State Academic Drama Theater marks anniversary of prominent statesman [PHOTOS]

The 85th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s prominent statesman and Doctor of Historical Sciences, Hasan Hasanov, has been celebrated at the Azerbaijan State Academic Drama Theater, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by Farah Aliyeva, Head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism, and Religious Affairs of the Presidential Administration, Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, as well as other state and public figures.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Speaker of the Azerbaijan National Assembly and Director of the National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, Academician Rafael Huseyn, highlighted Hasan Hasanov’s multifaceted contributions to statehood, science, and culture.

As part of the event, the play “Letters from Exile”, authored by the celebrant himself, was presented. The work, dedicated to the life of the founder of Azerbaijani dramaturgy Mirza Fatali Akhundzade and his son Rashid, brings enlightenment ideas and national thought to the stage.

The play was staged by People’s Artist Marahim Farzalibayov, with set design by Honored Cultural Worker Ilham Elkhanoglu, and music arrangement by Hamid Kazimzade.

Performances were given by People’s Artists Ali Nur, Lalezar Mustafayeva, Haji Ismayilov, Kazim Abdullayev, Honored Artists Elshan Jabrayilov, Vafa Rzayeva, and actors Rustam Rustamov and Elchin Efendi.

Defence Ministry launches ammunition disposal operations to enhance safety standards

The Ministry of Defense of Azerbaijan has announced that the destruction of expired and unserviceable ammunition will be carried out between October 27 and 31 in line with strict safety protocols, Azernews reports.

According to the ministry, the disposal operations will take place at a designated training ground near Pir?k?skl settlement and at a military training center in the Aghdara district.

The measure aims to ensure the safe handling and elimination of outdated munitions that are no longer suitable for use, thereby minimizing potential risks to both military personnel and nearby civilian areas. The ministry noted that such disposal activities are conducted regularly as part of ongoing efforts to maintain safety standards and modernize the country’s defense infrastructure.

During this period, residents in the surrounding areas may hear loud explosion sounds resulting from the controlled detonations. The Defense Ministry has urged the public to remain calm, stressing that there is no reason for alarm.

‘The explosions are part of scheduled safety procedures and pose no threat to the population,’ the ministry’s statement said, calling on citizens to avoid unnecessary concern and to trust the precautions in place.

Youth boxers claim bunch of medals in Montenegro

Azerbaijan’s U-15 boxing team has returned from the European Championship in Budva, Montenegro, with an impressive total of eight medals, including two historic golds, Azernews reports.

Competing against 369 athletes from 32 countries, Azerbaijan’s team secured 2 gold, 3 silver, and 3 bronze medals, finishing 6th in the overall standings.

Khumar Jafarli (75 kg) made history as the first Azerbaijani female boxer to win a U-15 European title. She triumphed over Turkey’s Yagmur Eryurt in the final, winning unanimously 5-0 with consistent 30:27 scores from all five judges.

Mehran Rasulov (80 kg) claimed Azerbaijan’s second gold medal, defeating Ukraine’s Serhiy Kotovskyi 5-0 (30:27, 29:28, 29:28, 30:27, 30:27). This victory marks Rasulov’s third European medal, adding to his previous two bronze medals.

Silver medals were won by Nasrin Abdullazade (40 kg), Nurlan Museyibli (66 kg), and Yusif Agakishiyev (75 kg). Bronze medals went to Onur Gurbanov (42 kg), Eljan Musazade (50 kg), and Erdem Tekin (90 kg).

A total of 369 boxers from 32 countries participated in the European U15 Boxing Championships.

Boxing is recognized as one of the oldest sports in human history, with the earliest records of the sport dating back to ancient Egypt around 3,000 BC.

The Greeks introduced boxing to the ancient Olympic Games in the late 7th century BC.

In 1924, the International Amateur Boxing Federation (FIBA) was founded, and in 1946, it was renamed the International Boxing Association (AIBA). Boxing made its Olympic debut at the 1904 Games in St. Louis.

Azerbaijan hosted its first boxing championship in 1926, with national boxers claiming first place. Since 1992, the Azerbaijani Boxing Federation has been a full member of AIBA.

Azerbaijani boxers have earned numerous prestigious accolades in international competitions. Aghasi Mammadov made history by becoming Azerbaijan’s first gold medalist at the World Championships. Fuad Asadov also earned a spot on the podium at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Azerbaijan has been selected several times to host major boxing events.

The country previously hosted the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships, which served as the main qualification tournament for the London 2012 Olympics.

In 2019, Baku hosted the AIBA Youth World Championships, marking the first youth competition to act as a qualifier for the 2010 Singapore Olympics.

Azerbaijan appoints new ambassador to Jordan – decree

Shahin Abdullayev has been appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Jordan, Azernews reports.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, Abdullayev was recalled from his posts as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Saudi Arabia, as well as to Bahrain, and as Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Azercell-supported students continue their international success!

Azerbaijani team wins medals and an honorable mention at the ‘Stars of Informatics’

Azerbaijani students have once again achieved remarkable results on the international stage. At the ‘Stars of Informatics’ international programming competition, organized by the Republic of Romania on 18-19 October 2025, the team secured four bronze medals and an encouragement award.

Competing against 120 participants from 10 countries, the students showcased their talent and problem-solving skills. Bronze medals were awarded to 10th-grade students Atilla Mustafa and Omer Alimammadzada from Baku Turkish Lyceum, Fateh Ahmadzada from the Lyceum named after Academician Zarifa Aliyeva, and Akbar Ahmadov from the Physics, Mathematics, and Informatics Lyceum. Elay Verdiyev, also a 10th-grade student from the Physics, Mathematics, and Informatics Lyceum, received an honorable mention.

The competition, held virtually, challenged participants’ analytical thinking, algorithmic problem solving, programming, and time management skills across two demanding stages.

Since 2017, Azercell Telecom has supported the preparation of students for informatics Olympiads in partnership with the Ministry of Science and Education and the Institute of Education. Through this initiative, young talents across different age groups have participated in various international programming competitions, earning a total of 108 medals to date.

Azercell congratulates the talented students and wishes them continued success in future competitions!

National musicians thrill audience in China [PHOTOS]

The Azerbaijani musicians have mesmerized the audience at the 24th Shanghai International Arts Festival in China, Azernews reports.

The Ensemble of Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall, Baku State Chamber Orchestra under the direction of artistic director and chief conductor, Honored Artist Fuad Ibrahimov, as well as soloists People’s Artist of Azerbaijan, pianist Yegana Akhundova, and international competition laureate Nazrin Aslanli (violin), left the audience speechless with their magnificent performances.

The concert program featured masterpieces of Azerbaijani and world classical music, including works by Uzeyir Hajibayli, Gara Garayev, Fikrat Amirov, Farhad Badalbayli, Tofig Guliyev, Mozart, Benjamin Britten, Antonio Vivaldi, Johann Sebastian Bach, Astor Piazzolla, and Felix Mendelssohn.

The gala concert became a true celebration of Azerbaijani music and culture, blending tradition with modernity, Eastern refinement with European classical music.

The 24th China Shanghai International Arts Festival (CSIAF) is taking place in Shanghai from October 17 to November 27, 2025.

The event features over 1,200 performances and exhibitions across music, dance, theater, and visual arts, with participants from more than 80 countries and regions.

Building legal boundaries for Artificial Intelligence in borderless digital world

The intersection of artificial intelligence (AI) and international law is rapidly evolving as technological advancements redefine the parameters of legal frameworks worldwide. As AI systems become increasingly integral to various sectors, spanning defence, healthcare, social policy and commerce, there arises an urgent need to establish robust international legal standards that address the unique challenges posed by these technologies. This necessitates not only a thorough understanding of existing legal principles but also an innovative approach to crafting regulations that can accommodate the dynamic nature of AI.

One of the primary concerns surrounding AI within the realm of international law is the question of accountability. As AI systems make autonomous decisions, particularly in military applications, the challenge of attributing responsibility for actions becomes complex. This ambiguity can undermine existing legal doctrines, such as the principles of liability and culpability, and necessitate the development of new frameworks that can clearly delineate the responsibilities of developers, operators, and the technologies themselves. International treaties may need to adapt or emerge to govern the ethical use of AI, particularly in areas prone to misuse, such as surveillance and warfare. United Nations (UN), Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) and other regional organisations are already preparing guidelines and rules for the AI transformation and preventing negative results of this innovative instrument.

Furthermore, the global nature of AI technology means that regulations cannot be limited to national jurisdictions. Collaborative international efforts will be crucial to ensure that countries adopt harmonised standards that promote ethical AI development while preventing a race to the bottom in terms of regulatory safeguards. This could involve establishing an international body dedicated to monitoring AI advancements and enforcing compliance with agreed-upon legal frameworks. As nations navigate the intricacies of these technological challenges, proactive engagement and cooperation in the realms of policy development and legal regulation will be essential for fostering an environment where AI can thrive responsibly on the global stage. Human rights and freedoms protection and protection of the international peace and security are the main directions for the future international body responsible for the regulation of AI international relations.

The United Nations Convention against Cybercrime, adopted by the General Assembly of the United Nations (by resolution 79/243), did not regulate violations of international law principles and the human rights system by AI. We have only several countries which adopt national legislation acts and regulations (UK, USA and France), special strategies, preventive measures and partial responsibility in the criminal law. China, USA, Kazakhstan, Trkiye, Azerbaijan and other countries already implemented AI for space technologies and navigation, telecommunication and cybersecurity projects and etc.

Who is responsible for the implementation of AI as a weapon during military conflicts or human rights violations, cyberbullying and cybercrimes in international law? AI and the rule of law, AI peace-building, AI and international relations, diplomacy and etc.

What are the main challenges for the AI generation in front of the new version of World War?

I think regulations must cover not only the military, economy, and financial spheres, but especially the human rights system, refugees and migrants, child rights and interests, women’s policy and gender equality.

In a nutshell, addressing the implications of artificial intelligence within international law is not merely a matter of adapting existing frameworks; it requires a concerted effort to reimagine how we govern technology in a globalised world. As the capabilities and applications of AI continue to expand, the legal community must rise to the challenge, ensuring that the rule of law evolves in tandem with technological progress, thus safeguarding both innovation and fundamental human rights.

bp introduces cutting-edge deepwater intervention technology to Caspian

As the operator of the Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli (ACG) field, bp continues to bring the most advanced technologies from the global oil and gas industry to the Caspian region, Azernews reports.

These efforts are aimed at enhancing production, maximizing recovery from this world-class reservoir, and extending its operational life.

In line with this commitment, bp is preparing to launch a multi-well subsea intervention campaign in the Deepwater Gunashli (DWG) area. For the first time in bp’s Caspian operations, the campaign will deploy riserless light well intervention (RLWI) technology – a subsea mechanical wireline intervention system known as the Blue Ocean Riserless Intervention System (BORIS) provided by Oceaneering International. This innovative approach will enable efficient surveillance and early identification of opportunities for pressure management and production rate enhancement, unlocking further potential in the field.

To reduce reliance on semisubmersible drilling rigs and enable earlier subsea interventions, the campaign will utilize a vessel-based intervention method – another first for the Caspian. The RLWI system will be integrated onto a vessel, from which all interventions will be conducted. Azerbaijan’s subsea construction vessel (SCV) Khankendi has been identified as the most suitable platform for this operation.

bp has already awarded two major contracts to support the safe and efficient delivery of the campaign:

A multi-million dollar RLWI contract to Oceaneering International for the provision of all RLWI services. This includes the setup, assembly, and testing of BORIS, as well as project management, engineering, systems integration, and the supply of equipment, materials and fabrication works required for BORIS’s deployment.

A multi-million dollar contract to SLB for light well intervention (LWI) services. The scope includes the provision of a wireline/slickline combination (Combo) unit to eliminate heavy lifting and simplify red zone management; a full bleed-off package with high-pressure pumping capabilities for circulation and pressure testing; multi-skilled crews as required.

Offshore operations are expected to begin later this year, with completion targeted for end of 2026.

Russell Morrice, bp’s vice president, wells, for the Azerbaijan, Georgia and Trkiye region, commented: ‘We believe the RLWI technology – and in particular, the BORIS solution for our DWG wells – will allow us to closely monitor subsea water injection wells and identify the most promising opportunities for reservoir pressure management and production enhancement. Drawing on our proven experience in similar campaigns across bp’s global operations, we look forward to benefitting from vessel-based interventions for the first time in our Caspian business. This will reduce our dependence on rig utilization and unlock early opportunities. It’s a major addition to our subsea capability, opening a new chapter in subsea well management for the Caspian region.’

Azerbaijan, UN sign new cooperation framework to advance sustainable development goals [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan and the United Nations have signed the Framework Document on Cooperation on Sustainable Development (UNSDCF) for 2026-2030, marking a new phase in their long-standing partnership. The signing ceremony took place in Baku during an event dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the establishment of the United Nations, Azernews reports.

According to the Ministry of Economy, the document was signed by Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov and UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva. The agreement outlines the strategic directions of partnership between Azerbaijan and the UN for the next five years, focusing on joint efforts to promote sustainable development and improve public welfare.

UN Resident Coordinator Vladanka Andreeva highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan’s strong partnership with the UN in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that the new framework marks the beginning of a future-oriented cooperation for sustainable development of people and the planet.

Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov underlined the UN’s key role in multilateral diplomacy and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to achieving the SDGs, empowering women and youth, and promoting humanitarian and intercultural dialogue.

Minister Mikayil Jabbarov emphasized that this new stage of cooperation is built on past achievements and aligns with Azerbaijan’s long-term socio-economic priorities, including human capital development, innovation, ecosystem enhancement, climate resilience, green transition, and inclusive growth.

The event brought together senior government officials, diplomats, and representatives of international organizations, who discussed the UN’s global contributions over the past 80 years and Azerbaijan’s progress toward the 2030 Agenda.

The ceremony also featured the screening of a short film titled ‘A Living Legacy’, showcasing the UN’s eight-decade mission to promote peace, dignity, and prosperity worldwide.