Category: Azer News

Prime Minister of Kazakhstan Olzhas Bektenov held talks with Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China Li Qiang during his working visit to China, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the official information resource of the Prime Minister of Kazakhstan, the sides discussed the development of trade and investment cooperation, as well as prospects in the agro-industrial sector and transport and logistics infrastructure.

Both parties noted that by the end of 2025, the volume of bilateral trade between Kazakhstan and China exceeded $48 billion. Chinese direct investment in Kazakhstan’s economy reached approximately $2.8 billion, reflecting steadily growing economic ties between the two countries.

Particular attention was given to cooperation in the agro-industrial sector. It was highlighted that in 2025, trade in this area increased by 36%, surpassing $1.9 billion, driven by rising demand for agricultural exports and improved cross-border logistics.

Officials also emphasized Kazakhstan’s strategic role in Eurasian land transportation routes. More than 85% of overland cargo flows between China and Europe pass through Kazakhstan. By the end of 2025, rail freight traffic between the two countries reached 35.6 million tons, marking an 11% increase.

In Dalian, Olzhas Bektenov also addressed a session dedicated to the ‘One Belt, One Road’ initiative. He noted that Kazakhstan, located at the heart of Eurasia, provides access to a market of around 1.7 billion consumers, making it a key transit hub in the region.

He also stated that over the past seven years, Kazakhstan has invested more than $35 billion in transport and transit infrastructure development. Key projects include the container hub in Aktau, the dry port in Xi’an, and the expansion of the Dostyk-Moyynty railway line with a second track to increase capacity.

Bektenov outlined five priority directions for further cooperation under the Belt and Road framework, including stronger infrastructure connectivity, development of the Middle Corridor, digital logistics solutions, green energy initiatives, and expansion of financial and investment cooperation.

An interesting detail is that Kazakhstan’s growing role in Eurasian logistics is increasingly positioning the country as a ‘bridge state’ between China and Europe, with some analysts suggesting that future trade flows may depend even more heavily on Central Asian transit routes as global supply chains continue to diversify.

On June 23, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov inspected the construction progress at the new Shusha Mosque, AzerNEWS reports.

Assistant to the President Anar Alakbarov briefed the heads of state of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan on the project.

The President of Azerbaijan laid the foundation stone of the mosque in 2021, and the structure is rapidly rising as a modern architectural landmark for the historic city.

The mosque’s unique design features a silhouette shaped like the number ‘8’ to symbolize Victory Day. The complex will comprise a main prayer hall, administrative facilities, and separate ablution areas for men and women. Its twin minarets, towering at 73 meters each, are designed to symbolize the number ’11’, representing November – the historic month of Shusha’s liberation.

The exterior of the complex will feature intricate geometric patterns inspired by the minarets of Shusha’s ancient, historic mosque. The construction project is being executed with the support of Pasha Holding.

Lankaran State Drama Theatre has successfully completed another touring engagement with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, AzerNEWS reports.

The tour was organized within the “Azerbaijani Culture – 2040” Concept in accordance with the directives of the President of Azerbaijan aimed at advancing the nation’s cultural development.

The latest tour took place in Shaki, where the Lankaran troupe received a warm welcome from local audiences. On the stage of the Shaki State Drama Theatre, the company presented “The Wedding Dress”, based on a play by prominent Azerbaijani writer and playwright Huseynbala Miralamov.

The production was directed by Lalazar Huseynova, Honored Cultural Worker of Azerbaijan and Honored Artist of the Republic of Dagestan.

From the very first moments, the performance captivated the audience, which responded with remarkable warmth and enthusiasm.

Throughout the evening, spectators remained fully immersed in the events unfolding on stage. The relevance of the themes explored, the originality of the staging, and the outstanding professionalism of the cast inspired genuine empathy for the characters and their stories.

The production delivered a wealth of powerful emotions, transforming a summer evening into a memorable encounter with live theatre, an art form that continues to inspire reflection, touch hearts, and awaken deep feelings.

Following the performance, Lalazar Huseynova, Director of the Lankaran State Drama Theatre, expressed her sincere gratitude to Tural Karimov, Head of the Shaki-Zagatala Regional Department of Culture, as well as to Mirbala Salimli, Director and Artistic Director of the Shaki State Drama Theatre and an Honored Artist of Azerbaijan, for their support and warm hospitality.

The Lankaran State Drama Theatre is one of Azerbaijan’s important regional cultural institutions.

The theatre traces its origins to theatrical activities in Lankaran during the late 19th century, with its first productions dating back to 1884. It has played a significant role in the development of Azerbaijani theatre outside the capital city and has contributed to preserving and promoting national dramatic arts.

The theatre is named after the prominent Azerbaijani playwright and writer Najaf bey Vazirov. Its repertoire includes both classical and contemporary works by Azerbaijani and international authors.

Productions staged at the theatre have included “Vagif” by Samad Vurgun, “The Vizier of Lankaran Khanate” by Mirza Fatali Akhundov, and “The Winter’s Tale” by William Shakespeare.

The theatre building is located on Khiyabani Street in Lankaran and serves as a center for theatrical performances, cultural events, festivals, and professional training programs for actors and directors.

In recent years, it has hosted master classes and cultural projects aimed at developing theatrical arts in Azerbaijan’s regions.

U.S. automakers, including Ford and General Motors, could soon be enlisted to help manufacture weapons as part of efforts to strengthen the capabilities of the U.S. Armed Forces, President Donald Trump said.

AzerNEWS reports that Trump made the remarks while speaking to reporters at the White House.

The U.S. president said discussions are underway with the companies regarding potential cooperation in the defense sector. He added that meetings with representatives of major American defense manufacturers are expected to take place in the coming days.

‘We are building a lot of factories across the country. They are holding talks with General Motors and Ford. As far as I know, General Motors is very interested in this initiative and could reopen several plants,’ Trump said.

He noted that the United States plans to expand production of Patriot air defense systems, Tomahawk cruise missiles, and other weapons.

Trump also stated that some automobile manufacturers could sign contracts to produce missile components, particularly parts used in Patriot systems, by utilizing their existing manufacturing capabilities.

‘We have plenty of weapons, but we always want to ensure that we maintain even larger stockpiles,’ he added.

Iran’s Speaker of Parliament Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf has stated that the situation regarding control of the Strait of Hormuz will not return to its pre-crisis state following recent tensions with the United States, emphasizing that Tehran will maintain its strategic role over the vital waterway, AzerNEWS reports.

According to Press TV, Ghalibaf told reporters upon returning from Switzerland that “everyone must understand that the management of the Strait of Hormuz will never return to the pre-war situation.” He added that while international regulations will be respected, Iran will continue to oversee the strait.

Ghalibaf was one of the key members of the Iranian delegation in talks with the United States.

It was also reported that high-level negotiations between Iranian and U.S. representatives concluded in Switzerland, with Pakistan and Qatar acting as mediators.

U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance, who led the American delegation, said after the talks that the sides had made significant progress. He noted that mechanisms aimed at keeping the Strait of Hormuz open and ensuring a ceasefire in the region were agreed upon.

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.

On June 23, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited destroyed sites in the city of Fuzuli, AzerNEWS reports.

Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli, and Khojavend districts, informed the President of Turkmenistan about the destruction and acts of vandalism committed by Armenian armed forces in Fuzuli district during the 30-year occupation period, as well as ongoing and planned restoration efforts in line with the city’s Master Plan.

Once a densely populated and thriving city, Fuzuli was completely destroyed and looted during the occupation. Following its liberation, the city’s Master Plan was promptly prepared and approved by the President. Located at the intersection of major transport arteries of the Garabagh and East Zangezur economic regions, Fuzuli holds significant transport and logistics potential. The city covers nearly 2,000 hectares and, according to the Master Plan, is projected to accommodate 50,000 residents by 2040. Rebuilt in accordance with modern urban planning standards, Fuzuli will apply the ‘Smart City’ concept.

President Serdar Berdimuhamedov was also briefed on the mosque being built in Fuzuli by the Turkmen side.

The foundation of the mosque was laid in an online format by President Ilham Aliyev, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, and other heads of state and government participating in the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States held in Gabala in October last year.

The mosque complex will cover more than one hectare. It will feature two minarets, each 40 meters high, while the main dome will be 30 meters high. The mosque will accommodate up to 500 worshippers at the same time.

The Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre has once again delighted spectators with “Gulchohra and Asgar”, a production based on the play of People’s Writer Kamal Abdulla, AzerNEWS reports.

This performance was dedicated to the 65th anniversary of Asgar Asgarov, Honored Art Worker and Presidential Award laureate, who directed the staging.

At the end of the show, detailed information was shared about the director’s long and fruitful career in theatre.

It was noted that productions staged under his direction have been warmly received not only in Azerbaijan but also abroad. The leadership and collective of the Academic Musical Theatre extended congratulations to the jubilee celebrant.

Elshad Ahmadli, stage director of the Ganja State National Drama Theatre, emphasized that he considers Asgar Asgarov his mentor and wished him new creative successes.

The production team included composer Javanshir Guliyev (Honored Art Worker), director Elmeddin Dadashov, conductor Fakhraddin Atayev (Honored Art Worker), set designer Vusal Rahim, choreographer Nigar Shahmuradova (Honored Artist), choirmaster Vagif Mastanov (Honored Artist), concertmaster Fidan Aliyeva, lighting designer Rafael Vagifoglu, and assistant directors Tamilla Aslanova and Chimnaz Bagirova.

The musical drama featured performances by Honored Artists Ezizaga Azizov, Iqrar Salamov, Almaz Alasgarova, along with actors Samadzade Khasiyev, Mehriban Zaliyeva, Nijat Ali, Faiq Mirzayev, Elnara Naghdaliyeva, Elchin Imanov, Ibrahim Alizade, Elkhan Ismayilov, Narmin Aliyeva, Ali Karimov, Orkhan Huseynov, Kamil Jafarov, Atilla Mammadov, Nihat Habibov, as well as choir and ballet artists.

The premiere of “Gulchohra and Asgar” took place in 2025, and since then the production has continued to delight audiences with its artistry and emotional depth.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said on Tuesday that his country can say no to United States President Donald Trump and his plans for the Middle East, claiming that Israel can make independent decisions, AzerNEWS reports.

The minister stressed that there should be no ceasefire in Lebanon in the fighting with Hezbollah, “under no circumstances.”

Earlier in the day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu insisted that Israel must “free itself from dependence” on Washington and develop its own defense industry.

While he stated that he “greatly appreciates” the support his country received from the United States over the years, he also acknowledged that Israel must “free itself from dependence” on Washington, AzerNEWS reports.

Netanyahu’s comments follow the recent cooling of relations between Israel and the US over the war in Iran, and especially his tense exchanges with US President Donald Trump.

While the US and Iran signed a memorandum of understanding last week seeking to establish long-term peace, Netanyahu insisted that “the matter is not over yet” and that Israel will continue to confront Iran.

On June 23, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov posed for a photo against the backdrop of Dashalti village in the Shusha district, AzerNEWS reports.

Ukraine launched a large-scale drone attack on the Russian-annexed Crimean Peninsula overnight into June 23, AzerNEWS reports, citing Russian and Ukrainian media outlets.

The media outlets informs one of the strikes targeted a thermal power plant located in the Arshintsevo district of Kerch.

According to available information, a major fire broke out at the facility, resulting in widespread power outages across parts of the peninsula. Reports indicated that nearly half of Crimea was left without electricity following the attack.

Satellite imagery also reportedly detected a smoke plume stretching approximately 47 kilometers from the affected area.

The Crimea-installed authorities attributed the power outages to what they described as ‘technological disruptions’ in the electricity grid. Officials said efforts were underway to restore power supplies within 24 hours.

In a separate incident, Ukrainian drone strikes reportedly sparked a fire at the Nasosnaya-2 substation in the Sovetsky district. Residents later reported that the TES-Terminal petroleum storage complex had also come under attack.

Sources further indicated that the Port Kavkaz facility was targeted, triggering a fire at a nearby oil storage site. Videos purportedly showing the aftermath of the strike quickly circulated on social media platforms.

The Crimean Wind monitoring group, citing satellite data, reported multiple fire outbreaks across the peninsula, particularly in the vicinity of Port Kavkaz.

Additional fires were reported near the entrance to Kerch, at the Yuzhnaya railway station, and close to the settlement of Bagerovo. Authorities temporarily suspended traffic on the Kerch Bridge and issued a drone threat alert as a precautionary measure.

The reports could not be independently verified, and no official Ukrainian statement regarding the operation was immediately available.c