Category: Azer News

The two-day European Political Community (EPC) summit in Copenhagen concluded with a number of notable moments for Azerbaijan. President Ilham Aliyev held meetings with several European leaders, engaging in both political and economic consultations. Alongside discussions on bilateral relations, there was also an exchange of views with European Union leadership regarding Azerbaijan-Europe ties.

Among the most significant meetings was the encounter with French President Emmanuel Macron. In recent years, relations between Baku and Paris have been strained, with Azerbaijan strongly criticizing the biased approach of certain French politicians in the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, as well as France’s colonialist undertones in global politics. French officials condemned this posture as a response; meanwhile, they have insisted that their position was ‘neutral.’

Despite this tension, there have been visible efforts in recent months to ease relations. Importantly, the disagreements were mostly political-economic cooperation, while occasionally affected, largely remained stable. Trade figures from January to August illustrate this: Azerbaijan exported goods worth $46,318,400 to France, while French exports to Azerbaijan stood at $159,398,940. According to the State Customs Committee’s data, this figure is nearly the same as in previous years, and France continues to be one of the leading trading nations in the EU.

The Aliyev-Macron meeting in Copenhagen signaled that both sides were interested in restoring relations. It is likely that the initiative came largely from the French side, which appears to have recognized that its previous missteps brought no benefit. France understands that worsening ties with Baku would undermine both its political influence and economic interests in the South Caucasus. It’s important to remember that we are already at the start of a quite ideal period in the region, and Paris wouldn’t wish to be one of the parties that misses this opportunity.

Azerbaijan’s growing influence-particularly after the Washington Agreement-has further elevated Baku’s role on the European stage. European leaders have openly congratulated President Aliyev and Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan on the achievement, while also expressing their intention to strengthen ties with Azerbaijan. Even Macron, long accused of siding with Yerevan, has taken steps to improve relations.

This shift reflects a broader reality: Azerbaijan has become an indispensable player in regional and Eurasian affairs. The opening of the Zangezur corridor and progress in connectivity projects such as the Belt and Road initiative strengthen Europe’s access to alternative routes, reducing dependency on Russia. At the same time, Baku holds a unique position as the only actor capable of mediating with Trkiye and other Turkic states to facilitate the transport of Central Asian energy resources to the West.

For this reason, European leaders increasingly view President Ilham Aliyev as a key guarantor of regional stability and energy security. His participation in the EPC summit in Denmark serves as yet another indicator of Azerbaijan’s growing international weight.

It is also worth recalling that relations between Azerbaijan and France were once at a high point, particularly during the presidencies of François Mitterrand and Nicolas Sarkozy, and even in the early years of Macron’s rule. Azerbaijan has contributed to French cultural heritage projects such as the renovation of the Louvre Museum and the Notre Dame Cathedral, while French energy companies like Chevron have long been active in Azerbaijan’s Caspian energy sector.

The Copenhagen meeting, set against the backdrop of ongoing Armenia-Azerbaijan peace efforts, could therefore mark the beginning of a new era in French-Azerbaijani relations. France remains one of the leading powers in the EU, and for Azerbaijan-committed to strengthening ties with European states-relations with Paris retain strategic importance.

On October 3, as part of the 14th Session of the Statistical Commission of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) held in Ankara, a meeting took place at the Turkish Statistical Institute between the delegation led by the Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Statistical Committee and Turkish officials.

Azernews reports that during the meeting, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation in the field of statistics was signed between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Trkiye.

The MoU was signed by Tahir Budagov, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s State Statistical Committee, and Erhan Çetinkaya, President of the Turkish Statistical Institute.

The agreement is expected to further strengthen and deepen bilateral cooperation in official statistics, support the integration of modern information and communication technologies in statistical production, and promote the exchange of best practices across various statistical domains.

Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan have held discussions on strengthening bilateral cooperation in the peaceful use of nuclear energy and atomic technologies, Azernews reports.

The talks were held between Chairman of the Kazakhstan Atomic Energy Agency, Almasadam Satkaliyev, and Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy, Parviz Shahbazov.

The meeting focused on exchanging expertise in the regulation and oversight of the atomic industry, ensuring nuclear and radiation safety, environmental monitoring, and the handling of radioactive materials.

Both sides also discussed training and upskilling specialists, diversifying cooperation prospects, and introducing modern nuclear technologies.

‘Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan are brotherly nations, united by long-standing ties and a shared commitment to the safe and peaceful development of nuclear energy. We are determined to continue exchanging expertise and strengthening our cooperation, which will benefit both our countries and the wider region,’ said Satkaliyev.

Germany is an important partner for us, and we attach great importance to the comprehensive development of our bilateral relations, said President Ilham Aliyev in a congratulatory letter to President of the Federal Republic of Germany Frank-Walter Steinmeier, Azernews reports.

“Your visit to Azerbaijan in April gave a fresh impetus to the advancement of our cooperation, which encompasses a broad agenda.

I believe that we will continue our joint efforts to further develop the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Germany, sustain our mutually beneficial cooperation across various fields, and enrich it with new content,” the letter reads.

Google has cut more than 100 design jobs, according to recent reports. Employees from the “quantitative user experience research” and “platform and service experience” teams within the cloud technology division, along with staff from several other departments, were laid off earlier this week, Azernews reports.

These roles typically involve using data, surveys, and other analytical tools to understand user behavior and influence product design decisions. The report also highlights that some cloud technology development teams have been reduced by as much as half, with a significant portion of the layoffs affecting employees based in the United States.

Some employees were reportedly given until early December to secure another position within Google. These layoffs come as part of broader organizational changes linked to the company’s increased focus and investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure. Just last month, Wired magazine revealed that over 200 contractors working on AI projects like Gemini and AI Overviews were also let go.

The report further pointed out underlying tensions related to wages and working conditions. Some insiders believe that the layoffs were partially intended to quell growing protests over low salaries and job insecurity.

Earlier this year, in February, Google also laid off staff from its cloud technology division, stating the need to concentrate on areas deemed ‘critical to our business and ensuring our long-term success.’

These cuts reflect the tech giant’s strategic pivot towards AI-driven innovation, which is reshaping how products are developed and delivered. However, the challenge remains balancing rapid technological advancement with maintaining employee morale and trust-a delicate act that many companies in Silicon Valley are currently navigating.

The open trial of several former leaders and figures of the separatist regime in Garabagh, charged with committing grave crimes against peace and humanity, will continue next week at the Baku Military Court, Azernews reports.

According to Azernews, the proceedings are scheduled for October 6 under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev, and reserve Judge Gunel Samadova.

Among the defendants are Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others. They face charges for crimes including the planning and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and multiple other violations arising from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.

In total, 15 individuals are being tried within the criminal case, which reflects numerous offenses committed by Armenian state officials, armed forces, and illegal armed groups. According to the prosecution, these crimes were carried out under direct orders and instructions from Armenia’s leadership, with material, technical, and personnel support provided by the state.

The list of accused also includes former Armenian leaders and commanders such as Robert Kocharyan, Serzh Sargsyan, Vazgen Manukyan, Vazgen Sargsyan, Samvel Babayan, Vitali Balasanyan, Zori Balayan, Seyran Ohanyan, Monte Melkonyan, and others, who are cited as organizers and perpetrators of the crimes in question.

The charges cover a wide range of articles under the Criminal Code of Azerbaijan, including:

Article 100 – planning, preparing, initiating and waging a war of aggression;

Articles 102-107 – crimes against humanity, including genocide, extermination, slavery, deportation, and persecution;

Articles 109-116 – violations of international humanitarian law, torture, mercenary activity, and war crimes;

Articles 214-218, 278-279 – terrorism, financing of terrorism, creation of criminal organizations, forcible seizure of power, and establishment of illegal armed groups.

The court proceedings are viewed as a landmark step in holding accountable those responsible for crimes committed during Armenia’s decades-long aggression against Azerbaijan and its civilian population.

On October 2-3, an international conference titled ‘A Turning Point for the Caspian Sea: From COP29 and UNOC 2025 Outcomes to COP30 Action’ was held at the Baku Congress Center.

Azernews reports that the event was initiated by Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union.

The opening session on October 3 featured speeches from Mukhtar Babayev, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues and COP29 President; Rauf Hajiyev, Deputy Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources; Michael Fishbach, founder and director of the Great Whale Conservancy; Jeyhun Aliyev, Director of the Fisheries and Aquaculture Center under the Ministry of Agriculture; Eugene Seah, Chief Operations Officer at Baku International Sea Trade Port; and Pascal Peduzzi, Director of the UN Environment Programme’s (UNEP) Global Resource Information Database in Geneva, who joined virtually.

Speakers addressed the mounting environmental challenges facing the Caspian Sea, the world’s largest enclosed inland body of water. These include a significant drop in sea levels, depletion of marine biodiversity, degradation of coastal ecosystems, and increasing pollution-issues that, as emphasized by participants, cannot be resolved by individual countries alone.

It was noted that over the past decade, the Caspian Sea has experienced a drop of 2.5 meters, posing serious risks to coastal infrastructure, fisheries, local communities, and ecosystems. The receding shoreline introduces further environmental threats such as soil salinization and loss of biodiversity. The speakers stressed that the Caspian’s climate-driven transformations carry regional implications and require coordinated action, joint research, and mutual trust among littoral states. The importance of translating the outcomes of Azerbaijan’s COP29 presidency into practical steps and long-term solutions was also underlined.

The conference continued with expert panel discussions involving representatives from COP29, UNEP, UN-Habitat, and leading scientific and research institutions from various countries. Discussions focused on strengthening regional cooperation for Caspian Sea protection, sustainable water resource management, and enhancing international coordination. Participants highlighted the need for stronger scientific collaboration in addressing the region’s complex ecological challenges.

Jointly organized by the IDEA Public Union and the Caspisnet scientific network, the conference brought together experts from more than 10 countries, specializing in marine ecology, sustainable aquaculture, hydrology, geographic information systems, and other relevant fields. The aim was to exchange knowledge on sea level fluctuations, marine biodiversity conservation, and ecological balance, while identifying shared solutions.

As part of the event, participants are also scheduled to visit Absheron National Park to gain firsthand insight into the Caspian’s rich biodiversity.

Azerbaijani boxer Subhan Babayev has kicked off the U-19 European Championship with a win, Azernews reports.

The national team member competing in the 60 kg weight category eliminated Luka Crnogorac (Croatia) in the round of 16.

The boxer defeated his opponent with a score of 3:1 (29:27, 28:27, 29:27, 28:28, 27:29).

Babayev will face Simonas Puniskis (Lithuania) in the quarterfinals. The bout is scheduled for October 4.

It should be noted that the European Championship will conclude on October 9.

Boxing is recognized as one of the oldest sports in human history, with the earliest records of the sport dating back to ancient Egypt around 3,000 BC.

The Greeks introduced boxing to the ancient Olympic Games in the late 7th century BC.

In 1924, the International Amateur Boxing Federation (FIBA) was founded, and in 1946, it was renamed the International Boxing Association (AIBA). Boxing made its Olympic debut at the 1904 Games in St. Louis.

Azerbaijan hosted its first boxing championship in 1926, with national boxers claiming first place. Since 1992, the Azerbaijani Boxing Federation has been a full member of AIBA.

Azerbaijani boxers have earned numerous prestigious accolades in international competitions. Aghasi Mammadov made history by becoming Azerbaijan’s first gold medalist at the World Championships. Fuad Asadov also earned a spot on the podium at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Azerbaijan has been chosen multiple times to host major boxing events.

In 2019, Baku hosted the AIBA Youth World Championships, which was the first youth tournament to serve as a qualifier for the 2010 Singapore Olympics.

The country also hosted the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships, which served as the primary qualification event for the London 2012 Olympics.

A presentation of the anthology “Classic Czech Short Stories” has taken place in Baku, Azernews reports.

The book was published by “Elm v? T?hsil” Publishing House, edited by Ivana Bozdechová and Jaroslav Olša Jr., with stories translated from Czech into Azerbaijani by Shabnam Asadova.

The presentation was attended by diplomats, public figures, members of the Azerbaijani intellectual community, scholars, journalists, and literature lovers.

Milan Sedlácek, the Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Azerbaijan emphasized that the publication of Czech short stories in Azerbaijani would strengthen Czech-Azerbaijani cultural relations and provide Azerbaijani readers with an opportunity to explore Czech literature more deeply.

He pointed out that this was a historic moment, as for the first time, works by 14 Czech authors were translated into Azerbaijani and published in a single collection. The project showcased Czech literature from the 19th century to the modern era.

In his speech, Sedlácek noted that Azerbaijani readers could gain a broader understanding of Czech literature by exploring such a diverse selection of works. He also mentioned that if readers were drawn to any particular writer, they would be encouraged to seek out their other works, thus further immersing themselves in Czech prose.

The Ambassador highlighted that the anthology is a continuation of cultural exchange between the two nations, referring to the release of an Azerbaijani short story collection in Czech three years earlier in Prague, edited by Bozdechová. He expressed hope that such initiatives would continue through collaborative literary and cultural projects in the future.

Dr. Ivana Bozdechová, the editor of the collection, stressed that “Classic Czech Short Stories” is a unique anthology featuring works by 14 Czech authors, including both 19th-century writers and those who became literary icons in their lifetimes. She shared her personal connection with some of these authors, with whom she had the privilege of meeting.

Reflecting on her journey, Dr. Bozdechová explained that she first came to Azerbaijan 10 years ago to teach Czech at Baku Slavic University. Over time, she grew fascinated with the country and its rich culture.

Recognizing that Czech readers were largely unfamiliar with Azerbaijani literature, she decided to introduce them to works by Azerbaijani writers. This effort resulted in the publication of the “Sari G?lin” anthology, translated by Shabnam Asadova, for which Dr. Bozdechová also served as editor.

She noted that the current project “Classic Czech Short Stories” aimed to introduce Azerbaijani readers to Czech literature. After carefully selecting works for the anthology, they were translated into Azerbaijani by Asadova. Dr. Bozdechová expressed her belief that this project would help both nations gain a better understanding of each other’s culture, enriching their spiritual lives.

She also thanked the Czech Embassy in Azerbaijan and everyone who contributed to the realization of the project.

The event also featured readings from selected stories in both Czech, read by Dr. Bozdechová, and Azerbaijani, read by Azerbaijani poetess Leyla Begim Jafarova, which sparked considerable interest among the audience.

Bilateral memorandums of cooperation have been signed between the National Libraries of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, Azernews reports.

Trilateral memorandum has been signed involving the National Library of Azerbaijan, the Institute of Manuscripts named after Muhammad Fuzuli of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), and the National Library of Morocco. The documents were inked as part of the 11th Baku International Book Fair.

In his speech during the ceremony, the Director of the National Library, Professor Karim Tahirov, provided information about the library’s international cooperation. He highlighted that Azerbaijan has signed cooperation memorandums with the national libraries of 54 countries to date. Tahirov emphasized that these new agreements would create new opportunities for book and information exchange, the establishment of literature corners, the use of electronic resources, the exchange of expertise, exhibitions, conferences, and online services.

Ayhan Tuglu, Director of the National Library of the Republic of Turkiye, noted that the signed document would contribute to the development of cultural and scientific cooperation between the two countries.

President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), Academician Isa Habibbayli, stated that the signing ceremonies held within the framework of the international book fair would make a significant contribution to strengthening international relations in the fields of science, education, and culture.

Samira El Malizi, Director of the National Library of Morocco, remarked that libraries play a bridging role between nations, and the signed trilateral memorandum would open new opportunities for future joint projects, exhibitions, and scientific research.

With over 5 million books, manuscripts, and maps, the Azerbaijan National Library is considered one of the largest libraries in the Caucasus region. Since 1939, the library has borne the name of the eminent playwright Mirza Fatali Akhundov.

The library has an extensive collection of literature in Azerbaijani, Russian, English, and other languages. It has collected and preserved national editions, works of Azerbaijani and foreign authors about Azerbaijan published abroad.

The National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, visited the National Library four times in 1995-1997 and donated nearly 300 books from his personal library.

In 2004, the Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library was granted the status of a national library by the decision of Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers.

The building of the library is no less impressive. The library’s fa?ade is decorated with the statues of eminent poets and writers like Nizami Ganjavi, Mahsati Ganjavi, Uzeyir Hajibayli, Shota Rustaveli, Alexander Pushkin and many others.

The scope of the library’s activities is constantly expanding. In 2005, on the basis of legal copies received from publishing houses and printing companies, the library published the yearbook “Books of Azerbaijan” for 1990, 1991, 2000, and 2001.

Over the past years, the National Library has signed a memorandum on bilateral mutual cooperation with about 80 libraries.

In 2021, the Culture Ministry and Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library launched a joint campaign, “Let’s go to Garabagh with a book”, to restore libraries in the Garabagh region.

A large number of books were donated to the Garabagh Book Fund by a number of international organizations working in the field of culture, Turkic-speaking countries, famous foreign and local authors, publishers, and printing houses.

In 2025, Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) as w officially signed between the National Libraries of Tajikistan and Azerbaijan during a ceremony held in Dushanbe.

The agreement was inked by the director of the Azerbaijani National Library, Karim Tahirov, and the director of the Tajikistan National Library, Farzalizada Jumakhon.

This memorandum provides a framework for enhanced collaboration between the two institutions, emphasising the exchange of books, publications, and other cultural materials to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the cultural ties between the two nations.

It also sets the stage for joint activities and projects aimed at promoting literacy, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting scholarly research.