Category: Azer News

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.

As the global energy landscape undergoes a profound transformation, Azerbaijan is emerging not only as a traditional energy supplier but also as a key architect of the region’s green transition. Baku’s ability to adapt to shifting geopolitical and market dynamics has enabled the country to leverage its geographic position, modernized energy infrastructure, and strategic partnerships to expand into renewable energy production and sustainable connectivity.

In recent years, Azerbaijan has intensified efforts to build a resilient green economy, embedding sustainability into its long-term development agenda. Central to this strategy is the government’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions by 40% by 2050 and creating ‘net-zero emission’ zones in the liberated territories. These goals firmly align the country with global decarbonization trends and demonstrate its ambition to assume a proactive role in the global energy transition.

A major breakthrough in regional energy cooperation occurred at COP29 in Baku, where the presidents of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan signed a landmark agreement to establish the Trans-Caspian Green Energy Corridor. This initiative represents the first attempt to integrate the electricity systems of Central Asia and the South Caucasus, ultimately linking them to European energy markets.

A joint venture – the Green Corridor Alliance, headquartered in Baku – has been created to lead the effort, with feasibility studies supported by financing from the Asian Development Bank and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank. Work is scheduled to begin in November 2025, marking the first operational step toward a corridor that could redefine regional energy flows.

The corridor is more than an infrastructure project; it is a geopolitical instrument that strengthens interdependence between Caspian states and positions Azerbaijan as a strategic bridge in the emerging Eurasian green energy architecture. By enabling Central Asia to export renewables westward, Azerbaijan consolidates its transit role while attracting new investment and political visibility.

Speaking during the parliamentary discussion on the 2026 state budget, Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov highlighted that Azerbaijan has attracted $2.8 billion in foreign and local investment for eight industrial-scale solar and wind power plants with a combined capacity of around 2 GW, either completed or planned by 2027. These investments, he stressed, are not only driving economic growth but also laying the foundations for a diversified and sustainable energy ecosystem.

The establishment of the ‘Caspian-Black Sea-Europe’ and ‘Central Asia-Azerbaijan’ green energy corridors further reinforces Azerbaijan’s profile as a reliable energy exporter and an increasingly attractive destination for green investment capital.

At the 1st Azerbaijan International Investment Forum (AIIF 2025), Deputy Minister of Energy Orkhan Zeynalov emphasized that the success of both traditional and renewable energy initiatives hinges on reliable transit routes, regional integration, and a predictable investment climate. Azerbaijan is currently advancing several large-scale projects within its borders and through cross-border cooperation.

Regional interconnection lines – linking Central Asia, Azerbaijan, the Caspian, the Black Sea, Georgia, Turkiye, and Bulgaria – are expected to complement one another as part of an integrated East-West energy corridor. These projects collectively enhance energy security, diversify supply routes, and deepen strategic ties between Eurasian partners.

Interest from Saudi Arabia, including a preliminary memorandum signed by the Saudi Electricity Company on the transmission component of the green energy corridor, indicates widening international engagement and strengthens the project’s potential viability.

In addition to green energy cooperation, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan recently held talks on expanding collaboration in both hydrocarbons and renewables – signaling a multifaceted approach that balances current energy realities with future requirements. A key element of this dialogue is the growing interest in green hydrogen, which is increasingly viewed as a strategic fuel of the future due to its ability to store renewable energy, decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors, and support long-distance energy transport across regions such as the Caspian.

Taken together, these developments point to a pivotal shift: Azerbaijan is steadily positioning itself as a central node in the emerging Eurasian green energy map. The country’s ability to combine domestic renewable advancements, digital connectivity projects, international partnerships, and strategic corridor development has elevated its role far beyond that of a traditional energy supplier.

As Central Asia seeks new export routes and Europe pushes for increased access to clean energy, Azerbaijan stands at the intersection – a connector, facilitator, and increasingly, a leader in the regional green transition.

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.

The 4th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Israel Intergovernmental Joint Commission convenes today in Jerusalem, Azernews reports via the Ministry of Economy.

According to the information, the visit of Azerbaijan’s co-chair of the Commission, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, to Israel has already begun. As part of the trip, the minister met with Israeli Minister of Finance Zeev Elkin, who co-chairs the Commission from the Israeli side.

During the meeting, the parties discussed the Commission’s ongoing work, prospects for expanding bilateral economic cooperation, and opportunities for strengthening business partnerships.

The previous meeting of the Joint Commission took place in Baku in April 2023, co-chaired by Mikayil Jabbarov and Israel’s then Foreign Minister Eli Cohen. That session resulted in several key agreements, including cooperation in environmental protection, a 2023-2026 education cooperation program, and a joint declaration on technological innovation between the Azerbaijan Innovation and Digital Development Agency and Israel’s National Technology Authority. Other documents included a cooperation agreement between SOCAR and Israel’s Union Energy, as well as a memorandum of understanding between Azersu OJSC and Israel’s national water company Mekorot.

According to data for January-October 2025, trade turnover between Azerbaijan and Israel amounted to 69.64 million US dollars. Exports from Azerbaijan reached 21.47 million dollars, representing 0.10 per cent of the country’s total exports, while imports from Israel totalled 48.17 million dollars, accounting for 0.25 per cent of Azerbaijan’s total imports.

In addition, during the first half of 2025, Azerbaijan’s foreign direct investments in Israel reached 542.54 million dollars. This reflects an extraordinary increase compared with the previous year. The Israeli direction accounted for 40.2 per cent of Azerbaijan’s total foreign direct investments in the reporting period.

Azerbaijan National Art Museum is pleased to announce an event titled “Mexican Muralism: The Art of Diego Rivera” as part of the “Lecture at the Museum” project, Azernews reports.

The opening ceremony of the exhibition will take place at the museum on November 20 at 16:00.

The lecture, presented by the museum’s senior researcher Gulnaz Mustafayeva, is organized in conjunction with the ongoing exhibition “Diego Rivera: A Promise of a Better Future” from the Diego Rivera Anahuacali Museum (Mexico) at the Azerbaijan National Art Museum. The lecture will provide a detailed overview of the work of the world-famous Mexican artist.

The lecture will cover the artist’s creative journey step by step and will focus on his monumental murals, which adorn major public buildings and reflect the historical chronicle of the Mexican people.

In addition, the colorful personality of Diego Rivera, his unique character, and his famous relationship with artist Frida Kahlo will also be among the most intriguing parts of the lecture.

The love story between the expressive artist Frida Kahlo and the eccentric monumentalist Diego Rivera is as dramatic as it is filled with genuine emotions.

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.