Category: Azer News

Azerbaijan and Georgia have adopted important decisions aimed at doubling the speed of border crossing procedures for rail freight transportation between the two countries, AzerNEWS reports.

According to Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), part of AZCON Holding, a meeting was held at the Boyuk Kesik station with the participation of senior officials from the railway administrations of Azerbaijan and Georgia, as well as representatives of relevant state institutions.

The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the railway sector, improving the efficiency of international freight and passenger transportation, and reducing delays at the Azerbaijan-Georgia border. The sides reviewed factors affecting the passage of freight trains, explored ways to shorten border crossing times, and exchanged views on strengthening regional transport links and increasing the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor.

One of the key topics was the expansion of digital solutions and electronic data exchange. ADY and Georgian Railways discussed the possibility of real-time electronic exchange of information on trains and cargo, as well as greater integration between the information systems of relevant government agencies, including customs authorities. Relevant decisions were made to facilitate these processes.

Preparations for launching an additional service on the Baku-Tbilisi route were also discussed. The sides emphasized the importance of simplifying border and customs procedures, improving passenger convenience, and ensuring that control processes are carried out more efficiently within established timeframes.

The parties also highlighted the importance of eliminating repeated technical inspections of wagons. Under the new approach, wagon inspections previously carried out at both Boyuk Kesik and Gardabani stations will be conducted only at Boyuk Kesik station for the Azerbaijan-Georgia direction and at Tbilisi junction station for the Georgia-Azerbaijan direction.

An International Summer School titled “Heritage, Science, Archaeology and Modern Technologies” has been organized in Georgia for young researchers and students, AzerNEWS reports.

A team of young Azerbaijani archaeologists is representing Azerbaijan at the summer school with the support of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The event brings together young scholars from various countries.

The scientific program consists of two stages. The first stage, held at Kutaisi International University, continued until August 2. The second stage will take place from August 3 to 16 at archaeological sites and research areas in Dmanisi, Georgia.

The international scientific event is supported by Georgia’s Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education, Science and Youth.

Prominent archaeologists from around the world will attend the opening ceremony of the second stage of the project. During the ceremony, Farhad Guliyev, Director of the Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, will deliver a presentation on archaeological research conducted in Azerbaijan.

As part of the scientific training program, young researchers from different countries will visit leading cultural and scientific institutions in Georgia, participate in interactive training sessions with international experts, and demonstrate the practical application of the theoretical knowledge they have acquired.

The main training topics of the summer school include “Natural History and the Study of Natural Heritage; Modern Technologies in Archaeological Research,” “Cultural Heritage, Conservation and Restoration: Modern Methods and Challenges,” “Cultural Heritage, Its Development and Interpretation, and the Application of Modern Technologies,” as well as “Biocultural Heritage as a Key to Georgia’s Competitiveness.”

The Baku Initiative Group (BIG) has strongly condemned the preliminary legislative initiative adopted by the Corsican Assembly concerning the self-proclaimed “Republic of Artsakh” and Armenian citizens facing criminal prosecution in the Republic of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

In a statement, BIG described the initiative as one-sided, provocative, and politically motivated. It said the proposal contradicts fundamental principles such as sovereignty, territorial integrity, and non-interference in the internal affairs of states, while echoing geopolitical narratives promoted by the French government.

According to the statement, the actions of those supporting the initiative cannot be regarded as an independent expression of the political will of the Corsican people. Instead, BIG argued that they have chosen to act as instruments of France’s foreign policy agenda, becoming political tools of Paris rather than representatives committed to defending Corsica’s national interests, language, culture, and identity.

The statement further described the position as hypocritical, noting that the same political circles advocating the right to self-determination thousands of kilometers away have failed to secure even the most basic linguistic and political rights for the people of Corsica.

The Baku Initiative Group noted that under Article 2 of the French Constitution, French remains the only official language of the Republic. It added that French judicial authorities annulled provisions recognizing Corsican and French as languages of debate in the Corsican Assembly and as working languages of the Corsican Executive. In June 2025, the French Council of State refused to consider the Corsican authorities’ appeal against those decisions.

The statement also highlighted that although France signed the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in 1999, it has yet to ratify the treaty. It added that the Council of Europe explicitly recognizes Corsican as one of the historic regional languages covered by the Charter.

Before adopting initiatives concerning the South Caucasus, BIG urged Corsican representatives to answer several questions, including why they continue to accept the authority of a state that refuses to grant equal institutional status to the Corsican language, why they do not show the same determination in opposing what it described as France’s centralized and assimilationist policies, and why they speak of decolonization abroad while overlooking the continuing impact of French rule on Corsica’s identity, education, language, and political decision-making.

The Baku Initiative Group emphasized that it distinguishes between the Corsican people and those who, in its view, serve the interests of the French government by prioritizing political loyalty to Paris over Corsica’s national interests.

The Skopje Junior European Cup 2026 will take place in North Macedonia on August 8-9, AzerNEWS reports.

The tournament, organized by the European Judo Union (EJU), will feature 13 Azerbaijani judokas competing in six weight categories.

In the women’s competition, Azerbaijan will be represented by Nargiz Ahmadova, Gulshan Huseynova, and Gulgaz Musayeva (48 kg); Aysun Mammadova and Nurana Hajizade (52 kg); Vusala Hajiyeva, Ayten Verdiyeva, and Khadija Gadashova (57 kg); and Nilgun Rzayeva (63 kg).

In the men’s competition, Kenan Huseynov will compete in the 73 kg weight category, while Davud Namazli, Janpolad Aliyev, and Vidad Aliyev will contest the 100 kg division.

The two-day tournament will bring together a total of 346 athletes, including 229 men and 117 women from 34 countries.

Azerbaijani judokas have established themselves among Europe’s and the world’s elite, consistently winning medals at the Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships, and other major international competitions.

Over the years, the country’s athletes have earned a reputation for their technical excellence, determination, and competitive spirit, making Azerbaijan one of the leading judo nations on the international stage.

This success has been driven by the Azerbaijan Judo Federation, which has played a key role in developing the sport at all levels.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art worldwide.

The President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation is Rashad Nabiyev, who also serves as the Minister of Digital Development and Transportation.

The country’s modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The list of the country’s top judo fighters includes Hidayat Heydarov, Zelym Kotsoiev, Zelim Tckaev, Balabay Aghayev, Ushangi Kokauri, Gultaj Mammadaliyeva, Leyla Aliyeva, Fidan Alizade, Aisha Gurbanli, etc.

A prolonged closure of the Strait of Hormuz through the spring of 2027 could tip the UK economy into recession, AzerNEWS reports, citing The Daily Telegraph.

The report warns that if the conflict involving Iran continues, the UK’s gross domestic product (GDP) could contract by 0.2% in 2027. Under this scenario, the first two quarters of 2027 would record negative economic growth, meeting the technical definition of a recession.

It was also noted that the economic slowdown could drive inflation higher.

Earlier, former UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves announced that the country’s economic growth forecast for 2026 had been revised downward from 1.4% to 1.1%. She also projected that the UK economy would grow by 1.6% in 2027.

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.

Hungarian Prime Minister Peter Magyar warned on Sunday that the country faces “the most critical five days ahead” as record-low Danube water levels forced the Paks nuclear power plant to shut down for the first time in more than four decades, AzerNEWS reports.

“Tomorrow, the Paks power plant will not be generating, while the hottest, 40-degree days are ahead,” Magyar said, urging companies, public institutions, and households to reduce electricity use during evening peak hours. He added the government will decide later today whether to impose mandatory electricity restrictions on large companies from Monday.

The prolonged heatwave and drought have lowered water levels across Europe, disrupting power generation and river transport. Romania shut down one reactor at its Cernavoda nuclear power plant last week, while dry conditions have also fueled major wildfires in Spain, France, Italy, and Greece.

Culture has become one of the strongest pillars of Azerbaijan-Vietnam relations, serving as a bridge between the two nations and fostering closer people-to-people ties.

Artistic exchanges, exhibitions, concerts, academic forums, and student exchange programs continue to deepen mutual understanding while introducing audiences in both countries to each other’s rich cultural traditions.

One of the most prominent examples of this cooperation is Vietnam Days in Baku, a festival that showcases Vietnamese music, traditional crafts, cuisine, fashion, and performing arts. Since its launch in 2023, the festival has introduced Azerbaijani audiences to Vietnam’s cultural heritage while providing a platform for artists, academics, and cultural institutions to strengthen bilateral cooperation.

Now in its fourth edition, Vietnam Days has become an established fixture on Baku’s cultural calendar and an important platform for promoting friendship and cultural dialogue between Azerbaijan and Vietnam.

The 2026 edition was organized by the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Vietnam with the support of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve Administration, the Vietnam National Academy, and several Vietnamese companies.

As part of this year’s festival, a concert featuring Vietnamese artists was held in the square in front of the Double Gates of the Old City (Icherisheher).

Before the concert, visitors explored an exhibition of Vietnamese handicrafts, traditional souvenirs, and national cuisine, offering a glimpse into the country’s rich cultural heritage.

Addressing the audience, Honored Artist Dilara Aliyeva said cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Vietnam have grown steadily stronger in recent years. She described Vietnam Days as an important platform for promoting the cultural heritage of both countries, expanding cooperation between artists, and strengthening the longstanding friendship between the two nations. According to her, such initiatives contribute to greater mutual understanding and encourage intercultural dialogue.

The Rector of the Hanoi College of Trade and Tourism, Trinh Tri Thu Ha, also emphasized the steady development of bilateral relations. She noted that cultural projects, alongside cooperation in other fields, help reinforce mutual trust and broaden ties between Azerbaijan and Vietnam. Describing Vietnam Days as a successful and well-established tradition, she expressed confidence that similar initiatives would continue in the future, opening new opportunities for cultural cooperation.

The concert featured performances on traditional Vietnamese musical instruments, while opera singers presented excerpts from Uzeyir Hajibayli’s celebrated operetta “The Cloth Peddler” in Vietnamese, earning warm applause from the audience.

The concert concluded with a warm reception from the audience, reflecting growing public interest in Vietnamese culture.

Events such as Vietnam Days continue to strengthen cultural cooperation and bring the people of Azerbaijan and Vietnam closer together.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Esmail Baghaei said that Tehran is seeking to reach an agreement with Oman to ensure the safe passage of vessels through the Strait of Hormuz, AzerNEWS reports.

“Over the past seven or eight days, talks with Oman have continued consistently. During discussions with regional and non-regional parties, Iran’s foreign minister emphasized that the purpose of the talks between Iran and Oman is to prevent escalation and safeguard Iran’s national interests,” Baghaei said.

He noted that Iran is initially working through consultations with Oman and with the cooperation of the country to establish a temporary route to ensure maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz.

The Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman added that the talks between Iran and Oman are discussions between the two coastal states. According to him, other parties may play either a constructive or provocative role in the process, but the issue primarily concerns Iran and Oman, and decisions on the next steps should be made accordingly.

“The necessary condition for reopening the Strait of Hormuz is reaching an agreement on ensuring the safety of navigation in the strait. However, this condition alone is not sufficient. The Strait of Hormuz has faced problems not because of disagreements between Iran and Oman, but as a result of attacks by the United States and Israel on Iran since late February. As long as US attacks against Iran continue, there will be no change in the situation surrounding the Strait of Hormuz,” Baghaei stressed.

The draw for the UEFA Champions League play-off round will take place on August 3, AzerNEWS reports.

Azerbaijani champions Sabah will learn their potential opponents during the ceremony.

The draw ceremony will begin at 14:00 Baku time in Nyon, Switzerland.

Before reaching the play-off stage, Sabah must overcome Denmark’s AGF Aarhus in the third qualifying round.

The first legs of the UEFA Champions League play-off round are scheduled for August 18-19, with the return matches to be played on August 25-26.

The UEFA Champions League is a continental tournament that brings together the best teams from Europe’s top domestic leagues.

It is widely regarded as the pinnacle of club football, attracting millions of fans worldwide.

Clubs from UEFA’s member countries compete for the title, which is seen as the ultimate achievement for European club teams.

The 2026/27 UEFA Champions League is actively underway, having kicked off its qualifying rounds in July 2026.

The tournament will feature 36 teams in the league phase, culminating in the final at the Estadio Metropolitanoin Madrid, Spain, on June 5, 2027.

A marble statue of a young man, believed to be around 2,500 years old, has been discovered in the ancient city of Sardis in Turkiye’s Manisa Province. The discovery was announced by Turkish Minister of Culture and Tourism Mehmet Nuri Ersoy, AzerNEWS reports.

The 2.2-meter-tall statue dates back to the first half of the 5th century BC and is considered a remarkable example of ancient Anatolian art. Researchers noted that its impressive size, excellent state of preservation, and detailed clothing – which contains features associated with Lydian culture – provide valuable insights into the artistic traditions, social structure, and daily life of the period.

According to experts, the statue could help historians better understand the transition between the Lydian civilization and the growing influence of Greek culture in the region. Sardis was once the capital of the powerful Kingdom of Lydia and was known as one of the wealthiest cities of the ancient world. It was also the place where the first known coins made from electrum, a natural alloy of gold and silver, were created.

Minister Ersoy described the find as a unique archaeological discovery that will contribute significantly to the study of Anatolia’s ancient history. Archaeologists believe that further research at the site may reveal more information about the people who lived in Sardis thousands of years ago.

The discovery adds another important piece to the history of one of the most influential ancient cities of the Mediterranean world and highlights Turkiye’s continuing role as a center of archaeological exploration.