Category: Azer News

Bulgaria has emphasized Azerbaijan’s key role in diversifying natural gas supply sources and enhancing the energy security of Southeast Europe.

As reported by Azernews, this was noted during the Bulgaria-Azerbaijan Business Forum held in Sofia as part of the 7th session of the Intergovernmental Joint Commission. The event included B2B meetings aimed at expanding economic cooperation between the two countries.

Deputy Minister of Energy of Bulgaria, Iva Petrova, said the forum provided a new opportunity to further strengthen bilateral relations.

“The spirit of cooperation and productive discussions developed during the 7th meeting of the Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation with Azerbaijan are now continuing in this format. Our strategic partnership with Azerbaijan has entered a new phase,” Petrova noted.

She underlined that the energy sector remains a key priority in the effective cooperation between the two countries.

Boyko Takov, Executive Director of the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency (BSMEPA), highlighted additional promising areas for collaboration – including industrial equipment and engineering solutions, food and agricultural processing technologies, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, consumer goods, logistics and transport, as well as information technology and digital transition.

‘Our common goal is to develop relations from trade to partnership – from import and export to joint investments, innovation, and value creation,’ Takov added.

The forum brought together representatives of 80 Bulgarian and 25 Azerbaijani companies. Bulgaria currently imports Azerbaijani natural gas through the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector (IGB), which has an annual transmission capacity of 3 billion cubic meters.

On October 30, another “Friendship Cup” mini-football tournament was held among teams of boys and girls aged 10-11 and 12-13 from orphanages, Azernews reports.

The tournament aims to support the physical and psychological development of children while fostering team spirit, self-confidence, and social skills.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, Arzu Aliyeva, Head of Baku Media Center, and Alena Aliyeva also watched the tournament.

Organized by the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan, the tournament brought together teams from Baku’s orphanages No. 1, No. 2, and No. 3, as well as Ganja’s orphanage No. 4, competing under the names “Shahinlar,” “Birlik,” “Zafar,” and “Kapaz” in both age categories. The event was marked by high sporting spirit and camaraderie, with children and spectators alike experiencing moments of excitement and joy.

A particularly memorable highlight was the presence of Leyla Aliyeva, Arzu Aliyeva, and Alena Aliyeva, who cheered on all the teams, engaged warmly with the children, and took photos with them. They wished all participants success and stressed the importance of holding such events more frequently and on a larger scale in the future.

The winning teams in both age groups received diplomas, medals, and cups, while the second and third-place teams were also awarded medals and diplomas.

At the conclusion of the tournament, children, educators, and organizers noted the positive impact of such initiatives, highlighting how they help boost self-confidence and foster social connections. They expressed their appreciation for the ongoing support and organization of similar social projects.

The Friendship Cup mini-football tournament was first launched in May, and the current competition continued this tradition. The tournament aims not only to promote a healthy lifestyle and physical activity among children in social care institutions but also to support their social integration and provide opportunities for forming new friendships.

On October 30, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United Kingdom hosted an event titled ‘Azerbaijan’s Sovereign Credit Rating and Economic Outlook: Unlocking the Regional Potential of the Caucasus and Central Asia.’

Azernews reports, according to the Embassy, the event brought together Azerbaijani and foreign professionals working in leading UK companies, representatives from the City of London Corporation, government institutions, and economic experts.

The session was moderated by Cemal Ismayilov, Partner and Head of Azerbaijan at Oliver Wyman, who noted that Azerbaijan had achieved a major milestone this year with its sovereign credit rating upgraded by international rating agency Moody’s from Ba1 to Baa3 – investment grade.

He emphasized that this decision reflects the government’s consistent and goal-oriented economic strategy over the past decade, which has strengthened the country’s fiscal resilience and long-term competitiveness. Ismayilov added that the positive assessments by Moody’s and other rating agencies demonstrate strong confidence in Azerbaijan’s ongoing economic reforms.

‘This achievement should further inspire Azerbaijan to deepen institutional reforms, expand the private sector, and strengthen economic partnerships worldwide – including with the United Kingdom,’ he said.

During the panel discussion, Moody’s Vice President Daniela Re Fraschini and Oppenheimer and Co. Senior Analyst Gabin Levy shared insights into Azerbaijan’s sovereign credit rating and economic stability. They highlighted key factors behind Moody’s decision, including fiscal discipline, sound macroeconomic indicators, efforts to reduce oil dependence, diversification initiatives, investor confidence, institutional reforms, and the country’s strategic role as a transport and logistics hub in the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

Experts also noted that the post-August 8 Washington summit normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia has had a significantly positive impact on Azerbaijan’s investment outlook.

Addressing the event, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the UK, Elin Suleymanov, said the country’s achievements were the result of President Ilham Aliyev’s visionary political, economic, and social reforms. He underlined that the initial peace agreement and normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia open new opportunities not only for the two countries but also for the broader South Caucasus and Central Asia regions.

‘Peace and cooperation will enhance the efficiency of regional trade and transport corridors, expand energy and logistics projects, and create a favorable environment for economic cooperation and investment,’ the Ambassador stated.

At the conclusion of the event, the establishment of the Azerbaijan-UK Business Council was officially announced. The Council aims to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries, support business-to-business connections, promote bilateral trade and knowledge exchange, represent the interests of the business community, and foster cultural cooperation.

Montenegro’s Protector of Human Rights and Freedoms, Siniša Bjekovic, has officially responded to a letter from Azerbaijan’s Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsperson), Sabina Aliyeva, concerning the detention of an Azerbaijani citizen in Podgorica, Azernews reports.

According to the Office of the Ombudsman of Azerbaijan, the Montenegrin Ombudsman informed that the issue had been taken under special oversight, and direct contact had been established with the country’s Police Directorate. He assured that the detained Azerbaijani citizen is being treated with particular sensitivity and respect for human rights.

Bjekovic also emphasized that Montenegro is firmly committed to protecting the rights of every citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including in cases involving the prevention of discrimination, hate speech, or hostility on ethnic, national, or religious grounds. He further noted that the progress of the investigation and court proceedings related to the detained individual will remain under his supervision, within the scope of his official mandate.

The Azerbaijani Commissioner for Human Rights continues to closely monitor the situation.

An international conference titled ‘Belgian Colonialism: Recognition and Responsibility’ is being held today under the organization of the Baku Initiative Group, Azernews reports.

The event is dedicated to examining Belgium’s colonial past and the severe consequences that continue to affect its former colonies. Representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, all former Belgian colonies, are attending the conference, alongside diplomats and government officials.

The gathering brings together experts in international law, historians, researchers, civil society activists, and specialists on reparations from eight countries. Participants are expected to discuss the historical injustices of Belgium’s colonial rule and explore pathways toward recognition, accountability, and restorative justice.

Belgium’s colonial history – centered above all in the Congo – remains one of the most controversial and brutal episodes in modern European imperialism. Though often overshadowed by the colonial legacies of larger empires like Britain and France, Belgium’s rule in Central Africa stands out for its extreme violence, exploitative economic system, and enduring social and political consequences.

Belgium entered the colonial race relatively late. King Leopold II, frustrated by his small nation’s lack of global influence, personally acquired vast territories in Central Africa in the 1880s under the guise of humanitarianism and anti-slavery efforts. At the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, European powers recognized Leopold’s claim over what he called the Congo Free State, a territory nearly 80 times the size of Belgium, ruled not by the Belgian government, but as the king’s private domain.

When independence came in 1960, it was sudden and chaotic. Belgium had done little to prepare the Congo for self-rule; at independence, there were only a handful of Congolese university graduates. Within days, mutinies broke out in the army, Belgian troops intervened, and the mineral-rich province of Katanga seceded with Belgian corporate backing.

The legacy of Belgian colonialism is visible across many dimensions of Congolese life:

Economic dependency: The colonial focus on mineral extraction for export left the Congolese economy vulnerable and under-diversified. Today, the Democratic Republic of Congo remains one of the world’s richest countries in natural resources, yet among the poorest in human development.

Weak institutions: The lack of an educated administrative class and the colonial suppression of local governance created a vacuum in post-independence leadership and state capacity.

Ethnic fragmentation: Belgian authorities often exploited ethnic divisions through a ‘divide and rule’ strategy, deepening cleavages that persist in political and regional conflicts.

Cultural erasure and trauma: Generations of Congolese were subjected to racial hierarchy and cultural devaluation, effects that endure in questions of identity, language, and education.

On October 30, the “Ancestors” exhibition opened at the QGallery in Icherisheher, Azernews reports.

The exhibition is included in the Art Weekend, which is organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the IDEA Public Union, with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of IDEA Public Union Leyla Aliyeva, along with Arzu Aliyeva and Alena Aliyeva, attended the event to familiarize themselves with the displays.

The exhibition showcases contemporary Azerbaijani artists – Faig Ahmed, Rashad Alakbarov, Orkhan Huseynov, and Farid Rasulov, who strive to bridge the past and present through their art pieces, allowing visitors to connect with the deep layers of the national spirit.

Faig Ahmed presented human portraits in mostly minimalistic forms. While the pieces appear simple at first glance, they invite viewers to introspect and explore their own emotions.

Rashad Alakbarov focused on the concept of “Proverbs of the Ancestors,” translating the profound wisdom of the people into visual art. He believes that many proverbs remain relevant across generations, carrying timeless meaning.

Farid Rasulov centered his works around sheep, which he views as a totemic symbol. In his perspective, sheep and lambs have been integral to life since ancient times, and his work emphasizes the symbolic and cultural continuity passed down from ancestors to the present day.

Orkhan Huseynov explored history through everyday life details often overlooked today. His works depict the homeland’s landscapes, native lands, soil, lakes, and inhabited spaces, allowing viewers to rediscover the places marked by previous generations.

The “Ancestors” exhibition encourages visitors to reflect on their place in the chain of generations, emphasizing that each individual contributes to shaping the future. It also highlights that land is not merely a cradle of life but a silent repository of ancestral memory, preserving the traces of those who came before us.

The Absheron-Khizi regional judo championship for athletes under 14 will be held soon, Azernews reports.

The Azerbaijan Judo Federation announced the upcoming event, which is scheduled for November 1-2 at the Sumgayit Olympic Sports Complex.

The main purpose of the tournament is to strengthen the foundation of young judokas and select athletes who will qualify for the national championship through regional quotas.

A total of 176 young competitors from Absheron, Khizi, and Sumgayit are set to take part in the championship.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art across the country. Since 2015, the Federation has been led by Rovnag Abdullayev.

The country’s modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The list of the country’s top judo fighters includes Rustam Orujov, Irina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.

At the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, judokas Hidayat Heydarov (73 kg) and Zelym Kotsoiev (100 kg) earned gold medals for Azerbaijan.

The team behind Character.ai announced that it will soon restrict access to open chats for underage users as part of a new safety policy set to take effect on November 25, 2025, Azernews reports.

Character.ai is a platform that allows users to create and interact with custom chatbots, where each AI can be given a unique personality, behavior pattern, and communication style. However, according to the latest statement from the project team, minors will soon lose open access to chatbots on the platform.

Starting October 30, Character.ai began gradually reducing the amount of time underage users can spend chatting with AI – from two hours a day to a complete ban by late November.

At the same time, the developers are working on a new ‘safe zone’ section, which will feature approved chatbots suitable for younger audiences. The company will also introduce an age verification system in collaboration with Persona, a digital identity verification service.

In parallel, Character.ai announced the creation of a nonprofit organization called the AI Safety Lab, which will focus on developing innovative methods to ensure safe interactions between humans and artificial intelligence.

According to the company, the policy shift reflects growing concerns about the potential psychological impact of AI conversations on children and teenagers. The decision was made after consultations with regulatory bodies, legal experts, and parents of underage users.

The move follows several tragic and high-profile incidents. In February 2024, a 14-year-old teenager, Sewell Setzer III, took his own life after prolonged interactions with a chatbot modeled after Daenerys Targaryen from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire series. The teen had reportedly sent romantic messages to the bot and shared suicidal thoughts before his death.

In October 2024, his mother, Megan Garcia, filed a lawsuit against Character.ai, which the company sought to dismiss – but the court allowed the case to proceed. In September 2025, the developers faced another lawsuit, intensifying public debate over the ethical responsibilities of AI platforms.

As AI technology becomes more deeply integrated into everyday life, Character.ai’s policy change may mark the beginning of a broader industry-wide shift toward stronger safeguards for younger users – balancing innovation with responsibility.

An international conference titled ‘Belgian Colonialism: Recognition and Responsibility’ is being held today under the organization of the Baku Initiative Group, Azernews reports.

The event is dedicated to examining Belgium’s colonial past and the severe consequences that continue to affect its former colonies. Representatives from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, and Burundi, all former Belgian colonies, are attending the conference, alongside diplomats and government officials.

The gathering brings together experts in international law, historians, researchers, civil society activists, and specialists on reparations from eight countries. Participants are expected to discuss the historical injustices of Belgium’s colonial rule and explore pathways toward recognition, accountability, and restorative justice.

Belgium’s colonial history – centered above all in the Congo – remains one of the most controversial and brutal episodes in modern European imperialism. Though often overshadowed by the colonial legacies of larger empires like Britain and France, Belgium’s rule in Central Africa stands out for its extreme violence, exploitative economic system, and enduring social and political consequences.

Belgium entered the colonial race relatively late. King Leopold II, frustrated by his small nation’s lack of global influence, personally acquired vast territories in Central Africa in the 1880s under the guise of humanitarianism and anti-slavery efforts. At the Berlin Conference of 1884-85, European powers recognized Leopold’s claim over what he called the Congo Free State, a territory nearly 80 times the size of Belgium, ruled not by the Belgian government, but as the king’s private domain.

When independence came in 1960, it was sudden and chaotic. Belgium had done little to prepare the Congo for self-rule; at independence, there were only a handful of Congolese university graduates. Within days, mutinies broke out in the army, Belgian troops intervened, and the mineral-rich province of Katanga seceded with Belgian corporate backing.

The legacy of Belgian colonialism is visible across many dimensions of Congolese life:

Economic dependency: The colonial focus on mineral extraction for export left the Congolese economy vulnerable and under-diversified. Today, the Democratic Republic of Congo remains one of the world’s richest countries in natural resources, yet among the poorest in human development.

Weak institutions: The lack of an educated administrative class and the colonial suppression of local governance created a vacuum in post-independence leadership and state capacity.

Ethnic fragmentation: Belgian authorities often exploited ethnic divisions through a ‘divide and rule’ strategy, deepening cleavages that persist in political and regional conflicts.

Cultural erasure and trauma: Generations of Congolese were subjected to racial hierarchy and cultural devaluation, effects that endure in questions of identity, language, and education.

The Baku Military Court continued its proceedings on October 31 in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of committing war crimes and other grave offenses, Azernews reports.

According to Azernews, the session involved the announcement of documents and several procedural motions. The lawyer of the accused Levon Mnatsakanyan, Ogtay Madatov, requested a meeting with his client during the break, which the judge approved.

Another defendant, David Manukyan, filed a motion to separate the charge of creating an organized criminal group from his case. His lawyer, Valeh Gurbanov, supported the motion; however, the public prosecutor, Fuad Musayev, noted that it was not appropriate for the current stage of the trial. Following deliberation, the court rejected the motion as unfounded.

Later, Madat Babayan’s lawyer, Leyla Namazzadeh, filed a motion to exclude certain episodes from the charges against her client, which Babayan supported. Public Prosecutor Tarana Mammadova opposed the request, and the court stated that the motion would be reviewed in deliberation.

The trial concerns Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, genocide, and other offenses stemming from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan. The hearings are ongoing