Category: Azer News

A unique ‘kindergarten’ for robots has been opened in China, where researchers are testing a new approach to machine learning. Instead of teaching robots every action in advance, scientists want them to learn independently through experiments, mistakes, and repeated attempts.

The training center was created by the Chinese company Tashan Technology. Researchers believe that this method could allow robots to continue adapting even after they are deployed in the real world, including in situations they were never specifically trained for.

For example, if a robot crashes into a wall during training, it can analyze the failure, change its route, and try again. In this way, mistakes become useful learning data rather than simply being treated as failures.

Wang Peng, a researcher at the Beijing Academy of Social Sciences, said that independent exploration of the environment could help robots move beyond narrow training for specific tasks. Instead, they may gradually develop a more fundamental understanding of the physical world and how objects around them behave.

However, this type of learning requires much more time. Robots may need to make hundreds or even thousands of attempts before they learn how to deal with a new situation. Still, researchers believe that the ability to make mistakes and learn from them could become an important part of the future of robotics.

In the long term, scientists also hope that robots will be able to share their experiences with one another. If one robot learns how to overcome a particular obstacle or complete a new task, other robots could potentially use that knowledge instead of learning everything from scratch.

Interestingly, this approach is similar to the way young children learn. They do not simply follow instructions – they explore, make mistakes, and gradually understand how the world works. Perhaps the idea of a ‘kindergarten’ is therefore more than just a funny name: it reflects a completely different way of teaching machines.

Kuwaiti air defense forces actively engaged incoming hostile missile and drone threats on Thursday, according to an official statement issued by the General Staff of the Kuwait Armed Forces.

Military officials reassured the public that any loud explosions heard across the region stem from air defense interception operations engaging hostile aerial targets. Authorities strongly urged citizens and residents to remain vigilant and strictly follow safety and security guidelines issued by relevant state agencies.

The incident comes amid heightened regional instability. Local channels report that the incoming strikes targeted U.S. military installations in Kuwait, allegedly launched from Iranian positions, signaling continued defiance against recent warnings issued by Washington. Military authorities have not yet confirmed the full extent of potential damage or casualties resulting from the interception efforts.

On September 3, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pere Joan Pons Sampietro.

Noting that one of the existing conflicts in the OSCE area had been resolved and that lasting peace had been ensured in the region, Joan Pons Sampietro, in this regard, congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the achievements in the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Expressing his gratitude for the congratulations, the Azerbaijani President regretfully stressed that the OSCE Minsk Group, which has been responsible for resolving the conflict for nearly 30 years, had failed to achieve any results in the negotiation process, and that the UN Security Council resolutions demanding the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of Armenian forces from the territories of Azerbaijan had not been implemented.

President Ilham Aliyev said that Azerbaijan itself had put an end to the conflict through military and political means, restoring its territorial integrity and sovereignty.

During the conversation, the sides expressed satisfaction with Azerbaijan’s contacts and political dialogue with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, unlike with some other European parliamentary institutions.

The meeting emphasized the importance of demonstrating a balanced attitude toward the entire OSCE area on the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly’s agenda.

The meeting also highlighted intercultural dialogue and commended Azerbaijan’s role and contributions in the process.

Emphasizing the importance of the 4th International Mine Action Conference on the theme ‘Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements’, Pere Joan Pons Sampietro noted that the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly also addresses the issue of landmines on its agenda.

Vanuatu has filed an application with the International Court of Justice (ICJ) against France over the disputed Matthew and Hunter Islands. Paris, however, has said it will not relinquish its sovereignty over the territories and will respond to the court’s application “in due course.”

France has reiterated that it will not give up its sovereignty over the Matthew and Hunter Islands, which are also claimed by Vanuatu. French Minister Delegate for Francophonie and International Partnerships Eléonore Caroit made the statement during the 55th meeting of the Pacific Islands Forum.

In its application to the ICJ, Vanuatu is seeking recognition of its sovereignty over the islands, known as Umaenupne (Matthew) and Umaeneg/Leka (Hunter), as well as the establishment of a single maritime boundary between the exclusive economic zones and continental shelves of Vanuatu and France.

The case has also attracted attention from the Baku Initiative Group (BIG), an international non-governmental organization based in Azerbaijan that has expressed support for Vanuatu’s position in the dispute. BIG has said it stands ready to facilitate dialogue between the parties and provide an impartial platform for consultations over the maritime border issue.

The application is based on Article 38, paragraph 5, of the ICJ Rules. This mechanism allows a state to bring a case before the court even when the other party has not previously consented to the court’s jurisdiction.

However, the ICJ has indicated that no procedural steps will be taken and the case will not be entered on the court’s General List unless France accepts the court’s jurisdiction in the matter.

Thus, while Vanuatu’s application has brought the long-standing diplomatic and legal dispute back into the spotlight, whether the case will actually be heard by the ICJ currently depends on France’s decision on whether to accept the court’s jurisdiction.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with President of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly Pere Joan Pons Sanpietro.

According to the information, the meeting focused on issues on the cooperation agenda between Azerbaijan and the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, current security challenges in the OSCE area, the situation in the region, as well as the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace agenda.

Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized that Azerbaijan attaches great importance to cooperation with the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly, noting that interparliamentary dialogue plays an important role in promoting mutual understanding, trust and cooperation across the OSCE area. In this regard, the activities of the Azerbaijani Parliament within the OSCE PA, mutual visits and meetings held at various levels were highlighted as contributing to the development of bilateral relations.

The minister briefed his counterpart on Azerbaijan’s efforts to ensure peace and stability in the region. Azerbaijan’s position on the progress achieved in the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and on advancing the peace agenda was also presented.

The meeting also addressed humanitarian issues in the post-conflict period. Bayramov stated that the mine threat remains a serious danger for Azerbaijan. In addition to posing a threat to human life, landmines continue to hinder reconstruction and development efforts in the liberated territories, the return of internally displaced persons to their native lands, and regional development.

The minister also stressed the importance of determining the fate of nearly 4,000 Azerbaijanis who remain missing.

The sides also exchanged views on Azerbaijan’s contribution to regional and broader international energy security. Bayramov provided information on Azerbaijan’s role as a reliable energy partner in ensuring Europe’s energy security, projects aimed at diversifying energy sources and routes, as well as initiatives in the field of green energy.

Azerbaijan’s contribution to the development of regional connectivity as a country located at the crossroads of major transport corridors was also highlighted. The importance of developing the Middle Corridor, expanding transport and logistics opportunities connecting Europe and Central Asia via the Caspian Sea, and opening regional communications for peace, stability and economic development was emphasized.

The meeting also touched upon the growing strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries. It was noted that the transformation of the C5 format into the C6 format creates new opportunities for cooperation.

The sides further exchanged views on current challenges in the OSCE area and other regional and international issues of mutual interest.

Private payrolls in the United States rose by 38,000 in August, Automatic Data Processing Inc. (ADP) said in its report published on Wednesday. The figure missed analysts’ expectations.

Education and health services recorded the biggest increase in new hirings, with 45,000 new jobs added. However, a decrease in employment was observed across manufacturing, professional services, and information. The manufacturing sector lost 17,000 jobs, followed by a 16,000 decrease in professional and business services. Trade, transportation, and utilities, and natural resource and mining sectors both lost 5,000 positions.

Large enterprises with over 500 employees made 34,000 new hires, mid-sized businesses with between 250 and 499 workers lost 2,000 jobs, and those between 50 and 249 workers hired 2,000 people.

Peru has decided to sever diplomatic relations with Iran, the South American country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced.

“The Government of Peru has decided to sever diplomatic relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran,” the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry noted that the decision was linked, among other factors, to the situation in the Middle East and Iran’s actions in the Strait of Hormuz.

It also added that the move does not entail the termination of consular relations between the two countries.

The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow maritime passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman, holding significant strategic importance as approximately 20% of global oil supplies and around 25% of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports pass through it. Essentially, it serves as an energy artery for countries in Asia, Europe, and even the United States.

The strait separates Iran from Oman, and in some areas, the width of the shipping channel is only two miles on each side. Given its critical role in global energy supply chains, ensuring the safety and security of this vital waterway is paramount for international trade and economic stability.

Azerbaijan has allocated approximately $590 million to humanitarian demining activities since November 2020, with only around 4 percent of the funding coming from international support, Chairman of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) Vugar Suleymanov said.

Speaking at the 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku, Suleymanov said the figures demonstrate Azerbaijan’s strong national ownership in addressing the mine problem left by decades of conflict.

‘Since November 2020, approximately 590 million US Dollars has been allocated to humanitarian demining activities in the country. Only around 4% of this amount has come from international support, while the remaining part has been covered by the Government of Azerbaijan,’ he said.

According to Suleymanov, ANAMA and other institutions involved in humanitarian demining have cleared more than 298,000 hectares of land and neutralized more than 260,000 mines and other explosive remnants of war since the end of the 44-day Patriotic War.

He stressed, however, that the scale of contamination remains extremely large, making stronger international support necessary to accelerate clearance operations and reduce risks to civilians.

‘Stronger international support is essential to accelerate clearance, reduce risks for civilians, and enable the timely implementation of urban recovery and development projects in the liberated territories,’ Suleymanov said.

He emphasized that international cooperation should extend beyond direct support for mine-clearance operations, arguing that humanitarian mine action should be viewed as an investment in human security, safe return and sustainable development.

‘International cooperation in mine action should not be seen only as support to clearance operations. It should be understood as an investment in human security, safe return, sustainable development and long-term peace,’ he said.

Suleymanov made the remarks during the conference dedicated to the theme ‘Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements.’

He said Azerbaijan is ready to share its experience with international partners while also learning from other countries and organizations involved in mine action.

‘No country can address the mine problem alone. International cooperation, technical exchange, donor support, innovation and strong national ownership are all necessary if we want to move from contamination to recovery, and from risk to resilience,’ he added.

Iranian Supreme National Security Council Secretary Mohsen Rezaei (pictured) warned on Wednesday that the country’s adversaries should be aware of Iran’s “new strategy on the battlefield.”

“With these flailing efforts, not only will you not emerge from the hell you’ve created for yourselves, but you will soon see that Iran’s new strategy on the battlefield, in diplomacy, and in confronting the economic blockade will shatter your foundations,” Rezaei wrote on X following recent US strikes.

Furthermore, earlier in the day, media reports claimed that Iranian hackers attempted cyberattacks on water, telecommunications, energy, and other US infrastructure in recent weeks.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Ying Yong, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of the People’s Republic of China, on September 2.

The delegation included Chen Yong, Chief Prosecutor of the Shanghai Municipal People’s Procuratorate, Zhao Tieshi, Chief Prosecutor of the Jiangsu Provincial People’s Procuratorate, and Shen Jian, Chief Prosecutor of the Gansu Provincial People’s Procuratorate.

Addressing the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said:

– Welcome. I know that your visit is coming to an end. You are paying a very important visit to Azerbaijan. I am confident that your visit was very successful. This visit will serve to further develop our relations in all areas. I hope you will leave our country with pleasant impressions. We consider your visit very significant within the framework of our strategic partnership.

As you know, since April, China and Azerbaijan have been acting within the framework of a comprehensive strategic partnership. I recall with deep gratitude the hospitality extended to me during my state visit to your country last year. My discussions with President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping and other high-ranking officials demonstrate once again that both countries consider each other very close friends.

We are very glad to see the great interest among Chinese companies in operating in Azerbaijan. Since April, there has been continuous mutual travel between our countries. Chinese companies are actively participating in projects in Azerbaijan as both investors and contractors. Many important projects have already been implemented, and many others are currently under way.

Of course, strong mutual support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of both countries clearly demonstrates China’s and Azerbaijan’s commitment to the norms of international law. Yesterday, at the high-level meeting held in Bishkek in the SCO Plus format, President Xi Jinping spoke about legal norms, rules of conduct, international relations, and the equality of every country on the global map. We fully agree with this very clear vision. Mutual support, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, equal representation of every country worldwide, and a policy aimed at cooperation rather than confrontation fully align with our strategy.

Of course, an important segment of our cooperation is connectivity. The Belt and Road Initiative, implemented on the initiative of President Xi Jinping, is fully supported by Azerbaijan. We demonstrate this not only through statements, but also through practical steps. Today, connectivity between Central Asia, Azerbaijan, and China is an important factor for global cooperation and security. Last month, I paid state visits to two Central Asian countries. Next month, I will visit a third Central Asian country, and, of course, an important part of our negotiations is the topic of connectivity. Here, China is the main player in terms of cargo volumes.

We see great potential for cooperation and strong partnership in the field for which you are directly responsible. I am glad that you will spend several days here to hold negotiations with your colleagues, get acquainted with the country, and learn more about Azerbaijan.

Finally, the last issue relates to a sign of friendship and mutual trust. That is the elimination of visa requirements for travel between the two countries. Now our citizens can travel without any visa requirement. This is also a very important sign of friendship. I convey my best wishes to you and wish you a safe return to your country.

Then, Ying Yong, Prosecutor General of the Supreme People’s Procuratorate of China, delivered a speech, stating:

– Your Excellency, Mr. President Ilham Aliyev,

At the invitation of Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev, I am leading a delegation of Chinese procurators visiting Azerbaijan. Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev attaches great importance to exchanges and cooperation with our procuratorial agencies and strongly encourages both procuratorial bodies to strengthen friendship and cooperation.

On this visit, I am leading the delegation to Azerbaijan. This visit is a concrete step toward implementing the important common consensus reached by the two leaders on promoting a comprehensive strategic partnership and strengthening cooperation between the procuratorial bodies and judicial systems of the two countries.

Two days ago, I met with Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev, and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court Inam Karimov. Our meetings were very productive. I am pleased that you have taken your valuable time to receive me and my delegation after your participation in the SCO Plus format meeting. On behalf of the procuratorial organs and on my own behalf, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you for this.

Prior to the visit, I reported to President Xi Jinping that our delegation would be received by you during our visit to Azerbaijan. President Xi Jinping asked me to convey his sincere greetings and best wishes to you.

Mr. President, China and Azerbaijan are sincere friends, equal partners, and countries building mutually beneficial cooperation. National Leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev laid a solid foundation for friendly relations between the two countries. Since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, both nations have remained committed to the principles of mutual respect, justice, equality, and cooperation, as well as to relations based on mutual benefit, and have successfully forged deep friendship and mutual trust.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the greetings conveyed by President of the People’s Republic of China Xi Jinping and asked Ying Yong to pass on his greetings to President Xi Jinping as well.