Category: Azer News

On September 30, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held an expanded meeting with Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic.

Addressing the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev said:

– Dear Mr. President,

Distinguished guests,

I sincerely welcome you to Azerbaijan. We attach great importance to your visit. This is a manifestation of the relations of friendship and partnership between Italy and Azerbaijan.

We meet quite often in Rome. At the same time, this is your second official visit to Azerbaijan. During our meeting last year, I invited you to Azerbaijan, so I thank you for accepting my invitation. Today, the development of Italian-Azerbaijani relations is evident. We have already discussed several important issues. Our cooperation is multifaceted. We can state that it covers many areas, from energy to industrial production. Currently, our collaboration, which also covers the education sector, is of truly strategic importance, and I can say that the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, signed five years ago, is being fully implemented.

Our relations are also crucial for the development of the region in which we are located and have a positive impact on our relations with the European Union. Italy has always supported our efforts to build closer relations with the European Union, and we are grateful to you for that.

Of course, there are many significant results in the energy sector. We have already talked about this. We will now continue this discussion in a broader format. Of course, we can rightly congratulate each other on the results already achieved. But our plans are broader. The implementation of new projects in the energy sector, both in a bilateral format with Italy and with the European Union as a whole, is very important, and we are successfully working on these issues.

Tomorrow there will also be a wonderful event – we will jointly participate in the opening of the new building of the Italy-Azerbaijan University. This is, in fact, our friendship project. Only three years have passed from the start of the project to its implementation. In 2022, I issued a relevant Order, and hundreds of students are already involved in education. Of course, they will become ambassadors of Italian-Azerbaijani friendship. They will both receive a wonderful education and further strengthen the friendship between us.

I greet you once again and say ‘Welcome!”

X X X

Italian President Sergio Mattarella said:

– Thank you, Mr. President. As I mentioned during our meeting, I am pleased to be visiting Baku again. I am truly delighted to see you in Baku again after seven years. This is evidence of the deep friendship that binds our countries together and of the multifaceted strategic partnership between us.

Your visit to Rome is another vivid example of our friendly relations. We attach great importance, in particular, to the strategic partnership between our countries. These relations continue to expand, cover multiple areas and are of great importance for the future.

It is a great honor for me to participate in the opening of the new university campus together with you tomorrow. This once again proves that the partnership between our countries is not limited to the economic sphere. This is also an example of the high level of cultural relations between us and the fact that they will open new horizons for the cooperation between our young people in the future.

Let me express my sincere gratitude to you for your invitation. This is also an occasion for more meetings in the future.

The exchange of experience between media representatives and government communication officials, as well as the networking of influential figures shaping public opinion in both countries, highlights the growing significance of the joint Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan media platform.

Azernews reports that this message was delivered by Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during his speech at the 2nd Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Media Forum held under the theme “Digital Transformation and Media.”

Ismayilov recalled that the first media forum, held in Tashkent last year, was themed “In Search of Truth in the Digital Age: Combating Disinformation.” He emphasized that while technological advancement brings innovation, it also presents cross-border challenges that pollute the information environment.

‘Combating disinformation remains a top priority for both our countries. Last year’s discussions yielded practical recommendations, and this year’s forum continues in the same spirit by addressing one of the most pressing topics on the media agenda – digital transformation,’ he noted.

Ismayilov stressed that digital transformation is not limited to technological upgrades; it is a profound shift that redefines how societies consume information, interpret media content, and envision the future of journalism.

‘Today, news is no longer confined to traditional newspapers or television screens – it’s being shaped on smartphone displays, social media feeds, and AI-powered analytical platforms,’ he said.

He also highlighted a critical shift in media values:

‘While speed of information delivery was once the main priority, today, credibility, fact-checking, and public trust have become the most important values. The future of media depends not only on journalists but on the collaborative efforts of all public institutions.’

Concluding his remarks, Ismayilov emphasized that digital transformation is inevitable and requires active engagement:

‘We have no choice but to be active participants in this process. Through collaboration and shared expertise, we can turn technological progress into a powerful tool for national development and higher-quality information access for our citizens.’

The forum serves as a platform for strengthening media ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan and underscores the shared commitment to responsible, forward-looking journalism in the digital age.

‘This is the second visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Azerbaijan. His first official visit took place seven years ago,’ President Ilham Aliyev said during a joint press statement with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

The head of state noted: ‘Today’s visit demonstrates that Italy-Azerbaijan relations are developing very successfully, and we are true strategic partners.’

Swimming competitions continue at the Ganja Sports Palace as part of the 3rd CIS Games, Azernews reports.

According to Idman.biz, Azerbaijani swimmers Ogtay Huseynov, Yegor Maynitskiy, Farhad Shirmammadli, and Suleyman Ismayilzade won the bronze medal in the 4×200 meter freestyle relay.

Athletes from Russia took the gold medal, while swimmers from Kazakhstan earned the silver.

Azerbaijan is hosting the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games from September 28 to October 8, 2025, marking a significant event in the region’s sports calendar.

This multi-sport competition brings together athletes from CIS member states and invited countries, aiming to promote friendship, cooperation, and athletic excellence.

For the first time in the history of the CIS Games, competitions are being held across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, Yevlakh, and Khankandi.

Each city hosts events in different sports, with the second-largest city, Ganja, serving as the main hub and officially designated the CIS Sports Capital for 2025.

Around 23 sports are being contested across 12 venues, highlighting a broad and inclusive athletic program.

A total of 1,624 athletes from 13 countries had confirmed participation. Event mascots Babir and Leyla are helping to generate enthusiasm among young fans.

Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a law on Monday to denounce the European Convention for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment from 1987, after submitting a bill to withdraw Russia from the treaty three weeks ago, Azernews reports.

The denunciation follows the Council of Europe’s decision to withdraw Russia’s membership in March 2022 as a consequence of Russia’s “aggression” against Ukraine.

Russia’s State Duma Chairman Vyacheslav Volodin previously condemned the decision and claimed that Moscow’s requests for representation were being ignored, despite the European Convention’s principle of cooperation.

SOCAR Green plans to allocate more than 500 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of clean electricity under a 240 MW innovative renewable energy project aimed at decarbonizing the Sangachal oil and gas terminal.

Azernews reports that this was announced by Elchin Tarquliyev, solar and wind energy expert at SOCAR Green, during his speech at Baku Climate Action Week 2025.

Tarquliyev explained that the company will feed electricity into the national grid and then draw it from another part of the country specifically to support carbon reduction at the Sangachal terminal. ‘This is a 240 MW project, and over 500 million kWh of electricity will be allocated for the terminal’s decarbonization efforts,’ he noted.

He also highlighted SOCAR Green’s focus on developing small- and medium-scale renewable energy projects, primarily targeting the business sector, including SOCAR itself. These projects are designed to help companies reduce both emissions and electricity costs, with power sold slightly below national tariffs. While the company’s primary focus remains on solar and wind energy, it is also actively exploring the potential of geothermal and biogas resources, which are currently in the assessment phase.

The mobile operator continues to empower young women in the IT and ICT

Azercell Telecom continues its commitment to support the professional development of young women in the IT and ICT fields. As part of the ‘Ugur qizlarimizindir’ (‘Success for Girls’) initiative, launched last year, a special meeting was held with female students who achieved the highest entrance scores in Computer Science and Information Security programs.

Congratulating the students, Azercell’s Chief Legal and Data Strategy Officer, Shirin Aliyeva, said: ‘The achievements of young women in IT are both their personal success and valuable contribution to the country’s digital future. At Azercell, we remain committed to creating new opportunities to help them advance further on this path and fully realize their potential.’

Director of the Corporate and Marketing Communications Department at Azercell, Sona Abbasova, highlighted the company’s corporate responsibility strategy, particularly its focus on women’s empowerment and development: ‘Supporting education, as well as the continuous enhancement of knowledge and skills, are among Azercell’s key priorities. We strongly believe that such initiatives help to unlock the potential of young people and foster their growth in the IT field.’

Azercell’s Talent Management and Business Partnering section manager, Vusala Hasanova, in turn underlined that the company remains committed to maintaining strong connections with students, providing them with new opportunities, guidance, and continuous support for their future professional development.

The students were presented with special gifts along with a complimentary one-year subscription to the ‘Digimax 10GB’ tariff package.

Azercell has consistently been supporting youth development through scholarship programs, internship opportunities, and a wide range of social initiatives, contributing to the formation of highly qualified professionals.

The company congratulates all students admitted to higher education institutions this year and wishes them continued success!

The list of students was provided by the State Examination Center of the Republic of Azerbaijan, based on the results of the academic program selection process.

The second day of the Baku Climate Action Week has begun, bringing together senior Azerbaijani officials and international participants to discuss the country’s clean energy transition and climate resilience, Azernews reports.

Speakers at the event include COP29 President and Special Envoy of the President of Azerbaijan on Climate Change Mukhtar Babayev, Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, Deputy Director of the State Agency for Renewable Energy Sources Rena Humbatova, and other officials.

The agenda highlights Azerbaijan’s potential in solar energy, offshore wind power, blue and green hydrogen production, and geothermal resources. Participants are also set to explore ways of strengthening climate resilience through international cooperation and advancing corporate sustainability as part of the legacy of COP29 under the theme ‘From Pledges to Action.’

The Presidium of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) has held a meeting to discuss key strategic initiatives, Azernews reports.

One of the main topics on the agenda was the Academy’s participation in the upcoming 11th Baku International Book Fair.

In his speech, President of Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) Isa Habibbayli, stated that the 11th Baku International Book Fair.

Academician Isa Habibbayli emphasized that the relevance of the theme “Technohuman: Yesterday’s Legend, Today’s Reality” stems from the need to thoroughly analyze, on scientific and philosophical grounds, the changing position and functional role of humans in society against the backdrop of rapidly developing technologies, as well as the influence of artificial intelligence and digital technologies on human activity.

He also spoke about the recent reforms carried out by ANAS in line with state policy in the field of artificial intelligence and particularly highlighted comprehensive measures aimed at applying AI technologies in the humanities and social sciences.

Touching on the importance of ANAS’s high-level participation in the 11th Baku International Book Fair, academician Isa Habibbayli noted that this would not only support the state’s science and technology development strategy but also serve as an important platform to showcase ANAS’s modernized scientific priorities.

He gave instructions to ensure the active participation of all ANAS scientific institutions and organizations in the fair and to present the latest scientific publications to the public.

Following this, Sabuhi Gahramanov, Director of the ANAS Elm Publishing House and PhD in Philology, provided information on the preparations for the fair.

He noted that ANAS publications would be presented in two segments: on October 1, under the theme “At the Academy: Bibliographic Publications and Serial Academic Editions,” and on October 4, under the theme “The Academy’s Zangazur-name: From Folklore Collections to Academic Research.”

He added that preparations have been finalized and all necessary measures have been taken to ensure ANAS’s participation at a high level.

Taking all of the above into account, a relevant Commission has been established to ensure ANAS’s participation in the fair and to organize the necessary events and discussions within the framework of the book fair.

Organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the 11th Baku International Book Fair will be held from October 1 to 7 at the Baku Expo Center.

This year’s fair, themed “Technoman: yesterday’s legend, today’s event”, will create opportunities for broad discussions on the impact of technology on human life in the scientific and cultural context of the modern era.

The fair will feature participation from 41 foreign organizations from 18 countries and more than 100 local publishing, printing, and book-related institutions.

Throughout the fair, a variety of events will be organized, including masterclasses for children and adults, book presentations on inclusion and other relevant topics, book signings, conferences, symposiums, contests, reading and music hours, and collaboration platforms for stakeholders in the book industry.

More than 250 events in various formats are planned over the course of the fair.

Prominent writers and scholars from countries such as Turkiye, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, Qatar, and others will also take part.

Special shuttle buses will be available for visitors from the “Elml?r Akademiyasi,” “28 May,” and “Koroglu” metro stations to the Baku Expo Center. Admission to the fair is free of charge.

The exhibition will be open daily from 10:00 to 20:00.

A conference dedicated to Azerbaijan’s contribution to Ukraine’s energy security and the joint development of renewable energy projects between the two countries was held in Kiev, Azernews reports.

The event, hosted at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, focused on shaping the future of bilateral energy cooperation. Organized by the Azerbaijan-Ukraine Energy Association, the conference discussed the integration of renewable sources such as solar, wind, and small hydropower, the use of modern energy storage technologies, and new avenues for scientific, technical, and investment collaboration.

Among the speakers were Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Energy Nikolay Kolesnik, Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Yuri Gusev, Counselor of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Kiev Rovshan Huseynzade, Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada Sergey Nagornyak, and co-chairs of the Azerbaijan-Ukraine Energy Association Pyotr Romanov and Shahin Yusifov. They praised the progress made in bilateral cooperation, while underscoring Azerbaijan’s vital support in helping Ukraine restore energy facilities damaged during wartime strikes.

It was noted that both countries share a common interest in strengthening regional energy security and advancing green energy initiatives. During discussions, particular attention was given to Azerbaijan’s planned supply of natural gas to Ukraine via the Trans-Balkan route through Bulgaria and Romania starting in July 2025 – an important step in diversifying Ukraine’s energy imports.

At the close of the event, participants adopted a resolution that will serve as a roadmap for future joint projects.