Category: Azer News

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov departed for Istanbul, Trkiye, on June 8 for a working visit, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

As part of the visit, Bayramov is scheduled to participate in and address a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Trkiye.

The agenda of the visit also includes a series of high-level bilateral meetings aimed at discussing issues of mutual interest and strengthening regional cooperation.

Australia’s first-of-its-kind ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 has sparked growing concern about the impact of social media on teenagers’ mental health and overall well-being. Since the legislation was approved in 2024, several other countries have begun introducing or considering similar measures.

These initiatives reflect increasing concern among policymakers, researchers, and civil society groups about the link between children’s well-being and social media activity. Various studies suggest associations between heavy platform use and higher levels of depression, anxiety, negative body image perceptions, and reduced self-esteem. Some lawmakers also point to broader trends such as rising feelings of loneliness and hopelessness among young people. However, there is still uncertainty about whether such bans will effectively reduce excessive social media use among minors.

Globally, one survey found that 65% of people support banning children under the age of 14 from using social media. This included majorities in 29 out of 30 countries surveyed, with Germany as the sole outlier.

In response to the growing influence of digital platforms in everyday life, Azerbaijan is advancing legislative amendments aimed at regulating children’s access to social media and defining clearer responsibilities for platform operators. The proposed framework focuses on establishing age-based restrictions, strengthening oversight mechanisms, and ensuring compliance with national legal requirements in the digital environment.

At the core of the legislation is the recognition that social media has become deeply integrated into communication, education, and entertainment, but also carries risks for minors. These risks include exposure to harmful and age-inappropriate content, online harassment, manipulative behavior, and other forms of psychological and social pressure that can affect children’s development. The law therefore introduces a structured approach in which children under the age of 16 are not permitted to register on social media platforms, while individuals aged 16 to 18 may access such platforms only with the consent of a legal guardian.

The policy also places responsibility on both digital platforms and users to ensure compliance with the new requirements. Platforms are expected to implement age verification systems and enforce restrictions where necessary, while parents and guardians are assigned an active role in supervising and authorizing access for minors within the permitted age range.

In line with this approach, age restrictions have long been applied in various areas to safeguard children’s rights and well-being. These measures include limitations on the sale of cigarettes, alcohol, and weapons, as well as access to pornographic content. Such restrictions are designed to protect children’s health and overall welfare.

Building on this foundation, Azerbaijan’s 2018 “Law on Protection of Children from Harmful Information” established measures to protect children from harmful content and to ensure their right to age-appropriate information, in accordance with Article 94, Part I, Clause 1 of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan. This legal framework set clear standards for regulating children’s access to information and shaped the relationships surrounding these issues.

It should be noted that in February President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on measures to protect children from harmful content and influences in the digital environment.

The rationale behind these measures is closely tied to broader societal concerns regarding increased screen time, reduced physical activity, and the potential psychological effects of prolonged exposure to digital environments. Observations from various contexts suggest that excessive engagement with social media can contribute to attention issues, social withdrawal, and emotional stress, particularly among younger users who may be more vulnerable to online influence. The legislative response is therefore positioned as a regulatory adjustment to these evolving conditions rather than a restriction on digital access as a whole.

The introduction of age-based controls also reflects a wider international trend in digital governance. Several countries have begun to develop or implement similar frameworks, including Australia, which has adopted a nationwide restriction for users under 16, as well as European states such as France and Norway, which are moving toward comparable regulatory models. Other jurisdictions, including the United Kingdom and Denmark, are actively considering variations of age limits or usage controls. These developments indicate a growing policy shift toward formalizing children’s access to digital platforms through legal mechanisms.

Within this context, Azerbaijan’s approach aligns with a broader regulatory movement that seeks to define clearer boundaries for minors in online spaces. The legislation is structured around a phased implementation process, including the identification of regulated platforms, the development of technical age verification systems, and a transition period prior to full enforcement. During this time, authorities are expected to coordinate with stakeholders to establish operational guidelines and ensure readiness for compliance.

The policy also draws on existing national legislation concerning the protection of minors from harmful information. Azerbaijan has previously adopted legal measures restricting children’s access to certain categories of content and products, and the current initiative extends this regulatory logic into the digital domain. The framework is intended to be consistent with international legal standards while adapted to domestic social and institutional conditions.

From a governance perspective, the legislation introduces a shared responsibility model involving the state, platform operators, and families. Regulatory enforcement mechanisms, including administrative penalties for non-compliance, are designed to ensure adherence by service providers.

A number of studies indicate a link between addiction to digital platforms and an increase in depressive and anxiety disorders, lower self-esteem, and distorted body image. Additional concerns arise from feelings of loneliness and hopelessness, which are increasingly observed among adolescents. These factors create a public demand for government intervention.

As a result, global practice shows a gradual shift from discussions to concrete legislative measures. In some cases, this involves age verification and parental consent, while in others, it entails complete bans or restricted access under certain conditions. Despite differences in approaches, the overall direction is the same: governments aim to reduce the negative impact of the digital environment on minors.

Special attention is given to the risks associated with online games and interactive services, which have become widely popular among children and adolescents.

Many advocate for even stricter restrictions to protect minors, as social networks contribute to the rise of cyberbullying and the spread of harmful content.

Overall, the proposed amendments represent a shift toward more structured oversight of children’s participation in digital environments. The focus is placed on establishing legal clarity, improving platform accountability, and integrating age-based safeguards into the broader regulatory system governing information technologies.

Azerbaijan’s Greater Caucasus Biosphere Reserve has been included in UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves, becoming the first site from Azerbaijan to receive this recognition, AzerNEWS reports.

The decision was made unanimously during the 38th session of the International Coordinating Council of UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, held in Hernandarias.

Azerbaijan participated in the session as a member of the Council, represented by delegates from the Ministry of Ecology and Natural Resources and the country’s Permanent Delegation to UNESCO.

The inclusion of the Greater Caucasus Biosphere Reserve in the global network marks a significant achievement for Azerbaijan’s environmental conservation efforts and international cooperation in biodiversity protection.

UNESCO’s World Network of Biosphere Reserves currently comprises 784 biosphere reserves across 142 countries, promoting the conservation of ecosystems and the sustainable use of natural resources.

These reserves serve as “living laboratories” where biodiversity conservation, scientific research, education, and sustainable economic development are integrated to demonstrate how people and nature can thrive together.

Established under UNESCO’s Man and the Biosphere (MAB) Programme, biosphere reserves are organized into core conservation areas, buffer zones, and transition areas that encourage sustainable human activities while safeguarding ecosystems for future generations.

The emerging regional dynamics are of significant importance for progress toward the normalization of Armenia-Azerbaijan relations and a future peace agreement, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Speaker of the Georgian Parliament, Shalva Papuashvili.

Speaking to journalists in connection with the victory of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan’s party in Armenia’s elections, Papuashvili said that stability and cooperation in the South Caucasus remain a key priority for Georgia.

He noted that the ongoing developments in the region, including the path toward a peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia, the prospect of open borders, and continued dialogue between the two countries, are of vital importance for Georgia.

Papuashvili added that ensuring peace and stability in the region is a shared responsibility of all parties involved.

‘Peace and stability in the region are important for us. Nikol Pashinyan’s promise was to ensure peace and stability for Armenia, which ultimately means peace and stability for the entire region. This will benefit every country, every state, and every nation in the region,’ he said.

The Azerbaijan Culture Days have been successfully held in Turkmenistan, bringing together artists, musicians, writers, scholars, and cultural figures from both countries in a celebration of their shared history, cultural affinity, and growing bilateral cooperation, AzerNEWS reports.

Organized by Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the three-day program in Ashgabat and Arkadag featured concerts, exhibitions, literary conferences, museum visits, and official meetings aimed at promoting Azerbaijan’s rich cultural heritage and deepening people-to-people ties between the two brotherly nations.

The extensive program highlighted Azerbaijan’s achievements in music, dance, literature, visual arts, photography, craftsmanship, and fashion, while also providing a platform for dialogue and cooperation between cultural institutions of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

Musical Opening to Culture Days

One of the central events of Azerbaijan Culture Days was a gala concert held at the Mugham Palace of the State Cultural Center of Turkmenistan. Before the concert, guests viewed the photo exhibition “Karabakh – The Memory of National Heritage,” which documented the destruction of cultural monuments during the occupation of Azerbaijani territories and the large-scale reconstruction efforts carried out after their liberation.

The concert featured performances by prominent Azerbaijani singers and musicians, accompanied by the Fikret Amirov Azerbaijan State Folk Instruments Orchestra, the Gara Garayev Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra, the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble, and the Savalan music group. The program also included Turkmen folk songs, symbolizing the close cultural connection between the two nations.

Treasures of Azerbaijan’s Cultural Heritage

Another major event was the opening of the exhibition “Treasures of Azerbaijan’s National Heritage” at the State Museum of Fine Arts of Turkmenistan in Ashgabat.

The exhibition introduced visitors to works by celebrated Azerbaijani artist Azim Azimzadeh, traditional and contemporary carpet art, embroidery, metalwork, jewelry, patchwork creations, and examples of traditional craftsmanship.

Visitors also had the opportunity to observe live demonstrations of artistic techniques and explore a fashion showcase titled “National Motifs in Contemporary Fashion,” featuring designs inspired by Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage.

Focus on Future Cultural and Humanitarian Projects

Within the framework of the Culture Days, Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli met with Turkmenistan’s Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov.

The sides discussed the current state and future prospects of cultural and humanitarian cooperation, emphasizing the importance of strengthening collaboration between museums, libraries, educational institutions, creative organizations, and artistic groups.

They also explored opportunities for new joint cultural projects and initiatives designed to promote the historical and cultural heritage of both countries.

Dialogue on Poetry, Education and Cultural Identity

A scientific conference dedicated to Azerbaijani poet and educator Seyid Azim Shirvani and renowned Turkmen poet Döwletmämmet Azady was held at the Döwletmämmet Azady City Library in Arkadag.

Participants examined the literary legacy of both poets and their contributions to the cultural development of the Turkic world. The event concluded with poetry recitations by Azerbaijani and Turkmen performers, as well as mugham and traditional music performances based on the poets’ works.

Visual Journey Through Azerbaijan’s Past and Present

As part of the cultural program, the exhibition “Azerbaijan: History Through the Lens” was presented at the Arkadag City Museum of History and Local Lore.

The exhibition featured photographs showcasing Azerbaijan’s modern architecture, cultural landmarks, liberated territories, and ongoing restoration projects.

Through powerful visual narratives, visitors were introduced to key aspects of Azerbaijan’s historical heritage and contemporary development.

Azerbaijani Literature Corner Opened at Turkmenistan State Library

A significant literary event during the Culture Days was the inauguration of an Azerbaijani Literature Corner at the State Library of Turkmenistan.

The newly established section contains publications on Azerbaijan’s history, literature, culture, and modern achievements, providing readers with greater access to Azerbaijani intellectual and literary heritage.

The opening was followed by a conference dedicated to Azerbaijani poet and statesman Molla Panah Vagif and the great Turkmen poet Magtymguly Pyragy, whose literary legacies continue to influence generations across the Turkic world.

Dance Ensemble Brings Azerbaijan Culture Days to a Finale

The Azerbaijan Culture Days concluded with a spectacular concert by the Azerbaijan State Dance Ensemble at the Mugham Palace in Ashgabat.

The ensemble performed a series of traditional Azerbaijani dances, including “Qazakhi,” “Halay,” “Naz Eleme,” “Terekeme,” “Uzundere,” “Bahar,” and “Gaytaghi.”

The colorful performance was met with enthusiastic applause and provided a fitting finale to three days of cultural celebration.

The wide-ranging program of concerts, exhibitions, literary events, and cultural exchanges highlighted the strong ties between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan and contributed to further strengthening cooperation between the two countries.

The third UzChess Cup International Chess Tournament has officially started in Uzbekistan, AzerNEWS reports.

Azerbaijan is represented by several members of its national chess team at the event.

Grandmaster Shahriyar Mammadyarov is competing in the elite “Masters” section, where he successfully opened his campaign with a victory against India’s Vidit Gujrathi in the first round, earning an early full point.

In the “Challenge” section of the tournament, Azerbaijan is also represented by Eltaj Safarli and Mahammad Muradli, whose first-round games are scheduled to take place today.

The third UzChess is an international chess tournament held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan.It is organized by the Uzbekistan Chess Federation and is part of the FIDE Circuit.

The competition features four sections: Masters, Challengers, Futures, and Open. The Masters section includes 10 elite grandmasters in a round-robin format.

The total prize fund is about $121,500. The Masters prize fund is around $80,000.

The tournament is considered one of the strongest chess events in Central Asia.

Shahriyar Mammadyarov is an Azerbaijani chess grandmaster and one of the most successful players of his generation. He earned the Grandmaster title in 2002, marking the beginning of a highly decorated international career.

Mammadyarov is a three-time European Team Champion with the Azerbaijan national team, winning the title in 2009, 2013, and 2017. In 2013, he also became the World Rapid Chess Champion, one of the most prestigious titles in fast-paced chess.

He achieved remarkable success in youth competitions as well, becoming the World Junior Chess Champion twice, in 2003 and 2005.

This made him the only player in history to win the World Junior Championship more than once. In addition, he won the World Under-18 Championship in 2003.

Throughout his career, Shahriyar Mammadyarov has competed at the highest level of world chess, including appearances in the Candidates Tournaments in 2014 and 2018.

His achievements have placed him among the elite figures in modern chess history.

The global oil market has once again found itself at the mercy of geopolitical volatility, transforming overnight from a state of cautious optimism into a theater of high-stakes tension. Only days ago, energy traders were breathing a sigh of relief as whispers of a potential ceasefire in the Middle East rippled through financial hubs. This fleeting hope of stability caused a sharp decline in crude benchmarks, dragging Brent down to around 93 dollars a barrel and West Texas Intermediate to just over 90 dollars. It was a classic economic reaction: when geopolitical anxieties subside, the fear premium embedded in energy prices evaporates. However, the fragile peace was shattered over the weekend, demonstrating how quickly the realities of conflict can upend global financial expectations.

The sudden escalation began when Iran launched a barrage of rocket strikes toward northern Israel, a move Tehran claimed was a direct response to Israeli military operations in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Although air defense systems managed to neutralize the incoming threats, the retaliation did not stop there. Israel responded with its own targeted strikes, including an attack on a petrochemical facility inside Iran. This severe breach of the ceasefire that had been in place since April immediately reignited deep-seated fears about the security of global energy supply lines. The primary point of concern remains the Strait of Hormuz, a critical maritime chokepoint through which approximately one-fifth of the world’s petroleum consumption flows daily. Any prolonged disruption or threat to shipping in this narrow waterway risks fracturing the global supply chain, a scenario that energy markets dread above all else.

Predictably, the reaction on Monday morning was swift and aggressive. As electronic trading sessions opened, crude prices surged by more than four percent. Brent crude futures jumped by over four dollars to trade near 97.21 dollars per barrel, while WTI experienced a similar dramatic leap to settle around 94.48 dollars. This sudden spike illustrates how quickly geopolitical fear can override short-term economic data. Traders were not reacting to an immediate physical shortage of oil, but rather to the overwhelming probability that future supplies could be compromised if the conflict deepens into a full-scale regional war.

Simultaneously, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies, collectively known as OPEC+, have been attempting to navigate these turbulent waters. In an online meeting aimed at assessing global market conditions and outlooks, member states including Saudi Arabia, Russia, Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman confronted a complex dilemma. Prior to this escalation, these nations had committed to keeping 1.65 million barrels per day off the market to support prices. However, recognizing the shifting dynamics, they reached a collective agreement to gradually increase production by 188,000 barrels per day starting in July. Under this plan, Saudi Arabia and Russia will shoulder the largest share of the increase, each adding 62,000 barrels per day, followed by smaller increments from Iraq, Kuwait, Kazakhstan, Algeria, and Oman. In a vacuum, injecting more supply into the market should exert downward pressure on prices, potentially offering relief to inflation-weary consumers.

Yet, the efficacy of OPEC+’s intervention is severely constrained by the current political climate. The group itself remains deeply cautious, explicitly noting in their statement that this production increase can be paused or completely reversed if market conditions or the broader economy deteriorate. With their next review scheduled for July 5, the alliance is keeping its hand firmly on the valve, fully aware that a widening war could abruptly alter global demand. If the conflict triggers a broader economic slowdown, the demand for oil could plummet, creating a massive oversupply. Conversely, if supply lines are physically damaged, the modest 188,000-barrel increase will do little to offset the loss.

Adding another layer of complexity to the next two to three months is the onset of the peak summer season. This period naturally witnesses a surge in global oil and gasoline consumption driven by increased travel, tourism, and aviation.

Looking ahead, the oil market is locked in a fierce tug-of-war between rising supply from OPEC+ and the ever-present threat of military escalation in the Middle East. Given the current momentum of regional hostilities balanced against institutional efforts to stabilize production, oil prices are highly likely to fluctuate within a steady 90 to 100 dollar per barrel range over the next two to three months. Stability has become a relative term, and for the near future, high but contained volatility will be the new normal.

Israel and Iran exchanged fresh attacks on Monday, underscoring the fragile nature of a temporary ceasefire agreement reached earlier this year and highlighting the continued volatility of the regional conflict, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes against petrochemical industry facilities in southwestern Iran. In a statement, the military said that several targets within the Mahshahr Petrochemical Complex were struck by Israeli aircraft. The IDF did not provide further details regarding the extent of the damage or the results of the operation.

The strikes came as Iran launched another wave of missile attacks against Israel. The IDF reported that air raid sirens were activated across numerous districts in central and southern Israel, including the cities of Ashdod, Ashkelon, Beersheba and Jerusalem, as well as suburban areas south of Tel Aviv.

Although no air raid alert was issued in Tel Aviv itself, residents reported hearing several explosions. Israeli authorities believe the blasts were likely caused by missile interceptions over the country’s central region.

Earlier in the night, the Israeli Air Force had conducted separate strikes against military targets in western and central Iran. According to the Israeli military, the attacks were aimed at facilities linked to the Islamic Republic’s military infrastructure.

The latest escalation is part of a broader conflict that erupted on February 28, when the United States and Israel launched military operations against Iran. The strikes targeted several of the country’s largest cities, including Tehran. The White House justified the campaign by citing missile and nuclear threats allegedly posed by the Islamic Republic.

The conflict dramatically altered Iran’s political landscape, with Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and several other senior figures reportedly killed in the attacks. In response, Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced a large-scale retaliatory operation against Israel.

Tehran has also expanded its military response beyond Israel, targeting U.S. military installations in Bahrain, Jordan, Iraq, Qatar, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman, Saudi Arabia and Syria with ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles.

The prolonged confrontation has placed the region’s energy infrastructure and maritime transportation routes under significant pressure. Heightened security tensions around the Strait of Hormuz have fueled sharp increases in global oil prices and raised concerns about potential disruptions to international energy supplies.

On April 7, the United States and Iran agreed to a temporary ceasefire lasting approximately two weeks in an effort to prevent further military escalation and create conditions for diplomatic negotiations. However, the latest exchange of attacks highlights the continuing challenges facing efforts to stabilize the situation and prevent a wider regional conflict.

Ramiz Fataliyev has been awarded the ‘Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan,’ AzerNEWS reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed the relevant decree.

The decree notes that Ramiz Fataliyev was awarded the ‘Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan’ for his many years of fruitful work in the development of Azerbaijani culture.

The 10th trilateral meeting of the Foreign Ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Trkiye was held in Istanbul, with the participation of the Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia Maka Botchorishvili, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Trkiye Hakan Fidan, AzerNEWS reports.

Meanwhile, speaking at the meeting, Bayramov emphasized the special importance of political coordination and interaction between the countries in the current international environment, against the background of increasing geopolitical tensions, difficulties in supply chains, and economic uncertainties. In this regard, it was noted that the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Trkiye trilateral cooperation format is an important platform for regional stability, security, and development.

During the speech, it was emphasized that the 10th trilateral meeting of the Foreign Relations Committees of the Parliaments in Baku, the seventh Business Forum in Georgia, and the last trilateral meeting of the Defense Ministers in Ankara demonstrated that the partnership of the countries has become comprehensive and multifaceted.

The speech pointed out that Azerbaijan-Georgia-Trkiye cooperation is one of the main driving forces of regional stability and economic development, and the successful implementation of strategic projects such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan oil pipeline, the Baku-Tbilisi-Erzurum gas pipeline, the Southern Gas Corridor, and the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway demonstrates the result-oriented nature of the partnership.

The minister noted that cooperation in the energy sector is one of the main directions of the trilateral partnership. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan currently exports natural gas to 16 countries, and it was noted that the extension of the natural gas purchase and sale agreement between Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as the agreement reached between SOCAR and BOTAS on gas supplies from the second stage of the Absheron field, will make a significant contribution to strengthening energy security.

Touching upon cooperation in the field of transport and connectivity, the minister noted that the three countries play an important role in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor). It was stressed that the completion of the modernization of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the resumption of Baku-Tbilisi-Baku passenger train services will make an additional contribution to regional mobility. At the same time, it was noted that the implementation of the TRIPP project and ensuring unhindered communication between the main part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic are important elements of regional cooperation and confidence-building.

The speech highlighted the significant potential for expanding cooperation in the fields of ICT, high technologies, agriculture, water resources management, and tourism. It also highlighted the importance of closer coordination in the face of challenges such as security, counter-terrorism, transnational organized crime, cyber threats, and climate change.

Bayramov reiterated his country’s support as Trkiye prepares to host the 31st session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP31).

The minister underscored Azerbaijan’s readiness to continue cooperation with Trkiye and Georgia for the further deepening of the trilateral partnership and for the sustainable development, security, and prosperity of the region.

The speech also touched upon the process of normalization of relations with Armenia. It was noted that Azerbaijan’s peace-building initiatives and confidence-building measures have made a significant contribution to advancing the normalization agenda. At the same time, the importance of resolving outstanding issues that impede the full normalization of relations to turn the existing opportunity into lasting peace was emphasized.

The minister noted that the ongoing tensions in the Middle East have a negative impact on regional and global security, and drew attention to the importance of resolving conflicts based on the norms and principles of international law, through dialogue and diplomatic means.

At the meeting, the ministers discussed the prospects for the further development of trilateral cooperation and other regional security issues.

At the end of the trilateral meeting, the ministers signed the Istanbul Declaration on the meeting results.

Later, the ministers made a statement at a press conference and answered questions from the media.