Category: Azer News

Azerbaijan has hosted its first-ever National Forum on Cochlear Implantation, AzerNEWS reports.

The forum, held in honor of the International Cochlear Implantation Day, was initiated by the Social Support for People with Cochlear Implants Public Association.

The event took place at the Nizami Cinema Center and was ceremonially opened with the performance of the State Anthem of Azerbaijan. During the opening ceremony, representatives of relevant ministries delivered speeches outlining the government’s policy in the field of cochlear implantation and the achievements made in the country.

Speakers included Jalya Akhmadova, Adviser to the Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population; Nelli Veysova, Adviser to the Chairman of the Board of the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance; Jeyhun Mammadov, Member of the Parliamentary Committee on Science and Education; Heyran Safarova, Chief Adviser of the Special Education Sector at the State Agency for Preschool and General Education under the Ministry of Science and Education; Naila Huseynova, Dean of the Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University; Davud Ragimli, President of the Union of Organizations for Persons with Disabilities; and Elshan Aliyev, Chairman of the media organization EMEDIA GROUP.

The forum continued in the format of two panel sessions. The first panel included members of the Azerbaijan Parliament, who shared their perspectives on current issues in the field. Participants included Elchin Mirzabayli, Gunay Aghamali, Vugar Iskandarov, Parvana Valiyeva, and Aydin Mirzazade.

The second panel was attended by medical professionals. Presentations were delivered by Hamida Abbasova, geneticist; Sahila Mirzayeva, pediatric neonatologist; Ilakha Aslanova, audiologist; Tajeddin Muradov, ENT surgeon; Gunel Suleymanli, neurologist; Madat Sadigov, implantation specialist; Adila Mursalova, speech therapist and defectologist; Tarana Mammadova, general surgeon; and Afet Israfilova. They provided detailed information on cochlear implantation procedures and subsequent rehabilitation processes.

The main goal of the forum was to improve the quality of life of people with cochlear implants in Azerbaijan, strengthen their social integration, and raise public awareness on the topic.

During the event, it was noted that a social and medical approach to cochlear implantation surgeries began to be gradually implemented in Azerbaijan in 2015. Since 2020, the inclusion of these surgeries in the mandatory health insurance system by the State Agency on Mandatory Health Insurance has opened a new stage in the development of this field. This step has made it possible not only to perform surgeries but also to provide full support for the subsequent development of children and adults with cochlear implants.

Speakers emphasized that further strengthening state support for people with cochlear implants is of great importance for the future of thousands of families, parents, and children. They noted that the measures taken in this area are an important manifestation of socially oriented and humanistic state policy.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az and Milli.Az.

An exhibition titled “The Birth of Suzani: The Story of an Embroiderer” has opened its doors at the Azerbaijan National Art Museum, AzerNEWS reports.

The exhibition features unique handmade embroidery pieces from Uzbekistan. The art project, jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the National Art Museum with the support of the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Azerbaijan and the Uzbek Association “Hunarmand”, is dedicated to the revival and development of the traditions of the Tashkent school of embroidery.

The idea for the project, based on a creative dialogue between theory and practice, between art historians and masters, belongs to Binavshe Nodir, while the artistic expression and practical implementation are the work of the talented master Madina Kasymbayeva. Suzani is a fabric embroidered with natural silk threads.

Speakers at the event included the Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister Saadat Yusifova, Director of the National Art Museum, Honored Cultural Worker Shirin Malikova, the Ambassador of Uzbekistan to Azerbaijan Bahrom Ashrafkhanov, Doctor of Philosophy in Art History and editor-in-chief of the journals “Sanat” and “Hunarmand” Binavsha Nodir, Chairman of the Association “Hunarmand” Rasuljon Mirzaakhmedov, and President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova. They expressed joy that the long-awaited exhibition is now in Baku and emphasized the importance of returning tradition to culture as a living art form.

In the documentary film presented by the organizers, visitors could learn about the complex and labor-intensive process of creating suzani, from preparing and dyeing the threads, applying the pattern to the canvas, to the magical moment when the master brings the fairy-tale ornaments to life. There are several schools of this remarkable embroidery-Samarkand, Bukhara, Shakhrisabz, and others-each of which preserves the history, nature, and way of life of the people in its symbols.

The displayed masterpieces, decorated with symbolic floral patterns made of silk threads or embroidery floss, bright colors of natural dyes, and perfect harmony of design, captivate viewers and inspire admiration for the skill and meticulous craftsmanship. Floral motifs, birds, pomegranates, the sun, and stars come alive in the hands of talented female artisans. When asked how much patience and time this work requires, the smiling Madina Khanum replied that it takes one master about eight months to complete an average-sized panel. Often, embroiderers divide the canvas into several sections, and after completing their parts, they join them with an invisible seam.

The central exhibit of the exhibition is one of the largest works in the history of Uzbek embroidery-the suzani “Oy-palyak”, measuring 5.3 × 8 meters. The ornaments adorning it embody symbolic meaning, with each element carrying a special significance.

In the legends, songs, symbols, and ornaments that each people share with the world, there exists such rich diversity that losing these distinctions would mean losing a part of the very soul of the nation. The Tashkent school of suzani was revived thanks to the efforts of a creative team committed to the culture of their homeland. Today, experienced masters pass on their skills to young students, following the ancient tradition of transferring the right to the next stitch after the master.

The exhibition program also includes master classes by Madina Kasimbaeva and a lecture-presentation by Binavshe Nodir titled “The Topography of Tradition.”

Visitors can view the exhibition up to April 30.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

The government of Japan is not currently considering deploying its naval forces to patrol the waters of the Strait of Hormuz, Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi said during parliamentary debates.

As reported by AzerNEWS, speaking in response to lawmakers’ questions, Koizumi stated that the dispatch of the country’s Self-Defense Forces is ‘not on the agenda at the moment.’

At the same time, the minister noted that Japan’s existing legal framework theoretically allows the deployment of Japanese vessels to the region if it becomes necessary to ensure the protection of Japanese citizens’ lives, health, or property. However, Koizumi refrained from commenting on whether the current situation in the Middle East meets the criteria for such a scenario.

Meanwhile, Australia has also signaled a limited role in the region. The country’s Infrastructure and Transport Minister Catherine King said in an interview with the ABC Radio that Australia plans to send a military aircraft to the United Arab Emirates to assist with defense-related efforts.

However, King emphasized that Australia will not deploy naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz.

‘We have not been asked to do so, and we are not participating in efforts related to restoring navigation in the Strait of Hormuz,’ she said, adding that Canberra has no plans to send ships to the area.

Earlier reports also indicated that Germany and the United Kingdom are not considering deploying their naval vessels to the Strait of Hormuz either.

Israel says it has destroyed an aircraft that had been used by Iran’s former supreme leader Ali Khamenei, in what appears to be part of the continuing escalation in the ongoing Israel-Iran conflict, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the Israeli military, the aircraft was struck at Tehran’s Mehrabad Airport by the Israel Defense Forces. The plane was reportedly used to transport senior Iranian leadership, including Khamenei and other high-ranking officials and military personnel.

Israeli officials said the aircraft served as a key transport platform for Iran’s leadership for both domestic and international travel and may have also been used for coordination with allied partners. The strike on the aircraft highlights Israel’s continued targeting of strategic assets linked to the Iranian leadership and military infrastructure.

However, Iranian authorities have not yet confirmed the destruction of the aircraft or commented on the Israeli claim. Independent verification of the incident has also not been reported so far.

As reported, on March 16, a regular meeting of the Coordination Headquarters for the centralized resolution of issues in the territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan liberated from occupation was held in the city of Khojavend under the chairmanship of Samir Nuriyev, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

According to AzerNEWS, following the meeting, a visit was made to the horticulture farm of Imperium Agro LLC in the Khojavend district.

The European Space Agency has awarded a contract to OKAPI:Orbits to lead a new project aimed at bridging the gap between space traffic coordination and traditional air traffic management. The initiative marks an important step toward integrated aerospace operations as the number of rocket launches and spacecraft re-entries continues to grow worldwide, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

The project is being carried out in collaboration with the Institute of Space Systems at Technische Universität Braunschweig and the German Aerospace Center’s Institute of Flight Guidance.

The initiative responds to the increasing interaction between space operations-such as rocket launches and satellite re-entries-and civil aviation traffic. As launch frequencies rise, satellite constellations expand, and more spacecraft re-enter the atmosphere, air traffic authorities must be able to anticipate and manage space activities in a timely, reliable, and standardized way to ensure safety.

To address these challenges, OKAPI:Orbits, TU Braunschweig, and DLR will jointly develop solutions for integrating space and air traffic systems. Their work will include defining realistic operational scenarios for launches and re-entries, developing methods to quantify uncertainties, and creating tools that allow air traffic controllers to respond dynamically to space activities.

The project will also focus on building an interface capable of handling both nominal and off-nominal conditions, including controlled and uncontrolled spacecraft re-entries. In addition, researchers will develop prototype software and visualization tools designed to translate complex space-traffic risks into clear operational information, helping decision-makers act in near real time.

This collaboration brings together complementary expertise. TU Braunschweig contributes decades of research in space systems and mission safety, particularly in orbital dynamics and risk modeling. The German Aerospace Center (DLR) adds its leadership in air traffic management technologies and operational concepts, ensuring compatibility with existing aviation systems.

Meanwhile, OKAPI:Orbits provides practical experience in space traffic management and space situational awareness, offering solutions already used by satellite operators to plan safer and more sustainable missions.

Experts note that projects like this are becoming increasingly important as the global space economy expands rapidly. With thousands of satellites already in orbit and many more planned, better coordination between space operations and commercial aviation will be essential to avoid disruptions, improve safety, and support the future of both industries.

Sahiba Qafarova, Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, met with Tulia Akson, President of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), during the XIII Global Baku Forum, where Akson is visiting Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

According to the National Assembly’s Press and Public Relations Department, the leaders discussed the importance of the forum and the value of discussions held within its framework. Speaker Qafarova highlighted Azerbaijan’s efforts to promote peace and dialogue amid current regional and international tensions, emphasizing that the Global Baku Forum provides an important platform to address pressing international concerns.

Tulia Akson underlined the forum’s significance as an international platform. She also praised President Ilham Aliyev’s role and initiatives in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, noting that they serve as a model for resolving disputes between states.

The meeting also covered issues of international cooperation. Both sides expressed satisfaction with Azerbaijan’s active representation within the IPU and the strong level of parliamentary collaboration with the organization. Additionally, discussions were held on cooperation between the IPU and the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement.

The meeting underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to multilateral dialogue and parliamentary diplomacy as a tool for peace and regional stability.

Sweden has temporarily relocated its embassy operations in Iran to Baku due to the deteriorating security situation in the country.

According to AzerNEWS, Swedish Foreign Minister Maria Stenergard announced the decision on her social media account.

She stated that the Ministry for Foreign Affairs of Sweden had decided to move embassy staff from Tehran in response to the worsening security environment in Iran.

It was noted that the diplomatic mission will continue its operations from Baku.

The minister also recalled that the Swedish Foreign Ministry has advised its citizens to avoid traveling to Iran since 2022 and urged Swedish nationals currently in the country to leave.

Med hänsyn till det försämrade säkerhetsläget i Iran har UD beslutat att tillfälligt omlokalisera Sveriges utsända vid ambassaden i Teheran. Ambassaden är fortsatt verksam från Baku.

Säkerhetssituationen i Teheran förblir mycket osäker. °°UD har haft en avrådan från alla resor.

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On March 16, a session of the Coordination Headquarters for the Centralized Resolution of Issues in the Liberated Territories of Azerbaijan was held in Khojavend, chaired by Samir Nuriyev, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

AzerNEWS reports that during his visit to Khojavend, members of the Coordination Headquarters were presented with a development concept for the infrastructure of Azikh Cave, one of the region’s most important archaeological sites.

Officials were also briefed on ongoing archaeological research in the area, highlighting the significance of preserving cultural heritage while promoting sustainable development in the liberated territories.