Category: Azer News

Azerbaijani products are being showcased at international exhibitions and fairs for foreign goods held in Beijing, organized jointly by China’s Ministry of Commerce and the Beijing Municipal People’s Government.

As reported by AzerNEWS, citing Azerbaijan’s Economy Ministry, the events are taking place on the eve of the Chinese New Year and are held under the slogan ‘A Big Market for All: Export to China.’ The exhibitions are designed as a shopping-festival-style showcase of international premium products.

With the support of Azerbaijan’s Trade Representation in China, the Azerbaijan Trade House in Beijing is presenting products manufactured under the ‘Made in Azerbaijan’ brand at the capital’s Ritan and Wanyuan-Wangfujing Outlet shopping centers. The dedicated pavilions feature Azerbaijani wines and other alcoholic beverages, pomegranate juices, compotes, jams, and tea. Visitors can also explore a selection of traditional Azerbaijani sweets and souvenirs reflecting the country’s national culture.

The series of fairs will run for six days and is being held across Beijing’s Chaoyang and Tongzhou districts.

The 19th round of the Misli Premier League gets under way today, with two fixtures scheduled for the opening matchday.

According to AzerNEWS, citing Azertag, the action begins with league leaders Sabah hosting Araz-Nakhchivan at the Bank Respublika Arena. Kick-off is set for 16:00 local time. Sabah currently sit top of the table with 43 points, while Araz-Nakhchivan are sixth on 27 points.

Later in the evening, Zira travel to face Sumgayit in the second fixture of the day. The match will take place at the Mehdi Huseynzade Stadium in Sumgayit, with kick-off at 18:30.

Sumgayit, known as the ‘Kimyachilar’, occupy fourth place with 30 points, while Zira, nicknamed the ‘Qartallar’, are just one point behind in fifth place with 29 points, setting the stage for a closely contested encounter.

The remaining matches of Round 19 are scheduled to be played on February 9-10, as teams continue their push for league positions in the second half of the season.

Elon Musk, the world’s richest person and U.S. businessman, has pledged to cover the legal expenses of anyone who agrees to testify in court in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein case.

As reported by AzerNEWS, citing foreign media outlets, Musk made the statement in a post on the social media platform X.

‘I will pay the legal costs for anyone who tells the truth about this and is sued as a result,’ Musk wrote in response to another user’s post.

He also questioned why the list of Epstein’s alleged clients had not been submitted to the U.S. Congress earlier or subsequently made public.

Jeffrey Epstein was arrested by law enforcement authorities in New York State on July 6, 2019. Prosecutors said they had evidence indicating that between 2002 and 2005 he arranged for dozens of underage girls to be brought to his Manhattan residence, with the youngest reportedly being 14 years old.

Epstein’s circle of friends and associates reportedly included numerous current and former officials, major business figures, and entertainment celebrities from the United States and other countries, including former heads of state. Criminal proceedings against the financier in the United States were discontinued after his death in a jail cell in August 2019.

The Indian Coast Guard has detained three oil tankers on suspicion of illegally transporting oil, the service said in a statement published on its official social media page, AzerNEWS reports via BelTa.

According to the statement, the operation led to the disruption of what was described as an international oil smuggling network. The action was carried out during a carefully planned maritime and aerial operation conducted off India’s western coast.

The coast guard reported that three suspicious vessels were intercepted about 100 nautical miles west of Mumbai. Following a detailed inspection, including searches of the ships, verification of electronic data, and interrogation of crew members, authorities identified a consistent pattern of illicit activity linked to a globally operating network of organizers.

It was also noted that the vessels had frequently changed their names, a tactic often associated with attempts to evade detection and sanctions.

The detained tankers are currently being escorted to Mumbai, where further legal proceedings and investigations will be carried out by the relevant authorities.

United States President Donald Trump criticized the Super Bowl LX halftime show as “absolutely terrible, one of the worst, EVER.” The headliner, Puerto Rican singer Bad Bunny, sang entirely in Spanish for the first time in the show’s history, AzerNEWS reports.

Trump said Bad Bunny’s performance “makes no sense, is an affront to the Greatness of America, and doesn’t represent our standards of Success, Creativity, or Excellence.”

He claimed that “nobody understands a word this guy is saying” and called the show a “slap in the face to our Country.” According to the 2024 US Census Bureau data, around 45 million people in the US speak Spanish at home.

The average Super Bowl halftime show pulls in around 127 million, while last year Kendrick Lamar set a record with 133.5 million.

Bad Bunny, born Benito Antonio Martínez Ocasio, is the first male solo Latin artist to perform the halftime show, as well as the first to perform their set entirely in Spanish.

Toward the end of his set, Bad Bunny was handed a ball with the words, ‘Together, we are America’ written on it, and a message on the big screen read: ‘The only thing more powerful than hate is love.’

But the message of unity clearly did not go down well with the president.

‘Nobody understands a word this guy is saying, and the dancing is disgusting, especially for young children that are watching from throughout the U.S.A., and all over the World,’ Trump raged.

‘This ‘Show’ is just a ‘slap in the face’ to our Country, which is setting new standards and records every single day – including the Best Stock Market and 401(k)s in History!’ the president fumed. ‘There is nothing inspirational about this mess of a Halftime Show and watch, it will get great reviews from the Fake News Media, because they haven’t got a clue of what is going on in the REAL WORLD.’

Zelensky noted that Washington invited both delegations to meet in Miami next week. He confirmed Ukraine’s participation but said no breakthrough had been achieved in earlier US-brokered discussions in Abu Dhabi.

Zelensky told reporters that territorial concessions remain unresolved and described them as “difficult issues.” He added that leaders may consider a trilateral meeting, though preparations are still required.

There was no immediate comment from Washington or Moscow, but US President Donald Trump has been pushing for an end for the conflict since he took office again more than a year ago.

Meanwhile, Russia has continued its attacks on Ukraine’s energy infrastructure – causing further widespread blackouts during freezing conditions.

In comments released on Saturday, Zelensky told reporters what had taken place during the second round of US-brokered peace talks in Abu Dhabi, which ended on Friday with no reports of a breakthrough.

Zelensky said “difficult issues remained difficult”, including territorial concessions that Ukraine is under pressure to make.

He said the parties discussed, for the first time, the possibility of a trilateral meeting between leaders, not simply representatives, but cautioned “preparatory elements are needed for this”.

Asked whether a time frame had been given for an agreement, the Ukrainian leader replied: “The Americans say that they want to do everything by June.”

“Why before this summer?” he added. “We understand that their domestic issues in the US will have an impact.” These issues include the November midterm elections, which could affect the balance of power in the US government.

As the diplomacy continues, so too are Russian strikes on Ukraine’s energy facilities.

“Russian criminals carried out another massive attack on Ukraine’s energy facilities,” Ukraine’s energy minister, Denys Shmyhal, wrote on Telegram.

Substations, which control the flow of electricity, and overhead power lines that “form the backbone of Ukraine’s power grid” were targeted, Shmyhal said. Power plants were also struck.

Ukraine’s state-owned energy operator, Ukrenergo, said “the power deficit in the power system of Ukraine significantly increased” as a result of the latest attacks.

Shmyhal said neighbouring Poland had been asked for emergency power supplies.

Zelensky wrote on social media that Friday night’s attack involved more than 400 drones and 40 missiles. Air-defence systems intercepted most, but not all, of them, the Ukrainian military said.

Young artists have successfully demonstrated their vibrant art pieces at the Vajiha Samadova Exhibition Hall of the Azerbaijan Artists’ Union, Azernews reports citing Azerbaijan Artists’ Union.

The exhibition showcased strong support for emerging talent and the dynamic evolution of contemporary art in the country. The show featured bold experiments with color and texture, offering a glimpse into the inner world of a new generation striving to define its own distinctive artistic voice.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Farhad Khalilov, People’s Artist, Professor and Chairman of the Azerbaijan Artists’ Union, stressing the significance of initiatives like this.

He added that each work by the young creators adds a vivid stroke to a broader palette of visual impressions and emotional experiences, reflecting the spirit of the new generation and their meaningful dialogue with the world and surrounding reality.

The exhibition aroused great public interest. The artworks on display were notable for their thematic diversity, ranging from expressive portraits and picturesque landscapes to charming still lifes and original sculptural compositions.

Executed in a variety of artistic techniques, the pieces incorporated elements of realism, impressionism, cubism, abstraction and other styles, drawing keen interest from visitors with their rich stylistic variety and vibrant color schemes.

Azerbaijan Defence Ministry has shared a weekly report on Azerbaijani Armed Forces’ recent participation in the joint operational-tactical exercise Peace Shield – 2026 in Abu Dhabi as well as overall activities, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Defence Ministry.

Recall that on February 3, Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev and United Arab Emirates’ President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan observed the joint operational-tactical exercise Peace Shield – 2026, conducted with the participation of servicemen from the armed forces of both countries in Abu Dhabi.

The Coca-Cola Company and its strategic bottling partner, Coca-Cola HBC Ireland and Northern Ireland, have agreed a new soft drinks partnership with the Irish Football Association (Irish FA) and the Northern Ireland Football League (NIFL).

The partnership aims to support and promote both national and domestic football teams across Northern Ireland through a range of coordinated activations and initiatives.

Under the agreement, Coca-Cola will activate the sponsorship across several brands in its portfolio, including Coca-Cola, Coca-Cola Zero Sugar and Powerade. This will include providing drinks on match days, delivering branding and social media campaigns, and offering fans exclusive access to football-related events and experiences.

The Coca-Cola Company has a long history of supporting football globally, including sponsorship of the FIFA World Cup, the UEFA European Championship and the English Premier League.

The announcement underscores Coca-Cola’s commitment to investing in and promoting grassroots and domestic football, while also supporting the communities it serves across Northern Ireland.

Representatives of Azerbaijan’s civil society have addressed an open letter to Vice President of the United States of America JD Vance.

AzerNews presents the full text of the letter:

‘Dear Mr. Vice President,

We write to you as representatives of a nation that has, for centuries, served as a bridge between civilizations. This is a land where the call to prayer and the ringing of church bells harmonize in a spirit of true coexistence. Azerbaijan remains steadfast in its commitment to the spiritual and traditional values that form the bedrock of any stable society: the sanctity of the family, the preservation of heritage, and the protection of religious freedom.

In light of the current U.S. Administration’s firm commitment to religious freedom and interfaith dialogue, we are proud to highlight Azerbaijan’s enduring legacy as a model of interfaith harmony and tolerance. Our nation’s relationship with the Christian world is not merely diplomatic, but deeply cultural. Azerbaijan has historically invested in the protection of diverse religious heritage, including the extensive renovation of Christian churches and sacred sites in Vatican. We take immense pride in our blossoming ties with the Holy See and the growing presence of diverse Christian denominations within our borders. From the flourishing activities of the Catholic community to the recent establishment of the ‘Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints’ in Baku, Azerbaijan continues to expand the space for faith to thrive. Our commitment is further evidenced by the ongoing construction of a second Catholic church in our capital which is a testament to our belief that a society is strengthened by its religious diversity.

However, the path to our current peace has been marked by profound loss. We must remember the historical injustice faced by Western Azerbaijanis who, since 1987, were forcibly uprooted from their ancestral lands in Armenia.

Hundreds of villages were emptied, homes looted, and sacred sites, including the historic Blue Mosque in Yerevan, were desecrated or had their identities erased.

Despite decades of integration within Azerbaijan, the longing to visit ancestral graves and restore ruined homes remains a peaceful, humanitarian heartbeat within our people.

Western Azerbaijanis harbor no territorial ambitions. Their goal is not to challenge sovereignty of Armenia, but to exercise the fundamental human right to return to one’s roots in peace and dignity.

We stand at a historic crossroads. The Joint Declaration signed on August 8, 2025, in Washington, serves as a beacon of hope. We fully endorse the vision shared by President Ilham Aliyev and US President Donald Trump to replace decades of discord with a future defined by trade, security, and mutual respect.

Mr. Vice President,

We ask for your support in advocating for the right of return and preservation of the cultural heritage of Azerbaijanis expelled from the Republic of Armenia in early 90s.

Your support for the peaceful return of Western Azerbaijanis to their historical homelands and restoration of destroyed religious and cultural heritage sites of Azerbaijani people in Armenia can be a significant step forward in the right direction.

Furthermore, we believe a truly comprehensive peace must address the right of return for Azerbaijanis forcibly displaced from their ancestral lands in Armenia. While the Western Azerbaijan Community seeks a constructive dialogue regarding a peaceful return, these efforts have yet to be reciprocated. Ultimately, a just and lasting peace must include the reconciliation and safe return of these individuals to their original homes.

Your leadership and moral clarity can ensure that the “Peace of 2025” becomes a permanent reality for every family in the Caucasus.

With Respect and Sincerity,

The Representatives of Azerbaijani Civil Society

1. Ramil Iskandarli – Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum

2. Oghuz Mammadov – Chairman of “Zangi – Study of Historical Heritage” Public Union

3. Fuad Mammadov – Chairman of the “Simurg” Azerbaijan Cultural Association

4. Khatira Valiyeva – Member of the Board of the Azerbaijan National NGO Forum

5. Rizvan Nabiyev – Member of the Board of the ‘Legal Analysis and Research’ Public Union

6. Tanzila Rustamkhanli – Chairperson of the ‘Azeri-Turk Women’s Union’

7. Novella Jafarova – Chairwoman of the Dilara Aliyeva Azerbaijan Women’s Rights Society

8. Saadat Bananyarli – Chairwoman of the “Azerbaijan National Unit of the International Human Rights Society” Public Union

9. Saltanat Gojamanli – Chairwoman of the “Protection of Human Rights and Legality” Public Union

10. Sevinc Alizade – Chairwoman of the ‘Victory’ Support to Families of Martyrs Public Union

11. Amir Aliyev – Chairman of the ‘Center for the Promotion of Human Rights’ Public Union

12. Alimammad Nuriyev – Head of the ‘Constitution’ Research Fund

13. Zaur Mammadov – Chairman of the Baku Club of Political Scientists

14. Rey Gasimov – Chairman of the ‘Association of Landmine Victims in Azerbaijan’ Public Union

15. Hafiz Safikhanov – Chairman of the ‘Azerbaijan Campaign Against Landmines’ Public Union

16. Zaur Ibrahimli – Chairman of the “Priority” Social Economic Research Center Public Union

17. Khatai Alasgarov – “Dada Alasgar Home” Public Union

18. Konul Behbudova – Chairwoman of the ‘Karabakh Missing Families’ Public Union

19. Ayaz Mirzayev – Chairman of the ‘Azerbaijani Journalists Network’ Public Union

20. Dilgam Ahmad – Chairman of the ‘Chapar – Center for the Study of National Heritage’ Public Union

21. Haji Abdulla – Chairman of the ‘Zangezur’ Societies Public Union

22. Fariz Khalilli – Chairman of the “Miras” Public Association for the Promotion of Cultural Heritage

23. Umud Rahimoghlu – Chairman of the International Eurasia Press Fund

24. Mubariz Asgarov – Chairman of the “Objective” Public Union for the Promotion of National Values

25. Shahla Naghiyeva – Chairwoman of the ‘Sonmez Mashal’ Cultural Relations Public Union

26. Tunzala Abdullalimova – Chairwoman of the ‘For the Motherland – Support to Families of Martyrs’ Public Union

27. Jeyran Hasanova – Chairwoman of the ‘Support to Mothers of Martyrs’ Public Union

28. Aqil Jamal – Chairman of the ‘Common Values’ Public Union

29. Vugar Gadirov – Chairman of the ‘Youth Organization for Return and Revival’ Public Union

30. Khalid Kazimov – Chairman of the Regional Human Rights and Media Center Public Union

31. Ahmad Abbasbayli – Chairman of the ‘Center for Development of Society’ Public Union

32. Irada Rzazada – Chairperson of the Public Union ‘For Social Well-being of Citizens’

33. Keramet Ismayilov – Chairman of the Public Union for Economic and Social Development

34. Fikret Yusifov – President of the “Economics” International Economic Research Public Union

35. Shalala Hasanova – Chairwoman of the ‘Support to the Development of Public Relations’ Public Union

36. Zarifa Guliyeva – Chairwoman of the Modern Development and Family Public Union

37. Mahluga Rahimova – Chairwoman of “Disabled Women’s Society” Public Union

38. Vusala Huseynova – Chairwoman of the Reformist Women and Innovations Public Union

39. Ilgar Huseynli – Chairman of the Social Strategic Studies and Analytical Research Public Union

40. Varis Yolchiyev – Director of the Azerbaijan Literary Fund

41. Samad Vakilov – Chairman of the “Muvakkil Law Center” Public Union

42. Jasarat Huseynzade – Chairman of the Public Union to Support Information and Social Initiatives

43. Elshad Eyvazov – Chairman of the Independent Journalists Public Union

44. Farida Mirishova- Chairwoman of the “Iz” Culture Development and Support Public Union

45. Lala Sardarli – “Support to the Protection and Promotion of Applied Art” Public Union.’