Palestinians injured in Israeli settler incursion

At least one Palestinian was shot and several others suffered tear gas inhalation in clashes with Israeli settlers near the city of Nablus in the West Bank, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Palestine News Agency, “dozens” of Israeli settlers stormed areas around Nablus, setting fire to agricultural land, as well as firing stun grenades, tear gas canisters and live ammunition, allegedly under the protection of the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF).

Meanwhile, while the IDF conceded that Israeli settlers entered the outskirts of Nablus, it also claimed that Palestinians threw stones and that one Israeli citizen fired into the air, causing no casualties. The military added that its forces were prepared in advance for the settlers’ arrival and “rushed to disperse the crowd” and remove them from the area. The IDF reiterated that entering the area, which is under the control of the Palestinian National Authority, is “prohibited and dangerous for Israelis.”

German unemployment at 6.4% in July

The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate in Germany stood at 6.4% in July, up by 0.2 percentage point from the previous month, the Federal Employment Agency (Bundesagentur fuer Arbeit) revealed in its report on Friday, AzerNEWS reports.

The number of unemployed people in Germany came in at 3,007,200 in the reported month, increasing by 71,350 compared to June and by 27,710 compared to July 2025.

The underemployment rate, encompassing unemployment and those unable to work due to labor market policies or short-term work incapacity, remained virtually unchanged compared to the previous month and stood at 7.6%. The total number of underemployed people rose by 33,270 on a monthly basis and by 27,940 on an annual basis to 3,645,100 in the reported month.

UEFA warns of FIFA boycott if World Cup rights sold to private investors

UEFA has taken a firm stance against FIFA’s proposal to sell part of the commercial rights to the FIFA World Cup to private investors, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

At an emergency meeting attended by representatives of UEFA’s 55 member national associations, a unanimous decision was reportedly reached that if FIFA President Gianni Infantino proceeds with the initiative, UEFA members will boycott all FIFA-organized competitions.

The proposed boycott would not only affect the 2030 FIFA Men’s World Cup, but also all FIFA tournaments, including the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup, which is scheduled to be held in Brazil next year.

UEFA stated that the FIFA World Cup is one of football’s most prestigious and historic competitions, and that turning it into a commercial asset for private investors is unacceptable.

It is also worth noting that the Confederation of North, Central America and Caribbean Association Football (CONCACAF) has announced that it does not support FIFA’s plans.

As a result, with opposition from UEFA’s 55 member associations and CONCACAF’s 41 member associations, FIFA’s proposal now faces serious uncertainty over whether it can secure the required majority of votes.

Germany to build Israel’s new submarines as first Dakar-Class vessel set for 2030s delivery

Germany is building a new generation of submarines for Israel, with the first of three Dakar-class vessels expected to enter service only in the 2030s, AzerNEWS reports.

The submarines are being constructed by German shipbuilder ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems in Kiel and will replace Israel’s ageing Dolphin-class submarines, which have formed a key part of the Israeli Navy’s capabilities since the 1990s.

Unlike standard production models, the Dakar-class submarines are being developed according to Israeli specifications, featuring a larger hull, customized sail design, and specialized sensor systems. The project represents the third generation of Germany-built submarines operated by Israel.

The vessels will use diesel-electric propulsion combined with air-independent propulsion technology, allowing them to remain submerged for extended periods compared with conventional submarines.

Although Israel has not officially confirmed the role of its submarine fleet, the Dakar-class submarines are widely believed to contribute to the country’s strategic deterrence capabilities, including a potential second-strike capability.

Germany is also providing significant financial support for the project, continuing a long-standing defence cooperation relationship with Israel. However, Berlin’s financial involvement in Israeli submarine programs has previously faced political debate within Germany.

The new submarines will also carry a name with historical significance. The first Israeli submarine named INS Dakar disappeared in 1968 with all 69 crew members on board. Its wreckage was discovered more than three decades later, in 1999, in the Mediterranean Sea.

The Dakar-class program marks another major chapter in the decades-long naval cooperation between Germany and Israel, with the new vessels expected to strengthen Israel’s underwater capabilities well into the future.

Iran said to have urged Hamas against signing Gaza deal

Iran attempted to convince Hamas not to sign the Gaza disarmament deal, but the group chose not to listen, Axios reporter Barak Ravid said, citing an unnamed US official, AzerNEWS reports.

Officials from Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) urged a Hamas delegation that visited Iran for the funeral of former Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei against rushing into inking the agreement, the report said.

The officials instead urged the delegation to play for time, it added, citing an unnamed source with knowledge of the meeting.

United States President Donald Trump said that the Board of Peace reached an agreement for the “complete disarmament” of Hamas and all other armed groups in the Gaza Strip.

The agreement, he said, would be carried out in phases, with Israeli forces withdrawing once disarmament is completed, “and the International Stabilization Force will work with a new Palestinian police force to take responsibility for Gaza being safe for its residents and its neighbors.”

Trump hailed the deal as a “critical step towards Gaza finally being governed by a new Palestinian government that will work closely with the Board of Peace to help the Palestinian people.” At the same time, “Israel will have the security it deserves, with Gaza no longer used as a base for terror attacks,” he added in a post on Truth Social.

3rd meeting of Interstate Council of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan held in Cholpon-Ata [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

On July 31, the 3rd meeting of the Interstate Council of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan was held in the city of Cholpon-Ata with the participation of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov, AzerNEWS reports.

The President of the Kyrgyz Republic delivered his speech.

Speech by President Sadyr Zhaparov

– Dear Ilham Heydarovich,

Dear members of the Azerbaijani delegation.

I am sincerely glad to welcome you on the shores of our pearl, Lake Issyk-Kul.

I express my gratitude to you for accepting my invitation to pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan. In Kyrgyzstan, you are respected as the leader of brotherly Azerbaijan and a dear friend of the Kyrgyz people. Under your leadership, Azerbaijan is developing confidently, strengthening its positions on the international stage, and playing an important role in ensuring peace and stability in the region. Today, the country demonstrates impressive results, consistently implements large-scale reforms, and firmly stands up for its national interests. Modern achievements rest on a solid foundation laid by the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people, your father, the respected Heydar Aliyev. This constructive path continues. You are ensuring the further development of the country and the strengthening of its role in regional and international processes.

Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan are united by historical roots and spiritual closeness. Our values are reflected in the rich cultural heritage of the two peoples. As the great Nizami Ganjavi wisely noted: “Every friend gained is a gift from heaven.” I am particularly proud to say that Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan have found a reliable friend in each other.

Dear Ilham Heydarovich, your visit once again confirms the special nature of Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani relations. We are entering a new stage in the development of bilateral engagement, based on a solid foundation of friendship and mutual respect. There are no unresolved issues between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan that could hinder the development of our strategic partnership. On the contrary, an atmosphere of complete trust and openness has emerged, allowing us to move forward with confidence.

It is in such an atmosphere that important initiatives and principles are born and decisions shaping the future of our bilateral cooperation are made. It is especially important that all the agreements reached are built on a sincere desire for joint development and the achievement of common goals. Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani cooperation has significant potential for further expanding engagement in transport, energy, investment, security, education, and other areas.

I believe that today’s talks will be held in the traditionally trusting and constructive atmosphere. Following the talks, important agreements aimed at the further development of bilateral ties will be reached. Their consistent implementation will serve as a contribution to achieving our common goal-raising the welfare of the brotherly peoples of Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan. The main political outcome will be the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations.

Once again, I extend a heartfelt welcome to you, dear Ilham Heydarovich, and to the entire Azerbaijani delegation on the hospitable soil of Kyrgyzstan.

Please, dear Ilham Heydarovich, the floor is yours.

x x x

Then, the President of Azerbaijan delivered his speech.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

– Dear Sadyr Nurgozhoevich.

Dear friends.

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude for the invitation to pay a state visit to brotherly Kyrgyzstan, and for the hospitality extended to me and the members of our delegation. This is not my first visit to this beautiful country, but I can say from personal experience that I am deeply impressed by the development taking place under your leadership, not only in this region but throughout the country. Above all, I would like to congratulate you and the entire brotherly people of Kyrgyzstan on your remarkable achievements in socio-economic development, strengthening the country’s economic potential, and enhancing its role in international affairs.

As your friends and brothers, we always rejoice in your achievements, and the results of your work are clearly evident in the construction sector, the financial sector, and the growth of the state budget, which enables greater expenditure for the prosperity of the people and country. This fills us with joy because we are friends and brothers, our peoples share common roots, and we regard the success of the brotherly people of Kyrgyzstan as our own.

I would also like to express my gratitude for your assistance in the reconstruction of Garabagh. The school that you and I jointly opened in the Aghdam district bears the name of Manas, and children are already studying there. This school is yet another symbol of our brotherhood and will forever stand as a monument to the unity of our peoples. This is appreciated not only by the people of Garabagh but by all the people of Azerbaijan. I am also pleased to see how successfully our humanitarian cooperation is developing: the Days of Kyrgyz Culture in Azerbaijan and the Days of Azerbaijan in Kyrgyzstan, held recently, have once again demonstrated how rich our culture is and how much needed such events are to more fully unveil the creative potential of our peoples.

You mentioned cooperation in various spheres. I am, of course, confident that all the goals we have set in all areas will be achieved. I am glad that the Kyrgyzstan-Azerbaijan Fund is operating successfully. We have decided to increase its capital, and several projects are already under implementation. I am confident that as the fund expands its activities, the number of projects will continue to grow. This will serve our shared objectives.

I am also pleased that Azerbaijan has contributed to the development of infrastructure and tourism in Issyk-Kul. Today, together with our colleagues, we will inaugurate the five-star Baku Hotel. This is another demonstration of our friendly, brotherly relations, as well as Azerbaijan’s modest contribution to the development of Issyk-Kul’s tourism potential. What I saw yesterday during our drive from the airport was truly impressive: both the construction and the infrastructure projects.

And yesterday, we visited together the area where facilities for playing golf have been created. These are international-level facilities. I would like to congratulate you on these achievements. In everything, one can feel your personal commitment to the people and the country, and your determination to accelerate development. And you are succeeding. We are sincerely happy about this. And, of course, as you have already noted, we are elevating our relations the level of an alliance. This is the highest level of interaction, reflecting both the nature and spirit of our relationship.

Once again, I thank you for the hospitality, and I am confident that the results of my state visit will help further strengthen our brotherly ties. Thank you.

x x x

President Sadyr Zhaparov: Dear Ilham Heydarovich, I thank you for your important assessments and for reaffirming the high level of Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani cooperation.

Dream Fest 2026 artists praise Azerbaijan’s hospitality and culture [PHOTOS]

Dream Fest 2026 once again brought together world-famous singers, musicians and performers from different countries at Sea Breeze, AzerNEWS reports.

For many of the participants, the festival was not only a major musical event but also an opportunity to get to know Azerbaijan, its culture, traditions and hospitality.

Speaking to Trend Life, the artists shared their impressions of Dream Fest, the atmosphere of Baku, Azerbaijani cuisine and the warm welcome they received from local audiences.

Cheb Khaled: “I am happy to visit Baku for the first time and become part of this wonderful festival. Together with my family, I discovered a very beautiful country, and we are delighted to be here. Music unites people, cities and cultures, and that feeling is especially strong here on the shores of the Caspian Sea. We are very happy to be in Baku.”

Ty Dolla $ign: “This is my first visit to Azerbaijan, and I am already inspired by the atmosphere of Baku. It is a beautiful city, and the energy of the festival is truly special. I have heard about dolma, qutab and kebab, and I will definitely try them. Music brings people together all over the world, and Dream Fest proves that once again.”

John Newman: “This is an amazing place with a special energy. For an artist, it is very important to feel that people love and remember your music. I am grateful for such a warm welcome and would be happy to return.”

EDIS: “Music knows no borders. It unites people from different countries and cultures. Thank you to Dream Fest and everyone who creates this amazing festival.”

Tomas Nevergreen: “For us, the festival in Baku feels like another world. Everything is organized at the highest level-the stage, the technical equipment and the atmosphere. But most importantly, it is the people. We received an incredibly warm welcome, and we are happy to be here.”

Andru Donalds: “Dream Fest is always a spectacular event. I have been here before and I am glad to return. The atmosphere is incredible, the energy is amazing, and the people are very sincere. Besides, Emin is a close friend of mine, so it is always a great pleasure to come here. And, of course, it is impossible to forget the famous Azerbaijani cuisine.”

Barbara Berta: “Every visit to Baku allows me to see how rapidly the city is developing. The atmosphere and energy here are incredible. I sincerely wish prosperity to this project and everything that is being created here.”

Emre Altug: “It is a great honor for me to be part of such a large-scale festival. But it is equally important to perform in Baku. People in Trkiye know how much Azerbaijan is loved, and that feeling is mutual. Next time, I would like to come here as a tourist to get to know this beautiful city even better.”

Ani Lorak: “I always look forward to meeting audiences in Baku. I love this city, Azerbaijani cuisine, and above all, the people. They are sincere, kind and hospitable. The most important thing I will take with me is the love of Azerbaijan and the incredibly warm welcome.”

Alsou: “It is impossible to stick to a diet in Baku. I love qutab and lula kebab-Azerbaijani cuisine is a real paradise for me. Baku has never felt like a foreign city. I love this city, the Azerbaijani people, and I am always happy to perform for such a warm and attentive audience.”

Stas Mikhailov: “I always come to Azerbaijan with great warmth and consider this country my second homeland. If I had the opportunity, I would visit much more often. This time I came with my children to show them Baku, Icherisheher, Sumgayit, introduce them to Azerbaijani cuisine and places connected with our family’s history.”

Stas Piekha: “I always enjoy coming to Baku. We have already filmed another music video for one of my songs here at the festival venue. I especially remember my walks through Icherisheher a month ago-this city always leaves the best impressions.”

Brandon Stone: “I visit Azerbaijan so often that I am seriously considering buying a home here. Every trip begins with a walk through Icherisheher-its old streets have a special energy. I also love Baku tomatoes and pomidor-yumurta. Dream Fest brings together friends and loved ones from all over the world, so we already feel at home here.”

Jaman T: “Baku is inspiration, warmth and, most importantly, home to wonderful, friendly and bright people. The festival is magnificent. I enjoyed the performances not only as a singer but also as a member of the audience.”

Members of the Pink Roses group: “It was love at first sight. A modern and beautiful city, a warm sea and kind people-everything we saw left the warmest impressions. We are always happy to meet Emin and are delighted to be part of this festival.”

Faig Agayev: “Dream Fest brings together artists from different countries and helps thousands of visitors discover Azerbaijan, its culture and musical traditions. The festival has long become much more than just a music event. Music has the unique power to unite people, and through it the world gets to know our country.”

Aygun Kazimova: “Dream Fest is a true celebration for me. The festival has become an important international platform that unites artists and audiences from different countries. Every year, performers and guests come here to see our beautiful city, meet the wonderful and hospitable people of Azerbaijan, and discover our music, culture and art.”

Tunzala Agayeva: “At Dream Fest, I presented a symbolic image dedicated to the 25th anniversary of my creative career. It reflects my entire artistic journey. Every year the festival reveals something new, confirming its status as one of the largest musical events.”

Zulfiya Khanbabayeva: “Every Dream Fest has its own unique atmosphere and always gives audiences new impressions. Each year the festival changes, introducing new ideas and formats. I thank the organizers and the audience for this wonderful celebration of music.”

Roza Zargarli: “For Azerbaijani artists, participating in such an international festival is especially important. It means a great deal that local performers have the opportunity to share the stage with world stars.”

Aysel Teymurzade: “You could say that my return to the stage began here at Dream Fest. Last year marked the beginning of a new chapter in my creative career. I truly feel that, like a phoenix, I have risen again. I sincerely thank everyone who loves and supports me, as well as the members of the press.”

Orkhan Zeynalli: “Dream Fest has already become an important part of Azerbaijan’s cultural life. It contributes to the development of the country’s modern music industry while introducing Azerbaijani music to international audiences. Artists of different nationalities and musical styles come to Baku, attracting diverse audiences where everyone can showcase their work. It is a true celebration, and I hope there will be even more festivals like this in the future.”

Saudi Arabia launches multinational maritime coalition to protect Red Sea shipping routes

Saudi Arabia and 13 partner nations have announced the formation of a multinational maritime defense coalition aimed at strengthening security along some of the world’s busiest shipping lanes, including the Bab al-Mandab Strait, the Red Sea, and the Gulf of Aden, AzerNEWS reports.

The initiative was unveiled following an international security meeting hosted by Riyadh, which brought together military chiefs and representatives from 43 countries, along with a delegation from the European Union. The discussions focused on enhancing maritime security, protecting global trade routes, and addressing growing threats to international navigation.

According to a joint statement issued after the meeting, the coalition is designed as a defensive alliance dedicated to safeguarding freedom of navigation, securing international trade and energy supply routes, and protecting maritime interests in accordance with international law and United Nations conventions.

The participating countries emphasized that the alliance is not directed against any state, military bloc, or international organization. Membership and participation in coalition activities will remain voluntary, allowing each country to determine its level of involvement based on its national interests.

Saudi Arabia will serve as the coalition’s founding and leading member, with its permanent headquarters located in the Kingdom. The alliance’s Joint Operations Coordination Center, Joint Maritime Operations Center, and General Secretariat will also be based in Saudi Arabia.

In addition to coordinating maritime security operations, member states agreed to deepen cooperation through intelligence sharing, joint operational planning, military exercises, training programs, capacity-building initiatives, and coordinated maritime missions under the coalition’s charter.

Saudi officials described the coalition as an open international defense initiative, inviting additional countries to join once they complete their domestic accession procedures.

The joint declaration supporting the initiative was endorsed by Saudi Arabia, Trkiye, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar, Jordan, Egypt, Pakistan, Djibouti, Somalia, Bangladesh, Yemen, the Comoros, and one additional participating state, bringing the total number of founding members to 14.

The coalition is being established amid heightened security concerns in the Red Sea region. Tensions have intensified following recent threats to commercial shipping, including attacks on vessels linked to Saudi Arabia after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi movement announced what it described as a maritime blockade on the Kingdom. Saudi authorities have pledged to protect international shipping lanes and ensure the uninterrupted flow of global trade and energy supplies.

President Ilham Aliyev and President Sadir Japarov make press statements [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov made press statements on July 31, AzerNEWS reports.

First, the President of Kyrgyzstan delivered his statement.

Statement by President Sadyr Zhaparov

– Dear Ilham Heydarovich,

Dear representatives of the media,

Today, with great pleasure, we welcome the President of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Ilham Heydarovich, and members of the Azerbaijani delegation to the hospitable Kyrgyz land.

I thank you for accepting my invitation to pay a state visit to the Kyrgyz Republic.

I am confident that this visit will give a new impetus to the further strengthening of our brotherly relations. Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan consistently support each other and successfully coordinate approaches on issues of mutual interest. I note with satisfaction that the political dialogue between Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan is now at its highest level. Regular contacts and mutual trust lay a solid foundation for the further strengthening of the allied relations established today.

Mr. President and I held detailed and trusting talks on the entire spectrum of Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani cooperation. Under our co-chairmanship, the 3rd meeting of the Interstate Council was held, and a protocol was signed. We heard a report on the implementation of the Council’s decisions and discussed the progress of joint initiatives, including the activities of the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan Development Fund.

We reviewed key areas of bilateral interaction and outlined further steps to develop our partnership. An important outcome of today’s negotiations was the signing of the Treaty on Allied Relations. This truly historic event marks a new stage in Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani cooperation. In addition, a solid package of bilateral documents was signed, covering energy, transport, cybersecurity, education, financial market regulation, as well as the circulation of precious metals. We noted the steady development of trade and economic cooperation and the stable growth of bilateral trade turnover. We agreed to continue creating favorable conditions for expanding business ties and implementing joint investment projects. Today, within the framework of the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstam Development Fund, three joint projects were inaugurated, and the implementation of eight initiatives was launched.

We paid special attention to the development of transport corridors and the efficient utilization of the transit potential of our countries. We highlighted the important role of Azerbaijan as a key link in the Middle Corridor connecting Central Asia with European markets. We also discussed promising areas of cooperation in the energy sector and opportunities for implementing joint projects. Today, the grand opening of the first five-star hotel built by the Azerbaijani side on the shores of Lake Issyk-Kul will take place.

I am confident that this project will become another symbol of the strong friendship between our peoples and will make a significant contribution to the development of tourism potential.

I would like to highlight our effective interaction within international organizations. I invited His Excellency Ilham Heydarovich to take part in the solemn opening ceremony of the 6th World Nomad Games, the upcoming SCO plus Summit, as well as the 2nd ‘Bishkek+25’ Global Mountain Summit, which will take place on October 21-23, 2027, in Bishkek.

In conclusion, I would like to express my satisfaction with the outcomes of today’s negotiations.

Dear Ilham Heydarovich, I am grateful to you for the insightful exchange of views, your personal attention to the development of Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani relations, and your unwavering commitment to strengthening friendship between our peoples. The agreements reached confirm the mutual desire of Kyrgyzstan and Azerbaijan to further deepen allied relations.

Thank you for your attention.

x x x

Then, the President of Azerbaijan made his statement.

Statement by President Ilham Aliyev

-Dear Sadyr Nurgozhoevich.

Dear friends.

First of all, I would like to once again express my gratitude to you, dear Mr. President, for the invitation to pay a state visit to Kyrgyzstan and for the traditional hospitality extended to me on the brotherly land of Kyrgyzstan. Today, together with you, we have raised our interstate relations to the highest level, once again demonstrating our joint desire to strengthen our cooperation.

Allied relations entail great responsibility, and we are prepared to shoulder it. We will continue to support each other in all undertakings: on international platforms, in the trade and economic sphere, and in strengthening security.

As you noted, the package of documents signed today demonstrates the broad scope of our interaction. I am confident that, as a results of my visit, the agreements reached will be implemented as successfully as all previous agreements.

Today, we agreed to double the capital of the Joint Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan investment fund to 200 million US dollars. I am confident that this is also not the limit, because the presentation we received on the Fund’s activities indicates that it is being filled with concrete substance. A great number of projects are being implemented in Kyrgyzstan, creating joint ventures, new jobs, and strengthening the economic potential of our interaction.

Furthermore, today we will join our colleagues in the opening of the Baku Hotel, which is also a joint decision of ours. We are very pleased and proud that the first five-star hotel on the shores of Issyk-Kul has been constructed with funds from the Azerbaijani government and bears the name ‘Baku.’

We also invariably express our gratitude for the assistance in the reconstruction of Garabagh. Together with you, we participated in the opening of the Manas school in the Aghdam district, which was a major contribution by the Kyrgyz people to the restoration of Garabagh, which remained under occupation for 30 years.

We have so much that binds us together in terms of history, culture, and our respect for the outstanding representatives of our peoples. Together, we also unveiled a monument to Chingiz Aitmatov in Baku and a park bearing his name. These places, too, are closely connected with the life and legacy of Chingiz Aitmatov. Today, we held our meeting in a house associated with him, with his portrait displayed on its walls. All of this reflects our mutual aspiration to grow closer to one another.

I also will not forget how a few years ago we jointly opened the Kyrgyz-Azerbaijani Friendship Park in Bishkek. This is also a symbol of our joint cooperation in the capital.

The humanitarian ties we discussed today, cultural events, the Days of Culture of Kyrgyzstan in Azerbaijan and of Azerbaijan in Kyrgyzstan- all of this creates a positive atmosphere and once again demonstrates how close our peoples are, bound by common roots and united within a number of international organizations.

I would like to express special gratitude to you, as well as to all other presidents of the Central Asian countries, for including Azerbaijan as a full member of the Consultative Meeting of the Central Asian States, which is now called the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. And the next meeting will take place literally in a short while. Once again, I express my gratitude for such a benevolent attitude, and once again for this high award.

For my part, I would like to invite you to pay another state visit to Azerbaijan at a time convenient for you. Thank you for your attention.

Musk denies Tesla eyeing sale of China unit

Elon Musk, billionaire entrepreneur and the world’s richest man with a net worth of $708.8 billion, according to Forbes, denied on Friday recent media reports that his company, Tesla Inc., is considering a sale of its China operations, AzerNEWS reports.

“Fake news,” Musk wrote on X, sharing a post with the report. “This has never even come up in a discussion ever. Absurdly fake news. People should assume news is fake until proven otherwise,” he added.

Furthermore, according to reports, advisers have evaluated several options, including a spin-off, a sale, or the termination of all operations, as the automaker is supposedly considering splitting off its China division to finance a possible merger with SpaceXAI.