Category: Azer News

Senior officials in Israel’s Transportation Ministry are reportedly discussing ways to limit the number of Israelis living abroad who can return to vote in the country’s October 27 parliamentary election, amid concerns that many expatriate voters are likely to support opposition parties, AzerNEWS reports via Israel’s Haaretz.

The report says that thousands of Israeli citizens living overseas are planning to fly home in the days leading up to the vote. Several initiatives, including the Fly and Vote campaign, have been launched to help expatriates return to Israel and cast their ballots. Since Israel generally does not allow absentee voting, most citizens abroad must travel to the country in person to participate in elections.

According to a source familiar with the discussions, senior ministry officials are informally considering measures that could prevent or significantly reduce charter flights arriving before the election. One option reportedly under discussion is restricting landing slots at Israeli airports in the days leading up to the vote. Another involves limiting aircraft parking availability at Ben Gurion Airport, where space is already constrained by the presence of US military refueling aircraft.

The discussions reportedly stem from concerns within the ministry that tens of thousands of returning expatriates could vote for parties opposed to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Transportation Minister Miri Regev, whose ministry is overseeing aviation policy, is a member of Netanyahu’s Likud party.

According to Haaretz, no formal decision has been taken and the conversations remain at an informal stage. Israel’s Transportation Ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the report.

President Donald Trump’s longtime teleprompter operator has been placed on unpaid administrative leave after federal investigators alleged he used advance knowledge of the president’s speeches to profit from prediction market bets, AzerNEWS reports via ABC News.

Gabriel Perez, who has operated Trump’s teleprompter since 2016, is under investigation by the U.S. Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) over allegations that he earned more than $100,000 by placing bets on the prediction market platform Kalshi.

Investigators believe Perez used inside knowledge of the content of more than a dozen presidential speeches to place wagers on Kalshi’s “Mentions” market, where users bet on whether specific words, phrases or topics will be mentioned during public addresses.

Sources familiar with the investigation told ABC News that Perez is currently in discussions with federal regulators to settle the allegations.

Kalshi said its internal surveillance system detected the suspicious trading activity and reported it to the CFTC.

“Our surveillance team promptly flagged and referred these trades to the CFTC, and we are cooperating and assisting regulators,” Kalshi’s head of enforcement, Bobby DeNault, said in a statement.

Following the report, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed that Perez had been placed on unpaid administrative leave.

Leavitt said she discussed the matter with President Trump, who described the allegations as “a disgrace” and personally decided to place Perez on leave.

She added that she was not aware of any other White House staff members who had engaged in similar trading activity.

“The White House has strict ethics guidelines that we expect all staffers and officials to follow,” White House spokesperson Davis Ingle said in a statement provided to ABC News.

The CFTC has not publicly commented on the ongoing investigation.

Applications from the Russian technology holding VK and the national messenger Max are no longer available for download from the Google Play app store, AzerNEWS reports.

This was reported by VK, which stated that the restriction affects only new downloads. Previously installed applications will continue to operate normally and will not be subject to any functional limitations.

According to the company, Android users will still receive push notifications about new messages, events, and calls in the Max messenger and VK services. Existing users will be able to continue using the applications without interruption.

At the end of June, Apple also removed VK-related applications from the App Store. Earlier this week, the European Union included VK and the Max messenger on its sanctions list, which affected the availability of the company’s digital services on some international platforms.

VK representatives stated that they are working to maintain access to their services and provide users with alternative ways to install and update applications. The situation highlights the growing impact of international technology restrictions on the global availability of digital platforms.

The Max messenger, launched as a domestic communication platform, is part of Russia’s broader efforts to develop local alternatives to foreign digital services and strengthen technological independence.

Three Israeli men were arrested after allegedly causing a disturbance aboard a foreign airline flight preparing to depart from Ben Gurion Airport on Friday, Israeli media reported on Friday citing police sources.

According to authorities, the passengers ignored repeated instructions from both the cabin crew and responding officers to leave the aircraft after their behavior was deemed a risk to passengers and crew.

Police said the suspects resisted removal and assaulted officers during the arrest, leaving four officers injured, with some reportedly requiring treatment for bite wounds. Local media said one of the men shouted that he hoped police would “suffer another October 7” during the confrontation.

In accordance with the 2026 Training Plan approved by the Minister of Defense, training flights were conducted by Aviation Units of the Azerbaijan Air Force, AzerNEWS reports.

After receiving readiness reports from the flight crews, the pilots’ theoretical knowledge of the training flight requirements and flight safety procedures was assessed.

The pilots then carried out pre-flight inspections of the aircraft.

Under the training flight plan, JF-17C (Block III), Su-25ML, and L-39 aircraft conducted daytime takeoffs and landings along designated flight routes, while also executing assigned complex piloting and combat maneuver tasks at various altitudes.

Conducted to enhance the combat readiness of military pilots, the training flights focused on the precise and safe execution of assigned tasks under various tactical conditions, as well as on improving the effective combat employment capabilities of aviation assets.

During the training flights, the military pilots demonstrated a high level of professionalism.

A Russian couple is facing possible deportation from Trkiye after being detained for allegedly reading passages from the Bible inside Istanbul’s Hagia Sophia, AzerNEWS reports..

The couple, identified as Viktoria Filonova and Igor Filonov, were detained earlier this week after Igor reportedly read aloud from the Bible while visiting the historic site, which was reconverted from a museum into a mosque in 2020. The incident reportedly took place in the visitor section of Hagia Sophia after the couple had arrived in Istanbul from Moscow.

According to Russia’s state-owned RIA Novosti, the pair were initially taken to a police station before being transferred to a deportation center, where Turkish authorities are considering their removal from the country. The Russian Consulate General in Istanbul said it is in contact with the couple’s lawyer and Turkish officials regarding the case.

Turkish media reported that prosecutors are investigating the couple on suspicion of inciting hatred or hostility, while authorities continue to review the circumstances surrounding the incident.

Hagia Sophia, originally built as a Byzantine cathedral in the sixth century, served as a mosque after the Ottoman conquest of Constantinople before becoming a museum in 1935. In 2020, Trkiye officially restored the site’s status as a mosque, while keeping parts of the monument open to visitors outside prayer times.

Russia’s Federal Service for Veterinary and Phytosanitary Surveillance (Rosselkhoznadzor) asked Iran’s Plant Protection Organization to temporarily suspend the certification of flower products intended for export to Russia, AzerNEWS reports.

According to a statement published on the agency’s official website, the request was sent to the organization under Iran’s Ministry of Agricultural Jihad following a significant increase in flower supplies from Iran in 2026.

“Phytosanitary certificates for the shipments list Iran as the country of origin. However, officials noted that the appearance and packaging characteristics of some consignments were similar to flower products previously exported from Armenia,” the statement reads.

Rosselkhoznadzor said it had earlier informed Iranian authorities about restrictions currently in place on imports of Armenian flower products. Since May 22, 2026, Russia has banned the import of cut flowers whose place of shipment and origin is Armenia.

The restrictions will remain in effect until inspections of Armenian greenhouse facilities are completed and the results of the analysis are reviewed, the agency said.

The Russian side’s latest request is aimed at preventing possible violations of phytosanitary requirements and ensuring compliance with import regulations for flower products entering the Russian market.

On July 17, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Saif bin Rashid bin Saif Aljahwari, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Sultanate of Oman to Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

The ambassador presented his credentials to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev then held a conversation with the ambassador.

Expressing satisfaction with the successful development of relations between the two friendly countries, the head of state praised the fruitful cooperation in many areas, including within international organizations, and highlighted the strong potential for further strengthening the bilateral partnership.

Wishing the ambassador success in his diplomatic mission, President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that he would make a valuable contribution to deepening cooperation across various areas of the bilateral agenda.

Expressing his satisfaction with his appointment as ambassador to Azerbaijan, Saif bin Rashid bin Saif Aljahwari conveyed the greetings of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said to the head of state and said that the Sultan of Oman wished President Ilham Aliyev good health and continued prosperity for Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked the ambassador for the greetings and kind wishes and asked him to convey his own greetings to the Sultan of Oman.

The ambassador emphasized the significance of this year’s 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Oman.

Recalling Leyla Aliyeva’s visit to Oman earlier this year, he highlighted the importance of the meetings and discussions held during the visit, noting that they had made a meaningful contribution to the further development of bilateral relations.

During the conversation, the sides discussed cooperation in the tourism sector, noted the establishment of a joint investment fund, and exchanged views on the prospects for increasing its financial capacity in the future.

Azerbaijan is entering an important stage of economic transformation. For decades, the country’s economic development was closely associated with its oil and gas resources, which played a decisive role in building national wealth, modernizing infrastructure, and strengthening its position in regional and global energy markets. However, the economic priorities of Azerbaijan are now evolving. The country is moving toward a more diversified economic structure, where energy remains a strategic advantage but is complemented by new growth sectors such as renewable energy, logistics, technology, agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing.

Recent economic indicators demonstrate the strength and resilience of the Azerbaijani economy. According to official economic data, total investment in Azerbaijan’s economy during January-June 2026 reached 9.295 billion manats ($5.47 billion), representing a 13.8% increase compared with the same period of 2025. This growth demonstrates continued confidence in the country’s economic potential and highlights Azerbaijan’s ability to attract capital even in a competitive global investment environment.

One of the most important trends is the country’s ongoing economic diversification. While oil and gas remain important pillars of Azerbaijan’s economy, the government has increasingly focused on developing non-energy sectors. During the first half of 2026, investments in the non-oil sector amounted to 6.132 billion manats (approximately US$3.61 billion). Although this represented a temporary decline of 5.5% compared with the previous year, the non-oil sector remains the main engine of future economic growth.

For international investors, this transition creates significant opportunities. Countries that successfully diversify their economies often become more resilient, competitive, and attractive destinations for foreign capital. Azerbaijan’s strategy is not simply to increase production but to build a broader economic ecosystem where international companies can participate in new industries.

A key advantage of Azerbaijan is its strong financial position. The country has accumulated substantial strategic reserves, which reached 85.769 billion US dollars by July 2026. These reserves increased by 10.4% compared with the previous year and provide Azerbaijan with a powerful financial foundation.

Large foreign currency reserves reduce economic risks, support currency stability, and allow the government to continue investing in infrastructure and development projects. For investors, macroeconomic stability is one of the most important factors when choosing a destination. Countries with strong reserves and responsible fiscal management are better positioned to withstand global crises and protect long-term investments.

At the 5th Tashkent International Investment Forum, Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov stated that more than US$350 billion has been invested in the country’s economy over the past two decades, with approximately half of that amount coming from foreign investors.

Speaking at the forum, Ali Asadov highlighted Azerbaijan’s long-term commitment to creating a favorable investment environment. “In the context of today’s discussions, I would like to share Azerbaijan’s experience in attracting investment, developing the private sector, and improving the investment climate,” he said.

Ali Asadov also emphasized that Azerbaijan has consistently pursued a policy of economic openness while actively encouraging entrepreneurship and private sector development, positioning the country as an attractive destination for both domestic and international investment.

Azerbaijan’s economic future depends increasingly on sectors beyond hydrocarbons. The country has significant potential in renewable energy, digital transformation, transport infrastructure, agriculture, and industrial production.

Investing in Azerbaijan’s energy transition also provides access to a country with decades of experience in energy production, established infrastructure, and strong regional partnerships.

Following the restoration of its territorial integrity, Azerbaijan is executing a massive reconstruction program in the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions. Often dubbed the “Great Return,” the government has allocated billions of dollars in state funds to establish “smart cities” and green energy zones.

For foreign investors, Karabakh offers lucrative public-private partnership (PPP) and concession opportunities in infrastructure development, mineral mining, sustainable agriculture, and eco-tourism. Bilateral partnerships with companies from Trkiye, Italy and Hungary are already actively shaping the region’s economic landscape.

Azerbaijan’s economic indicators for 2026 demonstrate a country with strong financial foundations, growing investment activity, and a clear vision for economic transformation. Rising investment volumes, large strategic reserves, declining public debt, and continued GDP growth create a favorable environment for international investors.

The future of global investment will increasingly depend on countries that combine resources, strategic location, stability, and economic ambition. Azerbaijan possesses all of these characteristics.

Chinese President Xi Jinping announced on Friday that China will offer 5,000 AI-related training and seminar opportunities to developing countries over the next five years, AzerNEWS reports, citing Xinhua.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the 2026 World AI Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai, Xi said the initiative aims to strengthen international cooperation in artificial intelligence.

He also revealed plans to establish international AI application cooperation centers in partnership with ASEAN, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC), the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), and BRICS.

In addition, Xi said China will support 30 countries in using the AI-powered MAZU meteorological early warning system to improve disaster preparedness and help protect lives and property.

China will expand AI cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, the League of Arab States, the African Union, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the BRICS countries, Xi said. He promised to provide access for 30 countries to a Chinese-developed AI meteorological system that provides early warning systems.

A day earlier, 29 countries including Pakistan, Russia and Kazakhstan signed an agreement with China to establish a World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization. State media described it as an intergovernmental organization headquartered in Shanghai promoting global AI governance.