Category: Azer News

President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov arrived in Azerbaijan on October 6 to participate in the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azernews reports.

A guard of honor was lined up for the Kyrgyz President at Gabala International Airport.

At the airport, President Sadyr Zhaparov was welcomed by Azerbaijani Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev and other officials.

On October 6, the Baku Military Court continued the trial against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, with the announcement of documents related to the rocket attacks on the city of Ganja during the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020, Azernews reports.

According to court materials, the Armenian armed forces, in gross violation of the ceasefire and international law, including the Geneva Convention, targeted residential areas, educational and medical facilities far from the front line, using 9K58 “Smerch” (BM-30) and 9K72 “Elbrus” missiles on October 4, 5, 8, 11, and 17, 2020. These strikes resulted in acts of terrorism, large-scale destruction, civilian casualties, and significant damage to private property.

The documents reveal that 26 civilians were deliberately killed, including 10 men, 10 women, and 6 minors, and 175 people sustained injuries, including 61 men, 66 women, and 48 minors. Investigators conducted crime scene inspections, medical examinations, and collected witness testimonies, as well as statements from legal heirs and injured parties.

The trial of the Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, and other offenses linked to Armenia’s military aggression continues.

Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency has released its latest weekly report on demining operations carried out in the territories liberated from occupation, Azernews reports.

The operations were conducted across several districts, including Tartar, Aghdam, Aghdara, Lachin, Fuzuli, Shusha, Khojaly, Khankendi, Kalbajar, Khojavand, Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan. Additionally, mine clearance was carried out in the recently liberated villages of Baghanis Ayrim, Ashagi Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gyzylhajili in the Gazakh district.

During the week, a total of 82 anti-personnel mines, 74 anti-tank mines, and 517 unexploded ordnances were detected and safely neutralized.

In total, an area of 1,432.8 hectares was cleared of mines and explosive remnants of war.

These efforts are part of ongoing operations to ensure the safe return of displaced residents and support reconstruction and development in the region.

On October 6, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Binali Yildirim, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), in Gabala, Azernews reports.

Iran is preparing to launch its latest upgraded communications satellite, ‘Do-Namay 1,’ by the end of 2025, a senior Iranian aerospace official revealed on Sunday, Azernews reports.

Speaking to Tasnim News Agency, Hossein Shahrabi, head of Tehran-based aerospace firm Omid Faza, confirmed that the satellite is scheduled to launch in December, using the same launch vehicle that successfully deployed the Kosar and Hodhod satellites in 2024.

Shahrabi highlighted technical upgrades in the new satellite, including enhanced imaging capabilities and an S-band communication link for more robust data transmission.

‘The issue linking attitude control to solar energy absorption has been resolved,’ Shahrabi stated, referring to a key technical challenge affecting previous missions.

The launch is part of Iran’s broader push to expand its indigenous space and satellite technology, amid growing interest in satellite-based communications across the region.

The energy sector continues to be the primary source of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the International Energy Agency (IEA).

IEA data shows that between 2011 and 2020, emissions from the country’s energy sector ranged from 20.9 to 22.2 million tons of CO2, making it the largest contributor to atmospheric pollution. Following energy, the main sources of emissions are agriculture and construction, while the lowest emissions come from waste management, industrial production, construction activities, and transport.

Despite some fluctuations, total CO2 emissions in Azerbaijan reached approximately 56.7 million tons in 2020, exceeding the levels recorded in 2011.

Globally, Azerbaijan’s share of greenhouse gas emissions is relatively small, accounting for 0.12 percent, according to IEA. Data from the EU4Climate program indicate that between 1990 and 1995, Azerbaijan reduced its emissions by 37 percent, stabilizing at nearly the same level by 2010.

The report highlights the ongoing challenge of balancing energy production with environmental sustainability and underscores the need for continued investments in clean energy and emission reduction strategies.

In a world increasingly driven by clean energy ambitions, Azerbaijan is positioning itself not merely as a producer or transit country-but as a regional architect of green energy connectivity. Its recent high-level engagements in Kazakhstan underscore a critical dimension of this strategy: leveraging partnerships with Central Asian countries to construct a multi-vector, sustainable energy corridor between East and West.

During “Kazakhstan Energy Week” in Astana, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov, held a series of strategic meetings with Kazakh officials and international energy leaders. The agenda was clear: deepen bilateral and multilateral cooperation in green energy, enhance trans-Caspian energy connectivity, and accelerate joint regional infrastructure initiatives aimed at transforming the Caspian basin into a pivotal green energy corridor.

Azerbaijan’s energy transition is not simply about replacing fossil fuels. It’s about ensuring long-term geopolitical relevance in a shifting energy landscape. As global markets move beyond hydrocarbons, countries that control the flow of clean energy will command new forms of influence. By integrating itself into Central Asia’s renewable energy ambitions, Baku is ensuring that Azerbaijan remains at the center of the evolving Eurasian energy map.

This strategy is most visible in the “Central Asia-Azerbaijan Green Energy Corridor,” a project that seeks to connect renewable energy-rich countries like Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to European markets via Azerbaijan. The initiative is more than a pipeline-it is a power bridge, combining electricity interconnectors, green hydrogen potential, and fiber-optic infrastructure that also supports digital transformation.

During his speech at the APRECA Ministerial Roundtable, Shahbazov emphasized that this corridor represents not only a technical solution but a strategic transformation. “The creation of the geostrategic Trans-Caspian Green Energy Corridor, which will connect the electricity systems of our countries for the first time in history, is fully consistent with the policy priorities of President Ilham Aliyev,” Shahbazov said. “It opens up broad opportunities for the development of the Middle Corridor as a green bridge connecting Europe with Asia and China through the Caspian Sea.”

The traditional Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan energy partnership, long centered around hydrocarbons, is evolving. While Kazakh oil continues to be shipped through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline-with 3.38 million tons transported since 2023-both sides are clearly pivoting toward long-term green cooperation.

In meetings with Kazakhstan’s Minister of Energy Erlan Akkenzhenov and Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev, discussions moved beyond oil logistics to include infrastructure modernization, the feasibility study of the green energy corridor (expected to launch in November), and the future role of the Zangezur Corridor and Middle Corridor in supporting green energy trade.

Kazakhstan’s full backing for the green energy corridor was made explicit by Minister Akkenzhenov, who reiterated Astana’s support for this “strategically important project,” underscoring its alignment with both countries’ long-term energy diversification goals.

Azerbaijan is not acting alone. Its coordination with Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan under the Caspian Green Energy Corridor initiative-formalized in April 2025-is a model of regional green diplomacy. Backed by the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), the tripartite agreement aims to interconnect the energy systems of all three countries and create a viable, scalable route for clean energy exports to Europe.

The groundwork was laid during the COP29 summit in Baku in 2024, where the leaders of the three countries signed a landmark strategic agreement on green energy. Today, the partnership is being operationalized with feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, and alignment with broader initiatives like APRECA (Accelerated Partnership for Renewable Energy in Central Asia), coordinated by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA).

In a meeting with IRENA Director General Francesco La Camera, Azerbaijan reaffirmed its commitment to aligning its national and regional initiatives with global decarbonization goals, particularly in developing shared infrastructure, energy storage systems, and smart grids.

Traditionally viewed as a transport and trade route connecting China to Europe via Central Asia and the South Caucasus, the Middle Corridor is now being redefined as a “green corridor.” With Azerbaijan’s leadership, the region is exploring how electricity interconnectors, renewable power flows, and even fiber-optic data lines can turn this transport route into a full-spectrum infrastructure artery.

Incorporating the Zangezur Corridor into this architecture adds another layer of strategic depth. By strengthening east-west logistics while embedding clean energy systems into transport frameworks, Azerbaijan is turning geography into long-term advantage.

Moreover, Azerbaijan is also pursuing parallel routes for green energy export, such as the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe, Azerbaijan-Turkiye-Europe, and Azerbaijan-Georgia-Turkiye-Bulgaria corridors. These initiatives reflect a deliberate strategy of diversification-not only in energy sources but in partnerships and export pathways.

Azerbaijan’s green energy diplomacy with Kazakhstan-and the broader Central Asian region-is a case study in how energy transitions can be strategically leveraged for regional influence, economic diversification, and geopolitical security.

As global energy systems become increasingly decarbonized and interconnected, Azerbaijan’s proactive efforts to lead, connect, and innovate in the Caspian region position it as a central node in Eurasia’s energy future. What began as a fossil-fuel transit hub is rapidly becoming a linchpin of green energy geopolitics.

With the support of international financial institutions, alignment with global sustainability goals, and a growing network of strategic partnerships, Azerbaijan is not just adapting to the energy transition-it is shaping it.

In a world increasingly shaped by regional alliances and cultural blocs, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has emerged as a beacon of unity, resilience, and strategic foresight. What began as a modest platform for cultural cooperation among Turkic-speaking nations has now evolved into a dynamic geopolitical force; one that not only redefines the balance of power in Eurasia but also offers a compelling model of regional integration rooted in shared identity and mutual respect.

The recent developments within the OTS are not merely symbolic; they are transformative. From coordinated infrastructure projects to joint diplomatic initiatives, the organization is steadily carving out a space for Turkic nations to assert their collective interests on the global stage. This is not a return to history, but it is a leap into the future, powered by a common language, a shared heritage, and a renewed sense of purpose.

The strength of the OTS lies in its diversity. Spanning Central Asia, the Caucasus, and Anatolia, the member states bring unique assets to the table: Kazakhstan’s vast energy reserves, Uzbekistan’s industrial potential, Trkiye’s geopolitical leverage, and Azerbaijan’s strategic location and economic dynamism. Together, these nations form a corridor of opportunity stretching from the Caspian Sea to the heart of Europe.

The development of the Trans-Caspian East-West Middle Corridor, often referred to as the “Silk Road of the 21st Century”, is a prime example of how the OTS is translating vision into reality. This corridor not only facilitates trade and energy transit but also reduces dependency on traditional routes dominated by external powers. It is a declaration of economic sovereignty and logistical independence.

Azerbaijan’s role within the OTS deserves special attention. As a country that straddles East and West, Azerbaijan has become a linchpin in the organization’s strategic calculus. Its investments in infrastructure, energy, and digital transformation have positioned it as both a bridge and a beacon for Turkic cooperation.

The liberation of Garabagh and the subsequent reconstruction efforts have further elevated Azerbaijan’s standing. Through OTS platforms, Baku has successfully internationalized its post-conflict development agenda, attracting investment and solidarity from fellow Turkic states. This is not just diplomacy, but it is a manifestation of shared destiny.

Moreover, Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the OTS marks a new chapter in the organization’s evolution. Under Baku’s leadership, the focus has shifted toward actionable goals: economic integration, cultural exchange, and coordinated foreign policy. The message is clear, Azerbaijan is not just participating in the Turkic awakening; it is leading it.

Beyond politics and economics, the OTS is fostering a cultural renaissance. Joint media initiatives, academic exchanges, and language programs are strengthening the bonds between Turkic peoples. This soft power strategy is essential in a world where narratives shape realities.

The revival of Turkic identity-once suppressed or diluted by imperial legacies-is now a source of pride and cohesion. From literature to cinema, from education to tourism, the OTS is cultivating a sense of belonging that transcends borders. It is not about exclusion; it is about affirmation.

Of course, the path forward is not without challenges. Divergent political systems, economic disparities, and external pressures can test the unity of the OTS. But these obstacles are not insurmountable. With strategic patience and principled leadership, the organization can navigate complexity and emerge stronger.

The key lies in institutionalization. The OTS must continue to build robust mechanisms for decision-making, conflict resolution, and policy implementation. It must also expand its partnerships beyond the Turkic world, engaging with Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America to diversify its diplomatic footprint.

The rise of the Turkic States Organization is more than a regional phenomenon-it is a geopolitical reality that demands recognition. In an era of fragmentation and uncertainty, the OTS offers a model of unity grounded in history, driven by strategy, and sustained by vision.

For Azerbaijan and its fellow Turkic nations, this is a moment of opportunity. The world is watching, and the future is being written; not in distant capitals, but in the heartlands of the Turkic world. The message is simple yet profound: united, we rise.

Nizami Cinema Center has hosted the premiere of the feature film “Taghiyev: Sona”, a portrayal of the life of the renowned philanthropist Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by Arzu Aliyeva, the film’s executive producer and President of the Baku Media Center, along with government officials and notable cultural figures.

Produced by the Baku Media Center, the film was made with support from the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Cinema Agency. It also received backing from NEQSOL Holding, Kapital Bank, Bakcell, and Norm companies.

“Taghiyev: Sona” is the third chapter in the four-part Taghiyev saga, which chronicles the life and philanthropic legacy of Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev. The film explores significant historical events that shaped Baku and the region during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

The story follows Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, a man who has endured many hardships, as he meets a young and educated woman named Sona. His love for her brings new challenges, and the film portrays their unforgettable love story, as Sona navigates obstacles to win his heart.

Viewers will experience themes of strength, loyalty, and love, while witnessing the personal transformations of the characters from the first two episodes.

The executive producer is Arzu Aliyeva, with Orman Aliyev serving as producer.

Directed by Zaur Gasimli, the film’s script was written by Ismayil Iman, Asif Isgandarli, and Zaur Gasimli. The key creative team includes cinematographer Vladimir Artemyev, artist Sabuhi Atababayev, costume designer Vusal Rahim, and composer Etibar Asadli.

The cast features prominent actors such as People’s Artists Parviz Mammadrzayev and Gurban Ismayilov, along with Honored Artists Rasim Jafar, Elshan Rustamov, and Natavan Hajiyeva, who play key historical roles.

The film’s premiere was met with a standing ovation from the audience.

The first part of the Taghiyev saga, “Taghiyev: Oil”, was released in 2024 to mark the 100th anniversary of Taghiyev’s death. The film became a cultural milestone, attracting over 70,000 viewers in local cinemas, and it earned international recognition, winning the Best Feature Film with Color Correction award at the Dehancer Colourist Awards 2024.

The film takes viewers through various stages of Taghiyev’s life, from his humble beginnings in a cobbler’s family in Baku to becoming a wealthy industrialist and public figure devoted to improving the lives of ordinary people. It delves into his challenging decisions, perseverance, and his efforts to enhance education.

With its stunning visuals, the film highlights Taghiyev’s great role in societal development, including the establishment of the first girls’ school in the East and his contributions to the oil industry and the urbanization of Baku.

The production of the film has become a landmark in Azerbaijani cinema. Nearly 2,500 creative professionals were involved in large-scale scenes filmed across 76 locations, with over 300 sets constructed.

A dedicated costume workshop meticulously created period-accurate costumes, accessories, and jewelry to authentically depict the era of Taghiyev.

Egypt’s former minister of tourism and antiquities, Khaled El Enany, was nominated on Monday as the next Director General of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), Azernews reports.

The announcement came after the conclusion of voting during the 222nd session of UNESCO’s Executive Board in Paris.

It is worth noting that, this candidacy will then be approved by the General Conference in November.