Category: Azer News

Armenian authorities have launched criminal proceedings after unidentified individuals allegedly issued death threats against Anna Hakobyan, the wife of Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, AzerNEWS reports.

Kima Avdalyan, spokesperson for Armenia’s Investigative Committee, said on Thursday that two separate criminal cases had been opened, one on charges of digital “hooliganism” and another related to “public calls for violence.”

Hakobyan said she began receiving death threats after publishing a series of social media posts addressing domestic violence, an issue she has recently sought to highlight publicly.

“I hope the state authorities will be able to prevent something like this from happening, because it would seriously damage the country’s reputation if the Prime Minister’s wife became a victim of violence,” Hakobyan said.

A prominent public figure in Armenia, Hakobyan also serves as editor-in-chief of the Armenian Times newspaper and has frequently taken outspoken positions on social and political issues. Her public profile has occasionally made her a subject of controversy during her husband’s time in office.

The Investigative Committee has not disclosed further details about the suspects or the progress of the investigation.

The geopolitical map of Eurasia is evolving by shifting trade routes, changing security dynamics and the growing importance of regional partnerships. It is no coincidence that in this rapidly developing environment, Azerbaijan has gradually emerged as one of the region’s most influential players. While it was internationally recognised by its role as an energy supplier linking the Caspian basin with European markets, Azerbaijan has expanded its strategic reach far beyond oil and gas. Today, the country serves as a vital bridge between Europe and Asia, leveraging its position along the Middle Corridor, modern transport infrastructure, active energy diplomacy and balanced foreign policy to strengthen ties across the wider region. Let’s admit that Central Asia has lately gained greater geopolitical and economic significance, and this cannot remain out of the spotlight. Thus, Baku has become an increasingly valuable partner for the region’s emerging economies, helping to foster connectivity, trade and regional cooperation.

Among these partners, Kyrgyzstan occupies an increasingly important place, where the relationship between the two Turkic nations has developed well beyond traditional diplomatic exchanges into a multidimensional strategic partnership encompassing politics, trade, investment, transport, tourism, education and cultural cooperation. President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to Kyrgyzstan and the outcomes of the third meeting of the Interstate Council in Cholpon-Ata demonstrated that both countries now view each other as long-term strategic allies capable of contributing to regional stability and economic resilience.

This partnership is rooted in more than common historical ties dating back to the Soviet period. Today it reflects a shared vision of a more interconnected Turkic world that can collectively respond to global economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions and supply chain disruptions. Stronger cooperation among Turkic states creates larger integrated markets capable of withstanding external economic shocks.

The importance of Azerbaijan for Kyrgyzstan has grown considerably over recent years. Baku offers Bishkek something increasingly valuable in today’s geopolitical environment: access. Azerbaijan serves as Central Asia’s western gateway to Europe through its ports, railways and international transport corridors. As cargo volumes along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route continue to expand, Kyrgyzstan stands to benefit from Azerbaijan’s well-developed logistics infrastructure, particularly the Port of Baku, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway and the broader Middle Corridor connecting Asia with European markets.

Equally significant is Azerbaijan’s growing diplomatic influence. Having established productive relations with the European Union, Trkiye, China, the Gulf states and Central Asian republics, Azerbaijan has become an effective bridge between different political and economic centres of power. For Kyrgyzstan, closer ties with such a partner enhance both economic opportunities and diplomatic flexibility.

The documents signed during President Aliyev’s state visit mirror this strategic vision, in which the countries collectively form a roadmap for expanding bilateral cooperation across virtually every sector.

At the political level, the Decision of the Third Meeting of the Interstate Council reaffirmed both governments’ commitment to institutionalising strategic dialogue. Such mechanisms provide continuity beyond individual administrations and ensure regular coordination on regional and international issues.

The wider package of agreements signed by ministers and senior officials further demonstrated the breadth of cooperation envisaged by both capitals. These included documents covering investment promotion, industrial cooperation, agriculture, transport, digital technologies, environmental protection, education, culture and judicial collaboration. Each agreement may appear sector-specific; however, together they establish the legal and institutional architecture necessary for sustained long-term cooperation.

Particularly notable is the growing emphasis on economic integration, which reflects a broader trend across the Turkic world, where practical cooperation increasingly complements cultural and linguistic affinity.

Moreover, President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks during the third meeting of the Interstate Council captured this evolving philosophy. He emphasised that political relations between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan have reached an exceptionally high level and that the next priority is translating this political trust into measurable economic outcomes.

This is an important distinction. While many international partnerships remain largely declaratory, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan are increasingly focusing on implementation. President Aliyev highlighted the need to increase trade turnover, encourage private sector engagement and expand joint investment projects capable of generating long-term value for both economies.

His speech also underlined the significance of cooperation within the wider framework of Turkic integration. As global economic competition intensifies, closer coordination among Turkic states strengthens their collective bargaining power, facilitates regional connectivity and creates greater resilience against external market volatility.

Perhaps the most tangible example of this practical cooperation is the Kyrgyz-Azerbaijan Development Fund. Established to finance joint projects, the fund represents a shift from traditional diplomatic engagement towards direct economic partnership. Rather than relying solely on government-to-government cooperation, the fund actively supports business initiatives capable of generating employment, technology transfer and industrial development.

The scope of potential investments is considerable. Agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, logistics, renewable energy, construction materials, pharmaceuticals and information technologies all offer significant opportunities for joint ventures. Azerbaijani capital, combined with Kyrgyz production capacity and access to Central Asian markets, creates mutually beneficial conditions for business expansion.

The fund also sends an important signal to private investors. Government-backed financial mechanisms reduce investment risks while encouraging entrepreneurs from both countries to explore cross-border opportunities with greater confidence.

Tourism represents another sector with substantial untapped potential. Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan possess highly complementary tourism products. Azerbaijan combines Caspian coastal tourism, cultural heritage, modern urban attractions and mountain resorts, while Kyrgyzstan offers spectacular alpine landscapes, adventure tourism, Issyk-Kul Lake and nomadic cultural experiences.

Improved air connectivity, simplified travel procedures and coordinated tourism promotion could significantly increase visitor flows between the two countries. Joint tourism packages targeting international visitors interested in exploring multiple destinations across the Turkic world may become an attractive commercial opportunity. Such cooperation would not only diversify tourism revenues but also strengthen people-to-people contacts and cultural understanding.

Education and youth exchanges can reinforce these long-term objectives. Greater cooperation between universities, research institutions and vocational training centres would help prepare the skilled workforce required for deeper economic integration. Cultural exchanges similarly strengthen the societal foundations of bilateral relations, ensuring that political cooperation is matched by growing public engagement.

The broader regional implications should not be underestimated. As geopolitical competition increasingly focuses on Eurasian connectivity, Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan are positioning themselves as active participants rather than passive observers. Their cooperation supports wider efforts to strengthen east-west transport links, diversify regional trade routes and deepen economic integration among Turkic states.

For Azerbaijan, stronger engagement with Kyrgyzstan reinforces its strategic role as the principal bridge between Central Asia and Europe. For Kyrgyzstan, closer ties with Azerbaijan provide improved access to international markets, investment capital and advanced transport infrastructure.

The results of President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit therefore extend far beyond bilateral diplomacy, illustrating a wider strategic trend in which political trust is increasingly translated into institutional cooperation, investment, infrastructure development and regional integration.

Looking ahead, the prospects loom as promising. If the agreements signed in Cholpon-Ata are implemented effectively, bilateral trade should continue to expand, joint investment projects are likely to multiply, tourism cooperation will deepen and business communities in both countries will benefit from improved financial support through the Kyrgyz-Azerbaijan Development Fund. Combined with expanding transport connectivity and stronger coordination within the Turkic world, these developments position Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan not simply as close partners, but as important contributors to a more integrated, resilient and economically dynamic Eurasia.

Two suspected oil spills with a combined area exceeding 600,000 square metres have been detected in the Caspian Sea near Makhachkala, according to satellite imagery published by an environmental monitoring service, AzerNEWS reports.

Satellite analysis indicates that one slick covers approximately 0.25 square kilometres, while the second spans around 0.41 square kilometres-together covering an area comparable to more than 90 football pitches.

According to the analysis, the pollution is believed to consist of oil, although this has not been officially confirmed.

The monitoring service said one of the slicks appears to have originated from an oil harbour, while the second, located roughly eight kilometres from the Makhachkala-Garabogaz shipping route, may have resulted from a spill from a vessel.

As of publication, Russia’s environmental authorities and the government of the Republic of Dagestan had neither confirmed the presence of an oil spill nor announced the launch of an official investigation.

Egypt is moving to end camel and horse rides around the Giza Pyramids as part of a major redevelopment project aimed at modernizing visitor services and improving animal welfare standards at the historic site, AzerNEWS reports.

The Egyptian authorities are replacing traditional animal rides with electric buses and shuttle carts on the Giza Plateau, with plans reportedly including the introduction of 45 electric buses to transport visitors between key locations.

The decision follows years of criticism from animal rights groups and tourists over the treatment of working animals at the pyramids. Campaigners have raised concerns that camels and horses were often subjected to long working hours, extreme heat, insufficient access to shade and inadequate care.

Animal welfare organization PETA previously published reports documenting alleged mistreatment of animals at the site, prompting international pressure and calls for reform. Several travel companies also removed camel rides at the pyramids from their tourism packages.

In response, Egypt launched its first animal welfare program for horses and camels at archaeological sites in October 2024, as part of efforts to improve conditions for animals used in tourism.

The transformation of the Giza Plateau is part of a wider initiative to enhance the visitor experience while preserving one of the world’s most iconic archaeological sites. The shift also reflects a broader global trend toward more sustainable and ethical tourism practices.

The joint tactical exercise “Zulfiqar 2026”, conducted in Jordan with the participation of the special forces of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Trkiye, and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, has concluded, AzerNEWS reports

The Distinguished Visitors Day of the exercise was attended by His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al Hussein bin Abdullah II.

The primary objectives of the joint tactical exercise were to strengthen interoperability among the participating countries’ special forces, enhance their professional knowledge and operational skills, and expand the exchange of experience.

Together with the exercise leadership, Commander of the Azerbaijan Special Forces, Major General Alakbar Jahangirov observed the final phase of the exercise and highly commended the professionalism and level of preparedness demonstrated by the Azerbaijan special forces personnel.

On July 31, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov in the city of Cholpon-Ata.

An informal meeting of the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries was held in the city of Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, AzerNEWS reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived at the Congress Center in Cholpon-Ata to attend the Informal Meeting of the Heads of State of Azerbaijan and Central Asian countries.

President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov welcomed President Ilham Aliyev and other heads of state participating in the meeting.

The Presidents of Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Turkmenistan posed for photographs together.

The Azerbaijani leader addressed the meeting.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

– Esteemed Sadyr Nurgozhoevich,

Esteemed colleagues,

First of all, I express my gratitude to the President of Kyrgyzstan for the invitation to participate in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. I have been in Kyrgyzstan since yesterday, and first of all, I would like to once again congratulate the President of Kyrgyzstan on the significant successes in the socio-economic development of the country, as well as on the transformation of the area around Lake Issyk-Kul into a resort and tourist destination of international standing.

I am also visiting Kyrgyzstan as part of my state visit. Earlier today, President Sadyr Nurgozhoevich and I held comprehensive discussions on a broad bilateral agenda. A major package of documents was signed, which will predetermine the successful development of bilateral ties. But among the signed documents, I would like to highlight the Treaty on Allied Relations. This is the highest level of interaction, which has elevated relations between the two brotherly countries to the level of an alliance.

I would also like to note that I am glad to see how successfully trade and economic relations are developing between our two brotherly countries. Today, one of the documents we signed provides for an increase in the capital of the joint Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund from $100 million to $200 million. We were provided with information on the progress achieved and on the projects that have already been implemented through financing from the joint fund. Several enterprises are already operational, and the potential, of course, is quite significant.

We are also very glad and proud that the first five-star hotel on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul was built by the Azerbaijani side. The ‘Baku’ hotel is ready to welcome guests, and I am pleased that we will all participate together in the opening of this major tourism center.

Relations with the countries of Central Asia are among the priorities of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. The frequency of mutual visits speaks for itself. Since the beginning of 2023, over the past three and a half years, I have visited the brotherly countries of Central Asia 16 times, while my colleagues have visited Azerbaijan 26 times during the same period. These figures speak louder than any words about the closeness of our relations and demonstrate that Central Asia and Azerbaijan have effectively become a single geopolitical and geoeconomic space.

I would also like to note that this is the first time I am participating as a full member of 3rd Consultative Meeting format, and I would like to once again express my gratitude to all heads of state of Central Asia for the historic decision adopted in Uzbekistan last year on including Azerbaijan as a full member of this group. I previously participated as a guest of honor, but now I am taking part as a full member of the team.

Once again, I express my gratitude to all my colleagues. I want to assure you that Azerbaijan will be an active member of this consultative format and, for its part, will make every effort to further expand cooperation and bring our countries and peoples even closer together.

Thank you for your attention.

x x x

Then, other presidents made their speeches.

At the conclusion of the meeting, the Cholpon-Ata Declaration was signed.

Karabakh University has announced the minimum admission score requirements for undergraduate programs for the 2026/2027 academic year, AzerNEWS reports citing the Azerbaijan Ministry of Science and Education.

The newly published admission criteria outline the minimum entrance scores required for applicants across the university’s various faculties.

The highest minimum score requirement has been set for the Law and Medicine programs, with applicants required to score at least 600 points. The Dentistry program follows with a minimum requirement of 550 points.

Applicants who achieve 450 points will be eligible to apply for several programs within the Faculty of Engineering, including Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Civil Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, and Chemical Engineering. The same score also qualifies candidates for Nursing and Pharmacy programs within the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Other faculties, including Education, Humanities and Social Sciences, Business and Economics, Natural Sciences, and Mathematics and Computer Sciences, have minimum admission scores ranging from 250 to 400 points, depending on the program.

The lowest minimum admission score has been set at 250 points for the Tourism Management program.

In its statement, the university highlighted its commitment to providing international academic programs, a highly qualified faculty, and modern educational infrastructure, inviting ambitious students to pursue higher education at Karabakh University.

Notably, engineering students will have the opportunity to earn dual diplomas from Karabakh University and Istanbul Technical University (ITU) through a state-funded collaborative program.

The new admission requirements are intended to attract high-achieving students and support the development of a competitive and internationally oriented academic environment.

A dual British-Azerbaijani citizen has been arrested in Cyprus on suspicion of spying on a British military base and allegedly passing information to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), UK authorities said on Friday, AzerNEWS reports.

Rashad Sultanov, 44, from Islington, north London, was detained by Cypriot authorities on July 17 and remains in custody as extradition proceedings continue, according to a statement from London’s Metropolitan Police.

The arrest is part of the first overseas investigation conducted under Britain’s National Security Act, led by counter-terrorism police over alleged hostile activity targeting the UK’s RAF Akrotiri base in Cyprus between May 11 and June 22 last year.

British authorities allege that Sultanov carried out surveillance of the military facility and later shared information with the IRGC.

‘This case shows we are able to use the National Security Act overseas when British military bases are allegedly targeted by hostile state activity,’ Helen Flanagan, head of counter-terrorism policing in London, said.

The investigation comes amid heightened tensions between Iran and Western countries, particularly following threats by the IRGC against British military facilities that could be used by US forces.

Earlier this month, the IRGC warned that British bases involved in operations against Iran could become targets. The warning followed a series of attacks and counterattacks in the region, including a March drone strike that caused minor damage at RAF Akrotiri.

Britain later stated that the base would not be included in its defensive arrangements with the United States regarding the use of UK facilities.

RAF Akrotiri is one of two sovereign British military bases retained in Cyprus after the island gained independence from Britain in 1960. The facility has previously supported UK military operations in Iraq, Syria, and Yemen.

“An important outcome of today’s negotiations was the signing of the treaty on allied relations. This is a truly historic event, marking a new stage in Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani cooperation,” President Sadyr Zhaparov said during a press statement with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The President of Kyrgyzstan also emphasized that a substantial package of bilateral documents had been signed, covering energy, transport, cybersecurity, education, financial market regulation, and the circulation of precious metals.