Category: Azer News

The Azerbaijani Cartographers Public Union has completed the preparation of a detailed map of the Zangezur Corridor, the strategic transport route linking mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azernews reports.

According to the Union’s chairman, Mugabil Bayramov, the map was created using high-resolution satellite imagery as its base layer to ensure geographical precision and visual clarity.

Bayramov noted that the map illustrates the relevant sections of Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Iran, including residential settlements, highways, rivers, and mountain ranges along the corridor’s route. The Araz Corridor, another key regional transport connection, is also featured on the map.

The cartographic work has been produced in both Azerbaijani and English, highlighting its significance not only for national use but also for international research, academic, and policy reference.

On October 14, delegations led by Deputy Prime Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk, and Minister of Roads and Urban Development of the Islamic Republic of Iran Mehrdad Bazrpash (Farzana Sadiq per translation) jointly inspected key infrastructure facilities of the North-South International Transport Corridor in the city of Astara, Azernews reports.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers, the delegations visited the automobile bridge over the Astarachay River on the Azerbaijan-Iran border, which was inaugurated in December 2023.

The bridge’s throughput capacity reaches 1,000 freight vehicles per day – 500 entries and 500 exits – significantly easing cargo flow between the two countries.

The officials then reviewed the ongoing construction of the Southern Freight Terminal in the Iranian city of Astara, owned by Azerbaijan Railways. The terminal’s current annual cargo handling capacity of 1 million tons is planned to increase to 5 million tons once expansion works are completed by the end of 2025.

The visit also included an inspection of the Rasht-Astara railway construction site in Iran – a strategically vital segment expected to enhance connectivity along the North-South corridor, strengthening regional trade and logistics cooperation among Azerbaijan, Russia, and Iran.

Favorable conditions are being created for employment and entrepreneurial activity in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, with plans to open tens of thousands of new jobs, Azernews reports.

This was stated by Mammad Musayev, President of the Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs Confederation, at the 30th Anniversary Caspian Construction Week.

He noted that the ‘Great Return’ program to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories is already being implemented in practice:

“Over the past two years alone, hundreds of infrastructure projects, including airports, highways, railways, and energy centers, have been commissioned in the Garabagh and East Zangazur economic regions. Favorable conditions are being established for employment and entrepreneurship, with tens of thousands of new jobs planned.

Declaring Garabagh a ‘green zone’ and implementing projects on alternative and renewable energy further strengthens confidence that Azerbaijan will become a green energy exporter.”

Musayev emphasized that the BakuBuild and Rebuild Garabagh exhibitions are not only business platforms but also symbols of joint solidarity, cooperation, and confidence in the future for the reconstruction of Garabagh.

“As the Azerbaijan Entrepreneurs Confederation, we are ready to support all efforts for the restoration of Garabagh, the development of entrepreneurship, and the strengthening of our country’s economic power,” he added.

Microsoft’s Windows 10 operating system will officially reach its end of support on October 14, 2025, Azernews reports.

From that date onward, Microsoft will no longer provide technical assistance, security updates, or feature improvements for Windows 10. Although the operating system already installed on devices will continue to function, using it beyond this point poses significant risks.

Microsoft has warned that continuing to use Windows 10 after support ends is dangerous because the absence of security updates will leave systems more vulnerable to malware and cyberattacks. The company strongly recommends upgrading to Windows 11 to ensure ongoing protection and access to the latest features.

According to Statcounter, Windows remains the dominant desktop operating system worldwide, holding more than 70% of the global market share. Among the different Windows versions, Windows 10 still leads with nearly 59% usage, while Windows 11 accounts for about 38%.

Despite Windows 11 being available since late 2021, many users and organizations have been slow to upgrade, partly due to hardware requirements and user familiarity with Windows 10. This transition period highlights the challenges Microsoft faces in encouraging widespread adoption of its latest OS.

The Azerbaijani men’s chess team has played their latest match at the European Team Chess Championship, held in Batumi, Georgia, Azernews reports.

In the 8th round, the team faced Ukraine. The national team won 2.5:1.5, bringing their total points to 13 and rising to the top of the standings. The victory for the team was secured by Shakhriyar Mammadyarov.

Rauf Mammadov, Aydin Suleymanli, Mahammad Muradli, and Eltaj Safarli all ended their matches in a draw.

If the Azerbaijani team wins the final round, they will become European champions for the fourth time, regardless of the results in other matches. The Azerbaijani women’s team is currently facing Romania.

The European Team Chess Championship features separate Open and Women’s sections, with each competition consisting of 9 rounds played under a Swiss system.

The chess tournament showcases 75 teams, including 39 in the Open tournament and 36 in the Women’s Championship.

Chess, for centuries, has been a popular game in Azerbaijan with ancient roots closely related to traditions. The country could preserve these traditions as chess remains a crucially popular sport for now.

To popularise this original game, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, who is also the chairman of the National Olympic Committee, signed in 2009 an executive order initiating a state-supported chess development program, covering the years 2009-2014.

The 42nd Chess Olympiad, held in Baku, is indeed an excellent example of great attention paid to the development of chess games in the country.

The large-scale event attracted a total of 1,587 participants, including 894 in the Open category and 693 in the Women’s event, making the Baku Chess Olympiad a significant event.

Similarly, the FIDE World Chess Cup 2023 in Baku captivated chess fans with its high-calibre competition and exhilarating matches.

Featuring a highly competitive lineup, the World Cup provided an exciting venue to display the remarkable skill and strategic finesse of elite chess players.

Approximately 206 competitors participated in the open section, along with 103 players in the women’s competition.

The national chess players have always been taking high places at top-ranked tournaments.

Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan share deep-rooted cultural ties, grounded in their common history, language, and traditions.

Both countries have consistently worked to reinforce these relationships, promoting mutual respect and understanding through a range of cultural initiatives.

Turkmenistan Culture Days stand as a shining example of the robust cultural partnership between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, highlighting their shared heritage and dedication to enhancing mutual understanding through joint cultural efforts.

This event highlights the ongoing partnership between the two nations and their dedication to strengthening cultural ties.

The official opening ceremony of Turkmenistan Culture Days took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

In his speech at the opening ceremony, Deputy Culture Minister Murad Huseynov expressed his pleasure at hosting Turkmenistan Culture Days in Azerbaijan. He noted that the peoples of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan are united by shared history, cultural roots, and unwavering friendship.

Murad Huseynov emphasized that the high level of relations between the two countries creates favorable conditions for the peoples to better understand one another, for the expansion of cultural exchanges, and for the realization of joint projects in the future.

In his address, Nursahat Shirimov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan, stressed the significance of developing cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. He stated that the holding of Turkmenistan Culture Days in Azerbaijan contributes to strengthening the friendship and mutual understanding between the two peoples. Nursahat Shirimov also expressed hope that cultural cooperation would continue to grow in the future.

Academician Isa Habibbayli, President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, remarked that the common history and cultural roots of the two peoples have led to the development of their cultures over millennia, and these cultures continue to be closely interconnected today.

“Our unity and brotherhood are always evident. Our cultures and literatures have developed as a reflection of our shared values. This is the most vivid manifestation of the centuries-old unity between Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan in the modern era,” the Academician emphasized.

Following the speeches, the guests were introduced to a photo exhibition showcasing the rich cultural heritage of the Turkmen people. In addition, samples of Turkmenistan’s music, national costumes, decorative-applied arts, and museum exhibits were on display.

A concert program was then presented, featuring Turkmen dances and musical performances.

Turkmenistan Culture Days, which will continue until October 15, include events in both Baku and Ganja.

A trilateral meeting between Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia was held in Baku on October 13, 2025, bringing together Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk, and Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, Azernews reports.

The sides discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, and customs. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint Communiqué outlining key directions for strengthening regional connectivity and advancing shared infrastructure projects.

The communiqué reaffirmed satisfaction with ongoing trilateral cooperation and highlighted the guiding role of the 2016 Declaration and the 2017 Joint Statement of the presidents of the three countries in promoting mutually beneficial economic, trade, and transport ties. The sides emphasized the importance of enhancing the region’s transit potential, accelerating infrastructure projects, and coordinating efforts to expand the ‘North-South’ international transport corridor.

The participants underscored the goal of increasing freight volumes along the corridor to 15 million tons and agreed to establish a Working Group to prepare an Action Plan for implementation within three months. Additionally, a special Working Group on automobile transportation, including representatives of customs, border, and transport agencies, will be formed.

The signing of the charter of the trilateral working group on customs cooperation was also welcomed, aimed at facilitating transit transportation between Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia. The sides stressed the importance of completing major infrastructure components of the corridor, such as the Rasht-Astara railway line, the Agband-Kalala highway bridge over the Araz River, and new border checkpoints.

Efforts to simplify border crossing procedures and digitalize customs and transport operations were also discussed. Furthermore, the parties agreed to continue technical consultations on the project to interconnect their electricity networks and to conduct a joint on-site inspection of key infrastructure projects of the North-South corridor on October 14, 2025.

The Communiqué was formally adopted in Baku on October 13, 2025.

As part of Azerbaijan’s national priority titled ‘The Great Return to the Liberated Territories’, outlined in the country’s 2022-2026 Social and Economic Development Strategy, the resettlement of 28 residential areas has already been achieved. Currently, around 55,000 people are living in the territories liberated after the 2020 Second Garabagh War.

Azernews reports that this was stated by Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAECR), during the 30th Anniversary Caspian Construction Week.

He noted that approximately 20,000 of the returnees are former internally displaced persons (IDPs). ‘The remaining population consists of those employed in local government institutions, construction, and private companies operating in the region. By the end of next year, we expect this number to surpass 100,000, marking a significant milestone in the return process,’ Gasimli said.

He also highlighted major progress in infrastructure development in the liberated regions. ‘In a short period, over 500 kilometers of roads have been constructed, along with 120-130 kilometers of new railway lines. About 75% of the Horadiz-Aghbend railway project has been completed,’ he added.

The ‘Great Return’ initiative is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction efforts, aiming to restore normal life in the territories and facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced citizens.

President Ilham Aliyev addressed participants at the 5th Azerbaijan International Exhibition on the Restoration, Reconstruction, and Development of Garabagh- ‘ Rebuild Garabagh.’

Azernews presents address:

”Dear exhibition participants,

It is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to the opening of the 5th Azerbaijan International Exhibition on the Restoration, Reconstruction, and Development of Garabagh- ‘Rebuild Garabagh.’

This year, within the framework of Caspian Construction Week, we are proud to host both the 5th ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ and the 30th Azerbaijan International Construction Exhibition ‘BakuBuild’ anniversary events.

The 5th ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ exhibition coincides with a landmark period in the history of statehood of the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking key anniversaries that embody our sovereignty and national unity. We proudly commemorate the 30th anniversary of the adoption of our Constitution and the fifth anniversary of our historic Victory in the Patriotic War. All these achievements not only attest to the unwavering will and solidarity of our people and their commitment to advancing toward strategic goals, but also mobilize us around a new mission – the restoration of Garabagh and East Zangezur.

Currently, within the framework of the ‘Great Return’ program, large-scale reconstruction and development projects are being successfully carried out in the liberated territories, fundamentally transforming the region’s landscape. Cities are being built in accordance with modern urban planning concepts; new schools and hospitals are being constructed; road, transport, and communications infrastructure is being developed; jobs are being created; and green energy zones and industrial parks are being established. Garabagh is evolving not only as a symbol of our national pride, but also as a 21st-century area of sustainable development.

It is gratifying to see the growing significance of the ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ exhibition for both local and international participants. The exhibition showcases cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, facilitates discussions on joint projects and partnership opportunities, and creates new prospects for the socio-economic development of the region. Held for the fifth time, this event not only demonstrates Azerbaijan’s achievements to the world but also strengthens our country’s position as a global hub for investment, technology, and innovation.

Held annually, this prestigious exhibition embodies the reality of sustainable construction, progress, and peace, while remaining a forward-looking, high-impact event. Partnerships forged here strengthen mutual trust among people and nations, build new bridges of cooperation, and place Garabagh at the heart of a sustainable development agenda.

I am confident that this exhibition will continue to play a crucial role in fostering partnerships among participants, identifying modern development and investment initiatives, and advancing the reconstruction of Garabagh and the entire region.

On this auspicious occasion, I once again warmly congratulate all organizers and participants on the 5th anniversary of the exhibition and wish ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ continued success and new achievements in the years to come.”

Ford Motor Co. has temporarily halted production of several vehicles following a fire that disabled a key aluminum supplier, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing an internal memo sent to employees, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Production of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant was paused this week, along with operations at the Dearborn, Michigan facility that manufactures the F-150 Lightning pickup. The shutdown is expected to last at least one week.

The disruption stems from a fire at Novelis’s aluminum plant in upstate New York, which supplies approximately 40% of the automotive industry’s aluminum sheet. The plant is not expected to resume normal operations until early next year.

This supply chain interruption highlights the vulnerability of the automotive sector to single-source dependencies for critical materials. Industry analysts warn that extended downtime could ripple through production schedules, potentially impacting vehicle availability and pricing throughout 2025. In response, Ford and other automakers are reportedly exploring ways to diversify their supply chains to reduce risks from such disruptions in the future.