Category: Azer News

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s initiatives to improve the quality of education extend beyond the capital to include Azerbaijan’s regions. In Samux district, the renovation of Aliusagi village secondary school had become necessary, as the original building, constructed in 1953, had fallen into disrepair over the decades.

In 2024, the Foundation began construction of a new school with a capacity for 360 students. The three-story facility consists of four separate blocks and is equipped with classrooms, physics, chemistry, and biology laboratories, an IT room, a STEAM center, and specialized spaces for military training, medical education, and vocational training. It also includes a kindergarten classroom, library, dining hall, assembly and sports halls, along with an outdoor sports field.

The school is fully furnished and equipped with educational tools and teaching aids for all subject areas and laboratories.

Under the leadership of Azerbaijan’s First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s efforts to construct new educational institutions and renovate schools that have become unfit for use complement the state’s education policy, helping to provide the younger generation with a high-quality, knowledge-based learning environment.

The open court hearing on criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia, including Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure and retention of power, and numerous other crimes resulting from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on October 2, Azernews reports.

The session, held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with a panel consisting of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that each of the accused was provided with an interpreter in their preferred language and defense lawyers.

The hearing was attended by the accused, their defense attorneys, some of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as prosecutors defending the state’s accusations.

Victim Ilham Mammadov testified first. He stated that on May 10, 2002, while serving in the military and heading to his post, he was captured by Armenian armed forces near Haram. Mammadov noted that he was unarmed at the time. Armenian soldiers beat him and subjected him to torture. He described one officer as particularly cruel and later learned his name was Levon.

Responding to questions from Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev, Mammadov identified accused Levon Mnatsakanyan as the perpetrator, stating: ‘He punched me in the head and then struck me with the butt of his rifle. He took me to a rock and fired at me. At that time, my back was facing the positions of the Azerbaijani Army. He forced me to stand in a spot where our forces might have shot me unknowingly. Later, they made me walk through mined areas against my will.’

Mammadov also answered questions from prosecutor Nasir Bayramov, head of the Department for the Protection of State Accusations of the Prosecutor General’s Office, Special Assistant to the Prosecutor General Tugay Rahimli, and other state prosecutors Tarana Mammadova and Vusal Abdullayev. He explained that he was held for a week in Azerbaijani territories then occupied by Armenian forces before being transferred to Armenia. After 6 months and 15 days in captivity, he was handed over to Azerbaijan.

In response to defense questions, Mammadov said he did not know Mnatsakanyan before his capture and was unaware of his position at the time. ‘But based on his attitude, I assume he was the chief of staff,’ he added.

Answering questions from accused Levon Mnatsakanyan, Mammadov confirmed he was born in 1973 and held the rank of lieutenant when captured. ‘I received my officer rank upon graduating from the Azerbaijan State Agricultural Academy, which had a military department,’ he said.

He added that during his extended military service, he initially served on the rear front before being deployed to the front line, where he was captured shortly after.

Accused Mnatsakanyan confirmed an incident in 2002 involving the capture of an Azerbaijani soldier, stating that the individual was brought in for investigation, questioned by the investigators, and later handed over to the relevant authorities. He claimed the prisoner was not subjected to torture and was provided with water and bread.

In response to questions from the prosecutor defending the state accusation, Mnatsakanyan said he did not know if the captured Azerbaijani was Mammadov and that he did not recognize him.

The lawyer for accused Melikset Pashayan requested a confidential meeting with their clients, which Judge Zeynal Aghayev granted during the recess.

Accused Davit Ishkhanyan requested that the court provide a list of internationally registered organizations and media outlets in Azerbaijan. The presiding judge stated that this matter falls outside the court’s jurisdiction and activities. He noted that there are no problems with the activities of international organizations in Azerbaijan; they operate legally and respect the country’s legislation. His lawyer can provide the list to him.

The judge also informed Davit Ishkhanyan that a video interview of Manvel Grigoryan, former Deputy Minister of Defense of Armenia, previously presented and admitted as evidence, would be loaded onto the defendants’ tablets.

It should be noted that after the video material was examined in court, Davit Ishkhanyan had requested that the full video be loaded onto their tablets.

The court proceedings continued with the announcement of documents related to the criminal cases.

First, documents regarding the killing and wounding of Azerbaijanis due to Armenian armed forces’ attacks, including mine sabotage incidents, were announced.

Subsequently, documents on crimes committed by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups on September 19-20, 2023, were presented.

The court also announced documents on incidents in liberated territories where civilians were killed or injured due to explosions of mines and other explosive devices.

Additionally, documents related to the killing of telejournalist Chingiz Fuad oglu Mustafayev (posthumously awarded the title of ‘National Hero of Azerbaijan’) were announced.

The court session featured documents on the military operation conducted in Dashalti village of Shusha district on January 26, 1992; the attack on the TEM-2-7065 locomotive on the Gazakh-Barkhudarly railway line on April 23, 1992; the shelling of the Barkhudarly railway station on September 9, 1991; and other incidents.

Furthermore, documents on the shelling of Tartar district during the Patriotic War, the significant damage inflicted on ‘TartarCotton’ OJSC, and the shelling of Fuzuli, Beylagan, Goranboy, Barda, Aghdam, Aghjabadi, Jabrayil (Jojug Marjanli village), and the city of Naftalan during the Patriotic War were announced.

The court also presented documents on rocket attacks on Yevlakh district and Goran village in Goranboy district, the shelling of the city of Mingachevir, and rocket launches toward Siyazan, Kurdamir, and Gabala districts on October 22, 2020.

The next set of documents announced concerned the destruction caused by Armenian armed forces in occupied territories, including damage to individual residential houses, non-residential buildings, and cultural heritage.

The court announced documents on the massive damage to the forest fund of Lachin district and the destruction of houses in Lachin district and other areas.

Documents related to the illegal settlement of the population, the smuggling of weapons to the Karabakh region, and the use of phosphorus shells were also presented.

The examination of the documents was accompanied by photographs related to the criminal cases.

The trial will continue on October 3.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state – including the aforementioned criminal association – on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals – Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan – are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.

Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Georgia agree on single long-term tariff for Middle Corridor

The President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, Mahir Mammadov, has met with the members of the women’s national chess team, Azernews reports.

President of Azerbaijan Chess Federation Mahir Mammadov expressed interest in the team’s preparations for the upcoming European Team Championship, which will take place in Batumi in a few days, and wished the Azerbaijani team success.

The meeting was attended by the First Vice-President of the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, Faiq Hasanov, the national team captain, Ilaha Gadimova, and coaches Nijat Abasov and Gadir Huseynov.

The Azerbaijani women’s team includes Ulviyya Fataliyeva, Govhar Beydullayeva, Gulnar Mammadova, Khanim Balajayeva, and Ayan Allahverdiyeva.

The continental championship will begin on October 5.

The European Team Chess Championship will take place in Batumi, Georgia, from October 4 to 15.

The event features separate Open and Women’s sections, with each competition consisting of 9 rounds played under a Swiss system.

The 2025 European Team Chess Championship will showcase 75 teams, including 39 in the Open tournament and 36 in the Women’s Championship.

In an era where global supply chains are being redefined and geopolitical fault lines are shifting, the emergence of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route-commonly known as the Middle Corridor-offers a compelling alternative to traditional East-West trade routes. The recent agreement between the railway operators of Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia to establish a unified long-term tariff across the entire corridor marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of Eurasian logistics. This is not merely a technical adjustment; it is a strategic alignment that could reshape the economic geography of the region.

The Middle Corridor stretches from China through Central Asia, across the Caspian Sea, through the South Caucasus, and onward to Europe. It bypasses both Russia and Iran, offering a politically neutral and economically efficient route for freight transport. In the wake of global tensions, sanctions, and the need for diversified trade channels, this corridor has gained unprecedented relevance. It is no longer a secondary option-it is fast becoming a primary artery for Eurasian commerce.

The significance of this corridor lies not only in its geography but in its potential to foster regional cooperation and economic integration. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia are not merely transit countries; they are strategic stakeholders in a new vision for Eurasia. Their decision to harmonize tariffs across the corridor is a bold step toward eliminating logistical bottlenecks and enhancing the competitiveness of the route. It sends a clear message to global markets: the Middle Corridor is open for business, and it is here to stay.

The agreement, signed during the VII International Transport and Logistics Business Forum ‘New Silk Way’ in Almaty, is embedded within a broader action plan aimed at removing ‘bottlenecks’ along the route. These bottlenecks-whether infrastructural, procedural, or regulatory-have long hindered the corridor’s full potential. By committing to joint development of port, rail, and logistics infrastructure, and by embracing digitalization of procedures, the three countries are laying the groundwork for a seamless and modern transport ecosystem.

This is not just about trains and tariffs. It is about vision, resilience, and strategic foresight. The Middle Corridor offers a lifeline to landlocked Central Asian economies, a gateway for Chinese goods to reach European markets, and a bridge for European exporters to access Asia. It is a corridor of opportunity, and the recent trilateral agreement is a testament to the political will required to unlock that opportunity.

Moreover, the unified tariff structure simplifies the cost calculation for shippers and logistics companies, making the corridor more attractive and predictable. In a world where time is money and uncertainty is the enemy of investment, such predictability is invaluable. It reduces friction, accelerates decision-making, and enhances the corridor’s appeal to global logistics players.

The strategic importance of the Middle Corridor cannot be overstated. It is a counterbalance to the Northern Corridor and the Southern Corridor. It offers a stable, secure, and efficient route that aligns with the interests of a wide array of stakeholders-from multinational corporations to regional governments. Its development is not just a regional priority; it is a global necessity.

The trilateral agreement also reflects a deeper geopolitical reality: the rise of regionalism in a multipolar world. As global powers recalibrate their strategies, regional actors are stepping up to shape their own destinies. Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Georgia are demonstrating that cooperation, not confrontation, is the key to progress. Their alignment on the Middle Corridor is a model for others to follow.

In conclusion, the Middle Corridor is more than a transport route-it is a strategic project that embodies the aspirations of a new Eurasia. The recent agreement on unified tariffs is a milestone that will accelerate its development and enhance its global standing. As the world looks for alternatives to congested and politicized trade routes, the Middle Corridor stands out as a beacon of connectivity, cooperation, and economic promise. The future of Eurasian logistics is being written today-and the ink is flowing through Baku, Almaty, and Tbilisi.

On Wednesday, Samsung Group and SK Hynix Inc. officially signed letters of intent to participate in OpenAI’s ambitious Stargate initiative-a joint venture aimed at building next-generation artificial intelligence infrastructure. The agreement was revealed during OpenAI CEO Sam Altman’s visit to South Korea, where he is also scheduled to meet with President Lee Jae-myung to discuss the future of AI collaboration between OpenAI and the Korean tech ecosystem, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Samsung announced that multiple subsidiaries will contribute to the project, including Samsung Electronics, Samsung SDS, Samsung C and T, and Samsung Heavy Industries. These units will support OpenAI by supplying high-performance memory chips, as well as offering expertise in data center design, construction, and operations.

Similarly, SK Hynix, a global leader in DRAM and NAND flash memory, will provide advanced chips tailored for AI workloads and will participate in the development of a cutting-edge data center in southwestern South Korea.

In a noteworthy development, industry insiders suggest that this collaboration could result in one of the world’s most energy-efficient AI data centers, potentially powered in part by green hydrogen-a nod to both companies’ increasing focus on sustainable technology solutions.

The Stargate initiative is considered a strategic pillar in OpenAI’s long-term vision of building infrastructure capable of supporting artificial general intelligence (AGI), and the involvement of South Korea’s top tech players significantly raises the project’s global profile.

Azerbaijan has played a crucial role in enhancing Europe’s energy security, according to Rovshan Najaf, President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR).

Azernews reports that he made these remarks during the opening ceremony of the KAZENERGY Eurasian Forum held in Astana.

‘We have increased our gas supply to Europe by approximately 60%, without relying on any financial support from either European institutions or the European Union itself,’ Najaf said. ‘However, to ensure the stability of these supplies and to further expand volumes, it is essential to upgrade and expand the gas pipeline infrastructure. This requires long-term contractual commitments from European buyers, as well as financial support from EU institutions and European financial organizations.’

Najaf also highlighted the current uncertainty in Europe’s stance on natural gas:

‘On one hand, there is a stated need for gas, but there is no clear consensus-some say this need will continue until 2030, others suggest 2035. Without concrete guarantees, we cannot finance hydrocarbon production projects. These investments are not made for one-year supply cycles. The gas industry requires long-term contracts to justify investments in production and ensure supply security.’

The SOCAR president reiterated Azerbaijan’s readiness to increase exports to Europe, provided there is mutual commitment from the European side:

‘We are fully prepared to boost gas exports to Europe-but this must be based on cooperation. Firstly, through long-term contracts, and secondly, through joint investments in expanding infrastructure.’

Referring to past requests from Europe, Najaf emphasized:

‘Nearly three years ago, our European partners asked us to increase gas supplies. We agreed to double exports-on the condition that there would be support for financing the expansion of pipelines and infrastructure. The existing infrastructure-namely the Southern Gas Corridor-was built at the expense of Azerbaijan and its partners. We assumed all the associated risks, and until 2022, did not even raise the issue of expansion. We simply did our part and supplied the gas. But when Europe began demanding more, it became a critically important issue for them.’

The Chairman of the Foreign Economic Relations Board (DEIK) Somalia Business Council and the Somali Representative of Albayrak Group, Ahmet Sami Isler, along with the Director of Mogadishu Port, Umut Yurdakul, shared their assessments on the company’s activities and the strategic importance of the port.

Isler recalled that Albayrak Group entered Somalia following President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s historic visit to the country in 2011. He emphasized that their initial goal was humanitarian.

‘At that time, Somalia was in a very difficult situation, facing a crisis due to drought. We said, let us not work only for short-term relief, but let’s create something permanent,’ Isler explained.

He noted that the group began restoration work at Mogadishu Port, the country’s main gateway. ‘We have been operating this port for about eleven years now. We have invested in every way possible. We believe we have made a strong contribution to the state. We are satisfied with Somalia, and hopefully Somalia is satisfied with us. We have become closely identified with the country,’ he said.

Isler also recalled that in 2012 the group rebuilt a collapsed hospital, transforming it into the Recep Tayyip Erdogan Training and Research Hospital, one of Africa’s largest and most advanced. The hospital was inaugurated in 2015 with the presence of President Erdogan.

He added that Albayrak Group was honored to construct Trkiye’s largest embassy complex abroad, the Turkish Embassy in Mogadishu, which began in 2014 and was completed in 2016. The company has also undertaken the construction of the Somali Presidential Complex. ‘We did everything possible to contribute to this project, building it for the President, the Somali state, and its people,’ Isler stressed.

Highlighting the importance of Mogadishu Port as the country’s trade lifeline, Isler stated that about 70 percent of Somalia’s imports now come from Trkiye, whereas in the past goods had been sourced largely from China and the United Arab Emirates. The trade volume between Trkiye and Somalia has reached half a billion dollars, he said, with the aim of further growth.

However, Isler pointed to difficulties with visas and residence permits. ‘If these problems are not resolved, we risk losing our commercial gains over time. Serious responsibilities fall on our leaders, political representatives, ministers, and embassies to address this,’ he noted, adding that Somalis also face similar challenges in Trkiye.

Acknowledging Somalia’s security issues, Isler remarked that opportunities come with risks: ‘Where there is risk, there is also potential. For those who know how to take risks, there are great opportunities here.’

Addressing global business leaders, Isler urged: ‘Everything comes from outside. There are no factories here, no investments, no tourism. To revive these sectors, entrepreneurs are needed. Somalis expect this from us. We tell Turkish businesspeople: ‘Come to Somalia, see it for yourself. If you are willing to take risks, opportunities await.”

Mogadishu Port Director Umut Yurdakul underlined that this is the capital’s only and largest entry port. With almost no domestic production, nearly all of Somalia’s needs pass through the port. He noted that Turkish products have declined somewhat in recent years due to shifting global logistics routes and wars, yet Trkiye remains Somalia’s largest supplier, alongside imports from India, China, and the Middle East.

He added that goods also reach Somalia through neighboring Kenya via transit trade. Construction of Mogadishu Port began in 1973 and continued in stages until 1983. However, it was closed from 1991, when civil war broke out, until 2006. ‘During that period, Somalis were cut off from both goods and developments around the world,’ Yurdakul explained.

Later, measures were taken to boost trade and improve living conditions. ‘The most important of these measures was this port. It was essential for humanitarian aid to reach Somalia and for trade to continue,’ Yurdakul stressed.

He recalled that Albayrak Group took over management and modernization of the port through a concession agreement signed at the end of 2014. ‘With our work, we have tried to bring the port to international standards. Today, we provide services at that level. Once this was proven, global companies embraced this port. In a sense, Somalia reopened to the world thanks to this port,’ he said.

Yurdakul also emphasized the country’s weak road and rail links, underscoring that Mogadishu Port remains the only point capable of sustaining the entire nation. Somalia’s 3,300 kilometers of coastline hosts scattered settlements, with small local ports serving some areas, but none match Mogadishu’s capacity. Even in Somaliland, the large port on the Gulf of Aden does not rival Mogadishu’s scale.

‘Products entering here are distributed all across the country. Our port also serves as a collection hub,’ Yurdakul explained. The port spans 350,000 square meters and is served by three of the world’s largest container lines.

He concluded by noting that all foodstuffs, as well as cement and steel used in Somalia’s reconstruction, pass through Mogadishu Port. ‘It is truly the country’s lifeline,’ Yurdakul said.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, Azernews reports.

“Dear Shavkat Miromonovich,

Dear Brother,

I am deeply pleased to extend my heartfelt congratulations and to convey my most sincere wishes to you and, through you, to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan on the occasion of a significant milestone – the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Uzbekistan. Although our diplomatic relations span a history of thirty years, the traditions of unity, solidarity, mutual respect, and support between our brotherly peoples have been passed down from century to century and generation to generation. It is particularly gratifying that interstate relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, built on the solid foundations of shared roots, history, language, culture, religious-spiritual values, and brotherhood, have dynamically developed over the past period, rising to the highest level – that of an alliance. The agreement we signed last year is a crucial historic document that formalizes and eternalizes the natural alliance between our two independent, strong, and sovereign states. I would like to particularly emphasize your exceptional role and contributions in strengthening and elevating the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan unity and partnership to this level.

Today, Uzbekistan is a country that has earned great prestige and trust not only in the region but also on the international stage. As a brotherly nation, we take great pride in witnessing the remarkable transformations, socio-economic development, the strengthening of the country’s economic potential, and the growing global image of Uzbekistan under your determined leadership.

Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations encompass a multifaceted cooperation agenda. We are delighted by the continuous expansion and enrichment of our mutually beneficial cooperation in political, economic, trade, industrial, energy, transport-logistics, security, investment, agricultural, humanitarian, and other fields. The unprecedented achievements we have attained in a short period through bilateral cooperation contribute to the progress of our countries, the well-being of our peoples, regional cooperation, and overall prosperity and stability.

The people of Azerbaijan will never forget Uzbekistan’s consistent support and just stance in upholding Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and the inviolability of its internationally recognized borders in accordance with the norms and principles of international law and the requirements of relevant UN Security Council resolutions. I once again express my deep gratitude to you for your repeated visits to our liberated territories, your support for the construction of a school in Fuzuli named after the great son of the Uzbek people, Mirzo Ulugbek, the establishment of a joint sewing enterprise in Khankendi, and other initiatives that strengthen our bilateral relations. We regard these as a vivid symbol of brotherly Uzbekistan’s support for the restoration of Karabakh and, at the same time, of our solidarity and brotherhood.

Just as in our bilateral relations, our countries’ joint efforts in addressing important issues on a multilateral basis are commendable. The cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan within international organizations, based on mutual trust and support, continues successfully. Our shared perspectives on regional and international issues, our common goals and aspirations, and the support we provide each other in addressing challenges serve the interests of our peoples and our states.

Currently, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and the Caspian region are transforming into a single geopolitical region. The robust relations and effective cooperation between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan undoubtedly play a significant role in the positive processes unfolding in this geographic region.

Dear Brother,

I highly value the special attention and hospitality shown to me during each of my visits to your enchanting country, as well as the genuine brotherhood reflected in our relations. I fondly recall our meetings held in an atmosphere of warmth and sincerity.

I am confident that, driven by the unyielding will of our brotherly peoples, who are bound by unbreakable ties, we will successfully continue our joint efforts to preserve and strengthen the noble traditions of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan interstate relations and to deepen our alliance.

On this momentous historic anniversary, I once again extend my heartfelt congratulations to you, wishing you robust health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, and lasting peace and prosperity to the brotherly people of Uzbekistan,” the letter reads.

FC Qarabag has secured an impressive 2-0 victory over Denmark’s “Copenhagen” in UEFA Champions League Group Stage match, Azernews reports.

Played at the Tofiq Bahramov Republican Stadium in Baku, the match saw the Azerbaijani champions dominate, with goals coming from Abdullah Zubir in the 28th minute and Emmanuel Addai in the 83rd minute to seal the win.

Zubir’s early strike gave Qarabag the lead, while Addai’s clinical finish in the second half ensured all three points for Azerbaijan’s team.

The win was further backed by a solid performance in defense, with the team controlling the game and limiting Copenhagen’s attacking threats.

Dutch FIFA referee Serdar Gozuboyuk officiated the match, ensuring a smooth and fair contest throughout.

With this victory, Qarabag now sits on 6 points in the group, occupying fourth place, a significant achievement for the Azerbaijani side in Europe’s premier club competition.

Earlier, the team had earned a thrilling 3-2 victory over “Benfica” in Portugal, and this latest win keeps their hopes of advancing in the tournament alive.

Gurban Gurbanov’s squad will now look ahead to their next challenge, facing “Athletic” (Bilbao) in Spain on October 22.

Note that FC Qarabag has boosted Azerbaijan’s UEFA coefficient with its 2-0 victory over Denmark’s “Copenhagen”.

Thanks to this result, the team, has earned an additional 0.5 coefficient points for the country. As of now, Azerbaijan is ranked 25th with a total of 22,000 points.

In the UEFA rankings, Serbia holds the 24th spot with 22,375 points, while Slovakia is in 26th place with 21,375 points. England tops the UEFA rankings with 97,116 points.

The UEFA Champions League is a continental tournament that brings together the best teams from Europe’s top domestic leagues.

It is widely regarded as the pinnacle of club football, attracting millions of fans around the world. Clubs from UEFA’s member countries compete for the title, which is seen as the ultimate achievement for European club teams.

The format of the UEFA Champions League has evolved over time.

The current structure includes several stages: Qualifying Rounds, Group Stage, Knockout Rounds and Final.

The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League marks the 71st edition of Europe’s top club football competition, and the 34th since it was rebranded from the European Cup to the UEFA Champions League.

The final will take place on May 30, 2026, at the Puskás Aréna in Budapest, Hungary.