Category: Azer News

‘Career Preparation Week 2026′ has officially started at ADA University, aiming to accelerate students’ integration into the labor market and better prepare them for the professional world, AzerNEWS reports.

The eight-day intensive program, running from April 6 to 15, is being implemented with the main sponsorship of ABB Bank, partnership support from Bahar Energy Operating Company, and organizational backing by the ADA University Foundation.

This year, 914 students applied to the program, with 583 participants selected through a competitive process to take part in the training sessions. Representatives and experts from 23 leading companies are delivering sessions aligned with the demands of the modern business environment.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Vice-Rector Gunay Ziyadova highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, noting that the program serves not only as a training platform but also as a bridge connecting students’ academic knowledge with real industry experience.

During the official segment, Aqshin Amirov, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of ABB, delivered a presentation titled ‘Future Skills for the Digital Economy: Preparing Future Professionals,’ while Sean Werner, Vice President of Bahar Energy Operating Company, spoke on ‘Empowering the Future: Preparing the Young Generation for the Energy Sector,’ sharing insights on global trends.

As part of the program, students are participating in training sessions covering key areas such as artificial intelligence readiness, emotional intelligence, personal branding, and innovative thinking, led by experts from sectors including banking, information technology, consulting, and energy.

The initiative will conclude with a Career Fair scheduled for April 24, providing participants with direct engagement opportunities with employers.

As the Iran war enters its 6th week, developments on the ground continue to present a far more complex picture than official statements suggest. One of the most debated issues in recent days has been the “successful rescue of a wounded pilot”, presented by the administration of Donald Trump, AzerNEWS reports.

According to official U.S. accounts, ? U.S. F-15E fighter jet was shot down over Iran on Friday, and one crew member from the plane was later rescued by American forces. President Trump stated that both pilots were successfully rescued in a military operation, though no details were provided regarding their identities or where they are currently receiving treatment.

Independent analyses suggest significant gaps in this narrative. One of the most notable points is the reported crash location of the aircraft near Isfahan and close to the Natanz Nuclear Facility. This geographical proximity has raised questions about whether the mission was purely a rescue operation.

Meanwhile, Iranian sources – particularly those linked to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps – claim that reinforcements were rapidly deployed to the area and that U.S. forces were at risk of encirclement. Videos circulating on social media appear to show explosions and missile launches near the Kohgiluyeh region, suggesting intense clashes.

According to these reports, the United States conducted an emergency evacuation to prevent further escalation. Additional transport aircraft were allegedly sent to extract personnel, while damaged aircraft and helicopters left behind were reportedly destroyed by airstrikes.

Officials told US media that the crew member spent more than 24 hours on his own, hiding in the mountains and hiking up a 2,000m ridge line.

After he was rescued, he was flown to Kuwait to receive treatment for his injuries, CBS said, quoting US officials.

More than 170 American aircraft took part in the operation to rescue the F-15 crew members, Trump said Monday, an effort that included assistance from the Central Intelligence Agency.

April 7 marks the 34th anniversary of the establishment of Azerbaijan Airlines (AZAL). Founded on this day in 1992, the airline has prioritized safe and uninterrupted air travel from the very beginning. This significant date represents one of the most important milestones in the development of Azerbaijan’s air connectivity with countries around the world.

Having started operations as a national carrier serving domestic routes, AZAL has played a key role in the development of civil aviation in Azerbaijan over the past 34 years and has grown into one of the leading airlines in the region. Fleet expansion, route network development, implementation of international safety and service standards, as well as the training of qualified aviation professionals have remained among the company’s strategic priorities throughout its history.

Today, AZAL’s fleet includes nearly 30 modern and comfortable aircraft manufactured by Boeing, Airbus, and Embraer. By 2032, the fleet is planned to expand to more than 50 aircraft. At the same time, the airline continues to invest in human capital development, with particular focus on training national aviation specialists, including professional pilots. All these efforts are aimed at providing passengers with an even more comfortable travel experience.

New Destinations – New Opportunities

AZAL’s continuously expanding route network contributes to strengthening Azerbaijan’s international air connections and plays an important role in developing the country’s transport and tourism potential. Since 2022, the number of destinations offering passengers opportunities to discover new cultures has nearly doubled. Today, AZAL operates direct flights to numerous destinations across different regions of the world. The consistent expansion of its route geography creates broader opportunities for both business and leisure travel, while further reinforcing Azerbaijan’s position as an important transit hub.

Safety and Professionalism as Enduring Priorities

At every stage of its development, AZAL has consistently maintained flight safety as its top priority, continuously improving operational processes in line with international aviation standards. Alongside pilot training, the airline implements professional development programs for technical staff and cabin crew. The involvement of local specialists in practical training both domestically and internationally contributes significantly to the formation of a professional aviation environment in Azerbaijan. At the same time, advanced practices in safety, maintenance, and operational management are introduced through cooperation with international aviation organizations. This approach enables the national carrier to ensure a high level of reliability, safety, and service quality.

Recognized Achievements on the International Stage

Over 34 years of operation, AZAL has repeatedly received prestigious international awards for service quality, safety standards, and passenger satisfaction. In 2015, the globally recognized British consultancy Skytrax awarded Azerbaijan Airlines the prestigious 4-Star Airline rating. In 2025, AZAL received this distinction for the fifth time.

In addition, in 2018, Skytrax named AZAL the Best Regional Airline in Central Asia and India. In 2020, the aviation analytics publication Official Airline Guide (OAG) recognized AZAL as Europe’s most punctual airline for 2019. Last year, the airline also won the title of Best Regional Airline in Central Asia and CIS at the World Airline Awards 2025.

The Great Return: A Significant Milestone in the Skies of Karabakh

One of the most symbolic milestones for the national carrier was the restoration in 2021, after a long interruption, of national navigation system radio call signals in the skies over Karabakh. AZAL aircraft were the first to receive these signals.

Towards New Horizons

The achievements made over this 34-year journey confirm AZAL’s competitive position in the region and strengthen its reputation as a reliable carrier in the international aviation industry.

AZAL’s future development strategy is focused not only on providing passengers with safe and comfortable travel, but also on strengthening Azerbaijan’s role as an important transport hub reliably connecting the country to global airspace.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Muhsin Sentrk, Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court of Appeal of the Republic of Trkiye, on April 7, AzerNEWS reports.

The Prosecutor General expressed his gratitude for the reception and said he was honored to meet with the President.

Muhsin Sentrk conveyed the greetings of President of the Republic of Trkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan to President Ilham Aliyev.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to President Erdogan.

During the conversation, the sides praised the successful development of bilateral relations in all areas, rooted in the principles of brotherhood and strategic alliance. They noted that no two countries in the world are as close to each other as Azerbaijan and Trkiye.

The meeting highlighted the successful cooperation between the prosecution authorities of the two countries. In this context, the parties discussed their fruitful collaboration within the Organization of Turkic States and stressed the importance of further expanding the exchange of experience.

The sides also exchanged views on the prospects for future cooperation.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan has hosted a delegation from the National Bank of Georgia for a working visit aimed at exchanging expertise and strengthening institutional cooperation, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Central Bank, the meetings focused on the implementation of financial stability functions and the development of macroprudential policy frameworks in both countries.

During the discussions, representatives shared their approaches to assessing financial stability across key sectors, including households, the non-financial corporate sector, and the real estate market. Particular attention was given to identifying potential risks and ensuring the resilience of the financial system.

The sides also exchanged views on stress-testing frameworks, with an emphasis on methodologies used to evaluate the banking sector’s ability to withstand adverse economic scenarios. In addition, discussions covered the organization of climate-related stress tests, including both physical and transition risks associated with climate change.

The visit underscored the growing importance of regional cooperation in enhancing financial stability and adapting to emerging global challenges.

The combined gross domestic product of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has surpassed $2.1 trillion, accounting for around 2 percent of the global economy, highlighting the bloc’s growing economic weight, AzerNEWS reports.

The figures were shared by Anas Bakkozhayev, Chairman of the Commission on Economic Cooperation of TURKPA and a deputy of the Kazakh Parliament, during the commission’s thirteenth meeting held under the theme ‘Realities and Prospects for the Implementation of Joint Economic Activities of the TURKPA Member States.’

According to Bakkozhayev, mutual trade among Turkic states has reached approximately $57 billion, while their total foreign trade volume stands at $1.1 trillion.

He emphasized that expanding economic cooperation among member states is driven by both bilateral and multilateral initiatives, contributing to broader economic development across the Turkic world.

‘In this framework, the development of economic cooperation leads to the expansion of mutually beneficial economic and trade relations. It is important to form a legal basis for economic relations. Various organizations are being created to strengthen mutual relations between Turkic states. Specific projects are being implemented to strengthen economic activities,’ he stated.

Bakkozhayev noted that these efforts are aimed at strengthening economic ties, deepening integration, and accelerating overall development among member states.

‘The main goal is to promote joint activities between countries, more effectively reveal economic potential and expand cooperation. In particular, coordination of such activities and study of existing issues between member states is of great importance,’ he added.

He concluded that ongoing initiatives and institutional coordination will have a positive impact on the development of member countries, with expanded cooperation across various sectors expected to ensure long-term sustainability.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) called on Iranian civilians to stay away from the railway infrastructure on Tuesday, AzerNEWS reports.

In a post on social media, the Israeli military told people in Iran that they should avoid using trains or being near railways, as this could put their lives at risk.

The IDF said that the danger will last until 9 pm local time.

U.S. President Donald Trump has warned of the ‘complete demolition’ of Iran’s power plants and bridges within hours if the Strait of Hormuz is not fully reopened by Tuesday’s deadline. He stated that Iran’s response to the U.S. ceasefire proposal, which was communicated through intermediaries, is ‘significant,’ but ‘not good enough.’

In response, Iran’s military described Trump’s threats as ‘delusional,’ asserting that they cannot compensate for the ‘disgrace and humiliation’ the U.S. has faced in the region, according to a statement from Iranian media.

On Monday, U.S.-Israeli attacks across Iran resulted in the deaths of at least 34 people, while Iranian missiles and drones continued to target key sites in Gulf countries. Additionally, an Israeli airstrike killed at least 10 people near a school that was sheltering displaced Palestinians in central Gaza.

A new power substation is set to be constructed in Azerbaijan’s Absheron region as part of efforts to strengthen electricity infrastructure, AzerNEWS reports.

According to reports, Azerishig Open Joint Stock Company has already launched preparatory work for the project. The plan provides for the construction of a modern 35/6 kV substation to replace the existing 6/0.4 kV Distribution Plant No. 919 located in the Novkhani settlement.

The company is currently in the process of selecting a contractor to carry out the construction works.

The new substation is projected to cost 4.1 million manats ($2.4 million), reflecting ongoing investment in the country’s energy distribution network.

Recent data from the State Statistical Committee of Azerbaijan shows that electricity production in Azerbaijan reached 4.347 billion kilowatt-hours in January-February of this year, marking a decline compared to the same period last year.

Of this volume, 4.212 billion kilowatt-hours accounted for commercial electricity, also showing a decrease year-on-year.

Overall, the electricity, gas and steam production, distribution and supply sector generated output worth 671.6 million manats ($395 million) during the reporting period. Meanwhile, the water supply, waste treatment and processing sector produced goods and services valued at 93.4 million manats ($54.9 million).

Gold, traditionally regarded as a safe-haven asset, has experienced a complex and volatile trajectory in early 2026, shaped by competing macroeconomic forces, geopolitical risks, and liquidity dynamics, AzerNEWS reports.

The price of one troy ounce of gold rose to $4,694.20 on the COMEX Commodity Exchange in New York.

According to market data, geopolitical tensions have intensified inflationary risks and contributed to heightened investor anxiety. Historically, such conditions have supported gold prices, reinforcing its role as a hedge against uncertainty.

However, the narrative shifted sharply in March 2026. Gold had begun the year with a bang, rising 12.42% in January – its best monthly performance since November 2009 – and 8.9% in February, giving it a seven-month winning streak for the first time in 53 years.

The central banks of the world continue to increase the share of gold in reserves at the expense of dollar assets, a trend that has been gaining momentum since 2015.

Several key factors contributed to gold’s decline. The strengthening of the US dollar played a central role, as investors sought liquidity and safety in dollar-denominated assets. A stronger dollar makes gold more expensive for holders of other currencies, dampening global demand. Treasury yields have increased the opportunity costs of owning non-profitable assets such as gold, prompting investors to rebalance their portfolios.

Despite short-term volatility, the longer-term outlook for gold remains supported by structural factors. In 2025, gold prices rose by 64%, driven by sustained safe-haven demand, accommodative US monetary policy, and strong central bank purchases.

Azerbaijan has also benefited from favorable market conditions. In January-February 2026, the country exported gold worth $60.7 million, marking a 51% increase compared to the same period last year.

While geopolitical tensions and inflation risks continue to provide underlying support, factors such as a strong US dollar, rising bond yields, and liquidity pressures can temporarily undermine prices. It is important for investors to understand these dynamics in order to navigate the increasingly complex global economic situation.

Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau has presented the tourism potential of Azerbaijan for the first time in Indonesia during the ‘Indonesia Travel Expo 2026’ held in Jakarta on April 6, AzerNEWS reports.

Within the framework of the exhibition, Azerbaijan was introduced as an attractive travel destination to the Indonesian market. Participants were informed about the country’s tourism offerings, including new products and services.

A series of business meetings were also held to establish partnerships with local travel agencies, expand cooperation, and explore new opportunities in the Southeast Asian tourism market.

The event served as an important platform to promote Azerbaijan as an ‘Umrah Plus’ destination, highlighting its rich Islamic heritage, historical mosques, cultural diversity, halal food options, natural landscapes, and modern tourism infrastructure.

The exhibition is set to continue in Surabaya on April 9.

In parallel, promotional efforts are also targeting Malaysia. As part of this outreach, the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau organized a webinar for leading Malaysian travel agencies specializing in Umrah pilgrimage, further promoting Azerbaijan as an ‘Umrah Plus’ destination.