Category: Azer News

Whatever we acquired, we purchased with money. That includes all weapons, which were bought with money at world prices-down to the last bullet, President Ilham Aliyev said during his speech at the 8th Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP).

“Today, wars are going on in various places. Everyone has a big backer behind them, so to speak – some even have several. But we stood alone. All those big backers were against us. The co-chairs of the Minsk Group were against us. Today they are leading states in the world; just look at whom we waged war against. They stood behind Armenia and continue to stand behind it today, each in their own way. Therefore, we take pride in our Victory, our courage, our resolve, our people, and our state. This, too, serves as a serious barrier against ideological provocations. Of course, our ideological space must be free from foreign elements and foreign influences. This is, at the same time, our foreign policy strategy. We build our foreign policy – and must continue to do so – in such a way that no one interferes in our affairs. We need no one’s help or patronage. When we needed help, no one helped us. When we had one million refugees, no one reached out to us. Whatever we acquired, we purchased with money. That includes all weapons, which were bought with money at world prices-down to the last bullet. I tell you this with full responsibility as Supreme Commander-in-Chief and as the person overseeing all these matters. You know how much Azerbaijan has armed itself since 2003, establishing local production and purchasing from abroad. Not once were we granted a single manat or single dollar discount. In fact, sometimes they sold to us at prices several times higher than the world market rate, and we were forced to turn a blind eye to it. Therefore, this is a very serious matter,” President Ilham Aliyev said.

The 8th Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) was held yesterday at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.

A total of 960 delegates were elected by YAP’s district and city organizations to attend the congress.

As part of preparations for the 8th Congress, reporting conferences were held at 84 local party organizations from September 7 to 19. A total of 16,239 people attended the conferences.

The reporting conferences heard reports on work carried out to fulfill the tasks set after the 7th Congress and discussed the results achieved.

A new warning has been issued over cyber fraud schemes using artificial intelligence (AI), as organised criminal networks operating outside the country continue to develop more sophisticated cyberattacks.

Recent analysis indicates that organised cybercrime groups are exploiting AI algorithms and specialised software to target government officials, employees of businesses and organisations, as well as ordinary citizens, according to Azerbaijan’s State Security Services.

Despite repeated warnings and public awareness campaigns, authorities have noted that some people continue to fall victim to such fraudulent schemes.

Cybercriminals reportedly use specially prepared scenarios to send targeted individuals messages presented as ‘urgent’ or ‘important’. Victims are then directed to fake accounts allegedly operated on behalf of law enforcement agencies or other official institutions.

Using these methods, criminals attempt to persuade victims to transfer money to foreign bank accounts or carry out various unlawful instructions.

The increasing use of AI technology allows cybercriminals to make fraudulent communications appear more convincing, increasing the risk that recipients may mistake fake messages or accounts for genuine official communications.

Citizens are therefore urged to remain particularly vigilant when using digital platforms and to treat unexpected requests for money, personal information or urgent action with caution.

Anyone who receives a suspicious message, request or other communication is advised to report it immediately to law enforcement authorities rather than responding to the sender or following the instructions provided.

The warning comes as organised cybercrime networks continue to adapt their methods and exploit emerging technologies to make online fraud more sophisticated and harder for potential victims to identify.

China and the United States are the world’s two superpowers; there is no third, President Ilham Aliyev said during his speech at the 8th Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP).

“We have strategic partnership declarations and agreements with many EU member states – Azerbaijan maintains such a format with 10 member states. I can say that two historic events have occurred recently: we established strategic partnership relations with both China and the United States. A comprehensive strategic partnership declaration was signed with China, and a Strategic Charter was signed with the United States. These are the world’s two superpowers; there is no third. Matters are naturally discussed and competition exists between these countries, and establishing rules based on mutual understanding between them is a crucial factor for the whole world. Azerbaijan is a strategic partner to both of these superpowers.

Our population and territory are not large. What is it? This reflects the trust in us, the attitude toward us, and the belief in our word. There is no one left in the world who does not know that our word is as valuable as our signature. Whatever we say, we stand by it. We have never played double games, nor have we displayed hypocrisy or deceit toward any country – even though we have repeatedly faced such conduct ourselves and continue to face it today. But we can never be like them. We are people who respect ourselves; we live with dignity and conduct our policy with dignity. Through our example, everyone can see that this is possible: to defeat the enemy single-handedly, dictate your terms to the enemy, force them to sign an act of capitulation despite suffering 30 years of hardship, and then stop at the right time to achieve peace so that no more blood is shed. We do not need an eternal war; that was not our choice. In the Second Garabagh War, we stopped at the right time, and in September 2023, we also stopped at the right time, although various options existed. Strategic foresight, strategic thinking, and prioritizing the core interests of our people dictate this policy. There is no place for emotions in politics. If we had surrendered to emotions, today, a third Victory Arch would likely have been erected in the center of Yerevan,” President Ilham Aliyev said.

The 8th Congress of the New Azerbaijan Party (YAP) was held yesterday at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku.

A total of 960 delegates were elected by YAP’s district and city organizations to attend the congress.

As part of preparations for the 8th Congress, reporting conferences were held at 84 local party organizations from September 7 to 19. A total of 16,239 people attended the conferences.

The reporting conferences heard reports on work carried out to fulfill the tasks set after the 7th Congress and discussed the results achieved.

Volvo Cars reported on Friday that its global sales fell 10.7% year-on-year in the third quarter of 2026, reaching 141,609 vehicles. The decline was mainly driven by weaker market conditions in China and a slower-than-expected recovery in the US automotive market.

Sales in Greater China dropped by 40.6% to 20,284 vehicles, while deliveries in the Americas declined 14% to 30,777 units. Europe and other international markets, however, showed more positive results, with sales increasing 2% to 90,548 vehicles.

Despite the overall decline, Volvo continued to see strong growth in electric vehicles. Fully electric vehicle sales rose 28.6% globally, accounting for 32% of the company’s total sales during the quarter. When plug-in hybrids are included, electrified models made up 53% of quarterly sales.

Volvo Cars Chief Commercial Officer Erik Severinson said that the downturn in the Chinese market had not yet shown signs of easing, while the recovery of the US premium-car segment remained weaker than previously expected. He added that these conditions had affected the company’s third-quarter performance and prompted industry analysts to revise their forecasts for the premium automotive market in 2026.

The contrasting regional results highlight the challenges facing global automakers as demand continues to vary significantly between major markets. At the same time, Volvo’s growing electric-vehicle sales suggest that the company’s transition toward electrification is continuing despite the broader slowdown.

The latest figures also reflect a wider shift in the automotive industry, where manufacturers are balancing weaker demand in some traditional markets with rapidly changing consumer preferences and growing competition in thae electric-vehicle segment.

North Korea conducted a missile launch drill toward the East Sea, also known as the Sea of Japan, with leader Kim Jong-un’s sister Kim Yo-jong saying the weapon was equipped with artificial intelligence.

According to the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA), Kim Yo-jong, who heads the General Affairs Department of North Korea’s ruling Workers’ Party of Korea (WPK), issued a written statement regarding the missile launch.

‘A drill was conducted at dawn this morning to launch a strategic weapon toward the East Sea,’ Kim said, adding that a medium-range missile was used in the exercise.

Kim said the missile was not detected by ‘enemy targets’ and was capable of changing its flight trajectory at low altitude. She also said artificial intelligence had been integrated into the missile.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Ladislau-Marius Vizer, President of the International Judo Federation, on October 3.

The President of Azerbaijan expressed his gratitude to Ladislau-Marius Vizer for his support for the advancement of judo in Azerbaijan, as well as for hosting the World Judo Championships in Baku. The head of state noted that this marks the second time Azerbaijan will be hosting this prestigious sporting event. President Ilham Aliyev expressed his confidence that the championship would be held at a high level.

President Ilham Aliyev said that judo is one of the most popular and medal-winning sports in Azerbaijan, and in this regard, he emphasized the medals won by the Azerbaijani judokas in prestigious competitions.

The Azerbaijani President highlighted the role of the modern sports infrastructure created not only in the capital Baku but also across the country’s regions in the achievements in the field of sports.

Expressing his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for receiving him and for the excellent organization of the World Judo Championships in Baku, Ladislau-Marius Vizer congratulated the Azerbaijani judokas on the medals won by them in various sporting events.

The President of the International Judo Federation thanked President Ilham Aliyev for his support for the development of judo in Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with Azerbaijan’s active membership in the International Judo Federation and exchanged views on prospects for successful cooperation between the International Judo federation and the Azerbaijan Judo Federation.

Then, President Ilham Aliyev presented Ladislau-Marius Vizer with the ‘Dostluq’ Order.

Ladislau-Marius Vizer expressed his gratitude for the high recognition of his activities.

Ladislau-Marius Vizer was honored with this order by the Order of the President of Azerbaijan for his productive efforts and contributions to the advancement of judo both in Azerbaijan and globally.

Azerbaijan has entered a new stage in the development of its business support and investment promotion system with the launch of the Agency for the Development of Small and Medium Businesses, Investment and Export Promotion under the Ministry of Economy. The new institution brings together the functions previously carried out by the Small and Medium Business Development Agency, KOBIA, and the Export and Investment Promotion Agency, AZPROMO. The reform creates a single institutional platform covering three closely connected areas of economic activity: entrepreneurship, investment and exports.

The timing of the reform carries particular economic significance. Azerbaijan’s economic policy increasingly places emphasis on expanding non-oil activity, attracting investment into productive sectors and increasing the international reach of Azerbaijani companies. A structure that combines these areas can create a more direct connection between a domestic company’s growth, its access to investment and its eventual entry into foreign markets.

The new Agency has a workforce ceiling of 370 positions. The structure includes 291 positions in the central apparatus and 79 positions in regional divisions. This organization gives the institution a national operating platform while preserving a regional dimension for business development.

The most important feature of the reform lies in the combination of functions. A small or medium-sized company often moves through several stages during its development. It may begin with domestic production, seek financing for expansion, introduce new technologies, enter a partnership with a foreign investor and eventually export its products. The new institutional model places these stages within one broad policy framework.

Investment promotion represents another major component. The Agency is tasked with supporting investment in Azerbaijan’s non-oil and gas sector and helping coordinate services between government institutions, entrepreneurs and investors. Its mandate includes investor attraction, investment project support and measures aimed at improving the investment environment.

This approach can become particularly important as Azerbaijan seeks greater investment in manufacturing, agriculture, logistics, digital industries, renewable energy, tourism, mining and other productive sectors. Each successful investment project can generate demand for local suppliers, create employment, develop new skills and expand the country’s export potential.

Export promotion forms the third pillar of the institution. Azerbaijan already possesses an expanding base of companies capable of competing in foreign markets, while the next stage of export development requires deeper market research, stronger business connections and greater international visibility. The Agency can bring these activities closer to investment promotion and business development.

The relationship between investment and exports deserves special attention. Foreign investors can introduce capital, technology, management experience and access to international supply chains. Local companies can become suppliers to international investors operating in Azerbaijan. At the same time, Azerbaijani companies can use foreign partnerships to enter new markets. A unified institutional framework can facilitate these connections.

The reform also gives the Agency a broader role in protecting business interests and coordinating services between public institutions and entrepreneurs. This function can strengthen communication between the state and the private sector and create a more structured mechanism for addressing issues faced by businesses.

An especially significant element concerns the coordination of regulations affecting small, medium-sized businesses, investment and exports. Under the new framework, relevant draft regulations prepared by central government bodies are to be coordinated with the Agency before submission to the competent rule-making authority. This gives the institution a role in shaping the business environment at the regulatory level.

The reform also opens a new chapter for regional economic development. The 79 positions allocated to regional divisions create an institutional presence beyond Baku. Regional businesses can gain closer access to information, support mechanisms, investment opportunities and export assistance. This can strengthen the connection between regional production and national economic priorities.

The human dimension of the reform also deserves attention. The February decree provides for the staffing of the new Agency through employees of KOBIA and AZPROMO, creating continuity of institutional knowledge and professional experience. The new 370-position structure provides the organizational framework for bringing these competencies together under a common mandate.

The Agency officially enters its new institutional phase from October 1, 2026, following the approval of its charter and structure on August 20.

The broader significance of this reform lies in its potential to connect different parts of Azerbaijan’s economic development strategy. Entrepreneurship creates companies, investment provides capital and technology, while exports connect domestic production with international demand. Bringing these three elements under one institutional roof creates a platform designed around the full business development cycle.

For Azerbaijan, the effectiveness of this model will ultimately depend on implementation, measurable results and the ability to translate institutional coordination into concrete opportunities for businesses. The new Agency now has a broad mandate, a national structure and a clear economic mission. Its next chapter will be measured through the number of companies it helps expand, the investment projects it facilitates, the export markets Azerbaijani businesses enter and the economic value generated through these activities.

The creation of the Agency therefore represents more than an administrative restructuring. It establishes a new institutional architecture for Azerbaijan’s private-sector development, investment attraction and export expansion at a time when the diversification of economic activity has become an increasingly important national priority.

Intermittent rain is expected in Baku and on the Absheron Peninsula, with short-term heavy showers possible in some areas overnight. Rain will gradually stop in the morning. Moderate northwesterly winds will shift to southeasterly winds during the day, according to Azerbaijan’s National Hydrometeorological Service.

Temperatures in Baku and on the Absheron Peninsula will range from 12°C to 14°C at night and 16°C to 18°C during the day.

Atmospheric pressure is expected to rise from 767 mmHg to 771 mmHg, while relative humidity will be 65-75% at night and 50-60% during the day.

In Azerbaijan’s regions, intermittent rain is expected in some areas. Short-term intense showers, thunderstorms and hail are possible in isolated areas, while snow is expected in mountainous areas.

During the daytime on October 4, precipitation will gradually stop in most regions. Fog is expected in some areas at night and in the morning. Easterly winds will prevail.

Temperatures will range from 11°C to 14°C at night and 15°C to 20°C during the day. In mountainous areas, temperatures will be 0°C to 5°C at night and 6°C to 10°C during the day.

The water is back in motion at Baku’s Aquatic Palace as the second day of the World Aquatics Swimming World Cup gets underway. A total of 216 swimmers from 44 countries are competing at the three-day event.

Baku is hosting the opening stage of this year’s Silk Road Tour. The competition runs from October 1 to 3 before moving to Tashkent and later Astana.

There is plenty on the programme for the second day. Men’s events include the 50m backstroke, 200m individual medley, 50m breaststroke, 100m freestyle, 200m butterfly and 1500m freestyle.

The women’s schedule features the 200m freestyle, 100m backstroke, 50m butterfly and 100m breaststroke. The heats are followed by the finals later in the day.

For Azerbaijan, the competition has a clear home interest. Fifteen swimmers are representing the country at the Baku stage: Ramil Valizade, Abdurrahman Rustamov, Said Hamidov, Suleyman Ismayilzade, Oktay Huseynov, Farhad Shirmammadli, Ramal Sadigli, Amin Orujlu, Fatima Alkaramova, Maryam Javadova, Anastasia Boborykina, Anastasia Gnusina, Mehri Abdurrahmanli, Vlastilina Khasyanova and Yegor Mainitski.

The World Cup is also part of the road towards the 2026 World Aquatics Swimming Championships (25m) in Beijing. Swimmers are competing for prize money and opportunities linked to the season’s major events.

The Baku stage ends on October 3. Until then, the pool will remain busy with races across a wide range of distances and disciplines.

Romania is set to become home to one of the largest renewable energy projects ever developed onshore in the European Union.

According to Romanian business publication Ziarul Financiar, renewable energy company Rezolv Energy, backed by British investment firm Actis, has secured up to pound 561 million to finance the construction of the Dama Solar photovoltaic power plant in Romania’s western Arad County.

With a planned capacity of 1.3 gigawatts (GW), the facility is expected to become the largest onshore renewable energy project in the EU once completed.

The project has an estimated total cost of around pound 728 million. The European Investment Bank (EIB) is providing pound 100 million in financing, backed by an InvestEU guarantee. In total, 14 lenders, including commercial banks and international financial institutions, are participating in the financing package.

Dama Solar is expected to generate approximately 1.8 terawatt-hours of electricity annually. According to project estimates, that would be enough to cover the yearly electricity needs of more than 280,000 households, equivalent to roughly one million people.

The solar plant will be connected to Romania’s high-voltage electricity grid, increasing the country’s domestic renewable generation and helping diversify its energy supply. The project is particularly significant as European countries continue to invest in new generation capacity to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and strengthen energy security.

Construction of Dama Solar is also expected to provide a substantial economic boost to the region, with more than 1,500 jobs projected during the construction phase. The development will additionally include an 82-hectare nature restoration area, designed to support biodiversity alongside the energy infrastructure.

Commercial operations are currently scheduled to begin in the second half of 2028.

If completed as planned, Dama Solar will not only transform the renewable energy landscape in western Romania but could also become a major example of how large-scale solar projects can combine energy production, private investment and environmental restoration.

An interesting aspect of the project is its sheer scale: 1.3 GW of solar capacity means the plant could produce enough electricity to make a noticeable contribution to Romania’s national power system, particularly during periods of high daytime demand.