Category: Azer News

The upcoming meeting between Russian President Vladimir Putin and U.S. President Donald Trump in Budapest represents a significant opportunity to achieve peace in Ukraine, Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban has said.

According to AZERTAC, Orban emphasized that ‘today, Hungary is the only European country where there is a real chance that U.S.-Russia talks could lead to peace.’

The Hungarian leader reaffirmed his government’s readiness to continue its peacekeeping and mediation efforts, underlining Hungary’s growing role as a potential diplomatic bridge between East and West.

On October 16, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva visited Europe’s largest pediatric hospital, Bambino Gesù.

The First Vice-President familiarized herself with the hospital’s molecular genetics and clinical diagnostics laboratories.

President of Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital Tiziano Onesti provided Mehriban Aliyeva with detailed information about the laboratories.

Located in Rome and recognized as an extraterritorial institution of the Holy See, Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital was founded in 1869 by the Salviati family and initially operated as a private facility. It is among the first pediatric hospitals in Italy.

It was highlighted that although the hospital is financed by the Italian state and operates as a public healthcare institution, it remains under the jurisdiction of the Holy See and is directly accountable to it. In 2006, Bambino Gesù was accredited by the Joint Commission International as an academic hospital and is now recognized as Europe’s largest children’s hospital and research center.

The San Paolo branch of the hospital serves as the main hub for its large research laboratories, equipped with state-of-the-art technologies for genetic and cellular research. The branch also includes a pharmaceutical manufacturing facility where advanced treatment methods are applied. Clinical diagnoses are cross-verified with genetic analyses, enabling the implementation of personalized medical approaches through metabolic research.

On September 10 of this year, a Memorandum of Understanding on cooperation was signed between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Holy See’s Bambino Gesù Pediatric Hospital.

This partnership will make a significant contribution to the development of research in rare diseases, molecular genetics, clinical diagnostics, and related fields in Azerbaijan. It will provide Azerbaijani scientists and researchers with the opportunity to gain experience in advanced scientific methods and to conduct research in laboratories equipped with cutting-edge technologies. As a result, a cadre of specialists capable of carrying out independent scientific studies in these areas will be established in Azerbaijan, along with the creation of new laboratories meeting international standards. Furthermore, the cooperation envisions the participation of Azerbaijani healthcare professionals in training and exchange programs.

The International Documentary Film Festival will be held in Jihlava, Czech Republic, from October 24 to November 2, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan will be represented by director Matlab Mukhtarov’s short documentary film “Palaces of Memory.”

The film will compete for first place in the festival’s “Short Joy” section, which is dedicated to short documentaries. The world premiere of “Palaces of Memory” will also take place during the festival.

The documentary film was produced by Emil Najaf, under the Rental Azerbaijan production company.

“Palaces of Memory” is one of the winners of the 2024 film project support competition organized by the Azerbaijan Film Agency, aimed at supporting films in the post-production stage.

In the film, the director embarks on a search for his “first memory” in the streets of Sumgayit, the city where he was born and raised. His journey leads him to the place where this memory was formed.

This “first memory” is connected to his father, who he lost as a child, and his late grandmother. Ultimately, the search for individual memories takes the director to the traumatic experiences of Azerbaijanis in the early 1990s, after the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The festival’s travel expenses for producer Emil Najaf’s participation have been covered by the ACU. A closed screening of the film was held at the Azerbaijan Cinematographers Union on June 25 of this year.

Matlab Mukhtarov’s previous documentary “12/35” was also showcased at several international festivals.

Since its founding in 1997, the festival in Jihlava, Czech Republic, has traditionally been held at the end of October.

The Jihlava International Documentary Film Festival is considered one of the most prestigious festivals in the world for documentary films.

The Baku Military Court continued the trial on October 17 in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, with the hearing proceeding to the stage of document examination, Azernews reports.

The reviewed documents included materials based on interviews with various media outlets, public statements, and social media posts by the accused individuals – Arayik Harutyunyan, Bako Sahakyan, David Babayan, and others. These materials reportedly contained calls inciting ethnic, national, and religious hostility, as well as statements directed against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan. They also included messages interpreted as calls for war and terrorism.

It was emphasized that, following Armenia’s military aggression, the ongoing trial concerns Armenian citizens charged with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, genocide, and the preparation and execution of a war of aggression. The defendants also face accusations of terrorism, financing terrorism, and attempting to seize or retain power by force, among other serious crimes.

On this historic day, the Azerbaijan National Library has presented a virtual exhibition titled “October 17 – Fuzuli City Day” as well as a traditional book exhibition of the same name for its users, Azernews reports.

The virtual exhibition features official documents, photos, and information about Fuzuli city, as well as the restoration and reconstruction work carried out there.

The exhibition also showcases books, articles, and other materials held in the National Library’s collection, reflecting the successful implementation of the Great Return to Fuzuli, the Patriotic War, and the Great Victory. These materials are presented in both Azerbaijani and foreign languages.

You can explore the virtual exhibition using the following link.

The traditional exhibition, on the other hand, displays books in Azerbaijani and various other languages about the history of Fuzuli city, its toponyms, ancient historical and cultural monuments, the 44-day Patriotic War, the glorious victory, the heroes who made history, and the soldiers, officers, and martyrs who gave their lives for the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan.

October 17 marks the fifth anniversary of Fuzuli City’s liberation from Armenian occupation during the Second Garabagh War, commemorated as Fuzuli City Day.

President Ilham Aliyev issued a decree on July 31, 2023, declaring October 17 as Fuzuli City Day, to be celebrated annually.

The operation in Fuzuli was a pivotal battle on the southeastern front during the 2020 conflict. Azerbaijani forces broke through multiple Armenian defensive lines, leading to a large-scale retreat of Armenian troops.

On October 17, 2020, alongside the liberation of Fuzuli city, the Azerbaijani Army also freed seven nearby villages: Gochahmadli, Chiman, Juvarli, Pirahmadli, Musabayli, Ishigli, and Dadali.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva arrived in the Holy See – Vatican on an official visit.

On October 16, as part of the visit, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, along with family members, participated in the opening ceremony of the restoration project of the Catacombs of Commodilla, supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and reviewed the restoration work carried out.

The First Vice-President was welcomed by Monsignor Pasquale Iacobone, President of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology, Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi, President emeritus of the Pontifical Council for Culture and President emeritus of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archeology, and Amedeo Ciaccheri, President of the Municipality of Rome VIII.

Monsignor Pasquale Iacobone noted that First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva has been closely and effectively cooperating with the commission for many years. He expressed deep gratitude to her for attending the opening of the Catacombs of Commodilla.

Highlighting that two other significant projects were implemented with Azerbaijan prior to this initiative, he emphasized that the restoration of the Saint Marcellino and Pietro Catacombs, as well as the Saint Sebastian Catacombs, was achieved thanks to the efforts of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

‘With the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, we have jointly undertaken restoration work that was both challenging and highly inspiring, infusing us with great energy,’ he added.

Monsignor Iacobone recalled the memorable visit of members of the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology to Azerbaijan in July 2024, expressing profound gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for the high-level completion of this project.

Gianfranco Ravasi emphasized his sincere and deep bonds of friendship with Azerbaijan, noting that he had visited the country three times, was received by President Ilham Aliyev during those visits, and, by the President’s decision, was awarded one of the highest state decorations of Azerbaijan – the ‘Dostlug’ (Friendship) Order.

Cardinal Gianfranco Ravasi spoke about his sincere friendship and mutual respect with First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, saying: ‘These relations have developed over many years and have left a deep and lasting impression on me personally. During our organized visits, we witnessed the First Vice-President’s special commitment to the field of archaeology, as she personally visited the restored sites. Of course, thanks to her support and the assistance provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, today we are writing a new chapter in our cooperation with the opening of these catacombs. I express my deep gratitude to the First Vice-President for the work accomplished.’

He also noted that both sides demonstrated great harmony in this field.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva expressed her great honor at paying another visit to the Holy See, noting that this was her sixth visit to the Vatican over the past 14 years.

‘I am very glad that over these years we have established excellent cooperation. With each of our visits here, the number of our friends increases,’ the First Vice-President said.

Mehriban Aliyeva emphasized that for centuries, Azerbaijan has been a land where representatives of different religions and cultures have lived together in peace, mutual respect, tolerance, and harmony. ‘Today, these principles form the basis of both our state policy and our way of life. I am confident that in today’s complex world, the expanding cooperation and friendship between our countries serve as an example,’ she added.

Expressing her deep gratitude to everyone who contributed to joint projects in both the Vatican and Azerbaijan, the First Vice-President said: ‘As the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, we are interested and ready to continue our cooperation in the future. I believe this activity will be sustainable. Finally, I extend my congratulations to all of you on the ‘Jubilee Year,’ which carries great spiritual significance for the Catholic world. I also take this opportunity to invite you to visit Azerbaijan.’

President of the VIII Municipality of Rome, Amedeo Ciaccheri, expressed his gratitude to those working under the leadership of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the restoration work. He said he had been involved in the project for several years and highlighted the close cooperation with the Embassy of Azerbaijan.

Later, the opening ceremony of the Catacombs of Commodilla-restored by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation-was held.

During the visit of representatives from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Azerbaijan’s religious communities to the Vatican, an agreement was signed on March 4, 2021, between the Foundation and the Pontifical Commission for Sacred Archaeology regarding the restoration of the Catacombs of Commodilla. The site, discovered in the 18th century, first underwent research in 1900. This catacomb, which contains some of the earliest Christian-era artifacts, is also known as the burial place of the Christian martyrs Felicissimus and Agapitus and served as a pilgrimage site for believers during the Middle Ages.

The catacomb features frescoes depicting the first Christian martyr St. Stephen, Jesus presenting the keys of heaven to the Apostle Peter, and other religious scenes of exceptional historical and spiritual value. In the 1950s, the construction of residential buildings in the surrounding area negatively affected the structural stability of the site. The support provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation safeguarded this invaluable archaeological monument from the risk of collapse.

During the restoration process, modern technologies and materials were applied, including the use of safe and environmentally friendly methods to protect workers’ health. Nanotechnology was employed to reinforce the structures, while laser technology was used to treat painted surfaces. All materials were selected for their compatibility with the underground environment.

By actively financing large-scale restoration projects in the Vatican, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation continues to make a significant contribution to the preservation of global cultural heritage. These initiatives are highly valued by the Holy See as exemplary models of effective cooperation and the strengthening of intercultural dialogue.

On October 16, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva, accompanied by Cardinal James Harvey, the Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of St. Paul Outside the Walls, visited the Basilica in the Vatican City to review the progress of restoration and construction work carried out with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Priest Don Lodovico Turrisi and architect Marco Ciriachi provided First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva with detailed information about the Basilica and the restoration process there.

The Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls is the second largest church in Vatican City after St. Peter’s Basilica and was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1980. Built over the burial site of Saint Paul the Apostle, the Basilica is one of the four major papal basilicas in Rome and is regarded as one of the most sacred and historically significant monuments of the Roman Catholic Church. Inside the Basilica, mosaic portraits of all popes from St. Peter to the present day are displayed. Located away from the bustling environment of the Vatican, the Basilica stands out for its calm and spiritual atmosphere.

On September 11, 2024, within the framework of the ‘Jubilee Year,’ celebrated by the Holy See every 25 years, a document was signed between the Governorate of Vatican City State and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation to ensure the preservation and restoration of the marble coverings and decorative elements of Saint Paul’s Basilica. The document was signed by former President of the Governorate Cardinal Fernando Vérgez Alzaga and Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, Executive Director of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Anar Alakbarov.

Hyundai Motor is accelerating efforts to diversify its sales networks with tailored market strategies for China and India, amid ongoing global uncertainties – including the potential imposition of auto tariffs in the United States, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

Beijing Hyundai Motor Company (BHMC), Hyundai’s joint venture in China, began taking preorders on Thursday for its new compact electric SUV, the Elexio, according to industry sources.

Similar in size to the Kia EV5, the Elexio measures 4.615 meters (about 15.1 feet) in length and 1.875 meters (6.15 feet) in width. It is powered by lithium iron phosphate (LFP) batteries supplied by Chinese automaker BYD, offering an impressive maximum range of 722 kilometers (449 miles) on a single charge, based on Chinese certification standards.

The Elexio was developed and manufactured entirely in China. It features design elements tailored specifically for Chinese consumers – notably incorporating the number eight, a symbol of good luck in China, into its daytime running lights. The interior boasts a large 27-inch wide infotainment display, catering to local preferences for advanced in-car technology.

Beijing Hyundai priced the Elexio between 130,000 yuan ($18,240) and 150,000 yuan, roughly matching the local price of the Kia EV5, which stands at 149,800 yuan.

The company plans to launch six China-exclusive electric vehicles by 2027, starting with a new compact electric sedan next year, as part of a localization strategy aimed at reclaiming lost market share.

China remains the world’s largest auto market, with 31.44 million vehicles sold last year – nearly double the 15.9 million units sold in the United States.

However, Hyundai Motor Group’s sales in China have plummeted since the 2017 THAAD missile defense controversy, with combined sales of Hyundai and Kia dropping to just 204,573 units last year, accounting for a mere 0.65 percent market share. This contrasts sharply with 2016, before the fallout, when the group sold 1.14 million units and held nearly 4 percent of the market.

‘Hyundai likely believes that recovering even half of its pre-THAAD market share would translate into over 600,000 units sold annually,’ said Cho Chuel, senior research fellow at the Korea Institute for Industrial Economics and Trade. ‘However, local startups have flooded the market with sub-premium EVs, so competition will be intense.’

Hyundai is also doubling down on its India operations. On Wednesday, the company held an investor day in Mumbai, announcing plans to invest $5.1 billion in India by 2030.

This investment will be directed toward modernizing local production facilities and boosting R and D for market-specific models. Hyundai aims to launch eight hybrid SUVs and five electric vehicles by 2030.

In 2027, Hyundai will introduce an India-exclusive Genesis model to tap into the country’s rapidly growing premium car segment. The company plans to expand production capacity by leveraging its plants in Pune (250,000 units annually), Chennai (760,000 units), and Kia’s Anantapur plant (350,000 units), targeting a combined annual capacity of 1.4 million vehicles within a few years.

To spearhead this effort, Hyundai will appoint Tarun Garg, currently COO of Hyundai India, as its new CEO starting in January – marking the first Indian national to hold the position since the subsidiary was founded in 1996.

India was the world’s third-largest auto market last year, with 5.23 million vehicles sold. Hyundai sold about 610,000 units, capturing an 11.6 percent market share. The company aims to increase this share to 15 percent by 2030.

‘There’s no need to chase market share blindly. Sustainable, profitable growth is more important,’ said Hyundai Motor President Jose Muñoz during the India investor day.

‘The plan is to respond to India’s expanding premium auto market with Genesis,’ said Kwon Yong-joo, professor of automotive transport design at Kookmin University.

Meanwhile, Hyundai also opened an experiential showroom in Tokyo earlier this month. It plans to target Japan’s compact EV segment with its small electric vehicle Casper, marketed locally as the Inster. However, Hyundai’s presence in Japan remains minimal – only 759 units were sold from January to September this year.

‘With rising uncertainty in the U.S. market, Hyundai is working to reduce its reliance on American sales by strengthening its networks in Asia and other regions,’ said Lee Hang-koo, adviser at the Korea Automotive Technology Institute. ‘However, increased local production in key markets like the U.S., China, and India may affect output at domestic plants.’

Saudi Arabia and the United States are planning to finalize a military cooperation agreement in November, which would designate any attack on the Kingdom as a direct threat to “peace and security” in the region, Azernews reports.

The deal is expected to be formalized during Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud’s upcoming visit to the United States next month.

A senior White House official told the press that “negotiations are currently underway to sign some form of agreement during the Crown Prince’s visit,” though “the specific details have yet to be finalized.”

This potential agreement reflects the growing strategic partnership between the two countries amid increasing regional tensions. Analysts believe it could signal a deeper U.S. commitment to Saudi Arabia’s defense, especially in light of recent threats from regional actors and ongoing conflicts in the Middle East.

Experts also suggest that the pact might include enhanced intelligence sharing, joint military exercises, and cooperation on emerging technologies, including cybersecurity and missile defense systems.

The announcement comes at a crucial time as both nations seek to strengthen their alliance in the face of shifting geopolitical dynamics and evolving security challenges.

Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic States (TURKPA) Ramil Hasan met with Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA) Kayrat Saribay to discuss expanding cooperation between the two organisations, Azernews reports.

According to TURKPA, Kayrat Saribay congratulated Ramil Hasan on the beginning of his tenure and wished him success in his new role. The meeting highlighted the long-standing collaboration between TURKPA and CICA, as both sides reviewed the current state of relations and outlined future prospects.

The officials reaffirmed their commitment to further strengthening ties, emphasising the importance of fostering dialogue, mutual understanding, and joint initiatives aimed at enhancing regional peace and cooperation.