Category: Azer News

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 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 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.

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.

Iran’s military said on Friday that it had launched a drone attack against what it described as strategic US facilities at Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base, AzerNEWS reports.

In a statement, the Iranian army said the attack targeted fighter aircraft hangars, satellite communication systems and equipment warehouses at the base using explosive drones.

The military described Ahmed Al Jaber Air Base as a key hub for US aerial operations, surveillance missions and logistical support in the region.

Iran did not provide details on the extent of the alleged damage or whether there were any casualties.

There was no immediate response from Kuwaiti authorities or the United States Department of Defense regarding the Iranian claims. Independent verification of the reported attack was not immediately available.

On July 31, the Baku Court of Appeal continued judicial proceedings on the appeals filed by citizens of the Republic of Armenia-Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others-who were convicted by the Baku Military Court for crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes resulting from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, including the preparation and waging of aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, and numerous other offenses.

At the court session, presided over by Judge Elmar Rahimov of the Baku Court of Appeal, joined by Judges Emin Mehdiyev and Mehriban Garayeva (Reserve Judge Ali Mammadov also participated), all individuals subject to appellate proceedings were provided with interpreters in their respective spoken languages-Armenian and Russian-as well as defense counsel to ensure their right to a defense.

The court session was attended by representatives of the victims and state prosecutors representing the public prosecution, including Abbas Abbasli, Head of Department at the State Prosecution Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office, and department prosecutors Anar Alakbarov and Sevinj Gasimova.

At the beginning of the session, it was announced that employees of the Office of the Commissioner for Human Rights (Ombudsman) of the Republic of Azerbaijan were also attending the proceedings as observers.

The court proceeding continued with the defendants’ rebuttal.

Exercising his right to rebuttal, Bako Sahakyan continued his statement requesting the court to overturn the verdict of the first instance court and acquit him.

Other defendants Vasily Beglaryan, Arkady Ghukasyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, Madat Babayan, Gurgen Stepanyan, David Manukyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Melikset Pashayan, Garik Martirosyan, Davit Allahverdiyan, Levon Balayan and Erik Ghazaryan, as well as some of their defense attorneys, also used their right to rebuttal on the prosecution’s statements.

The defense attorneys requested the court to overturn the verdict of the first instance court and acquit the defendants. The defendants, in turn, presented their arguments stating that they did not plead guilty to the charges against them. Thus, the period for all defendants to exercise their right to rebuttal has concluded.

Then, the representatives of the victims delivered statements, noting that the verdict of the first instance court was legal and justified, and that all the facts of the case were proven during the trial. Therefore, they requested the court to uphold the verdict without changing it.

Then, the prosecutors defending the public prosecution delivered statements, who emphasized that the verdict of the first instance court was lawful and well-founded, and the evidence presented in the appeals of the accused did not create grounds for its cancellation or change. Therefore, they requested that the court dismiss the appeals and uphold the conviction of the Baku Military Court without changes.

Presiding judge Elmar Rahimov announced the completion of the court hearing on the appeals filed. The appellate court panel retired to deliberate on appeals of Armenian citizens and reach a verdict.

Under the verdict of the Baku Military Court dated February 5, 2026, Arayik Harutyunyan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, David Manukyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, and David Babayan were sentenced to life imprisonment. Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan were sentenced to 20 years, Madat Babayan and Melikset Pashayan to 19 years, Garik Martirosyan to 18 years, Davit Allahverdyan and Levon Balayan to 16 years, and Vasili Beglaryan, Gurgen Stepanyan, and Erik Ghazaryan to 15 years’ imprisonment.

Senior FIFA adviser and former banker Carlos Cordeiro resigned on Friday in protest over the football governing body’s plan to bring in outside investors by selling a stake in the commercial rights to its tournaments, AzerNEWS reports.

“I cannot stand by while FIFA considers selling a stake in the World Cup,” Cordeiro said, adding that he had “no involvement in this proposal” and opposed it “unequivocally.” He argued that “selling a permanent stake in football’s most valuable asset to raise $4.2 billion makes little sense” and amounts to “mortgaging football’s future.”

Cordeiro’s departure comes as FIFA said it would continue consultations on its FIFA Forward Enterprise (FFE) plan despite criticism from the Union of European Football Associations (UEFA). He stated that “Member Associations are being asked to make a decision of enormous consequence in barely 50 days or risk being left behind,” arguing that it is “not a responsible way to determine the future of the world’s game.”

The Azerbaijan State Service for the Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage has released the results of its work for the first half of 2026, AzerNEWS reports.

The Service currently oversees 4,377 immovable historical and cultural monuments, while 3,709 monuments have been entered into the Unified Cultural Heritage Register. Museums under the Service’s supervision house 1,137,883 exhibits, including 3,893 new items added during the reporting period. In addition, 29,551 museum exhibits have been digitized and entered into the Unified Cultural Heritage Register.

A total of 463,965 people visited museums and historical-cultural reserves during the first six months of the year. Museums welcomed 342,305 visitors, including 275,886 domestic and 66,419 foreign visitors, while historical and cultural reserves received 121,660 visitors, including 70,787 domestic and 50,873 foreign visitors.

The Gobustan National Historical and Artistic Reserve attracted the largest number of visitors among the country’s reserves, with 63,906 visitors. It was followed by the Ganja State Historical and Cultural Reserve with 22,259 visitors, the Genocide Memorial Complex in Guba with 17,224, the Pir Huseyn Khanagah Historical and Architectural Reserve with 7,522, and the Chiraggala-Shabran State Historical and Cultural Reserve with 3,420 visitors.

The Service reported that 138,718 tickets and excursion services were sold through digital platforms during the reporting period, including 75,184 for museums and 63,534 for reserves.

In the area of immovable cultural heritage protection, 183 protection agreements were signed. The Service submitted 98 protection-zone projects to the Ministry of Economy’s Electronic Land Cadastre Information System (TEKUIS), while another 98 protection-zone projects were approved. It also issued 73 opinions on infrastructure projects in the liberated territories to ensure the protection of cultural monuments and approved 72 restoration project documents financed by monument owners or users.

Restoration work continued at three historical monuments, while project documentation was prepared for three additional sites. Restoration and conservation work was completed at one monument during the reporting period.

The Service also continued efforts to protect movable cultural heritage. It issued 3,134 certificates authorizing the export of cultural property, restored 880 museum exhibits, and continued conservation work on 362 additional artifacts.

Archaeological expeditions uncovered 636 artifacts, while 24 permits were issued for archaeological excavations. Authorities also granted 122 permits for the temporary export of museum collections from Azerbaijan, carried out 65 expert examinations of cultural property intended for export, and transferred 10 archaeological finds to state collections and museums.

To prevent damage to historical monuments, the Service implemented 200 preventive measures against unauthorized interventions. It also referred 60 cases involving damage to monuments to law enforcement agencies, while 32 administrative penalties were imposed for violations. One criminal case was initiated during the reporting period.

The report also highlights international recognition received by the Service during the first half of 2026. It received awards from World Economic Magazine, Brand Review Magazine, Global Brands Magazine, International Business Magazine, and Global Business Magazine for achievements in cultural heritage protection, digital innovation, and data-driven heritage management.

The State Service for the Protection, Development and Restoration of Cultural Heritage is a government agency operating under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Culture. It was established by presidential decree in December 2014 to oversee the protection, conservation, restoration, and state supervision of the country’s immovable historical and cultural monuments.

The Service is responsible for maintaining the state register of historical and cultural monuments, monitoring their condition, coordinating restoration and conservation projects, and ensuring compliance with legislation governing protected heritage sites. Its mandate also includes documenting and digitizing cultural heritage, conducting research, and supporting the management and development of historical and cultural reserves.

In recent years, the agency has expanded the use of digital services in the cultural heritage sector. Through the Ministry of Culture’s e-Culture initiative, it has introduced online platforms that allow citizens to submit applications, access electronic services, and track requests related to cultural heritage protection.

The Service also represents Azerbaijan in international cooperation on cultural heritage preservation. It works with organizations such as the International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM) and participates in discussions on heritage conservation, restoration practices, and UNESCO-related initiatives.

In addition to preservation and restoration work, the agency conducts public awareness campaigns, educational programs, and heritage promotion projects aimed at encouraging the protection of Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural monuments.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev concluded his state visit to the Kyrgyz Republic on July 31.

A guard of honor was lined up in honor of the head of state at the Issyk-Kul International Airport in the city of Cholpon-Ata.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva were seen off by Prime Minister of the Kyrgyz Republic Adylbek Kasymaliyev and other officials.

United States President Donald Trump told Fox News in a statement on Friday that the war with Iran is “going well”, AzerNEWS reports.

“All you can do is keep winning, then eventually something will happen. But we’re hitting them hard, knocking them out for a loop, and we just keep winning. Eventually they’ll have no choice but to go home,” Trump commented.

Tehran and Washington continued to exchange strikes overnight, with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) insisting that the Strait of Hormuz is closed.

In a statement, the IRGC said it struck and halted two oil tankers that it said had attempted to pass through the Strait of Hormuz via an “unauthorized route” under US military air escort and four other tankers turned back after the incident.

“Last night, in response to CENTCOM’s false statement, we informed all owners of shipping and insurance companies not to pay attention to CENTCOM’s announcements,” the militia added.