Category: Azer News

A meeting was held between representatives of business associations operating in various sectors and officials of the Ministry of Justice and the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA). Azernews reports that the event was jointly organized by the two institutions.

According to the Ministry’s press service, the event, titled ‘The Impact of Institutional and Legislative Reforms in the Justice Sector on Business Development, and the Role of the Rule of Law in Sustainable Development,’ brought together around 20 business associations and entrepreneurs.

The main goal of the meeting was to strengthen cooperation between the public and private sectors, enhance support for business activities, and contribute to further improving the business environment in the country.

In his remarks, Minister of Justice Farid Ahmadov spoke about legislative and institutional measures implemented in recent years to improve the functioning of the justice system, ensure transparency, and increase efficiency. He emphasized that public-private partnerships play a key role in the development of various sectors and that proposals and initiatives put forward by the private sector significantly contribute to the ministry’s ongoing reforms. The minister also underlined the importance of entrepreneurs’ active involvement in legal and institutional reforms to achieve the set objectives.

Chairman of the SMBDA Board, Orkhan Mammadov, noted that as entrepreneurship develops dynamically, new challenges and requirements must be adequately reflected in legislation. He stated that SMBDA closely monitors institutional reforms in this field and communicates the needs and concerns of SMEs regarding the legal environment to relevant state institutions. In addition, SMBDA organizes thematic meetings and training sessions to raise entrepreneurs’ legal awareness, cooperates with justice authorities to strengthen institutional dialogue, and submits proposals for improving legislation.

Mammadov also highlighted the importance of involving all stakeholders-particularly entrepreneurs and business associations-in the process of enhancing the business environment and improving business-related legislation. Since entrepreneurs’ proposals are based on practical experience, taking their opinions into account helps develop more flexible and effective regulatory approaches.

During the meeting, participants exchanged views and shared suggestions for expanding cooperation. It was agreed that the Ministry of Justice and SMBDA would jointly review and implement the proposals put forward by entrepreneurs, and designate responsible representatives from both institutions to oversee the process.

YAY Gallery has presented the latest solo exhibition by emerging artist Mouk (Ali Israfilov), titled “Go Slowly”, Azernews reports.

The opening featured a parallel program, where the local rock band “D?d?Baba” gave a live performance of selected pieces from their forthcoming, unreleased album exclusively for this evening. The event welcomed numerous visitors, art collectors, and art enthusiasts.

The show presents the completion of the artist’s new works, produced during a two-month residency at YARAT Contemporary Art Space, and reveals a world reminiscent of a half-forgotten motel inhabited by noir-like characters. His figures seem both connected and disconnected – performing private rituals, repetitive gestures, and nourishing habits that define the rhythm of solitude.

Through objects, we encounter people; through people, we rediscover objects. In these works, which explore personal rituals, desires, and social relations within familiar spaces, the artist reinterprets time, thought, and existence.

Curated by Zahra Mammadova, the exhibition will remain on view until March 29, 2026.

The gallery is open Tuesday through Sunday, from 12:00 to 20:00 . It is located at 5 Kichik Gala St. in Baku. Admission is free.

As part of the grand Azerbaijan Dance Festival, the unique and truly spectacular gala show “Night of the Dancing Diamonds” has been held at JW Marriott Absheron Baku, Azernews reports.

The event brought together the world’s top dance couples on a single stage. The highlight of the evening was the performance of the legendary dancer and choreographer, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Tarana Muradova, to whom this luxurious celebration of dance was dedicated.

In her original choreography, Tarana Muradova presented contemporary ballroom dance, skillfully weaving in elements of national dance. This fusion of cultures and styles transformed the stage into a space where tradition meets modernity, strength meets tenderness, and East meets West.

The performance featured six-time world champion and honored master of sports, Eldar Jafarov and world and European champion, choreographer Denis Tagintsev.

Dressed in elegant black-and-white costumes, the artists performed to music by People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Emin Aghalarov, creating a perfect harmony of movement and rhythm.

For the audience, the evening was a revelation. Tarana Muradova, who has represented Azerbaijan on the world stage for many years with her national and folk dances, appeared in a completely new role, performing in a modern, dynamic rhythm, where every step was a declaration of love for the art of dance.

The spectacular performance of 60-year-old Tarana Muradova became a true symbol of inspiration, once again proving that age holds no limits for a creative person. She seemed to float across the stage – light, radiant, and filled with inner brilliance amid a storm of applause, flowers, and the audience’s heartfelt admiration. It was pure magic.

The festival was organized by the Azerbaijan Dance Council (AZDC), led by People’s Artist of Azerbaijan and Vice-Rector of the Baku Academy of Choreography, Tarana Muradova, together with Smooth and Rhythm Dance Style (SRDS), headed by its founder and president, Olga Krasnyanskaya.

Over several days, the festival hosted prestigious international competitions: WDC AL World Championships, WDC European Championships, and Pro-Am World Cups in Ballroom, Latin, and Smooth categories for solo performers and couples across all age groups, from children and juniors to adults, professionals, and Pro-Am participants.

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

The Azerbaijan-Trkiye Joint University, which is set to open in the 2025/2026 academic year, will begin operations with 300 students enrolled in engineering and medical programs. To support the university’s launch and operations in its first year, AZN 6 million ($3.5 million) has been allocated in the 2026 state budget.

According to Azernews, the provision was included in the draft law ‘On the State Budget of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2026’, discussed at today’s meeting of the Parliament’s Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship.

The new institution is expected to become a flagship of bilateral cooperation in higher education between Azerbaijan and Trkiye, offering modern curricula and joint academic programs.

The draft budget also allocates AZN 5.0159 billion ($2.95 billion) for education spending in 2026, an increase of AZN 78.6 million (1.6%) compared with 2025 and AZN 625.8 million (14.3%) more than the actual expenditures in 2024.

The growing education budget reflects Azerbaijan’s continued investment in human capital and its commitment to fostering innovation and international partnerships in higher education.

According to the base scenario of Azerbaijan’s macroeconomic framework, the country is expected to experience annual economic growth over the medium term, with analyses indicating that growth in 2026-2028 will be fully, and in 2029 primarily, supported by the non-oil and gas sector.

As reported by Azernews, these projections are included in the opinion of the Accounting Chamber of Azerbaijan on the draft 2026 State Budget, discussed today at a meeting of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Committee for Economic Policy, Industries, and Enterprising.

The draft indicates that under the base scenario for 2026, the Azerbaijani economy is expected to operate in a favorable macroeconomic environment, characterized by real economic growth, moderate inflation, a current account surplus, and a stable exchange rate.

According to the budget framework, the main fiscal parameters for the medium term were prepared based on various crude oil price scenarios, with the base scenario assuming a price of 65 USD per barrel. Under this scenario, the economy is projected to grow by 2.9% in real terms next year, with GDP reaching 134.1 billion manats. Notably, only the non-oil and gas sector is expected to contribute to economic growth in the upcoming year.

Kia Corp. announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with Britain’s Motability Operations Ltd. to jointly develop an electric, wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) aimed at advancing inclusive mobility solutions, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap agency.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed Monday, Kia and Motability Operations will collaborate to bring to market a fully electric, side-entry WAV based on Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture.

The WAV will be designed, manufactured, and sold by Kia, while Motability Operations will contribute customer insights from the UK market to ensure the vehicle meets the needs of users with mobility challenges. The project is intended to improve accessibility and independence for people with disabilities.

Kia’s first PBV model, the PV5, is set to debut in the UK in 2026, with a locally converted WAV variant. The automaker said the collaboration will enhance the quality and competitiveness of its PBV lineup, beginning with the PV5 and extending to future models, including the PV7.

‘There is no better demonstration of Kia’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions than the innovative independence the PV5 WAV offers to those facing mobility challenges,’ said Song Ho-sung, Kia President and CEO.

‘Our collaboration with Kia supports Motability Operations’ long-term mission to take the next step in creating a purpose-built electric WAV, protecting disabled people’s mobility during the transition to electric vehicles,’ added Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations.

The partnership reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry toward inclusive and purpose-built electric vehicles, combining sustainability with social impact. Analysts note that as EV adoption grows, specialized vehicles like the PV5 WAV could set new standards for accessibility, offering disabled drivers independence without compromising on performance, safety, or eco-friendliness.

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) 43rd General Conference was held in the historic city of Samarkand, Uzbekistan.

At the 43rd General Conference of UNESCO, the proposal by Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkey and Uzbekistan to declare 15 December as ‘World Turkic Language Family Day’ was supported by 21 member states. As a result, 15 December was officially accepted as ‘World Turkic Language Family Day’.

The choice of 15 December has a special meaning. On 15 December 1893, Danish scientist Vilhelm Thomsen announced that he had succeeded in deciphering the alphabet of the Orkhon Inscriptions, one of the oldest written documents of the Turkic language. This date is regarded as a milestone pointing to the deep past of the Turkic language family and its shared cultural heritage.

The basis of this important development was laid during the 12th Summit of the Organisation of Turkic States (formerly ‘Turkic Council’) Heads of State Council on 7 October 2025 in Azerbaijan.

At the summit, the President of the Republic of Trkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, expressed the wish that 15 December be declared as ‘World Turkic Language Family Day’ at the UNESCO 43rd General Conference, which would begin in Uzbekistan on 30 October 2025. During his speech at the summit, Erdogan underlined that ‘the development of a Turkish Large Language Model should be accelerated in order to keep up with global advances in artificial intelligence and to preserve cultural richness.’ He also stated that Trkiye had taken the first step regarding a common alphabet among Turkic states, presenting to the leaders of the Turkic states a work about Chingiz Aitmatov and the Oghuznames, both printed in a common alphabet.

These developments are considered a very important step for the future of the Organisation of Turkic States. At the same time, they directly support the development of the Turkic language in line with the requirements of the digital age and its becoming a common means of communication over a large geography.

In conclusion, UNESCO’s declaration of 15 December as ‘World Turkic Language Family Day’ will increase the international visibility of the shared cultural and linguistic heritage of the Turkic world; it will contribute to the Turkic language reaching a broader sphere of influence as a cultural, scientific and digital force.

The 43rd session of the UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand has adopted a resolution declaring December 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day, to be observed annually, Azernews reports.

The date marks December 15, 1893, when Danish scholar Vilhelm Thomsen deciphered the Orkhon Inscriptions, the earliest written records revealing the common roots of Turkic languages.

UNESCO’s declaration of World Turkic Language Family Day highlights the importance of protecting and promoting Turkic languages worldwide. Observing this day each year helps raise awareness of the historical and cultural contributions of Turkic-speaking communities.

The occasion encourages dialogue and understanding between Turkic nations and the global community. It also supports education and research on the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Turkic language family.

The event provides a space for collaboration among Turkic countries to preserve their common traditions for future generations.

The proclamation of World Turkic Language Family Day was widely praised by various ministries, governmental bodies and various organizations.

The recognition was hailed as a historic step in strengthening international cooperation and highlighting the global significance of Turkic languages.

On his social media, Turkiye’s Minister of Culture and Tourism shared that the decision, adopted at the UNESCO General Conference, is a joint initiative prepared by Turkiye in collaboration with its brother Turkic nations and jointly presented by 26 countries.

He underlined that this historic step, which increases the visibility of Turkic languages, would further strengthen international cooperation in preserving their shared Turkic linguistic heritage and passing it on to future generations. He also congratulated everyone who had contributed to this achievement.

The Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry wrote on its X page that Azerbaijan welcomes this vital step in celebrating the country’s rich linguistic heritage, promoting global cultural diversity, and strengthening the bonds within the Turkic world.

The Secretary General of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Kubanychbek Omuraliev, praised UNESCO’s historic decision to proclaim December 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day.

He noted that this milestone underscores the ancient roots and universal values of the Turkic language, reflecting its deep historical legacy as a unifying element of Turkic civilization.

The declaration of December 15 as World Turkic Language Family Day is an important step in honoring Turkic languages and their shared history.

The decision promotes collaboration and exchange between Turkic nations and the global community. It has been warmly supported by leaders and organizations across the Turkic-speaking world.

Note that the UNESCO General Conference, convened every two years, brings together representatives from all 194 Member States to set global priorities in education, science, culture, and communication.

This year’s session in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, focused on advancing intercultural dialogue, protecting cultural heritage, and promoting sustainable development through international cooperation.

Proposals have been put forward to gradually introduce taxation on wages in Azerbaijan’s non-oil and gas private sector.

Azernews reports that Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, made this statement during today’s meeting of the National Assembly’s Committee on Economic Policy, Industries, and Enterprising, while discussing the draft law on the 2026 state budget.

‘Starting from January 1, 2026, taking into account that the socio-economic objectives of the current exemptions have been achieved, as well as the progress made in formalizing the labor market, proposals have been submitted to gradually introduce taxation on wages in the non-oil and gas private sector. This approach aims to strengthen tax administration, maintain and enhance the achievements in labor market formalization, and create favorable conditions for the continued legalization of employment, including by setting lower tax rates for lower incomes,’ Jabbarov emphasized.

An event titled ‘From Victory to Safe Return’ was held on November 3, 2025, at the assembly hall of Baku ‘ASAN service’ center No. 7, jointly organized by the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) and the ‘ASAN Volunteers’ Organization, Azernews reports.

The initiative aimed to raise public awareness about the dangers of mines and unexploded ordnance in the liberated territories and to encourage youth participation in supporting the safe return process. The event took place on the eve of the fifth anniversary of Victory Day and within the framework of the ‘Mine-Free Land’ campaign jointly implemented by both organizations.

Speakers highlighted the strategic importance of mine clearance for Azerbaijan and emphasized the vital role of cooperation between state institutions, civil society, and young volunteers in achieving lasting safety across liberated regions. The significance of educational outreach and creative youth engagement in spreading mine awareness was also underscored.

Participants were introduced to ANAMA’s activities, including the ‘7 golden rules’ of mine safety, and were provided with detailed information about the dangers of mines and explosive ordnance, as well as proper behavioral guidelines in hazardous situations. Models of mines and unexploded ordnance were displayed to enhance visual understanding.

The event continued with the screening of a short film titled ‘Clean Land, Safe Life’, followed by an interactive session where volunteers’ questions were answered and views exchanged. The program concluded with the distribution of educational materials on mine safety and a commemorative group photo of the participants.