Category: Azer News

President Ilham Aliyev, speaking at the 7th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia in Tashkent, highlighted the significant contribution of Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations, Azernews reports.

The head of state said: “Shavkat Miromonovich is not only a wise statesman but also a person who has made a substantial contribution to the development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations. In Azerbaijan, he is loved and respected for his concrete actions and kind attitude toward our people. As a forward-looking politician, Shavkat Miromonovich clearly recognizes the need for closer interaction between the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.”

‘Today we made a historic decision on the accession of Azerbaijan to our format as a full-fledged participant,’ President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated at the 7th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia in the ‘Central Asia + Azerbaijan’ format.

As reported by Azernews, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that Azerbaijan, in its new capacity, will make a substantial contribution to strengthening regional cooperation.

Iran will consider resuming talks with the United States only if Washington changes its current stance, a source from the Iranian Foreign Ministry told journalists, Azernews reports.

According to the source, Tehran seeks a mutually acceptable compromise and is prepared to increase transparency around its nuclear program. In return, Iran expects the lifting of sanctions, emphasizing that such a deal would benefit all parties involved.

“Iran is ready for a solution that works for everyone,” the official said, underlining that any progress depends on a shift in U.S. policy.

‘I congratulate the esteemed Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev on the accession of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia. It is gratifying that our platform is confidently establishing its significance as an important participant in international and regional processes. It is balanced and demonstrates a commitment to advancing the growing interests of the countries in the region,’ President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon stated at the 7th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia in the ‘Central Asia + Azerbaijan’ format, Azernews reports.

“I am confident that the agreements reached in Washington this August on connecting the mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic will expand transit opportunities for international transportation. Construction of the Zangezur Corridor on Azerbaijan’s territory is nearing completion,” President Ilham Aliyev said at the 7th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia in Tashkent, Azernews reports.

The head of state noted that the railway, with an initial capacity of 15 million tons, will become a vital artery of the Middle Corridor.

From November 13 to 15, the Uzbek capital, Tashkent, is hosting an international congress on ‘Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia.’ The event brings together representatives from five Central Asian nations: Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, and Tajikistan.

According to the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijani delegation, led by Culture Minister Adil K?rimli, is participating in the congress. On November 14, a Ministers’ Conference was held as part of the event.

Opening the conference, Uzbekistan’s Minister of Culture, Ozodbek Nazarbekov, highlighted the importance of this international gathering in fostering collaboration among friendly nations and expressed confidence that the congress and the Ministers’ Conference would make a meaningful contribution to the development of cultural cooperation.

In his speech, Minister Adil K?rimli thanked his Uzbek counterpart for inviting Azerbaijan to participate in the prestigious international event. He emphasized President Ilham Aliyev’s special focus on strengthening ties with Central Asian states, noting that relations with the five participating countries have rapidly deepened in recent years.

‘Culturally, our nations are connected by a reliable bridge that grows stronger every year. Last year and this year have been particularly significant for the cultural life of our brotherly countries. Mutual cultural days, participation in international festivals, artistic tours, and expanding cooperation between educational and creative institutions-all of these reflect the high level of our relations. I am confident that through the implementation of the tasks set by our national leaders, we will continue to write new, bright pages in this area,’ K?rimli said.

Following his remarks, speeches were delivered by Kazakhstan’s Minister of Culture and Information, Aida Balayeva; Tajikistan’s Minister of Culture, Matlubaxon Sattoriyen; Turkmenistan’s Minister of Culture, Atageldi Shamiradov; and Kyrgyzstan’s Minister of Culture, Information, Sports, and Youth Policy, Mirbek Mambataliyev.

The ministers collectively highlighted the importance of cultural integration among their nations and discussed prospects for deepening cooperation in the years ahead.

China’s State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) on Saturday released draft antitrust compliance guideline for internet platforms, seeking public opinion, comment and setting clearer conduct standards for platform operators, Azernews reports, citing Global Times.

To help operators identify risks tied to monopoly agreements, the draft advises platforms to avoid reaching such agreements, organizing others to do so, or providing material assistance during platform operations or self-operated business activities.

To address risks of abusing market dominance, the draft urges platforms with significant market power should regularly assess whether they hold a dominant position and avoid engaging in abusing such a position while providing platform services or operating their own businesses. It also lists examples of abusive conduct, drawn from enforcement experience and the characteristics of internet platforms, to help firms strengthen compliance.

The draft also outlines eight typical risk scenarios, such as excessive pricing, sales below cost, blocking and shielding, “choose-one-from-two” requirements and “lowest price guarantee across the network.”

SAMR noted that with the aim of reducing uncertainty costs for platform operators, the draft guidelines are non-binding, and is only intended to provide general direction for antitrust compliance.

An official from the SAMR noted China’s platform economy has grown rapidly and now plays a crucial role in resource allocation, innovation, economic development. Because internet platforms have strong network effects and influence a wide range of stakeholders, including platform operators, merchants, consumers, and employees. As platform operators influence the competitive ecosystem through platform rules, data, algorithms, and technical means, conduct that excludes or restricts competition can harm the interests of multiple parties, the official added.

In today’s fast-changing market environment, compliant operation has become a crucial “pass” for companies. Firms that meet international antitrust standards can enter overseas markets more smoothly and expand their global presence.

According to the SAMR official, enforcement experience shows that monopoly risks are common in the platform economy, and platform operators have long called for targeted and practical compliance guidelines.

The official said the draft guidelines marks a concrete measure to implement the decisions and deployments of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the State Council. It helps improve the antitrust regulatory framework for the platform economy, raises compliance standards among operators, and encourages stronger innovation and internal growth.

China issued antitrust guidelines for the platform economy in early 2021. The new draft guidelines will further improve the regulatory system, said Liu Dingding, a veteran tech industry analyst, told the Global Times on Saturday, adding that the draft helps promote the healthy and stable long-term development of the sector, not only faster growth.

Next year is expected to be the most challenging period for Tesla, according to Ashok Ellusvami, the company’s Vice President for Artificial Intelligence software.

Citing foreign media outlets, Azernews reports that Ellusvami made the remarks during a meeting with employees from Tesla’s ‘Optimus’ autopilot and robot development divisions.

Ellusvami emphasized that employees will need to work harder than ever to meet the company’s ambitious goals. Tesla has set strict timelines for the mass production of ‘Optimus’ robots and the expansion of its ‘Robotaxi’ service. CEO Elon Musk considers these two initiatives the company’s top priorities.

By the end of this year, Tesla aims to launch the Robotaxi service in ten major cities. By the end of 2026, the company plans to begin mass production of the Optimus robot.

The Autopilot development division shares office space with the Optimus creators but is distinct from other engineering teams, with its organizational structure remaining confidential. Staff in the division maintain long working hours and attend weekly meetings with Musk.

Ellusvami assumed his leadership role in the Optimus project following the resignation of his predecessor, Milan Kovac. Since then, cameras have become the primary tool for robot navigation.

The Caspian Sea has always been Azerbaijan’s eternal companion, a shimmering mirror of its history and resilience. For centuries, our ships sailed its familiar waters, carrying the lifeblood of trade and the pride of a nation whose destiny was tied to this inland sea. Yet beyond the horizon lay oceans that seemed unreachable, vast blue worlds reserved for others. Azerbaijan, landlocked yet determined, dreamed of the day when its flag would rise not only on the Caspian waves but across the boundless expanses of the Pacific and Atlantic. That dream is now reality.

With the commissioning of modern Handysize cargo vessels, Azerbaijan has broken through the limits of geography and stepped boldly into the global maritime stage. The Khojaly vessel, launched in May 2024 in China, is the symbol of this transformation. With a deadweight capacity of 38,593 tons, a length of 180 meters, and unrestricted navigation capability, it is designed to cross oceans and connect continents. This ship, and others to follow, mark Azerbaijan’s confident entry into world shipping.

Soon after entering service, Khojaly began voyages linking Asia to America and Latin America, transporting steel and industrial cargoes. These routes, once unimaginable for Azerbaijani shipping, became reality thanks to strategic vision and investment in global logistics. The most symbolic milestone came in November 2025, when Khojaly departed Port Kembla in Australia with 24,251 tons of steel bound for Los Angeles. Sailing across the Pacific Ocean under full international safety protocols, the vessel embodied Azerbaijan’s new role in global trade. For the first time, an Azerbaijani ship was not only crossing oceans but also connecting two of the world’s largest economies.

This achievement is more than a commercial success; it is a declaration that Azerbaijan, despite being landlocked, is now a participant in the vast network of maritime commerce. The Caspian remains our home, but the oceans are now our horizon.

Economically, the benefits are profound. Global shipping routes open new opportunities for Azerbaijani companies, diversify trade, and strengthen the nation’s role in international supply chains. By transporting steel, cement, and other industrial goods, Azerbaijan is not only serving foreign markets but also embedding itself in the infrastructure of global commerce. Each voyage enhances the country’s reputation as a reliable partner, builds trust with international clients, and generates valuable foreign currency inflows.

Strategically, Azerbaijan’s entry into ocean shipping elevates its geopolitical importance. The Caspian has always been a crossroads of energy and trade, but now Azerbaijan extends its reach far beyond regional boundaries. By connecting Asia, Australia, and America, Azerbaijani ships contribute to the resilience of global supply chains. This strengthens the country’s position in initiatives like the Middle Corridor, which seeks to link East and West through diversified transport routes.

Socially, this achievement inspires pride. For generations, Azerbaijanis have looked to the Caspian as their maritime horizon. Today, that horizon has expanded to the Pacific, the Atlantic, and beyond. The sight of an Azerbaijani vessel docking in Los Angeles or departing from Australia is more than a logistical success-it is a moment of national identity, a reminder that Azerbaijan’s spirit of exploration and enterprise knows no bounds.

The symbolism of naming the vessel Khojaly is also powerful. It ensures that every voyage carries with it the memory of resilience and the strength of national identity. As the ship sails across oceans, it tells the world that Azerbaijan remembers its past while building its future.

Looking forward, the acquisition of additional Handysize vessels ensures that this is not a one-time achievement but the beginning of a sustained presence in global waters. With each new ship, Azerbaijan strengthens its fleet, expands its routes, and deepens its integration into the world economy. The vision is clear: Azerbaijan will not be limited by geography. It will transform its maritime tradition into a global force, proving that even a landlocked nation can become a player in ocean trade.

In conclusion, Azerbaijan’s Handysize fleet represents more than ships and cargo. It is a symbol of ambition, resilience, and national pride. From the Caspian to the Pacific, Azerbaijan is writing a new chapter in its history-one where its flag waves across oceans, its products reach distant markets, and its people take pride in a nation that refuses to be confined. The journey of Khojaly from Australia to the United States is not just a voyage of steel; it is a voyage of destiny. Azerbaijan has stepped onto the global maritime stage, and its future there is bright.

On November 15, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev visited the Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent.

The foundation stone for the Center of Islamic Civilization, established by the Decree of the President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was laid in 2018. The project, which involved hundreds of scientists, experts, and religious and public figures, resulted in a center covering over 10 hectares, designed in the style of ancient Samarkand architectural monuments, and crowned by a 65-meter-high dome.

The center’s core facilities include research, publishing, library, archives, a manuscript fund, and a national register for rare manuscripts sections. Its exhibition gallery showcases historical artifacts and works, through modern technologies and digital devices demonstrating the creative genius of past generations.

The center also houses a huge library containing 100 thousand manuscripts and over a million books, the scientific department of the Center of Islamic Civilization, and offices of international organizations. Its museum exposition is organized into distinct halls: “Pre-Islamic Civilizations”, “The First Renaissance”, “The Second Renaissance”, “Uzbekistan in the 20th Century”, “New Uzbekistan – the Basis of the Third Renaissance” and “The Holy Quran”.

At the heart of the complex lies the hall of the ‘Holy Quran’, where the ancient ‘Muskhaf Usman’- priceless relic of the Islamic world-is preserved. The hall also displays copies of the holy book created during the eras of Samanids, Karakhanids, Khorezmshahs, Uzbeks, Temurids and other historical dynasties, their translations into the old Uzbek language, as well as the rarest handwritten copies of the Koran from all over the world. Furthermore, the center has successfully implemented various religious-educational and innovative media projects.

Using holography, devices, and projection technologies, the massive multimedia panel ‘Wall of Time’ provides information on the key historical periods, remarkable discoveries, and renowned figures from different eras. The center also actively collaborates with a number of international organizations, including UNESCO and ICESCO.