Category: Azer News

The selection stage of the 2026 competition held by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry under the “Special Scholarship Program for Cultural and Creative Industries” has been completed, AzerNEWS reports.

Applications were accepted from June 2 to 16 this year through the personal accounts on the MyCulture portal for the financing of education abroad at the bachelor’s and master’s levels in audiovisual arts, design, architecture, management in the cultural and creative sectors, and other fields of specialization.

During the application period, a total of 51 people registered through the portal. Of these, 18 applied for bachelor’s programs and 33 for master’s programs.

In accordance with the Rules of the Scholarship Program, the selection of candidates was conducted in two stages. At the first stage, the documents submitted by the candidates were evaluated. At the next stage, interviews were held with candidates who met the requirements, during which their theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and creative potential were assessed. A total of 34 candidates participated in the interview stage.

Based on the evaluation results of the “Commission for the Special Scholarship Program for Cultural and Creative Industries,” comprising specialists in relevant fields under the Ministry of Culture, 17 candidates became eligible to benefit from the Scholarship Program.

Under the Scholarship Program, education expenses will be fully or partially financed, taking into account the candidates’ final evaluation results.

Seven of the scholarship recipients will pursue bachelor’s degrees and 10 will pursue master’s degrees at higher education institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Italy, Canada, China, Turkiye, and other countries.

Scholarship Program is being implemented under the activity area of “Ensuring the dynamic development of cultural and creative industries and strengthening export potential in this field,” outlined in the Action Plan of the “Socio-Economic Development Strategy of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026.”

At the same time, the 2026-2030 Action Plan of the “Azerbaijani Culture 2040” Cultural Concept envisages the training of professional personnel in cultural fields through education programs abroad, as well as the development of a talent pool with creative and innovative thinking that meets the needs of the labor market.

Scholarship Program is intended for Azerbaijani citizens aged 15 and above who seek to develop their creative potential and pursue professional careers in various fields of culture.

The program covers the full or partial financing of education expenses for individuals who have been admitted to foreign higher education institutions or who are already studying at such institutions at their own expense.

Azerbaijan and China have discussed the development of bilateral economic relations, diversification of business partnerships and opportunities to expand cooperation in the industrial sector, AzerNEWS reports.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, Minister Mikayil Jabbarov met with Ma Bin, Deputy General Manager of China-based Xinjiang Joinworld Co., Ltd., a company operating in the aluminum and metallurgical technology sectors.

During the meeting, the sides reviewed the current dynamics of economic ties between Azerbaijan and China and highlighted opportunities to diversify business cooperation and strengthen industrial partnerships.

The parties also considered prospects for implementing joint projects in the aluminum and metallurgy industries. Discussions focused on the potential application of modern technologies, innovative solutions and technical know-how, as well as opportunities to promote the transfer of expertise between the two countries.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on potential areas of cooperation of mutual interest, with the sides exploring opportunities to further strengthen business and industrial ties between Azerbaijan and China.

Today, one of the greatest challenges we face at both the global and societal levels is the profound crisis of self-confidence that begins when individuals become detached from the existential foundations of their own identity. This crisis is not merely a state of psychological inadequacy; it is a form of collective stagnation whose effects are felt across almost every sphere, from the way we learn and understand life to our motivation to produce and our determination to create original works.

The weakening of intellectual production and the erosion of identity consciousness have distanced even those circles that describe themselves as ‘intellectuals’ and are expected to guide society from their role as sources of direction and guidance, giving rise, in effect, to a period of intellectual stagnation. In such an environment, where rhetoric that is ambitious but detached from genuine achievement has become increasingly visible in the public sphere, rebuilding intellectual and cultural production is a responsibility that is more difficult than ever, but equally more vital.

In this period of cultural drought, the greatest and most difficult responsibility is undoubtedly to raise and cultivate people. However, this process cannot be viewed merely as providing individuals with a comfortable life, offering good educational opportunities or increasing economic prosperity. To truly cultivate oneself and raise a generation means enabling individuals to evaluate their past, present and future along the same line of understanding, to internalize their own vision of civilization and to become subjects once again in a world in which they are increasingly reduced to objects.

Indeed, the first condition for building a strong future is to restore confidence in our own essence and to raise conscious generations capable of carrying our civilizational heritage into the future. For this reason, as a society, we should regard the challenges we face today not as threats, but as opportunities for a new revival.

Today, the drive for greater domestic and national capability in the defense industry, one of the most tangible manifestations of the ideal of full independence, is as strategically important for the security of our borders as raising an educated, qualified and highly conscious young generation is for the future of our state and the continuity of our nation.

Technological infrastructure, defense systems, cybersecurity networks and physical fortifications provide a powerful shield against external threats. At the same time, young people who are committed to their national identity, preserve their moral values, possess a strong sense of cultural belonging and are equipped with the knowledge required by the modern age constitute the strongest invisible line of defense against cultural alienation, the erosion of identity and attempts at global assimilation.

It should not be forgotten that possessing the ability to produce the most advanced technologies is not enough on its own. The decisive factor is the quality of the human resources capable of managing and developing those technologies and giving them an ethical direction. In societies where science cannot advance together with conscience, and technology cannot progress together with morality, material power cannot be transformed into the construction of a lasting civilization.

For this reason, cultivating qualified human resources is not merely a matter of education policy; it is also an integral part of a long-term national security strategy. The success of the goal of a strong Trkiye and the ‘Century of Trkiye’ depends on ensuring that the achievements made in the defense industry are carried into the future by generations raised with knowledge, morality, a commitment to production and a strong sense of responsibility.

The first and most important foundation for building qualified human resources and a conscious young generation is undoubtedly the institution of the family. Just as ensuring border security through the defense industry is of strategic importance, protecting the family structure, which represents the essence of our civilization, is equally vital as a matter of national security.

Therefore, policies that prioritize the family must not remain confined to official documents or theoretical rhetoric; they must find concrete expression in every sphere of social life. Policies that strengthen the intellectual, moral and cultural development of future generations must consequently be pursued with determination. Carefully analyzing every social problem that weakens family bonds, developing solution-oriented approaches and expanding practices that strengthen the family are indispensable conditions for building a strong society.

Civilizations rise on the foundation of strong families. Societies capable of preserving the peace, integrity and continuity of the family institution can build strong states not only for today but also for tomorrow. Protecting the family is therefore one of the most important responsibilities involved in preserving our past, strengthening our present and securing our future.

Indeed, the greatest force that will carry the vision of the ‘Century of Trkiye’ into the future will be generations that remain connected to their roots, are equipped with the knowledge and technology of the modern age, possess a strong awareness of moral responsibility and have made serving their nation a guiding principle in their lives.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, who has been the architect of this great journey of development and civilization, has shaped Trkiye’s political, economic and strategic transformation through the leadership he has demonstrated for nearly a quarter of a century. Today, as the head of our state, he continues to guide our nation as the strongest representative of the vision of the ‘Century of Trkiye.’

The second and final solar eclipse of 2026, a total solar eclipse, occurred on August 12, AzerNEWS reports.

The phenomenon was not visible from Azerbaijan, according to the Astrophysics Department of Baku State University.

The partial phase of the eclipse began at 19:34 and ended at 23:57, lasting approximately 4 hours and 24 minutes. The maximum phase occurred at 21:46. The central phase began at 20:57 and ended at 22:30.

The total phase of the eclipse lasted a maximum of 2 minutes and 18 seconds. NASA data also confirms that the maximum duration of totality was 2 minutes and 18 seconds, with the greatest eclipse occurring at approximately 17:46 UTC.

The total eclipse was visible along a relatively narrow path stretching across Greenland, Iceland, northern Russia, Spain and a small part of Portugal, while a partial eclipse could be observed across much of Europe, parts of North America and northwestern Africa.

The event was particularly significant for Europe, as it was the first total solar eclipse visible from central and western Europe since 1999. Large numbers of people gathered in parts of Spain and Iceland to observe the rare astronomical phenomenon.

During a total solar eclipse, the Moon passes directly between the Earth and the Sun and completely covers the Sun’s bright disk.

This allows the Sun’s outer atmosphere, or corona, to become visible to observers within the path of totality.

Recent messages from the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia are increasingly strengthening the impression that the conflict that shaped relations between the two countries for more than three decades is moving into the past, while peace and practical cooperation are becoming more realistic prospects. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s latest statement suggests that Armenia is preparing to resume exports to Azerbaijan, potentially paving the way for more balanced trade between the two countries.

This development is important not simply because of the value of the goods that may initially cross the border, but because of what it represents. Since gaining independence, Azerbaijan and Armenia have never developed normal, direct and mutually beneficial trade relations. Their borders remained closed for decades, while the conflict prevented the emergence of ordinary economic ties. In recent years, however, limited economic interaction has started to appear, most notably through Azerbaijan’s fuel exports to Armenia. The emergence of Armenian exports to Azerbaijan would therefore represent another step toward establishing a genuine commercial relationship.

Trade can play a particularly important role in consolidating peace. It would be unrealistic to claim that trade alone can guarantee a lasting settlement, but economic interdependence can create powerful incentives for both sides to preserve stability. When businesses, consumers, transport operators and energy companies begin benefiting from cross-border economic activity, the cost of renewed confrontation becomes considerably higher. In this sense, trade can help transform peace from a political objective into an economic interest shared by both societies.

There is also a straightforward economic argument. Neighboring countries are often among each other’s most important trading partners because geographical proximity reduces transportation costs and facilitates supply chains. Azerbaijan’s non-oil exports, for example, are strongly connected with regional markets such as Russia, Trkiye and Georgia. Armenia could gradually become another important destination if political and logistical barriers continue to disappear. For Armenia, access to the Azerbaijani market would provide another nearby market for its producers. For Azerbaijan, Armenian goods could add another source of supply and create opportunities for companies operating in trade, logistics and distribution.

Yet the larger economic benefit of peace is likely to come from reduced geopolitical risk rather than trade alone. Both Azerbaijan and Armenia have spent substantial resources on defence and security because of the unresolved conflict. A durable peace would not eliminate the need for defence spending, but it could reduce the economic pressure associated with permanent confrontation and allow both governments to devote a greater share of resources to infrastructure, education, technology and social development. The economic dividend of peace could therefore be much larger than the initial value of bilateral trade.

Energy cooperation could become an even more important component of this process. During his recent visit to Nakhchivan, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev spoke about the possibility of electricity exports and indicated that regional countries could potentially benefit from such energy cooperation. Pashinyan’s latest comments about the possibility of cooperation with Azerbaijan in the electricity sector suggest that this idea is no longer merely a theoretical discussion. If technical and political conditions permit, electricity could become one of the first strategic sectors in which the two countries develop practical interdependence.

This possibility becomes more interesting when Armenia’s ambitions in artificial intelligence and digital infrastructure are considered. Armenia has been seeking to attract investment into AI infrastructure and data-centre projects, including initiatives involving US companies. Such facilities can require substantial and reliable electricity supplies. Armenia is already developing additional generation capacity, but meeting rapidly growing electricity demand will require significant investment over the coming years.

Nuclear power is an important part of Armenia’s electricity mix, but the country will also need to expand and diversify its energy capacity as electricity demand grows. This is particularly relevant as Armenia seeks to attract investment in energy-intensive industries and digital infrastructure, including AI-related projects.

For Azerbaijan, this could create an additional opportunity for regional energy cooperation. Azerbaijan has significant energy resources and is expanding its role as a reliable electricity and energy partner in the region. If bilateral relations continue to improve, electricity trade could become another area of practical cooperation, with Azerbaijan potentially supplying electricity to Armenia when commercially and technically feasible. Such cooperation would strengthen Azerbaijan’s role in the emerging regional economic architecture while creating a new source of energy security for Armenia.

The most important transformation, therefore, may not be measured in the first million dollars of bilateral trade. Its significance lies in the possibility of creating a cycle in which trade encourages trust, trust enables infrastructure cooperation, infrastructure creates economic interdependence, and interdependence makes peace more valuable for both sides. Azerbaijan enters this process from a position of considerable economic and energy strength, giving it an opportunity to contribute to regional connectivity while also benefiting from the opening of a new neighbouring market.

After more than thirty years of confrontation, the emergence of trade, energy cooperation and potentially wider economic links would mark a fundamental change in the South Caucasus. If the political momentum continues, Azerbaijan and Armenia could gradually move from being defined by the economic costs of conflict to being connected by the economic benefits of peace.

A fire broke out at an industrial site in Russia’s Bashkortostan following what was described as a drone strike, with the area reportedly containing a major logistics facility operated by Russian e-commerce company Wildberries, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the information, a large fire erupted in the Chishminsky District of Bashkortostan. The area is home to one of Wildberries’ major logistics hubs.

The combined company Wildberries and Russ confirmed that a fire had occurred at an industrial zone where one of its facilities is located. In a statement, the company said emergency fire crews had been dispatched to the site following the reported aerial strike.

The company also said that employees at the facility were evacuated in a timely manner in accordance with established safety procedures. No information about casualties was immediately provided.

The incident was reported amid a series of drone attacks targeting locations across Russia. Wildberries facilities have previously been affected by fires following reported attacks, resulting in substantial losses for the company.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi has warned the United States to exercise caution over what he described as misinformation and inaccurate intelligence, amid continued tensions between Tehran and Washington, AzerNEWS reports.

In a post on social media X, Araghchi said the United States had repeatedly faced miscalculations because of what he characterized as inadequate intelligence. He cited the conflict with Iran as an example and warned that Washington could make even more serious miscalculations over the Strait of Hormuz.

“Fake intelligence is worse than fake news. Be careful,” the minister wrote.

Tensions between Iran and the United States have remained high following renewed military confrontation and disputes over the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran has linked the reopening of the strategically important waterway to a number of demands directed at Washington.

Meanwhile, Iran and Oman have been holding discussions on arrangements for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian officials have said the talks with Oman are nearing completion, but have stressed that any agreement between Tehran and Muscat alone would not necessarily result in the full reopening of the waterway.

Iran has maintained that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz would depend on the United States taking additional steps. The waterway remains at the center of the ongoing dispute, given its importance to global energy and maritime trade.

A new shipment is being delivered from Russia to Armenia in transit through Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

According to Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, 20 wagons loaded with wheat are being dispatched from Bilajari station.

So far, more than 37,000 tons of grain, nearly 9,000 tons of fertilizer, 1,136 tons of propane, 133 tons of aluminum, 414 tons of anthracite, and 67,000 tons of timber have been transported from Russia to Armenia via Azerbaijan in transit.

In addition, nearly 15,000 tons of diesel fuel and around 5,000 tons of RON-92 and RON-95 gasoline have been exported from Azerbaijan to Armenia to date.

The development follows a key policy shift announced on October 21, 2025. In a joint press statement with Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev confirmed that Azerbaijan had lifted all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia that had been in place since the period of occupation. The first shipment under this new framework consisted of Kazakh grain delivered to Armenia.

The Azerbaijan U16 Republican Chess Olympiad, jointly organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports and the Azerbaijan Chess Federation (ACF), has concluded at the Gusar Olympic Sports Complex, AzerNEWS reports.

The competition was held in two age groups: Group A (ages 11-16) and Group B (ages 10 and under).

In Group A, Suat Ibrahimli won the boys’ competition, while Asnad Bakhsizade claimed the girls’ title. Both chess players will be sent by the Azerbaijan Chess Federation to compete at the European Championship.

In the individual age categories, Inji Jabrayilova and Ziya Gubatov won among the 8-year-olds; Nurgun Fakhratzade and Azad Khuduzade among the 10-year-olds; Sadegul Afandi and Ayyub Zakiyev among the 12-year-olds; Asnad Bakhsizade and Suat Ibrahimli among the 14-year-olds; and Rana Aghamirzayeva and Emin Ismayilov among the 16-year-olds.

In the team standings, No. 4 IOEUGISM took first place in Group A, followed by No. 3 RIOEUGISM in second and the Guba team in third.

In Group B, No. 3 UGISM claimed first place, while the Guba team and No. 4 UGISM finished second and third, respectively.

Nearly 30 cities and districts across Azerbaijan, as well as chess schools, clubs, and sports societies, were represented at the Olympiad.

A total of 326 young chess players competed in the tournament, which consisted of 11 rounds played under the Swiss system and featured both individual and team classifications.

The global aviation industry is expected to contribute $4.1 trillion to the world economy in 2026, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), airlines will serve approximately 5.2 billion passengers this year, while global air cargo volumes are expected to reach 71.6 million metric tons.

Around $8 trillion worth of goods are transported by air each year, with the aviation sector accounting for approximately 3.9% of the global economy. Passenger traffic increased by 5.7% in 2025 compared with the previous year.

IATA also emphasized the strong safety record of commercial aviation. With around 40 million flights operated worldwide each year, even a single accident can have a significant impact on global safety statistics, as aviation remains one of the safest forms of transportation.

Despite continued growth, the industry faces several challenges, including geopolitical developments, supply chain disruptions, delays in aircraft deliveries and the need to significantly increase production of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

IATA estimates that the aviation sector will require approximately 500 million metric tons of SAF annually by 2050 to achieve its target of net-zero carbon emissions.

The report also ranked the world’s largest aviation markets by the sector’s contribution to national economies. The United States ranked first, with civil aviation contributing approximately $1.3 trillion to its GDP.

China ranked second with $253.6 billion, followed by Spain with $172.9 billion. The top 10 also included the United Kingdom ($160.7 billion), France ($144.7 billion), Germany ($142.7 billion), Japan ($116.4 billion), Italy ($103.6 billion), the United Arab Emirates ($92 billion) and Saudi Arabia ($90.6 billion).