Category: Azer News

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.

The United States-Azerbaijan Chamber of Commerce (USACC) will hold a Trade and Business Conference dedicated to the Chamber’s 30th anniversary.

Azernews reports, the event is scheduled for December 9 and will bring together government officials, business leaders, investors, and representatives from the financial sector of both the U.S. and Azerbaijan to discuss the next phase of economic cooperation.

Marking three decades since its founding, USACC views the conference as a timely opportunity to review its achievements, assess current trends, and set an agenda focused on strengthening bilateral trade, investment, and innovation.

Since its establishment in 1995, USACC has served as a leading platform for developing commercial, economic, and cultural ties between the two countries.

Over the past 30 years, the Chamber has played a vital role in promoting dialogue between the public and private sectors, stimulating trade, diversifying business, and expanding economic cooperation between the United States and Azerbaijan.

The open court hearing session for criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanian, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, who are accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes-including the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war-as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, forcible retention of power, and numerous other crimes resulting from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on October 17.

The court session was held at the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with the panel consisting of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova). Each accused individual was provided with an interpreter in their native language, as well as legal representatives for their defense.

The session was attended by the accused persons, their defenders, a portion of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors defending the state prosecution.

Judge Z. Aghayev stated that a group of people had applied to the court, noting that they would not be able to participate in the court proceedings for compelling reasons, and that their statements to the preliminary investigation should be examined in the trial.

No one objected to the subsequent examination of their statements from the preliminary investigation.

Z. Aghayev mentioned that those statements would be announced during subsequent sessions.

Afterwards, the trial continued with the announcement of documents.

The court proceedings reviewed the documents based on the interviews of accused Arayik Harutyunyan, Bako Sahakyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, Davit Ishkhanian, and others to a number of internet resources, their statements and opinions expressed during the meetings, as well as the posts made on their social media accounts.

According to the documents, those interviews, statements, speeches, and posts featured calls, spreading ethnic, national, and religious hostility between the peoples, and against the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan, other criminal information, as well as incitements to war and terrorism.

Following the announcement of the documents, the presiding judge gave the floor to the accused to hear their views on the documents.

Accused L.Mnatsakanyan requested to re-examine his interview with the Armenian journalist on the Jidir Duzu plain.

Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Defense of State Prosecution at the Prosecutor General’s Office, said that the interview had already been screened at one of the previous court hearings, during the interrogation of the accused, and that Levon Mnatsakanyan answered the questions from the state prosecutors about it.

He emphasized that when the interview was reviewed during the previous hearing, Levon Mnatsakanyan expressed his opinions on the parts he disagreed with, which was also reflected in the minutes of the hearing. The public prosecutor added that there was no need to re-examine that evidence and requested the court to take the above into account.

Subsequently, Judge Zeynal Aghayev announced the part of the minutes of the hearing where the mentioned video interview was presented, and where Levon Mnatsakanyan raised his objection.

Then, the defendant D. Ishkhanyan filed an appeal, claiming he had been given the opportunity to view the video recording of the interview with former Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia Manvel Grigoryan.

It should be noted that at the previous court hearing, D. Ishkhanyan had requested that the video recording to be loaded to the tablet provided to the defendants.

D. Ishkhanyan also requested to familiarize himself with a copy of a secret document signed by Kamo Vardanyan, the ‘deputy chief of staff of the army’ of the so-called regime.

A copy of the order was presented to the accused for familiarization.

Additionally, the defendants Davit Ishkhanyan and David Babayan stated that they did not agree with many of the details indicated in the announced documents.

Defendant A. Ghukasyan requested the court to provide conditions for him to express his opinion on the announced documents at the next court hearing.

Judge Zeynal Aghayev stated that the request would be taken into account.

The court proceedings will continue on October 20.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state – including the aforementioned criminal association – on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals – Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, David Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan – are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.

Microsoft has embarked on an ambitious redesign of the Windows operating system, aiming to transform it into a platform driven primarily by voice commands and artificial intelligence (AI), Azernews reports.

Yusuf Mehdi, the company’s executive vice president, told The Verge about plans to deeply integrate AI capabilities throughout every layer of the system, moving far beyond simply adding a chatbot.

According to Microsoft’s leadership, a new era of computing is approaching, where AI will no longer be a standalone tool but will become an essential part of hundreds of millions of daily use cases. The ultimate vision is to create what Mehdi calls a true ‘AI computer’ by rebuilding the core of the operating system around these advanced technologies.

‘Our goal is to rewrite the entire OS around AI, creating what can be called a true AI computer,’ Mehdi said.

The current version of Windows 11 already incorporates some AI-powered features. For instance, users can now activate the Copilot assistant using the voice command ‘Hey, Copilot!’ This hands-free feature allows quick access to the assistant for answers, productivity help, or general inquiries. The interaction is signaled by a beep, and users can end the session simply by saying ‘goodbye,’ after which the assistant shuts down automatically.

Another recent innovation is the Copilot Vision feature, which is available in all regions where Copilot operates. This functionality enables AI to analyze the contents displayed on the screen, assisting users with applications, troubleshooting, or even providing step-by-step guidance for tasks such as completing games. Unlike the earlier Recall function, which faced privacy concerns, Copilot Vision requires explicit user consent before scanning the screen, operating similarly to how Microsoft Teams handles broadcasting.

Microsoft is testing a feature called Copilot Actions. This functionality will empower the AI assistant to perform tasks directly on the PC-such as editing photo batches-automatically. Currently, Copilot Actions is in closed beta with a limited number of scenarios as Microsoft continues to optimize the underlying AI model.

This ambitious integration of AI into Windows highlights Microsoft’s commitment to redefining personal computing, where intelligence is embedded seamlessly to enhance productivity, creativity, and user experience. As AI becomes more deeply woven into the operating system, the way people interact with their devices could be fundamentally transformed, moving us closer to a future where computers understand and anticipate our needs intuitively.

At the instruction of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Ilham Aliyev, the leadership of the Ministry of Defense has inspected the logistical support and combat readiness level of Azerbaijani Army units, Azernews reports.

According to the Ministry of Defense, senior officials visited commando military units and other formations to assess the quality of improvements made to the social and living conditions of servicemen and to review the organization of military service.

Following the inspection, Minister of Defense, Colonel General Zakir Hasanov, gave additional instructions to responsible officers regarding winter preparedness, further improvement of service and living conditions in military units, enhancement of combat capability, seasonal maintenance of weapons and equipment, and the continuity of logistical support.

Highly praising the combat and moral-psychological readiness of the personnel, the minister met with servicemen to discuss issues of their interest.

During the meeting, Minister Hasanov spoke about the successful reforms implemented in the field of army building under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev. He noted that the President’s resolute defense of Azerbaijan’s national interests at high-level international events has further strengthened the country’s reputation and influence on the global stage. The minister also conveyed to the personnel the key directives set by the Supreme Commander-in-Chief for the Azerbaijani Army.

Later, Minister Hasanov instructed officers to ensure strict adherence to discipline and safety regulations, promote healthy interpersonal relations within the ranks, and pay special attention to the health and well-being of the personnel.

Colonel General Hasanov emphasized the importance of maintaining constant oversight of troop organization, keeping all types of logistical support under close attention, and strengthening control over the observance of safety rules. He issued concrete directives to the command staff to that effect.

The Azerbaijani Wrestling Federation has announced the team that will compete in the U-23 World Wrestling Championship to be held in Novi Sad, Serbia, on October 20-27, Azernews reports.

The World Championship will kick off with the Greco-Roman wrestling events.

Under the leadership of head coach Aleksandr Tarakanov, senior coach Rovshan Bayramov, and coaches Hasan Aliyev and Kamran Mammadov, Azerbaijan will be represented by a talented team of athletes across various weight categories: Elmir Aliyev (55 kg), Ilkin Gurbanov (60 kg), Ziya Babashov (63 kg), Faraim Mustafayev (67 kg), Ruslan Nurullayev (72 kg), Davud Mammadov (77 kg), Elmin Aliyev (82 kg), Lachin Valiyev (87 kg), Ali Guliyev (97 kg), and Aykhan Mardanov (130 kg).

Following that, women wrestlers will enter the competition under the leadership of acting head coach Togrul Asgarov, senior coach Aghahuseyn Mustafayev, and coach Solmaz Adilova.

The female athletes representing Azerbaijan are Asmar Jankurtaran (50 kg), Elnura Mammadova (53 kg), Gultakin Shirinova (55 kg), Nargiz Samadova (57 kg), Gunay Gurbanova (59 kg), Birgul Soltanova (62 kg), and Ruzanna Mammadova (65 kg).

In the final days of the tournament, freestyle wrestlers will compete. Under the leadership of head coach Khetag Gazyumov, senior coach Jabrayil Hasanov, and coaches Taymuraz Kokoyev and Sharif Sharifov, the freestyle athletes representing Azerbaijan are Muhammadali Alizad? (57 kg), Jeykhun Allahverdiyev (61 kg), Aykhan Abdullazad? (65 kg), Kanan Heybatov (70 kg), Magomed-Bashir Khaniyev (74 kg), Farid Jabbarov (79 kg), Ali Tsokayev (86 kg), Sadig Mustafazade (92 kg), Zafar Aliyev (97 kg), and Khetag Karsanov (125 kg).

Matches will begin every day at 12:00 (Baku time). The medal matches will start at 20:00.

The World Championship will be officiated by Category I referee Asif Shiraliyev, as well as Category I referees Kamran Aliyev and Habib Nurulu.

On October 17, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State of the Vatican.

First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva expressed her pleasure at meeting Cardinal Pietro Parolin again and congratulated the Catholic world on the occasion of the ‘Jubilee Year.’

She thanked the Secretary of State for his participation in the COP29 event held in Azerbaijan in November last year and hailed the dynamic expansion of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See in recent years.

Emphasizing that Azerbaijan embodies the values of religious tolerance and multiculturalism as both state policy and a societal norm, Mehriban Aliyeva spoke about the work carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation within the framework of cooperation with the Holy See. She noted the great potential for further developing bilateral relations. Speaking about the relations with the Catholic community in Azerbaijan, the First Vice-President said: ‘The issue raised during the Secretary of State’s visit to Azerbaijan in November last year-the construction of a second Catholic Church in our country-has found a positive resolution. A positive decision on this matter has already been made by President Ilham Aliyev, and construction of the second Catholic Church in the capital will begin in the near future.’ Mehriban Aliyeva underlined that Cardinal Pietro Parolin is regarded in Azerbaijan as a close friend of the country and its people and expressed gratitude for his contributions to the successful and steady development of bilateral cooperation.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin expressed his honor at seeing First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva again and conveyed his deep appreciation to the Azerbaijani state and personally to President Ilham Aliyev for efforts in strengthening relations with the Holy See. He described his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev during his visit to Azerbaijan at COP29 as a gesture of respect toward the Vatican. Highlighting the projects implemented with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Cardinal praised the cooperation and the exemplary relations between the state and the Catholic community in Azerbaijan. ‘The construction of a second Catholic Church in Baku is a highly commendable development, and for that, we are grateful to Azerbaijan. This is yet another manifestation of the care and respect shown to all religions in your country. Azerbaijan serves as an example for many countries in this regard,’ he said.

The Cardinal also noted that the awarding of Bishop Vladimir Fekete, Apostolic Prefect of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, with the ‘Friendship’ Order by President Ilham Aliyev is another sign of respect toward the Holy See.

Pietro Parolin congratulated Azerbaijan on the signing of the Joint Declaration by Azerbaijan, Armenia, and the United States on August 8 in Washington and on the initialing of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan. He reaffirmed the Vatican’s unequivocal support for peace in the region.

Expressing her gratitude to Cardinal Pietro Parolin for his congratulations, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva highly valued the outcomes of the Washington Summit, emphasizing that the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia remain committed to the peace agenda and expressing hope for the establishment of lasting peace in the region.