Category: Azer News

European Union Foreign Policy Chief Kaja Kallas said on Friday that member states “agreed on the terms for releasing pound 6.6 billion from the European Peace Facility for Ukraine.”

According to Kallas, pound 900 million will go toward the EU’s military training mission for Ukraine, while pound 1 billion will fund new joint purchases of military equipment.

The remaining pound 4.7 billion “will reimburse Member States, with some already saying they will channel their share to Ukraine.”

“Moscow’s hybrid attacks try to intimidate Europe into scaling back its support for Ukraine. Europe is doing the opposite,” Kallas said. She also stated that this is “good news for Ukraine and bad news for Russia.”

On September 25, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Prime Minister of Tajikistan Kokhir Rasulzoda.

Stating that Azerbaijan and Tajikistan are friendly and brotherly countries, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the existing opportunities for further developing bilateral cooperation. He stressed the importance of his visits to Tajikistan and those of the President of Tajikistan to Azerbaijan, as well as other mutual visits at various levels, in expanding bilateral relations.

President Ilham Aliyev noted that Kokhir Rasulzoda’s visit to Azerbaijan creates an opportunity to discuss issues on the bilateral agenda, including transport and logistics, economic cooperation, and increasing trade turnover.

Expressing gratitude for the reception and hospitality extended to him, Kokhir Rasulzoda conveyed the greetings and best wishes of President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the greetings and asked the Prime Minister to convey his regards to the Tajik head of state as well. The head of state fondly recalled his meetings and conversations with Emomali Rahmon in Azerbaijan and Tajikistan, as well as on the sidelines of international events.

Emphasizing that Tajikistan highly values its relations of friendship and strategic partnership with Azerbaijan, Kokhir Rasulzoda said that, thanks to the strong political will and trust-based dialogue of the presidents of the two countries, bilateral cooperation has entered a new stage of development. In this regard, the Prime Minister recalled the ‘Declaration on Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Tajikistan,’ signed by the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan in Baku in 2024.

Kokhir Rasulzoda commended President Ilham Aliyev’s personal contribution to the expansion of bilateral relations.

Touching upon the importance of Azerbaijan’s ‘ASAN Khidmet’ model, the Prime Minister expressed interest in its implementation in Tajikistan.

During the conversation, the parties addressed the transit of Tajik goods through the territory of Azerbaijan via the Middle Corridor to international markets, as well as cooperation in the fields of metallurgy, energy, and agriculture.

Underlining the historical ties between the peoples of the two countries, the sides noted that they share common roots. In this context, the importance of regularly organizing mutual cultural, humanitarian, and sports events was highlighted.

The Prime Minister of Tajikistan expressed gratitude for the quotas allocated by Azerbaijan for Tajik students.

Emphasizing that Azerbaijan and Tajikistan have great tourism potential, the sides touched upon the significance of launching direct flights between Baku and Dushanbe, noting with satisfaction the growth in tourism and passenger transportation. The importance of holding various events to showcase the tourism opportunities of the two countries was also underscored.

During the meeting, the sides discussed issues of mutual interest and exchanged views on the prospects for bilateral relations.

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir has posted an AI-generated video depicting the Jordanian military and King Abdullah II alongside a song asserting that both banks of the Jordan River belong to Israel.

The video, posted on September 24, comes amid tensions within Israel’s political right following King Abdullah’s address to the United Nations General Assembly and a proposal by opposition politician Avigdor Liberman for Jordan to assume administrative and security responsibility over parts of the occupied West Bank.

The AI-generated video features footage presented as showing the Jordanian Armed Forces and King Abdullah II, accompanied by ‘Shtei Gadot La’Yarden’ (‘Two Banks Has the Jordan River’), a Revisionist Zionist song associated with Ze’ev Jabotinsky.

The song declares that both the western and eastern banks of the Jordan River belong to Israel, including the line: ‘This one is ours, and that one too.’

The video also attacks Yisrael Beiteinu leader Avigdor Liberman, describing him as ‘dangerous to Israel,’ before displaying an image of Ben-Gvir alongside the slogan ‘He who believes is not afraid.’

The post followed controversy over comments by Liberman in an interview with the religious-nationalist outlet Besheva, in which he proposed reaching an understanding with Jordan under which Amman would assume administrative and security responsibility for Areas A and B of the West Bank as part of an ‘Israeli-Jordanian confederation.’

Liberman later said that he had mistakenly referred to Areas B and C in the interview and clarified that he was proposing Jordanian administrative and security responsibility for Areas A and B, while Israel would maintain territorial continuity and security control over Area C. He said the proposal was intended to prevent a governance vacuum that could otherwise be filled by Hamas, Islamic Jihad and other armed groups.

The proposal drew criticism from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other members of the governing coalition. Netanyahu rejected the idea of transferring security responsibility in the West Bank to Jordan, while Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich also opposed the proposal.

Ben-Gvir likewise mocked Liberman’s proposal, arguing that areas Israel refers to as ‘Judea and Samaria’ are ‘parts of our homeland’ rather than territory that should be transferred to Jordanian control.

The controversy comes against the backdrop of King Abdullah’s address to the 81st UN General Assembly on September 22, in which the Jordanian monarch sharply criticized Israeli policies in Gaza and the West Bank.

Abdullah accused the Israeli government of accelerating settlement expansion and land seizures in the West Bank and described what he characterized as the ‘de-facto annexation’ of Palestinian territory. He also warned that the situation represented a fundamental shift aimed at making the establishment of a viable Palestinian state impossible.

The Jordanian king also said Israel’s actions in southern Syria posed a direct threat to Jordan’s national security, while stressing that Amman would protect its security, water resources and national interests.

In a statement issued on September 25, the Ministry of Azerbaijan said it was unacceptable to refer to geographical and historical toponyms located in Azerbaijan by other names.

‘Azerbaijan has always respected the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Georgia. At the same time, the Georgian side’s demonstration of the same respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Azerbaijan constitutes an important foundation of the strategic partnership relations established between the two countries,’ the ministry said.

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said the approach of the Georgian Patriarchate, which it described as involving territorial claims concerning Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty, was ‘incomprehensible.’

The ministry also stressed the importance of religious institutions refraining from approaches that could undermine the historical ties of friendship and good-neighborly relations that have developed between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Georgia over the centuries.

‘In this regard, repetition of the known approaches of the Armenian Church or following its path is not recommended,’ the statement said.

The ministry added that all historical, cultural and religious monuments located in Azerbaijan constitute an integral part of the national heritage of the Azerbaijani people and the Azerbaijani state.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum.

“Dear Forum participants,

I warmly welcome you to the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum.

It is gratifying that this Forum once again brings together in Baku governments, international organizations, financial institutions, leading companies, investors and business communities from around the world.

The theme of this year’s Forum – ‘Rebuilding Trust in a Fragmented World: The South Caucasus as a Pillar of Global Connectivity and Investment Stability’ – is particularly relevant today. Global economic relations are changing rapidly, supply chains are being reshaped, and new transport, energy and technological connections are emerging. In this environment, stability, connectivity and reliable partnerships are becoming increasingly important for investment. The emerging peace in the South Caucasus is creating new opportunities for regional cooperation, connectivity, trade and investment, while supporting deeper economic integration and diversification.

Azerbaijan’s economy has demonstrated strong resilience amid global uncertainty and geopolitical challenges. Economic diversification is at the core of our strategic objectives, and the non-oil sector has become a key driver of economic growth. Since 2020, real GDP growth in the non-oil sector averaged 5% annually, while non-oil industry grew 1.5-fold and non-oil exports nearly doubled. As a result, the share of the non-oil sector in GDP reached 72% in 2025.

This momentum rests on a stable and predictable business environment. Macroeconomic stability, investments and favourable entrepreneurial environment established in our country provide a solid foundation for long-term investor confidence. Azerbaijan’s strategic geographical location, transport and logistics capabilities, well-developed infrastructure in economic zones, tax and customs incentives, as well as public-private partnership mechanisms and joint investment funds established with partner countries, offer investors broad opportunities to participate in sustainable projects and to build partnerships that bring technology, capital and expertise to the whole region.

Our country’s global strategic partnerships and growing foreign investment in the non-oil sector are paving the way for deeper integration into global value chains in areas such as manufacturing, trade, energy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.

These positive trends have also been recognized by international rating agencies. Fitch and Moody’s have upgraded Azerbaijan’s sovereign credit ratings to investment grade, with the outlook for the next period assessed as ‘stable’ and ‘positive’ respectively. Our financial resilience is further underscored by strategic currency reserves, which exceeded 110% of GDP at the end of 2025.

Located at the intersection of the East-West and North-South corridors, Azerbaijan has become an important link and gateway between Asia and Europe. The Middle Corridor links Central Asia across the Caspian Sea with the South Caucasus, Trkiye and Europe, while the emerging Zangezur Corridor, also known as the TRIPP connectivity route, will further strengthen Azerbaijan’s role as a regional hub, and create new opportunities for trade, investment and industrial cooperation across Eurasia.

Azerbaijan is a reliable energy partner for a growing number of countries. Our vision increasingly extends beyond energy supply to the development of green energy corridors, enabling the integration of renewable energy into regional markets and strengthening connectivity between Azerbaijan, the wider South Caucasus, Central Asia and Europe.

Beyond traditional energy sector, Azerbaijan offers significant opportunities in manufacturing, transport and logistics, renewable energy, digital technologies, agriculture and food processing, tourism, infrastructure and other high-value sectors, including the reconstruction and development opportunities emerging in the liberated territories. Particular importance is attached to projects that introduce advanced technologies, raise productivity, create skilled employment and strengthen our integration into regional and global value chains.

Modern infrastructure, industrial parks, the Alat Free Economic Zone and public-private partnership mechanisms provide a strong basis for such cooperation. We will continue to improve these instruments and to create conditions that allow investors to implement long-term projects with confidence.

Our approach to investment goes beyond attracting capital. We value technology, expertise, innovation and access to new markets, and seek partnerships that create sustainable value for investors, while strengthening the modernization and competitiveness of Azerbaijan’s economy. The 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum provides an important platform to advance these partnerships.

The results of the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum clearly demonstrated rising interest to Azerbaijan. Last year, investment agreements worth over 10 billion US dollars were signed, more than 7 billion of which related to the non-oil sector.

This year the geography of participation has expanded further, with broader representation from international institutions, investors and leading companies – reflecting both confidence in Azerbaijan and the growing economic significance of the wider region. I expect that within the framework of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, significant investment projects will be launched with international investors and partner companies.

I am confident that the discussions in Baku will generate concrete initiatives and long-term cooperation, contributing to stronger economic ties, greater connectivity and shared prosperity across the region.

I wish the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum every success, and all participants fruitful discussions and mutually beneficial partnerships.”

On 24 September 2026, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov and the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of the Republic of Armenia Ararat Mirzoyan held a meeting on the margins of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

Both Ministers emphasized the importance of peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia reviewing the progress achieved since the 2025 Washington Peace Summit Agreements. Particular attention was paid to unblocking the economic and transport infrastructure between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

In this context, trade and transit interactions between Azerbaijan and Armenia were highlighted as practical examples of the benefits of peace.

The Ministers exchanged views on the possibility of promoting a positive agenda in various multilateral platforms.

The Ministers agreed to continue their direct dialogue.

‘Our approach to investment goes beyond attracting capital,’ President Ilham Aliyev said in his address to the participants of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum.

‘We value technology, expertise, innovation and access to new markets, and seek partnerships that create sustainable value for investors, while strengthening the modernization and competitiveness of Azerbaijan’s economy. The 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum provides an important platform to advance these partnerships,’ the President said in his address.

‘The results of the First Azerbaijan International Investment Forum clearly demonstrated rising interest in Azerbaijan. Last year, investment agreements worth over 10 billion US dollars were signed, more than 7 billion of which related to the non-oil sector.

This year, the geography of participation has expanded further, with broader representation from international institutions, investors and leading companies – reflecting both confidence in Azerbaijan and the growing economic significance of the wider region. I expect that within the framework of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum, significant investment projects will be launched with international investors and partner companies.

I am confident that the discussions in Baku will generate concrete initiatives and long-term cooperation, contributing to stronger economic ties, greater connectivity and shared prosperity across the region,’ President Ilham Aliyev added.

‘The emerging peace in the South Caucasus is creating new opportunities for regional cooperation and investment,’ President Ilham Aliyev said in his address to the participants of the 2nd Azerbaijan International Investment Forum.

‘It is gratifying that this Forum once again brings together in Baku governments, international organizations, financial institutions, leading companies, investors and business communities from around the world.

The theme of this year’s Forum – ‘Rebuilding Trust in a Fragmented World: The South Caucasus as a Pillar of Global Connectivity and Investment Stability’ – is particularly relevant today. Global economic relations are changing rapidly, supply chains are being reshaped, and new transport, energy and technological connections are emerging. In this environment, stability, connectivity and reliable partnerships are becoming increasingly important for investment. The emerging peace in the South Caucasus is creating new opportunities for regional cooperation, connectivity, trade and investment, while supporting deeper economic integration and diversification,’ the head of state said in his address.

‘Azerbaijan’s economy has demonstrated strong resilience amid global uncertainty and geopolitical challenges. Economic diversification is at the core of our strategic objectives, and the non-oil sector has become a key driver of economic growth. Since 2020, real GDP growth in the non-oil sector averaged 5% annually, while non-oil industry grew 1.5-fold and non-oil exports nearly doubled. As a result, the share of the non-oil sector in GDP reached 72% in 2025.

This momentum rests on a stable and predictable business environment. Macroeconomic stability, investments and favourable entrepreneurial environment established in our country provide a solid foundation for long-term investor confidence. Azerbaijan’s strategic geographical location, transport and logistics capabilities, well-developed infrastructure in economic zones, tax and customs incentives, as well as public-private partnership mechanisms and joint investment funds established with partner countries, offer investors broad opportunities to participate in sustainable projects and to build partnerships that bring technology, capital and expertise to the whole region,’ President Ilham Aliyev emphasized.

United States Ambassador to China David Perdue told CNBC on Friday that US President Donald Trump made it “very clear” to China that it would be “unacceptable” for Beijing to help Iran in any way amid its war with Washington.

Perdue explained that the US would consider any type of assistance, be it military, intelligence, or anything else, unacceptable. He also stressed that Washington insisted that the issue of Iran should in no way “tie into anything” regarding China’s issue with Taiwan.

The US envoy added that Chinese President Xi Jinpin has agreed with Trump that Iran should never acquire a nuclear weapon and that the Strait of Hormuz should be opened, with no party charging fees.

Germany has deployed four Eurofighter fighter jets to Latvia to temporarily strengthen the country’s airspace protection.

According to the report, the aircraft have arrived at Lielvarde Air Base. The German fighters will carry out various missions in Latvia during the period surrounding the country’s parliamentary elections.

The deployment is aimed at strengthening air patrols and enhancing the ability to respond to potential threats, according to the report.

The Eurofighters are expected to remain in Latvia for about a week before returning to Germany. The deployment is part of allied cooperation among NATO member states.

Latvia’s parliamentary elections are scheduled to take place on October 3. Voters will elect 100 members of the 15th Saeima, Latvia’s parliament. Voting will be held in five electoral districts: Riga, Vidzeme, Latgale, Zemgale and Kurzeme.