Category: Azer News

Chinese authorities have reportedly begun quietly preparing for a potential political transition in Russia, establishing contacts with officials, regional leaders and influential members of the country’s elite who could shape Moscow’s future course, AzerNEWS reports via Wall Street Journal.

The reports claim that Beijing is expanding its engagement with individuals viewed as potential key figures in Russia’s political landscape following any future change in leadership.

They also allege that cases involving Chinese intelligence activities and the recruitment of mid-level Russian officials have become increasingly frequent in recent years as part of Beijing’s broader efforts to strengthen its influence.

According to the reports, China is pursuing a long-term strategy aimed at encouraging Russia to adopt policies aligned with Chinese interests while building mechanisms of influence intended to remain effective for decades.

The reports further suggest that Russian authorities have refrained from publicly addressing these alleged activities in order to avoid damaging strategic relations with Beijing.

The claims have not been independently verified, and neither the Russian nor the Chinese authorities have officially commented on the allegations.

New archival materials documenting the life and creative career of renowned Azerbaijani actor Gunduz Abbasov have been added to the Azerbaijan State Film Fund, AzerNEWS reports.

The newly acquired collection includes rare photographs, diplomas, personal documents, and newspaper and magazine publications related to the actor.

The materials have been incorporated into Gunduz Abbasov’s personal archival collection, where they will be preserved as part of the Fund’s holdings.

Gunduz Abbasov (1930-1995) was a distinguished Azerbaijani actor, journalist, writer, translator, and painter who made significant contributions to the country’s cinema and cultural life. Born on November 20, 1930, in Baku, he came from a family with strong artistic and literary traditions. His father, Shamsaddin Abbasov, was a writer, journalist, and former director of Baku Film Studio, while his mother was related to the renowned playwright Jafar Jabbarli.

Abbasov graduated from the Baku Art School in 1952 and later earned a degree in journalism from Azerbaijan State University in 1961. Although he pursued several creative professions throughout his life, he became best known for his work as a film actor.

During his career, Abbasov appeared in more than two dozen films and became a familiar face in Azerbaijani cinema. Among his best-known films are His Great Heart (1958), The Secret of a Fortress (1959), Our Street (1961), Leyli and Majnun (1961), A Telephonist Girl (1962), Dede Gorgud (1975), Garib in the Land of Jinns (1977), and Babek (1979). He also appeared in several episodes of the popular satirical film magazine Mozalan.

In addition to acting, Abbasov enjoyed a successful career in journalism and literature. He worked for newspapers, publishing houses, and Azerbaijani Radio, while writing books, short stories, essays, and translations. His diverse artistic interests also included painting.

Gunduz Abbasov passed away in Baku on August 21, 1995. He is remembered as one of the notable figures of Azerbaijani cinema, whose work continues to be appreciated by audiences and preserved as part of the country’s cultural heritage.

The Azerbaijan State Film Fund regularly hosts events dedicated to prominent figures of national cinema, preserving and promoting the country’s rich film heritage.

Established in 1993, the institution operates in accordance with international standards and the recommendations of the International Federation of Film Archives (FIAF).

In 1999, the Fund was elected a member of FIAF, marking an important step in its integration into the global archival community.

The fund houses an extensive archive of more than 64,000 film materials, around 20,000 photographic documents, and over 14,000 original archival items, including scripts, editing sheets, awards, and personal collections of filmmakers.

Its collection spans early cinema to contemporary works and includes rare footage tracing the origins of Azerbaijani filmmaking back to the late 19th century.

The institution operates across several key ???????????: restoration and preservation of films, collection and study of archival materials, promotion of national and world cinema, scientific research, and the development of international cooperation.

Equipped with modern laboratories, specialized storage facilities, and screening halls, the Fund ensures the safe conservation of fragile film formats, including historically significant nitrate films that require highly controlled conditions.

A museum also operates within the Fund, showcasing unique exhibits from the history of cinema, including early projection equipment, personal belongings of renowned filmmakers, and archival memorabilia.

The geopolitical landscape of the South Caucasus has undergone a profound transformation following Azerbaijan’s restoration of control over its internationally recognized territories and the emergence of a new regional security architecture. Against this backdrop, Baku is redefining its foreign policy priorities and recalibrating relations with major international actors, particularly the United States and the European Union. Speaking at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum, President Ilham Aliyev presented Azerbaijan’s perspective on the evolving dynamics with Washington and Brussels.

One of the central themes of President Aliyev’s speech was the evolution of Azerbaijan’s relationship with the United States, particularly the contrast between the Biden and Trump administrations.

President Donald Trump’s return to the White House has sharpened the contrast between two distinct American approaches to the South Caucasus. President Ilham Aliyev said that earlier US administrations, together with the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, had effectively sought to freeze the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict rather than resolve it.

Adopted in 1992, Section 907 barred direct US government assistance to Azerbaijan. It has long occupied a central place in Azerbaijani official narratives as evidence of structural unfairness in Washington’s approach during the formative years of Azerbaijan’s independence.

“When the Freedom Support Act was adopted in the U.S. Congress to support the newly independent countries after the collapse of the Soviet Union with financial assistance, Amendment 907 was introduced by pro-Armenian senators. By the way, President Biden was one of them. He was a senator at that time, and this probably explains why we had so many difficulties with the Biden administration,” the head of state noted.

By contrast, President Aliyev described the current phase of Azerbaijan-US ties in emphatically positive terms.

“I would say relations between Trump’s administration and Azerbaijan are excellent, and we are very glad that these relations have elevated to the level of a strategic partnership,” Ilham Aliyev emphasized.

The president also stated that the Trump administration approached the South Caucasus differently from its predecessors. Rather than maintaining frozen conflicts as instruments of geopolitical influence, he said, Trump’s team viewed lasting peace as an opportunity for regional development and economic integration.

According to Aliyev, U.S. diplomatic engagement during the final stage of negotiations between Azerbaijan and Armenia helped create favorable conditions for concluding a peace framework.

During President Aliyev’s visit in August of the previous year and his meeting with Donald Trump, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to establish a Strategic Working Group for preparing a Charter on Strategic Partnership between Azerbaijan and the U.S. Furthermore, President Ilham Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, under the watch of President Trump, signed a Joint Declaration following the Washington summit.

“So, in our case, his role was very important when Azerbaijan and Armenia were in the final stage of negotiations on a peace agreement. President Trump and his team they stepped in, and they created such a framework that peace became possible,” the head of state stressed.

While Ilham Aliyev highlighted positive momentum in relations with Washington, his assessment of European institutions was considerably more critical.

“If Azerbaijan leaves the Council of Europe completely, no one in the country will even notice that. So being there or not being there doesn’t change a lot here,” he said.

Earlier Azerbaijani state discourse often balanced criticism of European double standards with continued emphasis on integration into European institutions. The current rhetoric is more openly dismissive.

At the same time, the relationship with the EU is unlikely to collapse into simple antagonism. Europe remains a major economic partner, energy market, and geopolitical actor in the wider neighborhood.

The message from Baku is increasingly explicit: Azerbaijan wants cooperation based on sovereignty, strategic utility, and mutual respect, not external political tutelage.

With the United States, this doctrine currently benefits Azerbaijan, as the Trump administration places strategic and geopolitical interests above ideological disagreements. By contrast, in relations with the European Union, the same doctrine has exacerbated tensions, as Brussels continues to approach the region from a normative standpoint.

“We are not looking for confrontation, especially when not only the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, but also the European Parliament is attacking us regularly, again without any grounds. I think it’s kind of an obsession about Azerbaijan,” Ilham Aliyev stated.

He also highlighted the recent visits of European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Council President António Costa, and EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas, portraying the current state of relations between Baku and Brussels as one of substantial engagement despite ongoing political disagreements.

The EU continues to be Azerbaijan’s largest trading partner and one of the principal destinations for Azerbaijani energy exports. Following the energy crisis triggered by the war in Ukraine, Brussels has actively sought to diversify gas supplies, elevating Azerbaijan’s importance as a reliable supplier through the Southern Gas Corridor. It creates a degree of strategic pragmatism on both sides. Baku insists that future relations with the EU should be based on respect for sovereignty, equal partnership, and recognition of the new geopolitical realities.

Azerbaijan increasingly presents itself as a power pursuing a multi-vector foreign policy. The country seeks balanced relations with major global actors while emphasizing strategic autonomy and regional leadership.

President Ilham Aliyev’s statements at the 4th Shusha Global Media Forum illustrate Azerbaijan’s confidence in its evolving international position and its determination to redefine relationships with both the United States and the European Union.

Dubai firm to build Hormuz bypass port

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini delivered press statements in Shusha on July 14, AzerNEWS reports.

The President of Azerbaijan made the statement first.

Statement by President Ilham Aliyev

– Dear Mr. President,

Ladies and gentlemen,

First of all, Mr. President, I once again welcome you to Azerbaijan, to Garabagh. Welcome to Azerbaijan.

I am pleased that Slovakia-Azerbaijan relations are developing successfully. Our political contacts have become regular. I fondly recall my official visit to Slovakia at the end of last year, and I would like to express my gratitude to you once again for the warm hospitality extended to me.

Indeed, the development of such dynamic relations reflects the intentions of both sides. Today, we discussed many issues and once again saw that our agenda is quite extensive. It is enough to look at the composition of our delegations to see the wide range of areas in which active cooperation and dialogue are underway-not just dialogue, but practical cooperation.

Today, Slovak-Azerbaijani political relations are at a very high level, and the reciprocal visits clearly demonstrate this. In 2024, we signed a Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership, and the implementation of this declaration is evident to all. Such active political contacts and the implementation of joint projects, of course, require strong political will.

We are very pleased that Slovakia is actively participating in the reconstruction of Garabagh. Today, together with Mr. President, we will visit the village of Bash Garvand in the Aghdam district. A Slovak company is implementing a Smart Village project there, and we will familiarize ourselves with its progress. I would like to express my gratitude to you once again for this support and for your contribution to the reconstruction of Garabagh.

Among the issues we discussed, traditional areas of cooperation naturally predominated. Trade and economic relations, cooperation in the energy and military-technical fields, and other areas remain among our priorities. Sincere and open discussions were held on all of these issues. The members of our delegations remain in close contact today and will continue their discussions tomorrow.

The President’s visit will continue in Baku tomorrow. I would like to express my gratitude once again to Mr. President for accepting my invitation and, in particular, for visiting Garabagh. This once again demonstrates how sincere and warm our relations are.

I am confident that these relations will continue to develop successfully in the future, because we are committed to concrete actions. Both sides attach great importance to our bilateral relations, and I can say that a very strong partnership has been established in recent years.

I should also note that this is not President Pellegrini’s first visit to Azerbaijan. He was among the first high-ranking Slovak officials to visit Azerbaijan in his previous capacities, both as Speaker of Parliament and as Prime Minister. As President, he participated in our international climate conference, and today he is paying an official visit to Azerbaijan.

President of Slovakia: Azerbaijan is the guarantor of stability and development in the region and a key player

The Shahin Novrasli Festival 2026 concluded on a truly vibrant and emotional note, AzerNEWS reports.

The open-air venue in Icherisheher, the historic heart of Baku, was transformed into a lively slice of Brazil, where fiery rhythms, a carnival parade, and electrifying dances brought one of the brightest musical events of the summer to a spectacular close, Trend’s correspondent reports.

The festival reached its grand finale with a magnificent concert of Brazilian music, giving the audience an unforgettable evening filled with boundless energy. Colorful costumes, the performers’ genuine smiles, samba rhythms, and the atmosphere of a true carnival captivated the audience from the very first moments.

Taking the stage were Brazilian musicians WINCK (vocals), Isac Jamba (drums), David Oliveira (bass), Luan Barbosa (percussion), along with dancer Aisha. Their performance became a musical journey through Brazil’s rich and diverse culture, seamlessly blending samba, jazz, pop, R and B, funk, and traditional Latin American rhythms. Every piece was met with enthusiastic applause, while the performers’ energetic dance routines turned the concert into a spectacular open-air show.

A full house was the clearest indication of the festival’s widespread appeal. The closing evening brought together Baku residents and visitors to the capital, members of the creative community, renowned cultural and artistic figures, diplomats, music enthusiasts, and representatives of the media.

The festive atmosphere was evident from the very beginning of the concert. Instead of making a traditional entrance onto the stage, the performers appeared among the audience, leading a vibrant carnival procession accompanied by the sounds of percussion instruments. As they made their way through the crowded square, the musicians seemed to draw the audience into the celebration, making it clear from the outset that the final evening of the Shahin Novrasli Festival would become one of the year’s most memorable musical events.

It did not take long for the boundary between the stage and the audience to disappear. Festival guests sang along to familiar melodies, danced with the performers, recorded the event on their phones, and greeted each new composition with prolonged applause. The musicians’ sincere interaction with the audience filled the evening with warmth, turning the concert into a genuine celebration of music that united people of different ages and cultures.

The historic setting of Icherisheher added a special charm to the event. Its ancient walls, the warm summer evening, and the live music created a unique backdrop for the colorful musical carnival, which will remain a cherished memory for everyone fortunate enough to experience it.

The Shahin Novrasli Festival 2026 took place in Icherisheher from July 2 to 12. Over the course of ten days, residents and visitors of Baku explored the musical traditions of countries from around the world through performances by acclaimed artists representing ten nations. In addition to its concert program, the festival featured a crafts fair, daily DJ sets, a showcase of young talents, a literary competition, creative meetings, and jam sessions, once again confirming its status as one of Azerbaijan’s most distinctive cultural projects.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.

For years, access to finance has remained one of the biggest obstacles facing entrepreneurs in Azerbaijan. While the country has made notable progress in improving its business environment and supporting economic diversification, many startups and small businesses continue to struggle to secure the capital needed to transform promising ideas into successful enterprises. Against this backdrop, the draft Law on Crowdfunding, which has passed its first reading in parliament, represents more than just another financial regulation. It signals the emergence of a new way of thinking about investment, entrepreneurship, and economic development in Azerbaijan.

The country’s financial system has traditionally relied on banks as the primary source of business financing. This model works well for established companies with stable cash flows, valuable collateral, and proven business records. However, it is far less effective for innovative startups, technology firms, creative industries, and young entrepreneurs who possess strong ideas but lack the assets required to obtain conventional loans. As a result, numerous potentially successful businesses either remain unrealized or develop much more slowly than they otherwise could.

A properly regulated crowdfunding ecosystem has the potential to bridge this financing gap. Instead of depending on a single bank or a handful of wealthy investors, entrepreneurs can raise capital from hundreds or even thousands of individuals, each contributing relatively small amounts. This democratization of finance benefits both sides of the market. Businesses gain access to funding that may have been unavailable through traditional channels, while ordinary citizens acquire the opportunity to participate directly in the country’s entrepreneurial growth.

The importance of this shift extends beyond simply creating another financing option. Crowdfunding can fundamentally reshape how society perceives investment. In many developing economies, personal savings are concentrated in bank deposits, real estate, or precious metals. These assets undoubtedly play an important role in preserving wealth, but they do little to finance innovation or support the emergence of new industries. By enabling citizens to invest directly in businesses, crowdfunding channels private savings into productive economic activity. Capital that might otherwise remain idle can instead finance companies developing software, manufacturing innovative products, expanding agricultural production, or introducing new services.

This transformation is particularly significant for Azerbaijan’s long-term economic strategy. The government has repeatedly emphasized the need to diversify the economy beyond hydrocarbons and strengthen the non-oil sector. Achieving this objective requires not only public investment but also a vibrant private sector capable of generating innovation, employment, and exports. Crowdfunding alone will not accomplish this transformation, but it can become an important component of a broader entrepreneurial ecosystem alongside venture capital, private equity, commercial banks, and capital markets.

One of the draft law’s most encouraging aspects is its emphasis on regulation and transparency. Requiring crowdfunding platforms to register with the Central Bank establishes a formal supervisory framework that can increase confidence among both entrepreneurs and investors. The legislation also requires project owners to disclose detailed information about their businesses, financial conditions, and potential risks. Such transparency is essential because successful crowdfunding depends heavily on trust. Investors are far more likely to support projects when they have access to clear, comprehensive, and standardized information.

The legislation may also contribute to the development of financial literacy. As individuals begin evaluating business proposals, comparing investment opportunities, and assessing commercial risks, they naturally become more informed about finance and entrepreneurship. This educational effect should not be underestimated. Economies with high levels of financial literacy generally allocate capital more efficiently, encourage responsible investing, and foster stronger entrepreneurial cultures.

Another important advantage is the potential to strengthen regional development. Entrepreneurs outside Baku often face greater difficulties accessing financing due to geographical limitations and smaller business networks. Digital crowdfunding platforms can reduce these barriers by allowing promising businesses from any region of the country to present their projects to investors nationwide. A successful agricultural enterprise in Ganja, a tourism initiative in Sheki, or a technology startup in Sumgayit could all compete for funding based primarily on the quality of their ideas rather than their physical location.

The benefits could also extend to employment. Every successful startup that secures financing creates opportunities for hiring workers, purchasing equipment, collaborating with suppliers, and expanding operations. While each individual project may appear modest, the cumulative impact of hundreds of successful businesses can become economically significant. Countries with dynamic startup ecosystems often experience stronger job creation, particularly among young professionals and highly skilled workers.

Equally important is the cultural message that crowdfunding sends. It encourages citizens to view entrepreneurship not merely as a private undertaking but as a shared national endeavor in which individuals can actively participate. Investors become partners in innovation, while entrepreneurs gain validation from communities that believe in their ideas. This relationship helps cultivate a culture that rewards creativity, calculated risk-taking, and long-term value creation.

Naturally, the adoption of a crowdfunding law does not guarantee immediate success. Building a mature crowdfunding market requires effective implementation, transparent regulation, investor education, and high-quality entrepreneurial projects. Nevertheless, establishing a clear legal framework is an essential first step. Without legal certainty, neither entrepreneurs nor investors can confidently embrace this financing model.

Azerbaijan’s new crowdfunding legislation could become far more than a technical financial reform. It has the potential to unlock private capital, strengthen entrepreneurship, accelerate innovation, deepen the country’s financial markets, and support the long-term diversification of the economy. At a time when sustainable economic growth increasingly depends on knowledge, technology, and private initiative, creating new pathways between investors and entrepreneurs may prove to be one of the country’s most valuable economic reforms in recent years.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic.

According to AzerNEWS, the letter reads:

“Dear Mr. President,

I extend my congratulations to you and to all your people on the occasion of the National Day of the French Republic.

The productive discussions we held during our recent telephone conversations and our meeting in Copenhagen last year on issues related to the Azerbaijan-France agenda, as well as the current state and future prospects of our bilateral relations, give us reason to say that a new era has begun in the history of our interstate relations.

I believe that, for the benefit of our peoples, we will continue our joint efforts, in a spirit of partnership, to further develop our relations, which are rooted in deep historical ties and rich traditions, in the economic, cultural, educational, and other fields of mutual interest.

On this festive occasion, I wish the people of France peace and prosperity.”

Footage of the meeting of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev with President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini has been published on his official social media, AzerNEWS reports.

The post reads:

“Presidents of Azerbaijan and Slovakia in Shusha.”

On July 14, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini in Shusha, AzerNEWS reports.