Category: Azer News

For the first time, the Baku Tango Marathon, a major event bringing together lovers of Argentine tango from around the world, has taken place in Baku, Azernews reports.

The picturesque Dreamland Golf Club set the stage for a weekend where music, movement, and emotion converged to the melodies of the bandoneon.

Participants from more than 10 countries attended the marathon, including dancers from Azerbaijan, Georgia, Turkiye, Italy, the United States, and other nations.

The festive tango atmosphere began even before the main event, with a lively pre-party milonga at the Premium Park Hotel, where dancers met on the dance floor for the first time, as if in a prologue to the grand tango marathon.

The event was organised by IN Tango, the first Argentine tango school in Baku. The project aims to support the city’s cultural development, strengthen international connections, and promote Azerbaijan on the global tango map.

Over the course of three days, guests participated in daytime and evening milongas, traditional tango gatherings filled with passion and improvisation. The musical ambience was set by tango DJs from Turkiye, Georgia, Argentina, and Azerbaijan, while every special moment of the celebration was captured by official photographer Altug Gvendiren (Turkiye).

The marathon became more than a dance event; it emerged as a true cultural phenomenon. It highlighted the growing interest in social dances in Azerbaijan and opened new opportunities for **cultural tourism** and international dialogue.

The Baku Tango Marathon confirmed that Baku is becoming an increasingly prominent destination on the global map of the art of movement.

Organisers have already announced the upcoming Baku Tango Marathon 2026, promising even more participants and countries while maintaining the warm atmosphere and high level of organisation.

Dates for the new marathon will be announced on official platforms.

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

This system will ensure that data of national importance is stored and exchanged within the country, which will significantly speed up the processing of Internet requests and strengthen information security, Azernews reports.

As a result, Turkiye’s technological dependence on foreign data centers will gradually decrease, traffic costs will drop, and the quality and reliability of data transmission will improve. Ultimately, broadband Internet access will become faster and more affordable for users across the country.

When developing Internet traffic exchange points, Turkiye intends to draw on the best practices of the European Union, particularly the NIS 2 Directive (Network and Information Security). This directive aims to enhance cybersecurity measures across critical sectors such as energy, banking, healthcare, and telecommunications – strengthening Europe’s collective defense against cyber threats. Turkiye plans to adapt these standards to its own digital ecosystem, ensuring compliance with modern international cybersecurity norms.

In parallel, the government will be actively deploying 5G technologies and implementing a National Strategy and Action Plan for Data Governance and Dissemination. The integration of 5G with the new IXP infrastructure will open the door to innovations such as smart cities, autonomous transport, and advanced IoT (Internet of Things) solutions – all relying on faster and more secure data flows.

Experts note that the launch of this initiative could turn Turkiye into a regional digital hub, attracting technology companies, cloud service providers, and research centers interested in high-speed, low-latency connectivity.

Chairman of the National Assembly of Armenia, Alen Simonyan, representing the ruling Civil Contract Party, has officially confirmed his participation in the upcoming parliamentary elections, Azernews reports citing Armenian media.

Simonyan has submitted his candidacy for inclusion in the party’s national proportional list ahead of the June 7, 2026 elections. His announcement follows that of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who earlier declared his intention to seek another term.

Several other key political figures have also expressed plans to enter the race, including former President Robert Kocharyan, former Ombudsman Arman Tatoyan, and members of the ‘Our Way’ movement, led ideologically by businessman Samvel Karapetyan.

Pashinyan has described his re-election campaign as a renewed mandate for ‘peace, sovereignty, and reform,’ referring to the U.S.-brokered peace agreement with Azerbaijan signed in August 2025. He has pledged to strengthen Armenia’s economy, deepen partnerships with Western allies, and modernize the country’s defense sector.

The 2026 elections will mark Armenia’s first regularly scheduled parliamentary vote since 2017, as well as the first full-term contest under Pashinyan’s leadership following the 2021 snap elections. The outcome will determine the composition of the National Assembly, which holds the authority to elect the prime minister under the 2015 constitutional reforms.

In an era defined by rapid technological competition and global digital transformation, Azerbaijan is positioning science and innovation as key pillars of its national development strategy. At the conference marking the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), President Ilham Aliyev delivered a far-reaching address that underscored the country’s determination to strengthen its scientific foundations and technological sovereignty in the post-Soviet era.

His speech not only celebrated the historic achievements of Azerbaijani science but also laid out a forward-looking vision focused on cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and the transition toward a knowledge-based economy. In what can be seen as a strategic roadmap for the nation’s next stage of modernization, the president emphasized that science, technology, and intellectual capital must become the driving forces of Azerbaijan’s progress in an increasingly competitive global environment.

The Azerbaijani President opened his remarks by emphasizing continuity with the vision of Heydar Aliyev, describing how Azerbaijan’s science policy has evolved through modernization and institutional reform.

‘During my presidency, attention has been paid to the development of Azerbaijani science in this direction, in accordance with the policy of the National Leader,’ the president said, highlighting efforts to strengthen ANAS’s infrastructure, create the Science Fund, and adopt the Law on Science and a National Strategy for the Development of Science.

Analytically, this underscores Baku’s long-term policy consistency – anchoring scientific advancement in national strategy rather than isolated initiatives. The institutional restructuring of ANAS and the introduction of new research facilities reflect an effort to align the scientific ecosystem with global standards and national development priorities.

A central theme of President Aliyev’s speech was the redefinition of national security in the digital era. The President explicitly linked technological capacity to state sovereignty, a view increasingly shared by global policymakers.

‘It is no secret that the development and, at the same time, the security of each country today are determined by the technological capabilities of that country,’ he said.

This statement marks a strategic pivot in Azerbaijan’s approach to defense and governance. By framing technological advancement as a matter of national resilience, President Aliyev is signaling that the nation’s future stability depends on mastering domains such as artificial intelligence, digitalization, and cybersecurity – areas traditionally viewed as civilian but now central to national power.

President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks on cybersecurity were particularly telling in their tone and scope. He acknowledged that Azerbaijan has been a target of cyberattacks and stressed that digital defense is inseparable from territorial security.

‘Cybersecurity is not virtual security. It is the physical security of each country,’ he stated, underscoring the urgency of developing a robust national cyber defense infrastructure.

The establishment of the Cybersecurity Center, he noted, is a timely step toward strengthening resilience in collaboration with international partners. From an analytical standpoint, this reflects a growing awareness that digital infrastructure – from energy grids to data systems – has become an essential component of sovereignty, as critical as borders or military assets.

The head of state placed artificial intelligence (AI) and digitalization at the heart of Azerbaijan’s modernization strategy.

‘Artificial intelligence. today, it is already an integral part of the future development of countries. We should not lag behind here,’ he said, urging Azerbaijani scientists to play an active role in AI research and application.

His comments align with global trends where nations view AI not merely as a technological innovation but as a driver of competitiveness and productivity. The creation of the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport reflects a structural shift toward integrating digital governance and technological innovation into the national policy framework.

In his broader economic analysis, President Aliyev reiterated a transformative vision: shifting Azerbaijan’s economic model from dependence on hydrocarbons to one powered by human intellect and innovation.

‘Everyone sees and knows that the development of each country is determined not by natural resources alone, but by the intellectual potential of its society, by technological development, and by the advancement of science,’ the President emphasized.

This statement reflects Azerbaijan’s strategic transition from a resource-based to a knowledge-based economy. While oil remains an economic pillar, the president’s emphasis on ‘inexhaustible intellectual wealth’ signals a recalibration of national priorities toward education, innovation, and research and development as sustainable growth engines.

Despite a slowdown in oil output, the president highlighted Azerbaijan’s economic resilience, noting that non-oil sectors now drive the country’s growth. International credit rating agencies, he said, have upgraded Azerbaijan to investment-grade status, affirming the stability of its economic reforms.

‘Because our economy today is healthy. We do not depend on anyone,’ he stated confidently.

This assertion reinforces the idea that Azerbaijan’s diversification strategy is beginning to yield results, cushioning the economy against global energy market fluctuations.

President Ilham Aliyev’s address at the ANAS anniversary was not merely a reflection on the past but a strategic blueprint for Azerbaijan’s future. His message was clear: the next phase of national progress will be defined by technological innovation, cybersecurity strength, and scientific excellence.

By intertwining science policy with national security and economic diversification, President Ilham Aliyev has positioned Azerbaijan to navigate a rapidly evolving global landscape where intellect, data, and digital power increasingly define a nation’s destiny.

Azerbaijan has placed strong emphasis on strengthening its legislative framework on family, women, and child issues over the past five years, Azernews reports, citing Bahar Muradova, Chair of the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs, as she at a press conference titled ‘Family, Women, and Child Issues in Azerbaijani Legislation.’

‘In the last five years, we have paid serious attention to improving the legislative base. Family relations today are not merely a matter of law but a key aspect of every citizen’s social activity,’ Muradova said.

She noted that the Committee has made significant proposals to reinforce the family institution in Azerbaijan.

‘Between 2020 and 2025, 11 regulations and charters, 33 opinions and proposals, and 3 state programs were adopted. We have also initiated 7 legislative amendments,’ she added.

Speaking about the implementation of the National Child Strategy, Muradova highlighted several changes introduced in the operation of relevant institutions to strengthen the protection of children’s rights.

Previously, she said, there were two separate commissions under local executive authorities – the Guardianship and Custodianship Commission and the Commission on Juvenile Affairs and Protection of Minors’ Rights.

‘This duplication was eliminated. Based on the Committee’s recommendations, these two bodies were merged to form a unified ‘Commission on the Protection of Children’s Rights.’ This step is considered appropriate both structurally and functionally,’ Muradova stated.

She also pointed out that a Secretariat of the Commission on the Protection of Children’s Rights under the Cabinet of Ministers has been established within the State Committee.

‘Since the beginning of this year, the Secretariat has been operating with staff members from the State Committee,’ Muradova said, noting that a number of reforms have already been implemented to improve the commission’s operations and ensure enforcement of legal provisions.

‘These changes will enhance the effectiveness of commissions working to protect children’s rights, particularly at the regional level. The State Committee coordinates their activities, organizes training and awareness programs, and provides daily technical assistance,’ she added.

Turning to the issue of domestic violence, Muradova underlined that major legislative reforms have been enacted to strengthen legal protections for victims.

‘The scope of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan ‘On Prevention of Domestic Violence’ has been expanded. Victims of domestic violence now receive free legal assistance funded by the state. The duration of short-term protection orders has been extended from 30 to 60 days, and long-term protection orders from 60 to 180 days,’ she explained.

Muradova emphasized that repeated violations of legal requirements are now subject to sanctions.

‘In addition, a new interagency monitoring and coordination mechanism has been created at both central and local levels to ensure better protection of domestic violence victims,’ she concluded.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Algerian Minister of Foreign Affairs and National Communities Abroad Ahmed Attaf during his official visit to Algeria, Azernews reports.

According to the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry’s post on X (formerly Twitter), the ministers discussed the current state and prospects of political, economic, and cultural cooperation between the two countries.

The meeting highlighted the mutual interest in further strengthening bilateral ties and expanding collaboration across various sectors.

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.