Category: Azer News

Following Resolution No. 66 dated March 5, 2026, of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan, all cargo transport across the Azerbaijan-Iran border, including transit, had been temporarily suspended.

According to the Cabinet of Ministers, border crossings for Azerbaijani trucks returning from Iran and Iranian trucks returning from Azerbaijan have now resumed at the Astara, Bilasuvar, and Julfa checkpoints.

A meeting between Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, and Mihai Pop?oi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Moldova, has taken place in Baku, Azernews reports.

According to a statement shared by the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry on the social media platform X, the two officials first held a tête-à-tête meeting.

Following the one-on-one talks, the sides proceeded with expanded-format discussions involving their respective delegations.

No further details regarding the agenda of the talks have yet been disclosed.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Mihai Pop?oi, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Moldova, on March 6, AzerNEWS reports.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Mihai Pop?oi conveyed the greetings of Moldova’s President Maia Sandu to President Ilham Aliyev.

The head of state thanked him for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to Maia Sandu. President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled his meetings and discussions with Moldova’s President within international organizations.

Mihai Pop?oi stated that Moldova strongly condemns the attacks carried out by unmanned aerial vehicles of Iran against Azerbaijan, emphasizing solidarity with the country on this issue. He wished those injured in the attack a speedy recovery.

The Deputy PM hailed the friendly relations between the peoples of the two countries, noting that Moldova always remembers and highly appreciates Azerbaijan’s support during difficult times.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked him for the position expressed.

During the conversation, the sides praised the fact that Azerbaijan and Moldova have consistently supported each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. They emphasized the development of bilateral relations, including the deepening of cooperation in political, economic, trade, energy, and other fields, and underlined the role of reciprocal visits at various levels in expanding ties. In this regard, confidence was expressed that Mihai Pop?oi’s visit would be successful.

The sides also exchanged views on cooperation within international organizations, the intensification of political dialogue, and other issues of mutual interest.

Azerbaijan National Art Museum has hosted a gala concert in honor of the International Women’s Day, AzerNEWS reports.

The event titled “Delicate Melodies with the Land of Victory” was held as part of the “Music in the Museum” project.

The title of the program reflects the unity of two important themes – love for the homeland and respect for women, with the mother as a symbol of tenderness and spiritual beauty.

Performed by the Z?f?r Yurdu Ensemble,which actively promotes the development and dissemination of national-spiritual values among the youth, the concert featured selected works of Azerbaijani classical and national music.

The evening program seamlessly combined the traditions of mugham art and classical vocal performance, vividly demonstrating the depth and expressiveness of national musical culture and its harmonious interaction with classical vocal traditions.

The professional performances of young, talented artists, the expressiveness of their musical interpretations, and the sincerity of their stage presence created a special atmosphere in the hall, blending the traditions of national music with a festive mood.

The audience warmly thanked the performers with prolonged applause.

Founded in 1937, the Azerbaijan National Art Museum offers art connoisseurs some of the best examples of decorative-applied arts of Western Europe.

Over 3,000 items in 60 rooms are on permanent display at the museum, and around 12,000 items are kept in storage. Here, you can see masterpieces of the Italian, French, German, and Polish masters of the brush.

The museum has successfully organized and hosted numerous high-level international exhibitions, showcasing the works of renowned artists.

These exhibitions have not only attracted art enthusiasts but have also contributed to the cultural exchange between Azerbaijan and other countries.

Leyla Aliyeva has visited the Baku Choreography Academy, AzerNEWS reports.

The meeting was also attended by the Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli.

Leyla Aliyeva met with the leadership of the Baku Choreography Academy, students, and teaching staff, and familiarized herself with the academy’s activities, classrooms, and rehearsal halls.

Later, the students of the Baku Choreography Academy performed the “Waltz” (from the ballet “Sleeping Beauty”) and the “Ghazaghi” dance for the guests.

European geographers have discovered that current forecasts of sea level rise significantly underestimate its impact-by as much as 20-30 centimeters. This discrepancy means that roughly 68 percent more people could be affected than previously thought, AzerNEWS reports.

“Almost all forecasts rely on mathematical models rather than actual measurements of sea levels in different regions of the world,” said Katharina Seeger, a geographer at Wageningen University. “As a result, they consistently underestimate both the area of vulnerable land and the number of people at risk. Our calculations show that these territories cover 37 percent more area than expected, and approximately 132 million people could be impacted.”

Seeger and her colleagues warn that a rapid increase in global temperatures will accelerate sea level rise due to the melting of glaciers in Greenland and the Arctic, as well as the most vulnerable ice sheets of West Antarctica.

According to UN projections, if greenhouse gas emissions continue unchecked, global sea levels are expected to rise by 30-50 centimeters by the end of this century. However, European researchers point out that 99 percent of these projections are based not on direct measurements along coastlines, but on satellite imagery and model calculations that assume water distributes evenly across the planet under the influence of gravity and rotation. In reality, sea levels are influenced by local currents, winds, salinity, and water temperature, making these forecasts less precise.

To address this, the researchers combined extensive regional measurements of sea level from oceans worldwide and compared them with the inputs used in existing models. On average, they found that sea level forecasts are underestimated by 20-30 centimeters-and in certain regions of the Global South, such as the Mekong Delta and other major river deltas, the underestimation can reach nearly a meter.

Accounting for these discrepancies, the team concluded that rising seas could affect 37 percent more coastal land and 132 million people-68 percent more than previously estimated. Countries in Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific region are expected to be particularly vulnerable.

Seeger added that these findings have serious implications for urban planning, agriculture, and disaster preparedness. “Coastal cities, small island nations, and river deltas are on the frontline. Without updated projections, millions may face forced relocation, loss of livelihoods, and devastating economic consequences,” she said.

Interestingly, the researchers also noted that integrating real-world measurements into models could improve early-warning systems and infrastructure planning, potentially saving lives and billions in damages in the coming decades.

Protesters in Cyprus have taken to the streets in recent days, chanting ‘British bases out’ and demanding the removal of United Kingdom military installations from the island’s southern coast, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

Demonstrations in the city of Limassol erupted after a suspected Iranian-made drone struck the nearby RAF Akrotiri airbase earlier this week. The incident occurred two days after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against Iran, further escalating tensions across the region.

The controversy has intensified following reports that British Prime Minister Keir Starmer authorized the United States to use British facilities in Cyprus for what officials described as ‘defensive strikes’ targeting Iranian missile sites.

For many Cypriots, the developments have revived long-standing concerns about the presence of foreign military forces on the island. The United Kingdom retained two sovereign military base areas, Akrotiri and Dhekelia, when Cyprus gained independence from Britain in 1960. The agreement was part of a fragile power-sharing arrangement between Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots.

While the bases remain under full British sovereignty, critics say the arrangement left Cyprus only partially independent.

‘The bases are a remnant of the colonial and imperialist empire of Britain,’ said Melanie Steliou Nicolaou, a local actress and television presenter who lives near the Akrotiri base. ‘To me, Cyprus was never truly decolonised.’

The bases have long served as a strategic hub for British and allied military operations across the Middle East.

Aircraft operating from RAF Akrotiri have supported campaigns in Iraq and Libya, and the facility has also been used for surveillance and logistical support missions related to conflicts in the region.

The latest escalation has renewed debate within Cyprus about whether the continued presence of British bases serves the island’s interestsor exposes it to regional security risks.

A musical performance titled “Only Culture” dedicated to the memory of the great poet, writer, and playwright Huseyn Javid has been staged at the Heydar Aliyev Palace, AzerNEWS reports.

Leyla Aliyeva attended the event.

The stage director of the production is Abdulgani Aliyev, and the scriptwriters are Afag Vasifqizi and Lala Aliyeva. The image of the great poet Huseyn Javid was brought to life by People’s Artist Ayyub Yagubov. The performance featured People’s Artist Mehriban Zaki, famous musician Vagif Asadov, pianist-composer Gulsum Eldarova, actors Elshan Asgarov, Natig Abdullayev, Ogtay Kazimov, Emil Bagirzadeh and others, as well as the Choir named after J. Jahangirov, and the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra named after Gara Garayev.

The musical performance featured touching scene fragments reflecting the playwright’s life and work, a fragile love story, excerpts from plays, and delicate lyrical samples. The songs performed by People’s Artist Ayyub Yagubov further enhanced the artistic and aesthetic value of the performance.

The United States and Venezuela have agreed to re-establish diplomatic and consular relations, marking a significant step toward restoring ties after years of political tensions, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

In a joint statement, the two sides said they would work together to promote stability, support Venezuela’s economic recovery, and advance political reconciliation.

Relations between the two countries had already begun to improve following the dramatic capture of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro by the United States earlier this year. In January, US forces carried out a surprise operation ordered by President Donald Trump, detaining Maduro and his wife and transferring them to New York, where they face charges related to weapons and drug offences. Both have denied the allegations.

The announcement of the restoration of diplomatic ties is seen as a symbolically important step in reshaping relations between Washington and Caracas.

The US embassy in Caracas, which closed in 2019 amid deteriorating relations, has already reopened. Washington has also appointed a new diplomat to the country, and additional staff are expected to arrive soon.

According to sources, diplomats currently stationed at the US embassy in Bogotá, Colombia, may be transferred to Caracas to strengthen diplomatic engagement and provide consular services.

The Venezuelan government said it was prepared to begin a ‘new stage of constructive dialogue based on mutual respect.’ Officials in Caracas stressed that the renewed relationship should lead to social and economic improvements for the Venezuelan people.

However, the Venezuelan statement did not mention a political transition or future elections, an issue highlighted by the US State Department.

Washington has accused Maduro and members of his government of running a criminal network involved in illegal mining and drug trafficking. Maduro is expected to stand trial in the United States later this month.

Meanwhile, the two countries have also begun exploring energy and mining cooperation. Venezuela possesses the world’s largest proven oil reserves and significant deposits of gold, diamonds, and rare earth minerals used in modern technologies such as mobile phones.

US officials say engagement with Venezuela will be part of a phased process aimed at supporting a peaceful transition toward a democratically elected government.

During a recent visit to Caracas, US Interior Secretary Doug Burgum described the intervention in Venezuela as a ‘strategic move.’ He suggested that closer cooperation with Venezuela could help ensure stable oil supplies and strengthen economic ties.

In recent weeks, Washington has allowed Venezuela to sell previously sanctioned oil under US oversight, while Caracas has introduced legal reforms to attract more foreign investment into its energy sector.

Both countries have also announced plans to cooperate on developing Venezuela’s mining industry, reflecting growing economic engagement alongside the diplomatic reset.

OpenAI on Thursday announced the release of GPT-5.4, a new AI model designed specifically for professional and complex tasks, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

The U.S.-based artificial intelligence company said the model incorporates recent advances in reasoning, coding, and workflow management, building on the capabilities of GPT-5.3-Codex.

Alongside it, OpenAI unveiled GPT-5.4 Pro, described as a more powerful version tailored for handling the most demanding tasks.

According to OpenAI, GPT-5.4 enhances productivity in spreadsheets, presentations, and documents, enabling faster and more accurate completion of professional work. The model also supports larger context processing and improved web search integration, making it more versatile for real-world applications.

The GPT-5.4 Thinking variant in ChatGPT can outline its reasoning step by step before delivering a final answer, allowing users to refine instructions mid-response. It can also recognize interface elements from screenshots, enabling it to simulate mouse and keyboard actions across various software platforms.

In benchmark tests, GPT-5.4 outperformed earlier models, matching or exceeding industry professionals in 83% of GDPval comparisons and achieving higher scores than its predecessor in coding tests. OpenAI also reports improved factual accuracy, with the model being less prone to generating incorrect information compared to GPT-5.2.

GPT-5.4 is available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, as well as to developers via the API. OpenAI plans to gradually retire GPT-5.2 Thinking in the coming months. While the new model has higher per-token costs, its improved token efficiency may reduce overall expenses in certain scenarios.

GPT-5.4’s ability to interact with graphical interfaces and perform multi-step reasoning positions it not just as a tool for writing and coding, but as a virtual digital assistant capable of managing workflows across multiple applications, potentially transforming how professionals approach complex tasks.