting the legacy of the national poet Nabi Khazri.

Media partners of the event Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.