Category: Azer News

Azerbaijan’s role in Europe’s energy security has strengthened significantly in recent years – a trend expected to accelerate with the country’s transition to green energy.

As reported by Azernews, Chairman of the Milli Majlis (Parliament of Azerbaijan) Committee on Natural Resources, Energy, and Ecology, Sadig Gurbanov, made the remarks during today’s parliamentary debate on the draft law ‘On the State Budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026.’

Gurbanov noted that, amid global climate challenges, accelerating the country’s green energy transformation must remain one of the core pillars of Azerbaijan’s energy strategy.

‘Preparatory work is underway for large-scale offshore wind energy projects in the Caspian Sea. New solar and wind parks are coming online, and the liberated territories, along with the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, have been designated as ‘green energy zones.’ As a result, by 2030 the share of renewable sources in electricity generation is set to increase from 14% to 30%, while their share in installed capacity will rise from 18% to 37%,’ he said.

According to World Bank estimates, investments in green energy accelerate GDP growth, create thousands of new jobs, diversify export portfolios, and attract foreign investment.

Gurbanov added that taking such assessments into account within current and future budget frameworks could play a crucial role in the sector’s long-term development.

‘At the same time, it is essential that the budget provide dedicated support for waste-to-energy initiatives, energy efficiency programs, and recycling efforts. Establishing a ‘Green Waste and Energy Fund,’ financing energy conversion projects, and reporting annual results separately in the budget would be highly effective. These measures can enhance environmental sustainability while making the energy transition faster and economically beneficial,’ he noted.

The Azerbaijani judo team has departed for a training camp in Japan, Azernews reports.

The men’s team is training under the guidance of head coach Robert Krawczyk and coach Kotaro Sasaki at Tokai University.

Around 10 boxers are participating in the camp, where they are focusing on technical and tactical elements.

The main purpose of the camp is to prepare for upcoming competitions and to enhance international experience. The camp will conclude on November 29.

Alongside Azerbaijan, teams from Japan, Russia, and Denmark are also participating in the camp.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art across the country. Since 2015, the Federation has been led by Rovnag Abdullayev.

The country’s modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The list of the country’s top judo fighters includes Rustam Orujov, Irina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.

On November 20, 2023, Aghdam City Day was officially celebrated, marking the liberation of Aghdam from occupation, Azernews reports.

This significant day was recognized through various commemorative events, including the publication of a special information bulletin titled “Festival of the City Reborn from Its Ashes” at the Jafar Jabbarli Republic Youth Library.

The bulletin, prepared in alignment with the Decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on July 31, 2023, presents a detailed account of Aghdam’s rich history and the destruction it faced during the war. It highlights the historical and cultural significance of the city, as well as the restoration and reconstruction efforts being undertaken to revive it.

The material also features several key articles, including those by Professor Habil Gurbanov and Honored Journalist Bakhtiyar Sadigov, focusing on Aghdam’s journey toward revival.

The bulletin further includes comprehensive bibliographic descriptions and annotations of over 30 books and articles, covering topics related to Aghdam’s development and the broader efforts to restore its cultural heritage. These works emphasize the importance of Aghdam’s historical and cultural legacy and its ongoing transformation.

This special bulletin is now available on the official website of the Jafar Jabbarli Republic Youth Library, offering readers a thorough and reflective look at the city’s past, present, and future.

Google has announced the launch of its latest and most powerful artificial intelligence model, Gemini 3, Azernews reports.

The company describes Gemini 3 as ‘the world’s best model for multimodal understanding’, combining cutting-edge processing capabilities with enhanced visualization and interactivity. According to Google, the model represents a major leap in AI reasoning, allowing users to interact with data and information in ways previously thought impossible.

In addition, Google introduced Gemini 3 Deep Think, an advanced mode designed to further boost the model’s analytical power. Initially, this feature will undergo security testing before being made available to Google AI Ultra subscribers.

Experts suggest that Gemini 3 could transform how AI assists in creative work, research, and decision-making, offering smarter, more intuitive solutions across industries. With its multimodal capabilities, the AI is not only capable of understanding text but also interpreting images, charts, and other complex data inputs-potentially reshaping the future of human-computer collaboration.

US State Department Political Affairs Advisor Allison Hooker visited the Alley of Martyrs, paying tribute to the memory of those who lost their lives, Azernews reports.

The US Embassy in Azerbaijan issued a statement following the visit, noting that the United States ‘remembers all those who lost their lives defending their values’ and extends its deepest condolences to the families and friends who lost loved ones as a result of the conflict.

The visit underscores ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries and the symbolic importance of honoring those who sacrificed their lives.

President Ilham Aliyev shared a post on his social media marking the 5th anniversary of the liberation of Aghdam, Azernews reports.

The post reads: ‘Our Victory History: November 20, 2020 – Aghdam.’

Second day of the 9th International Banking Forum has opened in Baku.

According to Azernews, the event is being held under the theme ‘Reliable, Secure and Sustainable Banking.’

Today’s programme features extensive sessions focused on digital finance, cybersecurity, capital markets, and the digital transformation of the banking sector.

Overall, the forum is dedicated to discussing current trends across a wide range of fields, including the cashless economy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, open banking, capital markets, and emerging payment ecosystems.

The event brings together representatives of government agencies, banks and financial institutions, the fintech ecosystem, international organisations, and leading private-sector companies.

AzInTelecom LLC, a subsidiary of AZCON Holding, took part as a key partner in the 9th International Banking Forum (BBF), held on November 19-20 under the theme ‘Reliable, Secure, and Sustainable Banking,’ Azernews reports.

A dedicated AzInTelecom booth was set up at the forum venue, where participants were introduced to the company’s products and services tailored for the financial sector. Innovative solutions that support banks in their digital transformation and provide them with unique advantages were showcased throughout the event.

During the forum, Tamerlan Mashadihasanli, Head of the Product and Services Department at AzInTelecom, delivered a presentation titled ‘From Traditional to Digital: Enhancing Banking Efficiency Through SIMA.’ He highlighted that SIMA enables banks and other financial institutions to save time, reduce costs, and eliminate paper-based processes across a range of operations.

To date, 16 banks in Azerbaijan are using AzInTelecom’s digital solutions to streamline their services. These solutions allow customers to remotely sign loan agreements, order debit cards, verify identity, place deposits, open accounts, and more-without the need to visit bank branches. Numerous other financial institutions have also digitized their authorization and signing processes using SIMA products.

Launched by AzInTelecom in 2022, SIMA is a next-generation digital signature legally equivalent to a handwritten signature, significantly simplifying workflows in the financial sector. It allows citizens to complete transactions without queues or paperwork. More information about the SIMA digital solutions platform is available on the official website or via the ‘157’ call center.

On November 19, a ceremony was held at the “Yeni Klinika” (New Clinic) to open new robotic rehabilitation and bone marrow transplantation centers, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Center, and Alena Aliyeva.

First, the guests were introduced to the New Robotic Rehabilitation Center. It was noted that the new center, located on an area of 3,600 square meters, is one of the first of its kind in Azerbaijan to have brought about a technological revolution in the field of rehabilitation.

The main goal of the center is to restore patients’ functional independence, improve their quality of life, and maximize their mobility, as well as minimize disability rates in the country. The center provides both outpatient and inpatient services.

In total, the center employs 3 physiotherapists, 1 traumatologist, 4 neurologists, 4 emergency medical doctors, 9 physical therapy instructors, 32 physiotherapists, 17 nurses, 2 massage therapists, and 20 junior medical staff.

The neurotrauma department offers inpatient treatment for brain and spinal cord injuries, as well as rehabilitation for citizens who need post-resuscitation care after being treated in various medical facilities across the country.

The center also provides both robotic and traditional rehabilitation services in several areas. Neurological rehabilitation focuses on recovery after stroke, brain and spinal cord injuries, and neurological disorders.

Orthopedic rehabilitation helps restore movement after injuries and orthopedic surgeries.

Pediatric and neonatal rehabilitation aims at early correction of movement disorders, developmental delays, and coordination problems in children. Sports rehabilitation services target recovery and performance enhancement after sports injuries.

Hand rehabilitation involves surgeries on the hand and the development of motor functions in the upper limbs, as well as restoring delicate movements. Cardiopulmonary rehabilitation enhances physical endurance after cardiovascular and respiratory system diseases. Geriatric rehabilitation focuses on expanding the motor abilities and improving the quality of life for elderly patients.

Oncological rehabilitation helps with physical and psychological adaptation after cancer treatments. Additionally, gynecological and andrological rehabilitation will be provided using a targeted physiotherapeutic approach to treat pelvic dysfunctions, aiming at the functional restoration of pelvic muscles and enhancing their strength and elasticity. Spinal health services are aimed at preventing and treating spinal column problems.

Rehabilitation in intensive care and resuscitation focuses on the early recovery of patients who have emerged from critical conditions, strengthening rehabilitation services in resuscitation units of major state hospitals in Azerbaijan.

The new robotic rehabilitation center aims to strengthen its leadership in both robotic and traditional rehabilitation globally, integrating scientific and technological innovations into the rehabilitation process and turning Azerbaijan into an innovative rehabilitation hub. Official talks regarding international accreditations have already begun.

The advantages of the center include world-class robotic systems for locomotion and upper limb rehabilitation, 3D motion analysis, AI-based balance and coordination measurement technologies, personalized rehabilitation algorithms, a multidisciplinary team consisting of physiotherapists, rehabilitation specialists, neurologists, orthopedists, psychologists, and ergotherapists, as well as opportunities for international education, certification, and scientific collaboration. Thanks to these features, the center is set to become a cutting-edge institution, creating a technological revolution in rehabilitation in Azerbaijan while providing both outpatient and inpatient care.

It was announced that the new robotic rehabilitation center will begin operations on November 20.

Following that, an introductory tour was held at the Bone Marrow Transplantation Center. It was emphasized that the center has been established as a highly specialized medical facility meeting modern requirements. It is planned that the department will be managed by a multidisciplinary team with extensive experience, applying the latest scientific advancements in the treatment of oncohematological diseases.

Medical services at the center will include both allogeneic and autologous bone marrow transplants for patients with these conditions.

The center will operate for both adults and children, with a 22-bed department. Both autologous and allogeneic bone marrow transplants will be carried out according to international protocols. For patients suffering from diseases such as leukemia, thalassemia, aplastic anemia, lymphoma, and myeloma, this center will create high-level, integrated treatment conditions and significantly reduce dependence on foreign medical services.

The transplantation blocks are equipped with a HEPA filtration airflow system that meets modern sterilization standards, full isolation, and a high-level infection control system.

The main goal of the center is to provide patients with safe, effective, and high-quality treatment, introduce scientific innovations into practice, and increase the availability of bone marrow transplantation services in the country.

With the creation of this new center, the medical institution will broaden the possibilities for treating oncohematological diseases and continue to function as a model of healthcare, applying modern medical standards.

A new chorus of political theatrics has emerged in France, where forty Armenian organisations have released a joint statement demanding the return of the people of the so-called ‘Artsakh.’ Timed to the second anniversary of an International Court of Justice order, the declaration attempts to reframe regional realities and cast Azerbaijan in an unfounded, negative light. It is yet another example of how certain diaspora structures strategically mobilise emotion, symbolism, and historical manipulation to revive a narrative that has long lost relevance.

In their statement, these organisations claim to speak on behalf of Armenians ‘being forcibly silenced,’ insisting that ‘peace without justice is an illusion’ and that the ‘right of return’ to Garabagh must be implemented under UN supervision. Their demands include the release of prisoners, international protection of cultural heritage, and coordinated European action to enforce international decisions. They go further, presenting Armenians allegedly ‘condemned to exile,’ portraying themselves as a community denied basic rights.

What the statement avoids, however, is the simple truth: no Armenian civilian was expelled, harmed, or prevented from staying. The exodus was self-organized, supported by Armenia’s own political leadership, and facilitated by buses Armenia itself sent. There is documented video evidence of residents departing voluntarily following the one-day anti-terrorist operation, during which the Azerbaijani Army conducted precise strikes exclusively against illegal armed formations, not civilians.

Moreover, the claim of an ancient Armenian presence has long been used as a political tool rather than an evidence-based argument. The idea that Armenians lived in Garabagh continuously for two thousand years does not withstand historical scrutiny. Mass resettlement into the region occurred in the early nineteenth century following the Russian Empire’s demographic engineering. This is widely acknowledged by international historians. The French Armenian organizations ignore these facts in order to portray Azerbaijan as an occupier and Armenia as a victim, a narrative that relies on selective memory and emotional manipulation rather than factual accuracy.

The diaspora’s coordinated messaging also seeks to overshadow the reality that Azerbaijanis themselves were forcibly expelled from their homes in Armenia for decades. This is a subject the French Armenian groups never address. While they demand rights, compensation and international guarantees for Armenians, they remain silent on the rights of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis who lost everything during the first phase of the conflict. Their consistent refusal to acknowledge Azerbaijani suffering reveals the political nature of their activism.

For decades, Armenian propaganda has tried to craft a global image of Azerbaijanis as violent or uncivilized, while portraying themselves as a community under existential threat. Yet the events of the 44-day war and the 2023 anti-terrorist operation revealed the opposite. The Azerbaijani Armed Forces adhered strictly to international humanitarian law, avoided civilian casualties, and enabled safe passage for those who chose to leave.

If Azerbaijan had harmed even a single civilian, the global media, the separatist propaganda machine, and even former Russian ‘peacekeepers’ would have amplified it instantly. Instead, the UN mission that visited the region after September 2023 found no evidence of ethnic cleansing. This finding, inconvenient for the diaspora narrative, is why their organizations turn to emotional manipulation rather than facts.

It was Azerbaijanis who were ethnically cleansed for nearly three decades. Hundreds of thousands were expelled, their cultural heritage destroyed, and cities such as Aghdam and Fuzuli reduced to rubble. Yet, the French-Armenian groups remain silent on ethnic cleansing committed against Azerbaijanis, including the Khojaly genocide.

It is also clear that these statements are intended to influence European public opinion. The Armenian diaspora in France holds significant lobbying power and has long used cultural institutions, media platforms and political connections to shape the narrative in Paris. Fabricating a sense of urgency or impending catastrophe is a tactic aimed at pressuring European governments to take a position favorable to diaspora interests.

Azerbaijan and Armenia are preparing to finalize a peace agreement. International actors, including the French leadership, have welcomed the progress, especially after the August 8 summit. At such a decisive moment, the joint statement serves a clear purpose: to undermine peace, reignite old tensions, and reinsert diaspora influence into negotiations where it no longer has relevance.

These organizations cannot accept that the region is moving toward stability, reconstruction, and coexistence. They cannot accept that a narrative built for decades is collapsing under the weight of facts. And they cannot accept that Azerbaijan proved, on the ground, diplomatically, and legally, that it acts within international law.

Therefore, the diaspora attempts to shift global opinion through emotional appeals, hoping to frame Azerbaijan as an aggressor. But reality is stubborn: Azerbaijan offered citizenship, prepared reintegration programs, and conducted meetings with local Armenian representatives. Their departure was a political choice, not a forced one.

Most importantly, the so-called ‘citizens’ of the separatist regime carried Armenian and Russian passports, not documents of any legitimate local state. Claiming a right of return for individuals whose legal status contradicts their own narrative is, at best, misleading; at worst, it is a deliberate manipulation.

Ultimately, the joint declaration by these forty French Armenian organisations reflects frustration rather than a principled stance. The political project built around the myth of ‘Artsakh’ has collapsed, and the diaspora networks that invested decades in that narrative are now attempting to keep it alive through emotional appeals, selective history and accusations directed at Azerbaijan. However, the region has entered a phase where facts, legal agreements and direct dialogue between the two states matter far more than diaspora rhetoric.

By presenting outdated claims as universal truths, these organisations risk isolating themselves from the reality unfolding in the South Caucasus. Peace in the region depends on sincerity, accountability and respect for facts. Manufactured outrage serves no one and will not alter the course of the diplomatic process that Azerbaijan and Armenia are finally advancing on their own terms.