Azerbaijani cardiologists strengthen ties with China’s Tsinghua University Hospital

A delegation from the Azerbaijan Scientific Research Institute of Cardiology has visited the First Hospital of Tsinghua University – one of China’s most prestigious medical institutions, Azernews reports.

The hospital’s president, Professor Zhang Mingkui, highlighted Tsinghua University’s strong position among the world’s top 20 universities, its leading role in medical education, advanced technological capabilities, and international academic cooperation platforms.

Director of the hospital’s Heart Center, Professor Wang Lianyi, delivered a presentation on the center’s clinical focus areas, scientific priorities, and international research programs. He spoke about the latest achievements in cardiac surgery, cardiovascular imaging technologies, and translational research, emphasizing real opportunities for joint scientific projects.

Professor Gulnaz Dadashova, Director of the Azerbaijan Scientific Research Institute of Cardiology, and the institute’s senior researcher, PhD in Medicine Vusal Hajiyev, gave detailed presentations on the current state of cardiology in Azerbaijan, the scientific and practical outcomes of recent healthcare reforms, and the country’s ongoing innovative medical initiatives.

Professor Dadashova outlined the institute’s activities, scientific departments, research directions, and international cooperation priorities. She emphasized that joint projects with advanced countries like China could make a significant contribution to the training of young cardiologists and surgeons, as well as to translational science and technological knowledge exchange.

Vusal Hajiyev shared Azerbaijan’s experience in developing national programs for cardiac surgery and heart failure, highlighting the implementation of advanced procedures such as TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), and hybrid revascularization surgeries.

The Azerbaijani delegation also discussed recent changes in the national healthcare system, including the introduction of mandatory health insurance and the expansion of cardiology services in regional hospitals. Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan aims to become a regional hub in this field and an active partner in international scientific collaboration.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on potential joint research in areas such as heart failure, revascularization technologies, regenerative therapies, and the use of artificial intelligence in cardiology. They also discussed opportunities for clinical training exchanges, joint PhD programs, scientific conferences, and collaborative publications.

Concluding with a Q and A session, the meeting reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to long-term cooperation. The parties agreed to plan joint research projects, researcher exchanges, and mutual participation in international initiatives in the near future.

The visit marks an important step toward deepening cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the fields of cardiology research and clinical medical education.

Trump accuses Colombian President of encouraging drug production, threatens to cut US aid

United States President Donald Trump on Sunday sharply criticized his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, calling him an ‘illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs’ and warning that Washington would halt all subsidies to Colombia, Azernews reports, citing a post by US President on Truth Social.

In a post, Trump accused Petro of ‘doing nothing’ to curb narcotics production in the South American nation. ‘The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc. Petro, a low-rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America, better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it won’t be done nicely,’ Trump said.

The comments came after Petro accused the United States of killing a Colombian fisherman in Colombia’s territorial waters and violating the country’s sovereignty. The exchange occurs amid rising regional tensions, coinciding with increased US naval deployments in the Caribbean.

Azerbaijan’s Economy Minister attends IDB Governors’ meeting in US

During his visit to the United States, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, took part in the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) Governors’ Meeting for member countries, held on the sidelines of the 2025 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, Azernews reports, citing the minister’s official X (formerly Twitter) account.

Jabbarov noted that the meeting, chaired by IsDB Group President Dr. Muhammad Sulaiman Al Jasser, served as a valuable platform for exchanging views on sustainable and inclusive development priorities with fellow representatives from member states.

The discussions also focused on preparations for Azerbaijan to host the IsDB Group’s Annual Meeting in 2026, as well as enhancing cooperation with Islamic financial institutions in support of broader development goals.

Azerbaijani boxers start strong at U-15 European Championships in Montenegro

The U-15 European Boxing Championships have officially kicked off in Budva, Montenegro, with young athletes from across the continent competing for continental titles, Azernews reports.

The Azerbaijan national team had a successful start on the opening day, with three of its boxers securing victories in their respective bouts.

Elcan Musazade (50 kg) advanced to the Round of 16 after defeating Devidas Sisikis of Lithuania with a dominant 5:0 unanimous decision (scores: 30:24, 30:26, 30:26, 30:25, 30:26). He will next face Vladimir Khvistani from Georgia.

Nasrin Abdullazade (40 kg) also made a winning debut, edging out Eszter Molosane of Hungary in a closely contested 3:2 split decision (29:28, 29:28, 30:27, 28:29, 28:29). Abdullazade will meet Esila Yildirim of Turkey in the quarterfinals.

Leyla Mahmudlu (50 kg) defeated Alessandra Sinagra of Italy in the Round of 16, winning by 3:1 decision (29:27, 29:27, 29:27, 27:29, 28:28). Her next opponent will be Adriana Muñoz Ginés of Spain.

The championship, organized under the European Boxing Confederation (EUBC), features 369 young athletes from 32 countries, making it one of the most competitive events at the youth level. The tournament will continue until October 25, when the new champions will be crowned.

’Clean Air’ campaign to curb vehicle emissions launches in Azerbaijan

In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of vehicles on Azerbaijani roads emitting excessive pollutants from their exhaust systems. According to estimates, approximately 88% of all air pollutants in the country originate from motor vehicle emissions. In addition to harming air quality, poorly maintained vehicles often contribute to traffic congestion and serious road accidents.

As Azernews reports, the Main State Traffic Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Azerbaijan, in cooperation with the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources, has announced a “Clean Air” month-long campaign running from October 20 to November 20, 2025, across the country. The initiative aims to implement preventive measures to reduce harmful emissions from vehicles.

In this context, drivers-as well as individuals and companies involved in passenger and freight transportation-are strongly advised to ensure that the fuel and exhaust systems of their vehicles are in proper working condition.

Authorities remind the public that operating or authorizing the use of vehicles that emit pollutants above the legally permitted levels constitutes an environmental violation. Individuals and legal entities found in breach will be held legally accountable in accordance with current environmental and traffic legislation.

Georgia deports 851 foreign nationals in first nine months of 2025

According to a decision by the Georgian government, 851 foreign nationals have been deported from the country between January 1 and September 30, 2025, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.

Indian citizens topped the list, with a total of 166 deported during the first three quarters of the year.

The deportations were primarily due to the individuals exceeding their legally permitted stay in Georgia.

For most foreign nationals in the country, this period is 365 days.

Final matches of round 8 set in Azerbaijan’s Premier League

The eighth round of the 2025/2026 Misli Azerbaijan Premier League concludes today, marking the end of another competitive match week in the country’s top-tier football championship.

As Azernews reports, the final day of Round 8 will feature two key fixtures:

Sabah FC will host Zir? FC

Neftçi Baku will take on Araz-Nakhchivan FC

These matchups are expected to draw attention as teams vie for valuable points ahead of the international break and the season’s halfway mark.

The next round of fixtures (Round 9) is scheduled to kick off on October 24.

The Misli Premier League is Azerbaijan’s top professional football league, sponsored by the betting company Misli.az. It features ten clubs competing in a four-round format across the season. The league plays a vital role in determining qualification for European competitions such as the UEFA Champions League and Conference League.

Neftçi Baku, one of Azerbaijan’s most historic clubs, has consistently competed at the top, while Zir?, Sabah, and Araz-Nakhchivan are part of a new wave of clubs aiming to disrupt the traditional powerhouses. The league has gained regional attention for its competitive nature and increasing investments in infrastructure and talent development.

North Korean soldier crosses border, monitored and assisted by South Korean forces

South Korean authorities have taken a North Korean soldier into custody after he crossed the inter-Korean border, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap News Agency.

The soldier crossed the border in a central area, where South Korean forces monitored his movements and ‘provided him assistance.’ Authorities are currently investigating his motives.

The JCS noted that ‘no unusual activity was detected by North Korean soldiers’ during the incident.

Officials added that this is the third defector to cross into South Korea since President Yoon Suk-Yeol took office in June, but the first military personnel to defect since August 2024.

Germany recalls ambassador to Georgia for consultations

Germany’s Federal Foreign Office has recalled its Ambassador to Georgia, Peter Fischer, for consultations, Azernews reports, citing the ministry’s post on X.

The statement said that Ambassador Fischer was called back to Berlin to hold consultations and discuss the next steps in Germany’s relations with Georgia.

It was also noted that the situation in Georgia will be added to the agenda of the EU Foreign Affairs Council meeting scheduled for tomorrow.

Pakistan and Afghanistan agree to immediate ceasefire following Doha talks

Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement to implement an immediate ceasefire following diplomatic talks held in Doha, Qatar, Azernews reports, citing the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

‘During the negotiations, both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire,’ the official statement read.

The agreement was signed by the defense ministers of both countries – Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid of Afghanistan and Khawaja Asif of Pakistan – along with representatives from Qatar and Turkiye, who acted as mediators.

The delegations from both Pakistan and Afghanistan also agreed to hold further consultations in the coming days to ensure the full implementation and maintenance of the ceasefire.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated in recent months, particularly along the border regions, prompting concerns over security, migration, and cross-border militant activity. The involvement of Qatar and Turkiye reflects increasing regional efforts to de-escalate and stabilize the situation through diplomatic channels.