Category: Azer News

Meta Platforms, Inc. is reportedly nearing an agreement with Pembina Pipeline Corp. to build a new artificial intelligence data center in Alberta, Canada, according to a report by The Logic on Friday, Azernews reports.

The Logic noted that Pembina is expected to partner with Kineticor, a Canadian power generation company, to supply natural gas-fired electricity for the facility.

While the final terms are still under negotiation, sources say a regulatory framework announcement could come as early as today, pending approval.

Following the report, shares of Pembina Pipeline surged 5.54% as of 2:22 p.m. ET during Friday’s trading session.

If confirmed, the deal would mark a significant expansion of Meta’s AI infrastructure and a noteworthy crossover between tech and traditional energy sectors in Canada.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky revealed on Sunday that Russia’s latest overnight assault involved the launch of 50 missiles and 500 drones targeting multiple regions across the country, Azernews reports.

In a Telegram post, Zelensky listed the affected areas as Lviv, Ivano-Frankivsk, Zaporizhia, Chernihiv, Sumy, Kharkiv, Kherson, Odesa, and Kirovohrad. According to preliminary reports, the attacks resulted in five fatalities and left ten others injured.

The president emphasized that rescue operations and restoration efforts are currently underway. ‘We urgently need enhanced protection and faster implementation of all defense agreements,’ Zelensky urged, stressing the crucial role of the United States and Europe in applying pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to halt the aggression.

The 3rd Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games are in full swing across seven cities in Azerbaijan, showcasing intense competition and strong performances from participating nations.

Azernews reports that Russia currently tops the medal table with an impressive total of 157 medals – 89 gold, 40 silver, and 28 bronze. Host country Azerbaijan is in second place with 139 medals: 23 gold, 44 silver, and 72 bronze. Belarus follows in third with 84 medals, including 20 gold, 23 silver, and 41 bronze.

So far, athletes from 9 of the 13 participating countries have secured medals in the Games, which continue to serve as a key platform for athletic development and regional cooperation among CIS member states.

Japan’s former Minister of Economic Security, Sanae Takaichi, has been elected as the leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), marking a historic first for the party, Azernews reports, citing Japanese media outlets.

Takaichi emerged victorious over four competitors in the party leadership race. In the first round, she secured 183 votes, narrowly edging out her main rival, Shinjiro Koizumi, who received 164 votes, advancing both to the second round. Takaichi ultimately prevailed in the decisive stage, securing her position as party leader.

In the coming days, the parliament will vote to confirm the ruling party’s new leader as the country’s prime minister. If approved, Takaichi will become Japan’s first female prime minister.

The leadership race follows the resignation of current Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who announced in early September that he would step down as head of the LDP.

U.S. President Donald Trump is considering visiting South Korea later this month just ahead of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap.

Government circles speculate that Trump may hold bilateral summits with South Korea and China before the APEC gathering opens and depart without attending the main session of the summit, slated for Oct. 31-Nov. 1 in the southeastern city of Gyeongju.

“President Trump is expected to arrive on Oct. 29 and visit Gyeongju,” a ruling party official told Yonhap News Agency by phone. “However, his schedule has yet to be finalized and is still being coordinated between South Korea and the U.S.”

Trump is expected to attend the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit in Kuala Lumpur from Oct. 26-28 before heading to Japan for talks with the country’s new prime minister.

He is then likely to travel to South Korea after his Japan stop, diplomatic observers said, raising the possibility of a one-day trip.

“As for when he will depart after arriving on the 29th, nothing has been confirmed at this point,” a government official said.

U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent earlier said Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping will have a “pull-aside” meeting in South Korea late this month.

A ruling party official, meanwhile, downplayed the possibility of Trump’s meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on the sidelines of the APEC summit.

The town of Shamakhi is once again hosting the International Barbecue Festival, a two-day culinary celebration that began on October 4 in the village of Meysari, Azernews reports.

Organized for the first time in Azerbaijan, the festival is supported by the Shamakhi District Executive Authority, the Nasimi Vineyards Complex, the ‘Abqora’ restaurant, and international culinary judge Sahib-David Israfilov, widely known as Don David.

The event has drawn celebrated chefs from more than 30 countries, including Willem Vink, President of the World Barbecue Association (WBQA); Christopher Sandford, WBQA’s chief judge; Thomas Gugler, former President of the World Association of Chefs’ Societies (WACS) and personal chef to the King of Saudi Arabia; as well as culinary association presidents, Michelin-starred masters, and international judges.

At the opening ceremony, Don David, WBQA President Willem Vink, and WACS Vice President Uwe Friedrich Herbert Micheel welcomed participants, noting that the festival’s purpose is to strengthen cultural exchange while showcasing Azerbaijan’s hospitality, cuisine, and cultural values. Guests were then invited to tour the pavilions, sample delicacies from different countries, and explore a variety of food brands and restaurant presentations.

Specially designated zones featured professional chefs representing both Azerbaijan and world cuisines, highlighting the richness of global gastronomy. Visitors also had the chance to attend family-friendly cooking masterclasses, where renowned chefs prepared burgers alongside children in an engaging and playful format.

A lively cooking competition added to the festival atmosphere, with teams tasked to prepare dishes from assigned recipes. Competitors were judged on flavor, cooking techniques, and presentation, with winners receiving certificates, medals, and the festival’s grand trophy, awarded by partners.

Throughout the day, local and international musicians performed on the festival stage, providing a vibrant soundtrack as visitors enjoyed an array of barbecue specialties.

The International Barbecue Festival will continue on October 5, offering another day of flavors, entertainment, and cultural exchange in the heart of Shamakhi.

The opening round of the Azerbaijan Basketball League is set to conclude this evening with the final match between Ordu and Nakhchivan. Azernews reports that the game will be held at the Baku Sports Palace, tipping off at 19:00 local time.

Basketball enthusiasts have already witnessed an exciting start to the season, with several competitive clashes across the country. In earlier fixtures, Sabah overcame Neftchi with a confident 86-75 victory, while Absheron Lions defeated Sheki 91-80 in a hard-fought contest. Ganja edged past NTD 90-85 in a nail-biter that went down to the final minutes, while Lankaran secured a convincing 93-82 win against Sumgayit. Meanwhile, Quba impressed with a dominant performance, routing Sarhadchi 98-76.

The league, which brings together teams from different regions of Azerbaijan, is gaining increasing attention both from fans and sports analysts. Each matchup reflects not only the rising standard of domestic basketball but also the growing passion for the sport nationwide.

Tonight’s clash between Ordu and Nakhchivan will determine the final standings of the first round, setting the tone for the rest of the season. With both teams eager to prove themselves early, fans can expect another spirited encounter to round off an already thrilling start to the league.

The shooting competitions at the 3rd CIS Games, hosted by Azerbaijan for the first time, continue to showcase intense rivalries and strong performances, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijani athlete Khanna Aliyeva secured a silver medal in the women’s 10-meter air pistol event. The competition took place at the Ganja Sports Palace, which is hosting several disciplines as part of the Games. Aliyeva’s precision and consistency carried her through the final round, earning her a place on the podium and adding another medal to Azerbaijan’s tally.

The achievement was met with enthusiastic support from local fans, who filled the arena to cheer for the national team. Aliyeva’s medal reflects not only her individual skill but also the progress Azerbaijan has made in developing shooting sports in recent years.

The 3rd CIS Games have brought together 1,624 athletes from 13 countries to compete across multiple disciplines. The multi-sport event, which serves to strengthen sporting and cultural ties among member states, will conclude on October 8.

The following students admitted to higher education institutions will be awarded Presidential scholarships, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed an order granting Presidential scholarships to students entering higher education institutions in Azerbaijan for the 2025-2026 academic year.

The order stipulates that students who achieved the highest results in the entrance exams within their respective fields of study and gained admission to Azerbaijani higher education institutions will receive Presidential scholarships:

Abdiyeva Ayla

Abduleeva Ayan

Abduleeva Maryam

Abdulsamadli Orkhan

Abdurahmanova Guhat

Aghamammadova Zeynab

Aghayev Aliakbar

Alizade Ziya

Allahyarli Farid

Babarabov Nijat

Babashli Aysel

Babayev Anar

Babayeva Jamila

Baghirov Raul

Bakhshaliyeva Aytaj

Bayramzade Gunay

Bakhtiyarova Royale

Jafarova Sehrin

Jannatov Fuad

Efendi Zahra

Ahmed Aisha

Ahmedzade Laman

Akberov Eljan

Akberova Nigar

Alili Mushfig

Aliyeva Fidan

Aliyeva Nazrin

Aliyeva Tamella

Alizade Sevinj

Alizade Sureyya

Ansarli Gler

Asgar Ilham

Azizli Sema

Fareczade Rahim

Hajiyeva Narmin

Hajizade Nihad

Hagverdi Ilham

Habibullazade Gulay

Halim Aydan

Hasanli Osman

Hasanov Fizuli

Hashimov Chingiz

Hummetli Chichek

Huseynli Arif

Huseynli Enes

Huseynova Aysu

Khalilova Aylin

Ibrahimli Gulay

Ibrahimov Emin

Ibrahimov Ali

Ismayilov Ali

Ismayilov Altay

Ismayilova Sema

Ismayilzade Khadija

Karimov Rajab

Garayev Rafael

Garibov Shukran

Goshgarov Muzaffar

Guluzade Nazrin

Gurbanli Kamaladdin

Gurbanov Mursel

Mahmudova Samra

Mansurov Eldar

Mammadli Mehri

Mammadov Abulhasan

Mammadov Ismayil

Mammadov Shahin

Mammadova Fidan

Mammadova Maryam

Mammadova Nazrin

Mirzazade Gunduz

Muradli Adil

Muradli Nuray

Musayev Shahin

Musazade Samad

Mustafayev Ibrahim

Mustafayeva Emiliya

Murshudlu Aykhan

Murvetova Gulay

Nadirli Tunar

Nasirov Kamran

Nazarzade Zaur

Nurmammedli Sona

Omar Jabir

Ramizli Zahra

Rahimli Oruj

Rahimova Khadija

Rustamov Nijat

Sadikhov Nijat

Sariyev Murad

Safarov Yusif

Safarova Aysel

Samadov Metin

Shabanova Rayyan

Shamilova Vusala

Sharifli Fidan

Shirinov Royal

Tahirli Zaman

Velizade Aygun

Velizade Babek

Yusifova Nazrin

Zeynalli Nilufer

The Cabinet of Ministers of the Republic of Azerbaijan is tasked with addressing the implementation of matters arising from this decree.

Baku Slavic University hosted the VI International Forum on ‘New Challenges in Education,’ attracting education officials, Ministry of Science and Education representatives, and international experts, Azernews reprots. The forum, dedicated to the ‘Year of Constitution and Sovereignty,’ was held under the motto ‘Towards a More Educated Future.’

Distinguished participants included Andreas Schleicher, Director for Education and Skills at the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD); prominent Turkish psychologists Acar and Zuhal Baltas of the Baltas Group; Carolyn Wright, CEO of the British Educational Suppliers Association; and Roman Aliyev, Director of Riga Classical State Gymnasium, who shared their expertise and experiences.

The forum focused on balancing emotional intelligence and artificial intelligence in education, emphasizing the development of students and educators into their best possible versions.

In his address, Baku Slavic University Rector Anar Nagiyev highlighted that education in Azerbaijan has also ‘returned to Garabagh,’ noting the university’s efforts to prepare students for the modern labor market and promote inclusive education.

Deputy Minister of Science and Education Idris Isayev stressed that literacy in Azerbaijan is nearly 100% and underscored the central role of education in social development, human capital growth, and the preservation of national values. He emphasized that digital skills and the use of AI as an educational tool are increasingly essential for youth.

Andreas Schleicher added that collaborative teaching strengthens professional confidence and effectiveness, and that AI integration should enhance, not diminish, teachers’ creativity.

The forum continued with in-depth discussions and exchanges on the future of education in Azerbaijan and beyond.