Category: Azer News

The U.S. Court of Appeals has ruled in favor of the state of Florida, allowing it to enforce a law that limits the purchase of real estate and land by Chinese citizens, Azernews reports.

Legal experts note that the decision could encourage other states to consider similar measures, reminiscent of ‘foreign ownership’ restrictions that were more common in the United States about a century ago.

The court dismissed claims that the law’s requirements – including mandatory property registration for Chinese citizens – conflict with federal regulations on foreign investment. It also rejected allegations that the legislation was motivated by racial bias against Chinese or other Asian individuals.

A court representative told a TV channel, ‘The adoption of this law was driven by considerations of national security, personal safety, land protection, and food security.’

Observers have pointed out that the ruling reflects growing U.S. scrutiny of foreign investment in sensitive sectors, particularly from countries seen as strategic competitors, and could signal a shift toward more state-level oversight in real estate markets.

Željko Komšic, Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina, has sent a congratulatory letter to Ilham Aliyev, President of Azerbaijan, on the occasion of Azerbaijan’s Victory Day anniversary.

According to Azernews, the letter reads:

His Excellency Mr. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Your Excellency,

I extend my congratulations to you, the Government, and the friendly people of Azerbaijan on the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Victory Day of the Republic of Azerbaijan, on behalf of the citizens of Bosnia and Herzegovina and in my personal name.

This significant anniversary stands as a symbol of the courage, determination, and unity of the Azerbaijani people in achieving their national goals and reaffirming the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the state.

Bosnia and Herzegovina values the friendly relations and cooperation that our countries nurture, and I believe in their further enhancement based on mutual respect and understanding for the benefit of both our nations.

With sincere congratulations, I express my deep respect and best wishes for the progress, peace, and prosperity of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people.

Željko Komšic

Chairman of the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina

The filming of the feature film ’44’, dedicated to the Patriotic War, has been completed, and the team has begun post-production work.

Azernews reports that a professional team was assembled to bring the project to life. Work on the film lasted a total of four years, with two years of filming carried out in Baku, Aghdam, Jabrayil, Fuzuli, Ganja, Hadrut, Khankendi, Khojavand, Lerik, Shusha, and other regions.

The creative team and the talented actors involved in the production skillfully recreated the real battle scenes of the Patriotic War and the difficult struggle leading to the historic Victory, immortalizing the glorious 44 days, the heroism of our army, and the unity of our people.

The film’s trailer will be presented to the public in the coming days.

Azerbaijani curator, Deputy Chair and Chief Curator of the I-opener e.V. organization, Zuleykha Ibad, will present an international art and science program as part of Berlin Science Week, Azernews reports.

Titled ‘Beyond Now: How to Think Like a Forest When You’ve Been Raised by Screens’, the program is a two-part project that brings together science, art, and ecological imagination. The project is organized by the Berlin-based organization I-opener e.V.

The first part of the program – an exhibition to be held on November 8-9, 2025, at Mahalla Berlin – will feature installations by two artists exploring ecological collapse not as a sudden catastrophe but as an ongoing cultural and cognitive transformation.

French artist Vincent Jondeau, in his installation ‘Verschwinden,’ combines 19th-century botanical illustrations with photographs of endangered plants. Fellow French artist Benjamin Klaux, in ‘Apocalypse Now?’, merges microscopic meteorite imagery, digital video, and textile elements to intertwine ecological anxieties with cosmic mythology.

The second part of the project will take place on November 8, 2025, from 15:00 to 21:00, at AirBerlin Alexanderplatz Project Space, and will feature a panel discussion and workshop. The discussions will focus on themes such as ecological time, responsibility, and collaboration between art and science.

Speakers include Oliver Juan (I-opener e.V.), Alla Leresteux (A Hidden Variable, Berlin), Enrique Torres (Knstlerische Tatsachen, Jena), and artist Vincent Jondeau. The discussions will be moderated by Zuleykha Ibad.

This project continues I-opener e.V.’s long-term work that merges art and science to bring emotional and philosophical perspectives to ecological issues. It has previously been presented at European cultural institutions and international platforms such as the Honolulu 4S Conference.

Berlin Science Week is considered one of Europe’s largest science festivals. Each year, through more than 200 events, it brings together researchers, artists, and cultural organizations. The 2025 edition of the festival will be held under the theme ‘Beyond Now.’

Azerbaijan is gearing up for a grand victory parade commemorating the fifth anniversary of its landmark success in 2020. This event is not only a celebration for the Azerbaijani people but also a strategic showcase of the nation’s military strength to both allies and adversaries. For days now, the streets of Baku have echoed with the rumble of military vehicles, while Azerbaijani fighter jets have been performing aerial manoeuvres in the city’s skies.

This surge of patriotic activity has instilled a deep sense of pride among Baku residents. At the same time, public attention is focused on identifying new weaponry that enhances the capabilities of the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. Amid these preparations, a photograph taken on one of Baku’s parade routes has captured widespread attention – not only within Azerbaijan but across the globe. The image features the Chinese-made HQ-9BE surface-to-air missile system, marking Azerbaijan’s first major defence acquisition from China.

Neither Azerbaijani nor Chinese officials have issued formal statements regarding the platform. However, its presence in parade rehearsals strongly suggests that Azerbaijan has officially integrated the HQ-9BE into its arsenal.

The HQ-9BE is considered one of China’s premier air defence platforms. Its acquisition represents a significant step forward in Azerbaijan’s efforts to fortify its airspace. According to defence analysts, this system may either replace the ageing Soviet-era S-300 systems or serve as a complementary asset to fill operational gaps.

Built on the foundation of the S-300 system, the HQ-9BE is equipped with advanced radar technology capable of detecting targets at distances up to 1,000 kilometres. As for its interception range, publicly available sources cite figures between 200 and 240 kilometres. Regardless of the exact specifications, the system is poised to deepen and strengthen Azerbaijan’s air defence network.

Speaking to Azernews on the issue, military analyst Ramil Mammadli emphasised that the acquisition should not be viewed merely as a military hardware purchase. He added that while the HQ-9BE is based on the Soviet-designed S-300 platform, it distinguishes itself through its unique features and modern enhancements.

‘This system is not just a replica of its analogues,’ said military expert Ramil Mammadli. ‘First and foremost, it’s important to note that the HQ-9BE air defence system is equipped with electronic warfare (EW) capabilities. In other words, it can conduct electronic countermeasures against unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) when necessary. Additionally, it specialises in countering ballistic missiles – including intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). As it is known, detecting and neutralising ballistic missiles is an extremely complex task. Another key advantage of this system is its ability to detect and destroy low-altitude targets.’

Mammadli emphasised that modern military technologies have entered a new phase. ‘Some fighter jets and even certain missiles – such as Russia’s newly developed Burevestnik – are designed to fly at low altitudes specifically to evade air defence systems. However, the strength of this surface-to-air missile complex lies in its ability to detect and eliminate such low-flying threats.’

He further pointed out that all these features reflect the technical sophistication of the system, but more importantly, acquiring such technology is also a geopolitical move.

‘Realistically, Azerbaijan cannot purchase and deploy U.S.-made air defence systems, because the United States would not sell them to us – and that must be acknowledged openly. Let’s not forget that even Turkiye, the US ally, faced this challenge. In contrast, China is willing to sell its technologies to countries it considers friendly. For instance, it has already sold weapons to Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and others.’

Mammadli also touched on recent developments in the Middle East: ‘Following the Iran-Israel conflict, the need to detect low-flying objects became a pressing issue. As a result, Iran is also pursuing the acquisition of this air defence system, and reports suggest that certain agreements have already been reached between the two countries.’

‘In short, this is not just a technological achievement for the Azerbaijani Armed Forces – it’s also a significant military-political milestone. It signals the emergence of robust, direct military-technical cooperation between China and Azerbaijan. After all, this weapon system is considered a strategic asset,’ Mammadli underlined.

In closing, Ramil Mammadli noted that following Azerbaijan’s acquisition of the JF-17 fighter jet, the procurement of the HQ-9BE system marks a deepening and broadening of Azerbaijan-China relations – a clear indication that the partnership is entering a new strategic phase.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan delivered key remarks at the ruling Justice and Development Party’s (AKP) parliamentary group meeting, stressing that the process toward a terror-free Turkiye would be successfully completed. Erdogan said the country was ‘approaching a new crossroads,’ and underlined that the People’s Alliance remains fully united. He also thanked Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) leader Devlet Bahçeli for ‘exposing all the dirty plots’ against the nation.

Erdogan’s main messages included the following:

‘We are moving with confidence toward the goal of a Turkiye free of terrorism. (Regarding DEM Party’s visit to the Presidential Complex) We held a very constructive meeting. We once again confirmed that we share similar concerns about ensuring the process advances with the utmost sensitivity. It is clear we have reached a new stage on the road to achieving a terror-free Turkiye and a terror-free region. Everyone must take responsibility and focus on contributing as much as possible to this process.’

Erdogan highlighted the work of the Commission on National Solidarity, Brotherhood and Democracy, which has been meeting since August 5:

‘The Commission has fulfilled its founding mission. Discussing every issue related to the process, hearing all parties without exclusion, and allowing even opposing views to be voiced are all valuable. These meetings have created a strong foundation that will guide decision-makers. We attach great importance to the Commission’s comprehensive report and its legal roadmap for the coming period. With a little more courage and effort, God willing, we will successfully complete this process.’

Erdogan said the People’s Alliance will continue working in unity:

‘Together with the People’s Alliance, we will first achieve a terror-free Turkiye and then a terror-free region. I sincerely thank Mr. Devlet Bahçeli for his historic remarks yesterday, in which he exposed the games of FETÖ and other malicious groups. Let me state clearly: we will never allow any crack to be opened in the walls of the People’s Alliance, which was formed on the night of July 15. Those who look for fractures between us will be disappointed today as they have been in the past.’

On troop deployment mandates for Iraq and Syria, Erdogan said these authorizations should be seen as facilitating the Terror-Free Turkiye process, not obstructing it:

‘We are tightening security and defense while also taking courageous steps to rid our country of a burden that has weighed on it for half a century. Provocations or attempts to sabotage this process will not derail our efforts.’

Reflecting on the 23rd anniversary of AKP’s rise to power, Erdogan said:

‘On November 3, 2002, our nation brought the AK Party to power alone. For 23 years we have served the country without interruption. This was a popular revolution. We remained loyal to the spirit of the November 3 Revolution. We faced attacks from inside and outside. We could have achieved much more, but the damage caused by Gezi, the December 17-25 coup attempt, and the July 15 betrayal surpassed even what occupying forces inflicted before the War of Independence.’

Speaking to reporters after the meeting, Erdogan commented on the European Court of Human Rights ruling regarding Selahattin Demirtas and Bahçeli’s remarks on his possible release:

‘This is a state governed by the rule of law. Whatever the judiciary decides, we follow it.’

Asked whether he plans to meet Bahçeli soon, Erdogan replied: ‘Why not? We are the People’s Alliance. Anything is possible.’

Erdogan also emphasized the importance of the new generation:

‘All our investments and services over 23 years are worldly. Yet we have raised a generation that will leave an impact for centuries-confident, faithful, and rooted. No one should fear a return to the dark days. This youth will protect Turkiye and the Anatolian homeland. They will do what we could not do and take the trust forward.’

On the parliamentary approval extending troop deployment in Iraq and Syria for three more years, Erdogan sharply criticized the CHP for voting against the mandate:

‘CHP’s inconsistency is nothing new. If Mr. Özel continues like this, CHP will either overheat, break an axle, or lose its gearbox.’

Erdogan also accused CHP leader Özgr Özel of being out of touch:

‘He keeps embarrassing himself with gaffes. They don’t know the progress in the earthquake zone, the completed housing, or what has been achieved. Just as he only recently discovered the high-speed rail that has been in service for 16 years, perhaps in 10 years he will notice what we have done for the earthquake region.’

A ceremony dedicated to Victory Day anniversary was held in Bucharest on November 4, organized by the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Romania, Azernews reports.

The event brought together heads and staff of diplomatic missions accredited in Romania, representatives of government institutions, senators and members of the Romanian Parliament, public figures, media representatives, members of the Azerbaijani community in Romania, and officials from Azerbaijani state media bodies currently on an official visit to the country.

The national anthems of Azerbaijan and Romania were performed at the opening.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Romania, Gudsi Osmanov, addressed the audience, emphasizing that Victory Day represents a source of national pride for the Azerbaijani people. He noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the Victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces restored historical justice during the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020 and ensured the country’s territorial integrity.

The ambassador also highlighted the significance of the peace declaration signed between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington on August 8 with the participation of the U.S. President. He stated that this document holds great importance for the development and prosperity of the entire region and lays the foundation for a new phase of sustainable peace and cooperation in the South Caucasus.

Speaking on behalf of the Romanian government, Deputy Prime Minister and Romanian Co-Chair of the Romania-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group, Marian Neac?u, congratulated the Azerbaijani people on Victory Day. He described the establishment of peace in the South Caucasus as a key factor for advancing international economic, transport, and energy projects across the region. Neac?u affirmed that Romania regards Azerbaijan as an essential partner for maintaining regional stability and development and expressed confidence that bilateral cooperation will continue to expand.

Turkiye’s Ambassador to Romania, Özgr Kivanç Altan, also delivered remarks, congratulating the Azerbaijani people on Victory Day. He stressed that Azerbaijan’s historic victory in 2020 further strengthened unity and brotherhood within the Turkic world. “Azerbaijan’s Victory is a source of pride for all Turkic states. Turkiye has always stood with Azerbaijan and will continue to do so as a friendly and brotherly nation,” he stated.

Yusuf Murat, Mufti of the Muslim community of Romania, extended his congratulations and noted that the entire Muslim world welcomes the achievement of peace and stability following decades of conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He described the arrival of peace, security, and shared prosperity in the region as a triumph of true justice. He concluded his remarks with Mustafa Kemal Atatrk’s words: “Peace at home, peace in the world.”

During the event, a special artistic video dedicated to November 8-Victory Day-was screened, highlighting Azerbaijan’s heroic legacy, its triumph in the Patriotic War, and the revival of liberated territories.

The program continued with musical performances. A children’s music ensemble based in Romania performed Azerbaijani songs, adding a warm and colorful atmosphere to the celebration. Their performance was greeted with applause and created a heartfelt ambiance.

Traditional Azerbaijani music accompanied the official reception, and guests were served a selection of dishes from Azerbaijani cuisine. Attendees praised Azerbaijan’s victory and conveyed their wishes for peace, prosperity, and continued progress for the Azerbaijani people.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a NATO delegation on November 6, Azernews reports.

The delegation included the permanent representatives of Trkiye, Greece, Hungary, Montenegro, the Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Slovakia, Slovenia, Sweden, the Czech Republic, Portugal, Spain to NATO, as well as the deputy permanent representatives of the United States and France to NATO.

Basat Öztrk, Turkish Permanent Representative to NATO, emphasized the importance of President Ilham Aliyev’s receiving the Alliance’s delegation, fondly recalling the Azerbaijani President’s visits to NATO headquarters.

Noting that the foundation of the current stage of Azerbaijan’s development was laid by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, the Turkish Permanent Representative to NATO underlined that under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, the country has become even stronger across all areas.

The guests conveyed their congratulations to President Ilham Aliyev on the achievements attained in Washington regarding the advancement of the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The head of state expressed his gratitude for the congratulations, highlighting the special role of U.S. President Donald Trump in this matter, saying that the agreements reached open up broad opportunities for the development of the region.

Recalling his visits to NATO headquarters, President Ilham Aliyev noted that although support for operations in Afghanistan constitute an important part of Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation, the agenda also includes collaboration between Azerbaijan and the Alliance in regional development, energy security and other areas.

The head of state emphasized that the Azerbaijani Army has been conformed to the NATO standards, highlighting the close collaboration with the Turkish army within this framework. In this regard, he underscored the role of expanding relations between Azerbaijan and the Alliance.

President Ilham Aliyev underlined that since Azerbaijan gained independence at the beginning of the last century, the country has achieved its main goal – the liberation of its lands from occupation, adding that the process of modernization of the country’s army will be continued.

The head of state expressed hope that the visit of the NATO delegation to Azerbaijan would be successful.

During the conversation, the fact that Azerbaijan is a valuable partner of NATO and the Azerbaijani peacekeepers were the last military personnel to leave Afghanistan were emphasized, the services of Azerbaijani Armed Forces in the Resolute Support operation in Afghanistan, and the contribution of Azerbaijan as a regional transport and logistics center in this regard were praised.

The parties also stressed the close friendly and strategic partnership relations between Azerbaijan and the members of the Alliance, noting that Azerbaijan has been actively participating in the NATO’s programs since 1994 within the framework of NATO’s Partnership for Peace Program.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects of Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation, as well as exchanged views on regional and global matters.

China has unveiled a new thorium-powered nuclear reactor designed for use on large maritime vessels – a breakthrough that could dramatically change the future of global shipping, Azernews reports.

Coca-Cola has once again stirred debate with the release of its new Holiday 2025 advertisement – produced completely using artificial intelligence, Azernews reports.

The spot was created by Secret Level, a Los Angeles-based studio specializing in generative AI. It features the brand’s iconic Coca-Cola trucks, the timeless slogan ‘Holidays Are Coming’, snow-covered landscapes, wide-eyed animals, and of course, Santa Claus – the beloved figure who has long been at the heart of Coca-Cola’s Christmas campaigns.

This marks the company’s third consecutive year embracing AI-driven creativity. Coca-Cola released its first generative AI advertisement in 2023, followed by a fully AI-produced Christmas ad in 2024. Despite last year’s mixed reception – with viewers praising the visuals but criticizing the lack of human warmth – the brand has doubled down on its digital direction.

For 2025, Coca-Cola went even further, boasting that this year’s ad was made by just 20 people, compared to 50 the year before. The company describes it as ‘an experiment in the future of creativity,’ though public reaction remains divided: some see it as a technological marvel, while others insist that Christmas magic can’t be fully generated by machines.

Fans have started creating and sharing their own AI-generated versions of Coca-Cola holiday ads online – turning the brand’s long-standing Christmas tradition into a digital, community-driven celebration.