Category: Azer News

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the 14.7-megawatt ‘Aghbulag-1,’ 14.25-megawatt ‘Aghbulag-2,’ and 4-megawatt ‘Sheylanli’ hydroelectric power stations located on the Hochaz River in Lachin via video link on July 11.

Balababa Rzayev, Chairman of the Board of AzerEnerji OJSC, briefed the head of state on the energy potential of Lachin district and the operation of the power stations.

In line with the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev to transform the Garabagh and East Zangezur economic regions into a green energy zone, AzerEnerji OJSC continues work on the construction of hydroelectric power stations across the region.

The water resources of Lachin, part of the East Zangezur economic region, are largely formed within Azerbaijan’s territory. The Hakari River-the second-largest river in the Lesser Caucasus after the Tartar River-and its tributaries, the Hochaz, Shalva, and Zabukh rivers, are home to 11 hydroelectric power stations with a combined installed capacity of 72.6 MW.

Lachin district’s current electricity demand of 8-10 MW is fully met through green energy, while the surplus electricity is supplied to the national power grid.

Construction of three additional hydroelectric power stations with a total capacity of 10.7 MW is currently underway, and they are expected to be commissioned by the end of this year.

The district’s electricity demand is projected to reach 80 MW by 2040. Taking into account both existing and planned hydroelectric power station projects, Lachin will continue to be fully supplied with green energy.

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The 14.7 MW ‘Aghbulag-1’ Hydroelectric Power Station, located in the rugged mountainous terrain of Lachin district at an altitude of 2,150 meters above sea level, is one of the most challenging engineering projects implemented by Azerbaijani energy specialists. Built in an area without road infrastructure, the station demonstrates the professionalism and technical capabilities of local specialists. As part of the project, a modern main water intake structure was constructed, and a 4.8-kilometer-long derivation pipeline with a diameter of 1,200 millimeters was laid to deliver water to the station. All necessary infrastructure has been created to ensure its uninterrupted operation.

The ‘Aghbulag-1’ station will generate 93.2 million kWh of environmentally friendly electricity annually. This will save 21 million cubic meters of natural gas each year, prevent the emission of 37,000 tons of carbon, and provide enough green electricity to meet the needs of approximately 37,000 people.

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The 14.25 MW ‘Aghbulag-2’ Hydroelectric Power Station, built on the Hochaz River, is important not only for electricity generation but also for strengthening the region’s energy infrastructure. All production processes at the station are managed through modern automated control systems. As part of the project, a new 110/10 kV, 16 MVA substation has been built to ensure the station’s reliable integration into the national energy system.

A 5.7-kilometer-long derivation pipeline has been laid to supply water to the station.

The ‘Aghbulag-2’ HPP will generate 87.3 million kWh of electricity annually. As a result, 19.6 million cubic meters of natural gas will be saved each year, the emission of 35,000 tons of carbon will be prevented, and enough green electricity will be produced to meet the needs of approximately 35,000 people.

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Environmental protection was one of the key priorities in the design of the 4 MW ‘Sheylanli’ Hydroelectric Power Station in Lachin district. Hydrotechnical solutions that do not obstruct the natural migration of fish have been applied to protect the river ecosystem, while the hydroelectric units used have no negative impact on the natural flow or quality of the water.

As part of the project, a main water intake structure has been built at an altitude of 1,460 meters, and a 4.8-kilometer-long derivation pipeline has been constructed across the challenging mountainous terrain.

The ‘Sheylanli’ HPP will generate 19.4 million kWh of electricity annually. This will save 4.4 million cubic meters of natural gas each year, prevent the emission of more than 8,000 tons of carbon, and provide enough green electricity to meet the needs of approximately 8,000 people. In addition to strengthening the region’s energy security, the station will also contribute to preserving the ecological balance and promoting economic development.

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Built using modern technologies and international expertise and equipped with SCADA systems, these three hydroelectric power stations will be integrated into Azerbaijan’s unified energy system, enabling the generation of more than 200 million kWh of environmentally friendly electricity annually. As a result, 45 million cubic meters of natural gas will be saved each year, while approximately 80,000 tons of carbon emissions will be prevented.

Azerbaijan’s Flame team has won the gold medal at the 5th European Gym for Life Challenge, one of Europe’s most prestigious festivals for Gymnastics for All, held in Pistoia, Italy, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation, the Flame team delivered an outstanding performance, finishing first among 74 participating teams.

Competing in the Small Groups category, the Azerbaijani athletes impressed both the audience and the judging panel with their creative and technically accomplished routine, earning the festival’s top honor.

The European Gym for Life Challenge, organized every two years by European Gymnastics, is regarded as one of the continent’s premier events for the Gymnastics for All discipline. The festival brings together teams from across Europe to showcase creativity, technical excellence, artistic expression, and teamwork in a non-competitive, performance-based environment.

Flame’s victory adds another international achievement to Azerbaijan’s growing reputation in gymnastics and highlights the country’s continued success on the European stage.

At least 15 people have died after a tourist boat capsized near Phu Quoc Island in southern Vietnam, AzerNEWS reports, citing local media.

Vietnamese news outlet VnExpress reported that the vessel was carrying 32 Indian tourists and four crew members when the accident occurred.

According to preliminary information, the boat overturned shortly after departing from the harbor. The cause of the incident has not yet been determined.

Emergency responders rescued 21 people, while 15 others lost their lives in the accident.

Authorities have launched an investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the tragedy, and emergency services continue to assess the incident.

The identities of the victims have not yet been officially released.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev reviewed the newly restored buildings of the ‘Yasaman’ Hotel in Shusha on July 11. The restoration was carried out by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation.

Assistant to the President Anar Alakbarov briefed the head of state on the restoration efforts.

The ‘Yasaman’ Hotel was inaugurated in 2023 with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

The exterior and interior of the hotel, restored in a style corresponding to its original appearance, were designed in keeping with Shusha’s medieval architectural traditions. The building, constructed in the mid-19th century in the style of the Garabagh architectural school, was destroyed during the occupation. The Heydar Aliyev Foundation prepared the design documentation for the project, and following the completion of restoration works in 2023, two hotel buildings began welcoming guests. The Foundation has now completed restoration and construction works on four additional buildings of the ‘Yasaman’ Hotel.

The restoration project was based on a new concept that took into account the architectural features of traditional Shusha houses. The new boutique-style buildings also feature glazed verandas and terrace areas.

Based on archival photographs, the doors and windows were recreated in accordance with the original architectural style. Landscaping and beautification works have also been carried out in the courtyard.

A video from President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev’s meeting with residents of Guzeykhirman and Guneykhirman villages in Khojavend district was shared on his social media accounts.

AzerNEWS presents the post:

‘I simply wish you good health so that you may live happily. May there be no more grief or hardship from now on, and may you raise your children well, in a spirit of patriotism. Let them grow up with love in their hearts for the Azerbaijani people and the state. When necessary-though I believe it will no longer be necessary-everyone must know that the “Iron Fist” is in its place and will remain in its place.’

(The meeting with residents of Guzeykhirman and Guneykhirman villages in Khojavend district).

French champions Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) are reportedly close to completing the signing of Barcelona forward Ferran Torres, AzerNEWS reports.

PSG and the 26-year-old Spanish international have reached a preliminary agreement over a potential transfer.

Barcelona had initially planned to extend Torres’ contract, which currently runs until the summer of 2027. However, the club’s recent acquisition of Karim Adeyemi from Borussia Dortmund has reportedly complicated negotiations over a new deal for the Spanish attacker.

As a result, Torres’ future at the Catalan club has become increasingly uncertain, opening the door for a potential move to the French capital.

Ferran Torres has been with Barcelona since 2022, establishing himself as a key member of the squad during his time at the club.

Amil Hamzayev, a member of the Azerbaijan men’s national basketball team, has announced his departure from Neftchi Basketball Club after two seasons with the team, AzerNEWS reports.

The 36-year-old veteran revealed the news in a heartfelt post shared on his social media account, reflecting on his time with the club and expressing gratitude to everyone who was part of his journey.

“Like every beautiful story, my journey with Neftchi has come to an end,” Hamzayev wrote. “After two seasons, I leave behind a jersey that I wore with honor and to which I devoted my whole heart. Together, we celebrated victories, overcame difficult moments, created unforgettable memories, and formed lifelong friendships. Being part of this family will always be a source of pride for me.”

Hamzayev also thanked the club’s management, coaching staff, teammates, employees, and supporters for their unwavering support throughout his time at Neftchi.

“Your trust, encouragement, and love have always meant the world to me,” he said. “Neftchi is more than just a club-it is a place where some of the most cherished memories of my life were created. It will always hold a special place in my heart.”

Hamzayev has been one of Azerbaijan’s most experienced basketball players, representing both Neftchi and the national team during his career.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev sent a congratulatory letter to Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, President of Mongolia.

This was reported by the press office of the President of Azerbaijan.

”Esteemed Mr. President,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to you and, through you, to the entire people of your country, my sincerest congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of July 11 – the national holiday of Mongolia.

The current level of Azerbaijan-Mongolia relations, based on mutual respect and trust, is a source of satisfaction. We attach special importance to the comprehensive development of these relations, which are built on good traditions.

I am confident that we will continue to make joint efforts to further strengthen the friendly relations between our countries and expand our cooperation in a number of areas of mutual interest for the benefit of our peoples.

On this festive occasion, I wish you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and the friendly people of Mongolia lasting peace and prosperity,” the letter reads.

The structural evolution of regional trade corridors has entered a transformative phase, driven by the global competition for supply chain resilience and near-shoring advantages. Within this context, the recent legislative amendment granting a fifteen-year customs duty exemption for goods produced within the Alat Free Economic Zone represents a calculated shift in state-directed economic architecture. By decreeing that entities exporting at least half of their manufactured output can access the domestic market completely tariff-free, policymakers are shifting from a traditional oil-funded model toward an integrated, export-led industrial strategy. This structural adjustment is not merely a localized regulatory update; it is a sophisticated geoeconomic maneuver designed to transition a strategic transit country into a dominant regional production and processing hub at the crossroads of Eurasia.

For decades, midstream transport corridors across central Eurasia operated primarily as passive transit pipelines, capturing minimal domestic value-add from the massive volumes of cargo moving between East Asian manufacturing centers and European consumer markets. The introduction of this specific fiscal mechanism directly challenges that historical model. By linking domestic market access to international export performance, the legislative framework effectively incentivizes multinational corporations to anchor their manufacturing, assembly, and high-tech processing units physically within the free zone. This strategy addresses a structural challenge that often plagues emerging special economic zones: the tendency for isolated industrial enclaves to remain disconnected from the broader domestic economy. Under the new protocol, the internal market acts as an intentional financial catalyst, utilizing its consumer demand to absorb the remaining portion of a firm’s production and bolster the commercial viability of large-scale manufacturing.

Furthermore, the operational architecture of this policy reflects an acute understanding of institutional predictability and investor risk mitigation. In the capital-intensive sectors of advanced manufacturing and industrial processing, where long-term amortization schedules dictate investment decisions, a guaranteed fifteen-year regulatory window is essential. This statutory longevity protects foreign direct investment from the unpredictable shifts of short-term fiscal policy, providing the long-horizon stability necessary to commit substantial capital to fixed assets and specialized supply networks. By formalizing this commitment well in advance of its scheduled implementation at the start of the upcoming fiscal year, the state is signaling its readiness to compete directly with established global logistics hubs for high-value manufacturing projects.

Crucially, the success of this integration model depends on the meticulous execution of rules of origin and regulatory compliance within the zone. Managing a dual-destination trade framework-where an industrial asset must satisfy external export quotas before gaining access to domestic consumer markets-requires transparent, friction-free customs administration. The institutional framework must ensure that processing activities within the zone reflect genuine industrial transformation rather than superficial re-packaging designed to bypass standard tariff regimes. If executed with high regulatory clarity, this system will incentivize the development of localized supply chains, encouraging international operators to source raw materials and intermediate inputs from domestic suppliers to satisfy local content requirements and optimize their cost structures.

Ultimately, this targeted tariff concession serves notice to the international community that the Caspian’s central maritime hub is shifting from a passive transshipment point to an active, value-generating economic center. For global logistics networks and manufacturing conglomerates seeking long-term structural alternatives to traditional, vulnerable maritime supply lines, an institutionalized free economic zone tied to a major port infrastructure offers a highly compelling strategic anchor. By directly aligning fiscal incentives with global export metrics, the state is moving beyond the simple collection of transit fees, ensuring that the wealth generated along regional trade corridors is captured to drive domestic industrial diversification and human capital development. As this legal framework comes into full effect, it will establish a new geoeconomic reality, demonstrating how calculated trade policy can transform geographic positioning into a sustainable driver of structural economic growth.

North Korea condemned the United States and its allies on Saturday for what it called strengthening military blocs and accelerating arms buildups after a NATO summit this week, AzerNEWS reports, citing Tribune.

Pyongyang accused NATO leaders of portraying North Korea’s exercise of its legitimate sovereign rights as a threat, the foreign ministry said in a statement carried on state media KCNA.

The alliance demonstrated a stronger commitment to bloc-to-bloc confrontation through increased arms spending and closer military cooperation with allies in the Asia-Pacific region, the ministry said.

At the NATO summit in Turkey on Tuesday, officials announced more than $50 billion in military procurement and industrial agreements as European allies face continued pressure from US President Donald Trump to shoulder a greater share of the alliance’s defence burden.

President Lee Jae Myung of Pyongyang’s rival South Korea on the sidelines of the summit that he hoped Seoul would expand cooperation with NATO ?allies in research and development,?including in cutting-edge technologies, and in ?the production of weapons systems.

North Korea said the summit showed that NATO was a body geared towards war and confrontation, pursuing what Pyongyang described as exclusive geopolitical interests at the expense of peace and security in Europe and the Asia-Pacific.

Pyongyang, which says a push by the West for it to abandon nuclear weapons has been irreversibly terminated, believes instead that denuclearisation efforts should focus first on what it described as attempts by South Korea and Japan to pursue their own nuclear weapons under US protection, as well as the nuclear ambitions of NATO members participating in the alliance’s nuclear-sharing arrangements, the ministry said.

It said North Korea would safeguard its sovereignty and security interests, as well as regional peace, through the responsible exercise of its sovereign rights.

KCNA said on Friday that North Korea had decided on measures to strengthen its nuclear forces “quantitatively and qualitatively” as Kim Jong Un calls for modernising its military.