Category: Azer News

In January-February of this year, Azerbaijan produced 1,634.6 tons of tea, marking a 6.1% increase compared to the same period of 2025, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the State Statistics Committee, finished product reserves stood at 73 tons as of March 1, reflecting a sharp year-on-year increase of 39.6%.

During the reporting period, Azerbaijan also produced food products worth 937.7 million manats, up 11.4% from the previous year.

The latest figures come amid a broader upward trend in the country’s tea sector. In 2024, Azerbaijan produced over 11,500 tons of tea between January and November, continuing a steady expansion of output. Earlier data also shows that production reached around 10,379 tons in the first ten months of 2024, up compared to the same period of 2023.

In 2023, annual tea production stood at approximately 11,600 tons, indicating sustained recovery in the sector following years of decline.

The “Agreement on strategic partnership between the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan, the Ministry of Education of Syria, and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) on the restoration of educational infrastructure in Syria” has been approved, AzerNEWS reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, the mentioned agreement was signed in Rabat on February 17, 2026.

After the agreement enters into force, the Ministry of Science and Education of Azerbaijan must ensure the implementation of its provisions.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry must notify the government of Syria and ICESCO that the internal procedures necessary for the entry into force of the agreement have been completed.

A new version of Azerbaijan’s Eurovision 2026 entry has been officially presented on the Eurovision Song Contest’s YouTube channel, AzerNEWS reports.

The song, titled “Just Go,” is performed by Azerbaijani singer JIVA (Jamila Hashimova) and explores themes of love, heartbreak, and inner strength.

It tells the story of someone rediscovering themselves and turning a new page in life after experiencing disappointment in a relationship. JIVA’s powerful vocals and emotional performance play a central role in conveying the message of resilience and personal renewal.

Composed by Fuad Javadov with lyrics by Fuad Javadov and Nurlana Jafarova, this newly released version offers a fresh, energetic take on the track. However, it has been confirmed that the original version of “Just Go” will be the one performed live on the Eurovision stage in Vienna.

JIVA is set to compete in the first half of the second semi-final of Eurovision 2026, scheduled for May 14.

JIVA, whose real name is Jamila Hashimova, is an Azerbaijani singer known for her strong vocal abilities and sincere stage performances. Her artistic journey began in 2003 when she finished second at the Baku Autumn competition. In 2007, she participated in the Show Time project.

Throughout her career, she has taken part in a number of musical projects. She performed with the renowned RAST ensemble led by Rashad Hashimov and appeared on stage at the prestigious Montreux Jazz Festival. Later, as the lead vocalist of Hazz Band, she blended jazz elements with contemporary pop music.

Since 2017, JIVA has continued her career as a solo artist, releasing songs in pop, dance, and R and B genres in Azerbaijani, Russian, and English. In 2025, she achieved another major milestone by winning The Voice of Azerbaijan as part of the team of Roya Aykhan.

The singer is not new to the Eurovision stage. Back in 2011, JIVA reached the top three in Azerbaijan’s Eurovision national selection, marking an early connection with the contest that would eventually lead her to represent the country internationally.

The Eurovision Song Contest 2026 will take place in Vienna, Austria. The first semi-final is scheduled for May 12, the second semi-final for May 14, and the grand final for May 16, 2026.

In total, around 35 participating countries are expected to compete in this edition of Eurovision, with artists divided between the two semi-finals.

The shows will be hosted by Austrian presenters Victoria Swarovski and Michael Ostrowski, guiding viewers through one of the most anticipated music events of the year.

Azerbaijan achieved an impressive streak at the Eurovision Song Contest, finishing in the Top 5 for five consecutive years: 3rd place in 2009, 5th in 2010, victory in 2011, followed by 4th place in 2012 and 2nd in 2013.

On February 4, 2025, Ictimai Television (ITV) officially announced that Mamagama had been internally selected to represent Azerbaijan at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel, performing the song “Run with U”.

The group took part in the first semi-final on May 13, 2025, but unfortunately did not advance to the grand final.

The Azerbaijan Chess Federation has launched a new project, AzerNEWS reports.

The members of the national team, as well as well-known chess players, will participate in “Master Lessons” on the federation’s website.

During the “Master Lesson”, chess players will analyze various games and talk about the most difficult games in their careers.

The next edition of “Master Lesson” featured a guest, national team member and under-20 world champion Govhar Beydullayeva.

The Azerbaijan Chess Championship will conclude on February 22. All games begin daily at 15:00.

Founded in 1926, the Azerbaijan Chess Federation (ACF) has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s strong chess tradition.

The ACF organizes national and international tournaments, provides training programs, and supports the growth of chess at all levels, from school children to grandmasters.

The Federation is also responsible for the success of its national teams, which have consistently performed well in prestigious competitions such as the Chess Olympiad and the World Chess Championship.

King Charles III is set to make an official state visit to the United States this April at the invitation of the American government, according to a statement from Buckingham Palace, AzerNEWS reports.

The visit will commemorate the 250th anniversary of U.S. independence, underscoring the enduring ties between the two nations. The King will be accompanied by his wife, Queen Camilla.

The royal program will focus on both the historical foundations and modern dynamics of UK-U.S. relations, highlighting the close diplomatic, cultural, and strategic partnership between the allies.

As part of the trip, King Charles III is also expected to travel to Bermuda, marking his first visit to a British Overseas Territory since ascending the throne.

The visit is being seen as a significant diplomatic moment, reinforcing the long-standing ‘special relationship’ between United Kingdom and United States.

The Israeli Defense Ministry decided to annul all of its defense agreements with France, Israel’s Channel 12 reported on Tuesday, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the report, the Israeli Defense Ministry issued the order as France has been acting “hostile” toward Israel ever since the events that took place in October 2023.

Last year, France shut some of Israel’s stands at a Paris airshow. At the time, Israeli officials condemned the decision, calling it “bluntly antisemitic.” France has also called for an arms embargo on Israel in the past.

It was unclear exactly how the decision would impact the countries, given that France has been boycotting Israeli weapons since mid-way through the Israel-Hamas War in Gaza, and given that a source clarified that existing contracts would be honored and private companies could still make deals.

In addition, France has pressured Israel to reduce its attacks on Hezbollah during the 2023-2024 conflict, while full hostilities were reduced but not gone in 2024, and during the current conflict.

Despite the disagreements, France helped defend Israel from Iranian missiles and drones in 2024, and the countries are still cooperating in various intelligence and other capacities.

For example, France helped snap back global nuclear sanctions on Iran in the summer of 2025.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has made a post on her official Instagram page on 31 March – the Day of Genocide of Azerbaijanis.

Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned on Tuesday that all homes in the Lebanese villages near the border with Israel will be demolished as the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) plans to establish a buffer zone and control the area up to the Litani River, “including the remaining Litani bridges”, AzerNEWS reports.

“Determined to separate Lebanon from the Iranian arena – and to change the situation in Lebanon once and for all with an IDF security presence in the necessary locations,” Katz said.

The minister reiterated that more than 600,000 displaced residents of southern Lebanon would be banned from returning south of the Litani, and that the safety of northern Israel residents is ensured.

Fars News Agency reports that US-Israeli attacks on Isfahan province in Iran targeted several military sites. Firefighters have extinguished a blaze on Kuwait’s Al-Salmi oil tanker at Dubai port following an attack on the fully loaded ship.

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio stated in an interview with Al Jazeera that President Donald Trump “always prefers diplomacy,” but he also warned Iran of “real consequences” due to the partial closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

Following a summit in Jeddah, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and Jordan’s King Abdullah II condemned Iranian attacks on regional civilian infrastructure.

The globally renowned Eurovision Song Contest is set to make history with the launch of its first-ever Asian edition, marking a major expansion beyond its traditional European roots, AzerNEWS reports.

Organizers have confirmed that broadcasters from 10 Asian countries, including South Korea, Thailand, and Philippines, will participate in the inaugural contest, with more nations expected to join in the coming months.

Each country will host its own national selection process before competing in the grand final, scheduled to take place in Bangkok on November 14 in a live televised event.

First launched in 1956, Eurovision has grown into the world’s longest-running international music competition. As the contest approaches its 70th anniversary in 2026, organizers say expanding into Asia is a natural next step. Martin Green of the European Broadcasting Union described the move as ‘especially meaningful,’ highlighting Asia’s rich cultural diversity and musical talent.

The announcement has already sparked excitement online, with fans across the region rallying behind their countries. Some have even speculated on potential winners, while others questioned the absence of major markets like China and Japan from the initial lineup.

This is not Eurovision’s first attempt to expand globally. In 2022, organizers launched the American Song Contest, hosted by Snoop Dogg and Kelly Clarkson. However, the show struggled with low viewership and was not renewed.

Organizers are betting on stronger success in Asia, a region experiencing rapid growth in its music industry. Fueled by rising incomes, social media influence, and youth-driven trends, Asian pop culture has gained global traction, led by phenomena like K-pop, alongside Thailand’s emerging ‘T-Wind’ scene and the enduring popularity of Bollywood, despite India not yet confirming participation.

The initial list of participating countries includes Bangladesh, Bhutan, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Nepal, the Philippines, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam, setting the stage for what could become a major new global music event.

A Chinese company has been offered land in Azerbaijan’s Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) for the construction of a solar power plant, as the country steps up efforts to expand renewable energy capacity and industrial output, AzerNEWS reports, citing Trend.

Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board of the AFEZ Authorized Body, said that Sunsync, the first Chinese company officially registered in the zone, will initially establish a 23-hectare solar panel manufacturing facility.

The plant will bring advanced technologies and innovative capabilities to Azerbaijan, with most of its output intended for export due to its large production capacity.

‘From the outset, the goal is not only to serve the domestic market but to access global markets,’ Alasgarov said.

The AFEZ administration is also encouraging investors operating in the zone to use locally produced solar panels for rooftop installations on new facilities. In addition, Sunsync is expected to participate in tenders across Azerbaijan for the supply of solar panels.

Alasgarov noted that once production begins, companies building solar power plants will benefit from easier and more cost-effective access to panels manufactured within the zone.

Authorities have also indicated their readiness to allocate land to Sunsync for the construction of a solar power plant within AFEZ. This would enable the company to generate green energy using its own panels and supply electricity to businesses operating in the zone.

In parallel, AFEZ is working on another major initiative focused on wind energy. Negotiations are underway with several companies to establish a facility for the production of wind turbine components, including blades and other essential equipment.

Local manufacturing of such components is expected to reduce construction costs for wind farms and eliminate logistical challenges associated with transporting large-scale equipment.

Meanwhile, infrastructure development in the zone is progressing steadily. Construction work has already begun in the area designated for heavy industry, where land preparation has been completed across 364 hectares. Additional infrastructure projects are planned for later this year.

Within the heavy industry zone, development work is being carried out by the Authorized Body. Outside the area, the state energy company Azerenerji is expected to begin construction of a major substation in the near future, alongside other infrastructure projects led by government agencies.

Alasgarov emphasized that investor interest is already growing, with applications submitted for operations in the heavy industry zone. Major industrial projects in AFEZ are expected to be announced in the near future.