Category: Azer News

The Chairman of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Somalia Business Council and the Somali Representative of Albayrak Group, Ahmet Sami Isler, along with the Director of Mogadishu Port, Umut Yurdakul, shared their assessments on the company’s activities and the strategic importance of the port.

Isler recalled that Albayrak Group entered Somalia following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s historic visit to the country in 2011. He emphasized that their initial goal was humanitarian.

‘At that time, Somalia was in a very difficult situation, facing a crisis due to drought. We said, let us not work only for short-term relief, but let’s create something permanent,’ Isler explained.

He noted that the group began restoration work at Mogadishu Port, the country’s main gateway. ‘We have been operating this port for about eleven years now. We have invested in every way possible. We believe we have made a strong contribution to the state. We are satisfied with Somalia, and hopefully Somalia is satisfied with us. We have become closely identified with the country,’ he said.

Isler also recalled that in 2012 the group rebuilt a collapsed hospital, transforming it into the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Training and Research Hospital, one of Africa’s largest and most advanced. The hospital was inaugurated in 2015 with the presence of President Erdogan.

He added that Albayrak Group was honored to construct Trkiye’s largest embassy complex abroad, the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu, which began in 2014 and was completed in 2016. The company has also undertaken the construction of the Somali Presidential Complex. ‘We did everything possible to contribute to this project, building it for the President, the Somali state, and its people,’ Isler stressed.

Highlighting the importance of Mogadishu Port as the country’s trade lifeline, Isler stated that about 70 percent of Somalia’s imports now come from Trkiye, whereas in the past goods had been sourced largely from China and the United Arab Emirates. The trade volume between Trkiye and Somalia has reached half a billion dollars, he said, with the aim of further growth.

However, Isler pointed to difficulties with visas and residence permits. ‘If these problems are not resolved, we risk losing our commercial gains over time. Serious responsibilities fall on our leaders, political representatives, ministers, and embassies to address this,’ he noted, adding that Somalis also face similar challenges in Trkiye.

Acknowledging Somalia’s security issues, Isler remarked that opportunities come with risks: ‘Where there is risk, there is also potential. For those who know how to take risks, there are great opportunities here.’

Addressing global business leaders, Isler urged: ‘Everything comes from outside. There are no factories here, no investments, no tourism. To revive these sectors, entrepreneurs are needed. Somalis expect this from us. We tell Turkish businesspeople: ‘Come to Somalia, see it for yourself. If you are willing to take risks, opportunities await.”

Mogadishu Port Director Umut Yurdakul underlined that this is the capital’s only and largest entry port. With almost no domestic production, nearly all of Somalia’s needs pass through the port. He noted that Turkish products have declined somewhat in recent years due to shifting global logistics routes and wars, yet Trkiye remains Somalia’s largest supplier, alongside imports from India, China, and the Middle East.

He added that goods also reach Somalia through neighboring Kenya via transit trade. Construction of Mogadishu Port began in 1973 and continued in stages until 1983. However, it was closed from 1991, when civil war broke out, until 2006. ‘During that period, Somalis were cut off from both goods and developments around the world,’ Yurdakul explained.

Later, measures were taken to boost trade and improve living conditions. ‘The most important of these measures was this port. It was essential for humanitarian aid to reach Somalia and for trade to continue,’ Yurdakul stressed.

He recalled that Albayrak Group took over management and modernization of the port through a concession agreement signed at the end of 2014. ‘With our work, we have tried to bring the port to international standards. Today, we provide services at that level. Once this was proven, global companies embraced this port. In a sense, Somalia reopened to the world thanks to this port,’ he said.

Yurdakul also emphasized the country’s weak road and rail links, underscoring that Mogadishu Port remains the only point capable of sustaining the entire nation. Somalia’s 3,300 kilometers of coastline hosts scattered settlements, with small local ports serving some areas, but none match Mogadishu’s capacity. Even in Somaliland, the large port on the Gulf of Aden does not rival Mogadishu’s scale.

‘Products entering here are distributed all across the country. Our port also serves as a collection hub,’ Yurdakul explained. The port spans 350,000 square meters and is served by three of the world’s largest container lines.

He concluded by noting that all foodstuffs, as well as cement and steel used in Somalia’s reconstruction, pass through Mogadishu Port. ‘It is truly the country’s lifeline,’ Yurdakul said.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Azernews reports.

“Dear Shavkat Miromonovich,

Dear Brother,

I am deeply pleased to extend my heartfelt congratulations and to convey my most sincere wishes to you and, through you, to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan on the occasion of a significant milestone – the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Although our diplomatic relations span a history of thirty years, the traditions of unity, solidarity, mutual respect, and support between our brotherly peoples have been passed down from century to century and generation to generation. It is particularly gratifying that interstate relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, built on the solid foundations of shared roots, history, language, culture, religious-spiritual values, and brotherhood, have dynamically developed over the past period, rising to the highest level – that of an alliance. The agreement we signed last year is a crucial historic document that formalizes and eternalizes the natural alliance between our two independent, strong, and sovereign states. I would like to particularly emphasize your exceptional role and contributions in strengthening and elevating the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan unity and partnership to this level.

Today, Uzbekistan is a country that has earned great prestige and trust not only in the region but also on the international stage. As a brotherly nation, we take great pride in witnessing the remarkable transformations, socio-economic development, the strengthening of the country’s economic potential, and the growing global image of Uzbekistan under your determined leadership.

Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations encompass a multifaceted cooperation agenda. We are delighted by the continuous expansion and enrichment of our mutually beneficial cooperation in political, economic, trade, industrial, energy, transport-logistics, security, investment, agricultural, humanitarian, and other fields. The unprecedented achievements we have attained in a short period through bilateral cooperation contribute to the progress of our countries, the well-being of our peoples, regional cooperation, and overall prosperity and stability.

The people of Azerbaijan will never forget Uzbekistan’s consistent support and just stance in upholding Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the inviolability of its internationally recognized borders in accordance with the norms and principles of international law and the requirements of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. I once again express my deep gratitude to you for your repeated visits to our liberated territories, your support for the construction of a school in Fuzuli named after the great son of the Uzbek people, Mirzo Ulugbek, the establishment of a joint sewing enterprise in Khankendi, and other initiatives that strengthen our bilateral relations. We regard these as a vivid symbol of brotherly Uzbekistan’s support for the restoration of Karabakh and, at the same time, of our solidarity and brotherhood.

Just as in our bilateral relations, our countries’ joint efforts in addressing important issues on a multilateral basis are commendable. The cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan within international organizations, based on mutual trust and support, continues successfully. Our shared perspectives on regional and international issues, our common goals and aspirations, and the support we provide each other in addressing challenges serve the interests of our peoples and our states.

Currently, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Caspian region are transforming into a single geopolitical region. The robust relations and effective cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan undoubtedly play a significant role in the positive processes unfolding in this geographic region.

Dear Brother,

I highly value the special attention and hospitality shown to me during each of my visits to your enchanting country, as well as the genuine brotherhood reflected in our relations. I fondly recall our meetings held in an atmosphere of warmth and sincerity.

I am confident that, driven by the unyielding will of our brotherly peoples, who are bound by unbreakable ties, we will successfully continue our joint efforts to preserve and strengthen the noble traditions of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan interstate relations and to deepen our alliance.

On this momentous historic anniversary, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, wishing you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and lasting peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan,” the letter reads.

FC Qarabag has secured an impressive 2-0 victory over Denmark’s “Copenhagen” in UEFA Champions League Group Stage match, Azernews reports.

Played at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, the match saw the Azerbaijani champions dominate, with goals coming from Abdullah Zubir in the 28th minute and Emmanuel Addai in the 83rd minute to seal the win.

Zubir’s early strike gave Qarabag the lead, while Addai’s clinical finish in the second half ensured all three points for Azerbaijan’s team.

The win was further backed by a solid performance in defense, with the team controlling the game and limiting Copenhagen’s attacking threats.

Dutch FIFA referee Serdar Gozuboyuk officiated the match, ensuring a smooth and fair contest throughout.

With this victory, Qarabag now sits on 6 points in the group, occupying fourth place, a significant achievement for the Azerbaijani side in Europe’s premier club competition.

Earlier, the team had earned a thrilling 3-2 victory over “Benfica” in Portugal, and this latest win keeps their hopes of advancing in the tournament alive.

Gurban Gurbanov’s squad will now look ahead to their next challenge, facing “Athletic” (Bilbao) in Spain on October 22.

Note that FC Qarabag has boosted Azerbaijan’s UEFA coefficient with its 2-0 victory over Denmark’s “Copenhagen”.

Thanks to this result, the team, has earned an additional 0.5 coefficient points for the country. As of now, Azerbaijan is ranked 25th with a total of 22,000 points.

In the UEFA rankings, Serbia holds the 24th spot with 22,375 points, while Slovakia is in 26th place with 21,375 points. England tops the UEFA rankings with 97,116 points.

The UEFA Champions League is a continental tournament that brings together the best teams from Europe’s top domestic leagues.

It is widely regarded as the pinnacle of club football, attracting millions of fans around the world. Clubs from UEFA’s member countries compete for the title, which is seen as the ultimate achievement for European club teams.

The format of the UEFA Champions League has evolved over time.

The current structure includes several stages: Qualifying Rounds, Group Stage, Knockout Rounds and Final.

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League marks the 71st edition of Europe’s top club football competition, and the 34th since it was rebranded from the European Cup to the UEFA Champions League.

The final will take place on May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.

On October 2, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, on the sidelines of the 7th European Political Community Summit in Copenhagen, Azernews reports.

The sides noted the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Italy within the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership. In this regard, they highlighted the recent successful official visit of the Italian President to Azerbaijan, which included the inauguration of the first campus of the Italy-Azerbaijan University in Baku.

The meeting also addressed the successful energy cooperation between Azerbaijan and Italy, underlining Azerbaijan’s contribution to Italy’s energy security. The sides hailed the expansion of cooperation in investments, culture, humanitarian affairs, and other areas.

President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

“Dear Ilham Heydar oglu,

Dear brother,

Your Excellency, I am deeply pleased to extend my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to you and the brotherly people of Azerbaijan on the auspicious 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan.

I would like to particularly note that the past period has been rich with memorable events in our cooperation, with relations developing consistently across all fields. A robust legal framework and effective institutional mechanisms, along with multilateral formats, have been established to comprehensively and sustainably strengthen our comprehensive long-term relations.

Undoubtedly, the fraternal ties and strong bonds of friendship that unite Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, coupled with our regular and productive high-level dialogues, serve the common progress of our brotherly peoples.

In particular, the complete elevation of our interstate relations to a new historic stage of alliance in recent years can be regarded as a brilliant practical expression of our firm political will and joint consistent efforts.

Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I am confident that our strategic partnership, grounded in principles of mutual trust and respect, will continue to develop rapidly across all priority areas, including politics, economy, trade, transport, logistics, energy, industry, agriculture, tourism, and culture.

Undoubtedly, our upcoming series of important meetings this year-both in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan-will provide favorable opportunities not only to discuss the prospects of our bilateral relations but also for an in-depth exchange of views on the most pressing issues of regional partnership.

On this landmark occasion in the chronicle of our multifaceted relations, I once again congratulate Your Excellency, and wish you robust health, family happiness, great success in your highly responsible state activities, and peace, security, prosperity, and sustainable progress for the brotherly people of Azerbaijan,” the letter reads.

Renewable energy sources are being actively deployed in Garabagh and East Zangezur, which have been declared ‘zero-emission zones,’ while master plans are being prepared for 12 cities and 90 villages, Azernews reports.

Chairman of the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture, Anar Guliyev, made the announcement during Baku Climate Action Week.

According to him, over the past four years, Azerbaijan has commissioned 38 small hydropower plants, which together have enabled a reduction of 620,000 tons of carbon emissions.

Azerbaijan has also put forward strategic initiatives in sustainable urban planning aimed at developing climate-resilient and inclusive cities.

Guliyev emphasized that while cities account for nearly 80 percent of global GDP, they are also responsible for about 70 percent of global emissions and two-thirds of world energy consumption.

‘Sustainable urbanization relies on master plans as its main instrument. These plans are designed for a 20-year period and are regularly updated. Currently, the master plans of 65 out of 79 cities across the country have been renewed, with another 10 awaiting approval. The flagship example is the Baku-2040 Master Plan. This document envisions polycentric development, preservation of cultural heritage, efficient land use, and the creation of an environmentally responsible urban environment,’ Guliyev said.

Ramin Mammadzade is an internationally recognized and certified English-speaking martial arts instructor and master.

He holds a 3rd Dan black belt in Aikido and a 2nd Dan black belt in Kyokushinkai Karate (Shin Kyokushin discipline).

Recently, he was awarded 4th Dan black belts in four traditional Japanese sword and weapon arts: Kenjutsu – 4th Dan, Iaijutsu – 4th Dan, Nitojutsu – 4th Dan and Kobujutsu – 4th Dan.

In addition, he is a 3rd Kyu in Judo, a 1st Kyu in Iaido (Shin Kage Ryu style), and a 5th Kyu yellow belt in Nunchaku-Do.

Ramin is the official representative of the World Nunchaku Association and the International Kobudo Association in Azerbaijan. He has also been actively practicing, developing, and promoting Kendo in Azerbaijan for many years.

Dedicated to the path of Budo, he continuously works on his personal growth and strives to expand and strengthen the practice of Japanese martial arts in Azerbaijan.

In his interview with AZERNEWS, Ramin Mammadzade opened up about his recent trip to Turkiye, where he had the chance to collaborate with some of the most renowned figures in the martial arts world, including Hanshi Metin Kayar.

During his visit, he participated in a seminar focused on four martial arts disciplines related to swordsmanship: Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu, and Kobujutsu. He was also honored to receive direct guidance from Soke Irie Yasuhiro, a 10th Dan master from Japan, as well as Hanshi Metin Kayar, a 16-time world champion.

Q: What prompted your recent trips to Turkiye, and what were the key objectives you aimed to achieve?

A: Long time I have been collaborating for with the world-known martial artist such as Hanshi Metin Kayar. He is a 16-time world champion in various disciplines, including karate, kickboxing, and martial arts related to swordsmanship. I am very proud and honored to work with such an outstanding master and remarkable personality.

I have been training and practicing according to his program. Metin Kayar created a unique system called Budo 7, which combines seven directions of Japanese martial arts. I will provide more details about this below.

By invitation of Metin Kayar, I traveled to Istanbul, Turkiye, where I represented Azerbaijan. Masters from Turkiyeey also participated on this event together with Metin Kayar and his Sensei from Japan Soke Irie Yasuhiro, holder of the 10th Dan in Ju Jutsu. Hanshi Mettin Kayar himself also holds the 10th Dan, received from his teacher.

This trip, which took place from September 17 to September 21, 2025, was very interesting and fruitful. We combined intensive training with cultural activities. The seminar included sessions in four directions of martial arts related to swords and weapons: Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu and Kobujutsu

In addition, we visited many attractions and historical sites in Istanbul, which made the trip even more enriching and memorable.

Q: How did you come to be an official representative of international martial arts organizations? What are your responsibilities in this role now?

A: After long and dedicated collaboration with Hanshi Metin Kayar and intensive trainings, I embarked on the trip I had previously mentioned to Turkiye. During this visit, I was officially awarded with 4th Dan grades in four martial arts disciplines, as well as the official representative of the organizations: Kokusai Budokan Renmei and Nihon Bushido Kodokai. I am honored to serve as the representative of these organizations in Azerbaijan and am committed to developing these four disciplines in the country.

Additionally, I would like to introduce the BUDO7 system, a unique martial arts framework created by Hanshi Metin Kayar. This system encompasses seven martial arts, and in the future, I plan to promote all of these disciplines here in Azerbaijan.

It was a great privilege to meet such distinguished masters as Soke Irio Yasohiro, 10th Dan in Jiu-Jitsu from Japan, and Hanshi Mitin Koyar, his student, also a 10th Dan in multiple disciplines and a 16-time champion. The trip was filled with inspiring and positive experiences. I gained invaluable knowledge and returned to Azerbaijan full of energy and motivation to represent these organizations and further develop these martial arts.

I have already begun training sessions, holding two classes in these disciplines. One of the key areas is Budo Kendo, where Hanshi Metin Kayar developed his own style, which include katas/kumite and etc. Foam swords fighting by Metin Kayar is very interesting for children and for adults, with foam swords you do not injure anyone rather that have fights with wooden or metal swords and it is very interesting and takes much energy. The sessions have been met with great enthusiasm, especially from the children. We continue to advance and promote these martial arts across Azerbaijan, fostering growth and passion for BUDO in our community.

THE BUD07 is no ordinary martial arts system. It is the life’s work of Metin Kayar, a 16-time world champion in various disciplines – including six titles in karate kumite, three in kenjutsu (weapon forms), two in kobudo (karate weapons), two in karate kata (forms running), and three in kickboxing. From this unique mastery, budo7 was born – a path based on seven traditional Japanese martial arts: Kendo, Ken-Jutsu, Kobu-Jutsu, Karate, Goshin-Jutsu, Aiki-Jutsu and Ju-Jutsu.

But budo7 goes deeper. Each of these disciplines represents an inner line, a principle that transcends technique: Politeness and Appreciation, Recognize and address the good, Confronting the negative with attitude, Maintain balance and equilibrium, Lifelong learning and understanding, Feel the right timing, Concentration and vitality in the here and now. These seven lines connect body, mind, and heart into a harmonious unity. Budo7 is not a rigid style-it is a living path formed from the most valuable elements of traditional Japanese martial arts. Those who do it train not only technique, but also posture.

Q: What does it mean for you to represent both Azerbaijan and Japanese martial arts in such an important way?

A: This is the first time in the history of Azerbaijan and in the history of Japanese martial arts that someone has received a degree in these disciplines. In other words, an Azerbaijani has become a representative of these two major organizations. I believe that I am writing a new chapter in the history of Japanese martial arts in Azerbaijan.

For me, it is a great honor and pride to be a representative of these organizations, to develop the BUDO7 system in Azerbaijan, and to promote the four martial arts of Kenjutsu, Iaijutsu, Nitojutsu, and Kobujutsu, as well as, in the future, the other martial arts included in the BUDO7 system in Azerbaijan. I will do everything in my power to successfully advance these martial arts in our country.

Q: What are your plans for promoting Aikido and other martial arts in Azerbaijan?

A: Plans for the development of these martial arts in Azerbaijan? Yes, of course, I have plans – big plans. I am already opening a group for children under the BUDO7 system. I am starting classes in Kenjutsu and Iaijutsu, and later I will also conduct training in Nitojutsu and Kobujutsu.

Let me explain the difference: Kenjutsu is when the sword is held with both hands. Iaijutsu is performed with one hand on the sword. Nitojutsu is practiced with two swords, one in each hand. Kobujutsu involves training with various types of traditional weapons, such as nunchaku, bokken (wooden sword), jo, bo, tonfa, saya, and many others.

I will be developing these martial arts both in Azerbaijan and on the international level.

The United States has imposed a 10 percent tariff on most softwood lumber and timber imports from New Zealand, a move industry groups say will negatively impact the country’s forestry and wood-processing sectors, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Industry leaders warned Wednesday that the new duty will reduce New Zealand’s competitiveness, squeeze profit margins, and ultimately increase costs for American consumers.

‘These tariffs are highly disruptive to New Zealand’s forestry sector, especially at a time when confidence and stability are crucial,’ said Elizabeth Heeg, chief executive of the New Zealand Forest Owners Association (NZFOA).

Heeg emphasized that the tariffs pose immediate challenges for both forest growers and wood processors, but noted the industry’s commitment to diversifying and expanding into new markets.

‘This adds uncertainty and risk for exporters who have been working hard to develop long-term, sustainable supply chains that benefit both countries,’ she said.

The tariff, announced by former U.S. President Donald Trump following a Section 232 investigation into national security concerns related to timber imports, will come into effect on October 14. Initially, Washington considered tariffs as high as 50 percent but eventually settled on 10 percent.

In 2024, New Zealand exported approximately 370 million NZD (around 215 million USD) worth of radiata pine products to the United States, making the U.S. the third-largest market for New Zealand’s value-added forest products, according to the NZFOA.

Mark Ross, chief executive of the New Zealand Wood Processors and Manufacturers Association, noted that the increased costs might either be absorbed by exporters or passed on to U.S. buyers, potentially impacting prices and supply chains.

New Zealand’s forestry industry is one of the country’s largest export sectors and a significant contributor to its economy, employing over 50,000 people and supplying sustainable wood products to more than 130 countries worldwide.

On October 1, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva participated in the opening ceremony of a new park established in Baku’s Narimanov district, Azernews reports.

Eldar Azizov, Head of the Baku City Executive Authority, informed the head of state and the First Lady about the park.

The new recreational area is located at the intersection of Ahmad bey Aghaoglu, Tabriz, and Talat Shixaliyev streets, near the Italy-Azerbaijan University. Covering an area of 3.5 hectares, the park features gazebos, an amphitheater, a tennis court, entertainment zones for children, and a modern lighting system. All necessary facilities have been created for both quiet relaxation and sports activities.

Azerbaijan has expressed gratitude to Great Britain for its consistent support in the ongoing normalization of relations between Baku and Yerevan, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijani Ambassador to London Elin Suleymanov shared this on her social media account following her meeting with British Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper and the UK’s Minister of State for Europe, North America, and Overseas Territories Stephen Doughty during a conference in Liverpool.