Category: Azer News

The 17th meeting of the Azerbaijan-Iran Intergovernmental Commission on economic, trade, and humanitarian cooperation is currently underway. The session is co-chaired by Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan, and Farzaneh Sadegh, Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development, according to Iran’s embassy in Baku.

As reported by AzerNEWS, the talks cover all areas of bilateral cooperation, reviewing programs and projects to be implemented and developed by next year. Key focus areas include transportation and cross-border infrastructure, which have already seen significant progress.

Participants are also discussing ongoing projects in economy, transport, and energy sectors, including:

Construction of the Rasht-Astara railway line to fully leverage the North-South Transport Corridor.

Collaboration on priority hydroelectric power stations: ‘Khudafarin,’ ‘Giz Galasi,’ and the Ordubad-Marazad HPP projects.

Operational plans for the Aghband-Kalaleh bridge, following the completion of its construction.

The meeting is expected to conclude with the signing of a joint memorandum by the co-chairs, summarizing the agreements reached and outlining future economic, cultural, and other cooperation initiatives between Azerbaijan and Iran.

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan has approved the United Nations (UN) Convention against Cybercrime, AzerNEWS reports.

This is reflected in the law of the Republic of Azerbaijan on the approval of the ‘Strengthening international cooperation in combating certain crimes committed using information and communication technology systems and in the electronic exchange of evidence relating to serious crimes – United Nations Convention against Cybercrime’ signed by the President Ilham Aliyev.

According to the law, the convention signed in Hanoi on October 25, 2025, must be ratified with the relevant declarations and reservations of Azerbaijan.

The UN has identified the fight against cybercrime as one of the priority areas requiring international cooperation against the cross-border criminal threats arising from the development of information and communication technologies. In order to strengthen legal cooperation between states in this direction, the convention was opened for signature in Hanoi on October 25 last year.

The convention focuses on strengthening cooperation between states in combating crimes committed using information and communication technology systems, as well as forming a single legal framework for the electronic collection, exchange, and preservation of evidence relating to serious crimes. The convention envisages the fight against cybercrime not only at the national level, but also through international legal assistance, extradition, and operational interaction mechanisms.

The main principles of the convention are the uniform definition of concepts used in the field of cybercrime, the prevention of loss, alteration, or destruction of evidence in the electronic environment, as well as ensuring the effectiveness of investigation and prosecution processes. The document places special emphasis on direct and operational cooperation between the competent authorities of the states, the simplification of mutual legal assistance mechanisms, and the establishment of continuously operating communication mechanisms.

In accordance with the final provisions of the convention, the document is open for signature, ratification, acceptance, or approval by the states and enters into force after the completion of the relevant internal procedures. At the same time, the convention provides for the possibility for the participating states to make declarations and reservations on certain of its provisions.

The Republic of Azerbaijan made a number of important statements and reservations upon ratification of the Convention. These statements concern the recognition of the Convention as the legal basis for extradition and mutual legal assistance, the designation of competent central authorities for these processes, and positions on the language of requests and mechanisms for operational cooperation. The reservations clarify the conditions for criminal liability for certain crimes covered by the Convention, the criteria for significant damage, and the scope of application, taking into account the specific features of the national legal system.

Thus, the convention and the declarations and reservations of Azerbaijan to it form the legal basis for international cooperation in the field of combating cybercrime, and amendments are envisaged to be made to the relevant normative legal acts to ensure the application of the substantive and procedural norms arising from the convention in the national legal system. These amendments are aimed at implementing the provisions of the convention, as well as the declarations and reservations submitted by Azerbaijan, in national legislation.

EU foreign ministers are set to discuss a proposed 20th package of sanctions against Russia at today’s summit, though a breakthrough is not expected.

As reported by AzerNEWS, citing foreign media, the statement was made by Kaja Kallas, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.

‘Of course, we will have a discussion on the 20th sanctions package, but I do not believe there will be any progress on this issue today. Nevertheless, we will undoubtedly continue our efforts,’ the EU’s top diplomat told journalists ahead of the summit.

Kallas noted that ministers will also debate potential areas of engagement with Russia in the context of efforts to resolve the Ukraine conflict. Another key item on the agenda is a proposed pound 90 billion EU loan package for Ukraine.

It is worth recalling that on February 6, the European Commission presented a draft of the 20th sanctions package against Russia. The proposed restrictive measures target the energy sector, financial services, and trade.

Ukraine has struck one of Russia’s most strategically significant defence facilities, targeting the Votkinsk Machine Building Plant in a remote region nearly 800 miles from the Ukrainian border. The overnight attack marks the deepest strike yet carried out by Kyiv using a domestically produced weapon.

According to Ukraine’s General Staff, the strike caused a fire at the plant, a facility central to Russia’s missile production network. The regional governor, Alexander Brechalov, confirmed that the site had been attacked, reporting damage and injuries. Eleven people were said to have been wounded, with three hospitalised. Independent verification of the extent of the damage was not immediately available.

The weapon used was a Flamingo cruise missile, developed by a Ukrainian startup in under nine months. Assembled in part using engines salvaged from decommissioned Soviet-era training aircraft, the missile represents a significant step forward in Ukraine’s domestic arms production capability. The strike underlines Kyiv’s growing ability to project force deep into Russian territory without relying exclusively on Western-supplied systems.

The Votkinsk plant is not an ordinary industrial site. It manufactures the Iskander short-range ballistic missile, which Russia has used extensively throughout the war in Ukraine. The facility is also involved in producing Kinzhal hypersonic missiles and components for intercontinental ballistic missiles, making it a linchpin in Russia’s broader strike architecture, including its strategic nuclear forces.

Iskander missiles have repeatedly been deployed against Ukrainian cities. On 27 June 2023, one struck the Ria Pizza restaurant in Kramatorsk, killing 13 civilians, including children. Among the victims was the Ukrainian writer Victoria Amelina, who died from her injuries days later. In October that year, another Iskander attack on the village of Hroza killed 59 people, devastating an entire community gathered for a memorial.

The missile’s name, Iskander – the Arabic rendering of Alexander the Great – was intended to convey power and inevitability. On Saturday night, the factory responsible for its production was engulfed in flames.

The attack signals a widening of Ukraine’s military strategy. By targeting the infrastructure that sustains Russia’s missile arsenal rather than merely intercepting incoming strikes, Kyiv appears to be seeking to degrade Moscow’s long-term capacity to wage war.

The strike also carries symbolic weight. A facility at the heart of Russia’s missile manufacturing complex – one tied to both battlefield and nuclear capabilities – has now been reached by a domestically developed Ukrainian weapon. In doing so, Ukraine has demonstrated that distance alone no longer guarantees safety for key elements of Russia’s defence industry.

Whether the damage will significantly disrupt missile production remains unclear. But the message is unmistakable: the geography of the war is shifting, and Russia’s military-industrial backbone is increasingly within reach.

The Azerbaijan National Art Museum has presented an exhibition celebrating the centenary of People’s Artist Davud Kazimov (1926-2015), one of the most prominent figures of the national art school whose work has left an indelible mark on Azerbaijani culture, AzerNEWS reports.

The opening ceremony brought together distinguished figures, including Azerbaijan’s Deputy Culture Minister Saadat Yusifova, Director of National Art Museum and Honored Cultural Worker Shirin Malikova, the Director of the National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, Academician Rafael Huseynov, People’s Artist Omar Eldarov, and Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Arts Fuad Salayev. Speakers praised Davud Kazimov’s rich legacy and his significant contributions to the development of national art.

The museum’s director highlighted that among the works of Kazimov preserved in Azerbaijani museums, the National Art Museum holds the largest collection. For this exhibition, the permanent collection was complemented with additional paintings from storage and private collections, giving visitors a rare and comprehensive look at the artist’s oeuvre.

Throughout the opening, Kazimov was remembered not only as a celebrated master but also as an extraordinary human being, a good friend, strong, kind, and deeply empathetic. His personality shines through in the warmth and vitality of his art.

In Kazimov’s works, the spirit of his time is mirrored, yet the energy of his brushstrokes, the vivid emotions captured in his portraits and genre scenes, and the serene light of his landscapes make his art feel remarkably contemporary. The exhibition’s popularity and the steady stream of visitors confirm that his work continues to captivate audiences today.

His still lifes exude a cozy, domestic warmth. Roses, daisies, daffodils, dark asters in elegant vases, bright oranges and peaches, fabrics, and copper vessels-Davud Kazimov painted them with tireless devotion. Each composition reveals his extraordinary skill, rich color palette, and talent for transforming ordinary objects into true masterpieces.

Equally striking are his landscapes, brimming with light, color, and atmosphere. One can almost feel the breeze, see the blooming meadows, or sense the cold fog descending from mountain peaks. Even depictions of the Alhambra at night or the streets of Burgas carry the sun-drenched warmth reminiscent of the Absheron region, reflecting the artist’s deep love for his homeland and its natural beauty.

Kazimov devoted much attention to portraying rural women, their daily lives, customs, and traditional costumes. While these works serve as a window into the era, their true focus is always the human subject. His keen observation brought extraordinary psychological depth to his characters, giving them vivid, distinct personalities. One can read volumes in the eyes of a Bulgarian woman in a traditional costume and bright red scarf.

Portraits of children are notoriously challenging for any artist, yet Kazimov achieved the remarkable: his portraits of his sons capture their spontaneous expressions and fleeting emotions with sincerity and charm, preserving their youthful essence in every brushstroke.

As visitors move through the exhibition, they are drawn back to the first painting of the show, whose energy is immediately palpable. Three figures occupy the composition: a woman with eyes half-closed, enjoying a quiet moment of rest; her companion, whose gaze reflects genuine curiosity; and, most strikingly, a boy seated with his back turned. Through his posture and restless gestures, one feels his pure, joyful belief in the beauty of life. Standing before the painting, it is easy to breathe in the scene and momentarily reclaim the boundless happiness of childhood.

Davud Kazimov’s sons expressed their gratitude to the attendees for honoring their father’s memory. And for visitors, the exhibition is a celebration of color, light, air, and soul, a gift from a great artist that continues to inspire.

The exhibition will be on display until March 31, offering audiences a chance to immerse themselves in the masterful world of Davud Kazimov.

Balakhani Sports Center has hosted National Capoeira Cup to mark Baku’s selection as the “World Sports Capital 2026”, AzerNEWS reports. The tournament was jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Capoeira Federation (ACF) and the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

National Capoeira Cup brought together capoeira representatives and clubs from various regions of the country.

The main goal of the event was to contribute to the development of capoeira nationwide, expand experience-sharing among athletes, and further strengthen Baku’s position as an international sports hub

Competitions were organized across different age and weight categories, including children, teenagers, youth, and adults.

Based on the final results, “Pernada Capoeira” club secured third place, while “Nirvana Capoeira” claimed second. “Wolf Capoeira” Academy, earning the highest number of medals overall, was crowned winner of the Azerbaijan Cup.

The Azerbaijan Capoeira Federation (ACF) is the national governing body responsible for the development and promotion of capoeira in Azerbaijan. It was officially established in 2007, marking the beginning of a formal organizational stage for the sport in the country.

Capoeira itself first began to spread in Azerbaijan in the late 1990s after the film “Only the Strong” inspired young people across the country to explore the art form. The very first capoeira school in Azerbaijan was opened in Sumqayit by Emin Gurbanov, and the first school in Baku was founded in 2000 by Taleh Orujov, who significantly contributed to the early growth of the discipline in the capital.

From its inception, one of the main goals of the ACF has been to institutionalize capoeira as both a sport and a cultural practice in Azerbaijan. This includes organizing regular training programs, seminars, competitions, and Batizado belt examinations, which help standardize skills and recognize progression among practitioners. The federation also supports local clubs, coaches, and referees, helping build a structured network for capoeira nationwide.

A key part of the ACF’s mission is to promote international participation and cooperation. Azerbaijani capoeiristas regularly take part in international workshops and championship events, and the federation has been involved in hosting major competitions, including World Capoeira Federation World Championships in Baku. Azerbaijan is also one of the founding members of the World Capoeira Federation (WCF), an international body that standardizes competition rules, coaching certifications, and referee training worldwide.

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un has been re-elected secretary-general of the Workers’ Party of Korea, extending his 15-year leadership of the country’s sole governing party, AzerNEWS reports.

The decision was announced Sunday on the fourth day of the Party Congress, a major political gathering held every five years, according to state news agency Korean Central News Agency (KCNA). Delegates also elected new members to the Central Committee and approved amendments to party rules, though no details were disclosed.

Kim, who has led North Korea since the death of his father, Kim Jong Il, in 2011, used the congress to review the party’s performance over the past five years and outline priorities for the next term.

In his opening address last week, Kim described the previous five years as a ‘proud period . in implementing the socialist cause of our own style,’ while acknowledging difficulties stemming from international sanctions and what he called the ‘global public health crisis.’

‘Today, our Party is faced with heavy and urgent historic tasks of boosting economic construction and the people’s standard of living and transforming all realms of state and social life as early as possible,’ KCNA quoted him as saying.

He emphasized the need for a ‘more active and persistent struggle’ to achieve economic growth and improve living standards, signaling that domestic development will remain central to the leadership’s agenda.

Among other senior officials addressing the congress was Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui.

A severe snowstorm sweeping across the U.S. Northeast has disrupted the daily lives of hundreds of thousands of residents, prompting emergency declarations in New York and surrounding areas.

AzerNEWS reports that authorities in New York, Rhode Island, and New Jersey have restricted nonessential travel, leading to mass flight cancellations and major disruptions to public transportation.

With forecasts indicating the storm will intensify, several states and cities, including Philadelphia, have also declared states of emergency.

The National Weather Service has warned of 30-60 centimeters of snow, severely reduced visibility, and strong winds, cautioning that whiteout conditions and prolonged power outages are possible.

In response, public schools in New York and Boston were closed, while Philadelphia schools shifted to online learning. Numerous cultural institutions and events, including Broadway shows, have been canceled or postponed.

Officials have urged residents to exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel, and follow all safety advisories as the storm continues to impact the region.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Sultan of Brunei Darussalam Haji Hassanal Bolkiah, AzerNEWS reports.

“Your Majesty,

On the occasion of the National Day of Brunei Darussalam, I sincerely congratulate you and, through you, your entire people on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan.

The current level of Azerbaijan-Brunei relations, built on friendship and mutual respect, is gratifying. I believe that we will continue our joint efforts toward strengthening our interstate ties and further expanding our cooperation both bilaterally and multilaterally, in accordance with the interests of our friendly nations.

Taking this pleasant opportunity, I also wholeheartedly congratulate you and your friendly people on the beginning of the holy month of Ramadan, and I wish you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, as well as lasting peace and prosperity for Brunei Darussalam,” the letter reads.

Vietnam’s Ministry of Public Security has proposed creating a national database center to combat fake news and false information, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

The draft decree distinguishes between fake news, defined as completely fabricated content, and false information, which refers to content that is partially untrue.

The proposed center would receive reports, complaints, and denunciations related to fake and false information, publicly announce verified cases, issue warnings, and provide guidance and clarifications to the public. It will also coordinate data sharing and labeling of misinformation among ministries, agencies, and local authorities to ensure consistency nationwide.

Under the plan, the Ministry has suggested applying the maximum fines allowed by the Law on Handling Administrative Violations – up to 100 million Vietnamese dong ($3,850) for individuals and 200 million dong ($7,700) for organizations found spreading fake or false information.

Similar initiatives in other countries have shown that centralized misinformation monitoring can significantly reduce the spread of harmful content when paired with public education campaigns. Experts note that combining strict enforcement with digital literacy programs could help Vietnamese citizens critically evaluate online content, making the Internet a safer and more trustworthy space.