Category: Azer News

Saudi Arabia’s defense ministry confirmed that its forces, “in coordination with the US Central Command,” attacked “Iran-aligned” militias in Iraq, AzerNEWS reports.

Saudi forces “conducted precise and targeted strikes against objectives belonging to those militias located on the territory of the Republic of Iraq and linked to the attacks on petroleum facilities in the Kingdom,” the statement on X said.

“The Kingdom emphasizes that it does not seek escalation but will respond to any aggression it faces,” it added.

Azerbaijan’s Wing Chun team won multiple gold and silver medals at the International Wing Chun Competition in Foshan, People’s Republic of China, with athletes excelling in the Chi Sao (free fighting) and Taolu events across senior, junior, and masters’ divisions, AzerNEWS reports.

In the senior division, Aydin Sayadli (60 kg), Elvin Hasanov (65 kg), and Farid Mursalov (75 kg) captured gold medals in the Chi Sao category. In the Taolu program, Azer Sahibi won gold, while Emil Aliyev earned silver.

Among the juniors, Maryam Mahal (60 kg), Khadija Habib (65 kg), and Elmar Nazarov (80 kg) secured gold medals in Chi Sao. Elnur Karimov (56 kg) claimed silver. In the Taolu competition, Khalid Aliyev took gold, while Naile Aliyeva won silver.

In the Masters division, Asif Sayadov finished first in the Taolu event, adding another gold medal to Azerbaijan’s successful campaign.

Wing Chun is a traditional Chinese martial art that emphasizes efficiency, speed, and close-range combat. It is based on direct movements, balance, and timing rather than physical strength, making it suitable for practitioners of different ages and body types. The style is known for its rapid hand techniques, precise footwork, and the ability to redirect an opponent’s force instead of meeting it with power.

A key part of Wing Chun training is Chi Sao, or “sticky hands,” a partner exercise that develops sensitivity, reflexes, coordination, and the ability to respond quickly during close-contact exchanges. In competitions, Chi Sao may include controlled free-fighting elements that test an athlete’s technique, timing, and tactical skills.

Another major discipline is Taolu, which consists of choreographed forms performed individually. These routines showcase an athlete’s technical accuracy, balance, coordination, power, and overall understanding of Wing Chun principles. Taolu competitions are judged on precision, control, and execution.

Wing Chun is practiced around the world as both a martial art and a competitive sport. International tournaments bring together athletes from different countries to compete in Chi Sao and Taolu events across various age groups and weight categories, helping to promote the art’s technical traditions and global development.

Azerbaijan Wing Chun Martial Art Federation is responsible for organizing national championships, selecting national teams, and representing Azerbaijan in international Wing Chun organizations. It is a member of the World Wing Chun Union (WWCU) and the International Wing Chun Organization (IWCO).

Wing Chun was introduced to Azerbaijan in 2008 by Asif Sayadov, who currently serves as president of the Azerbaijan Wing Chun Federation.

The federation was officially established and registered in 2018 and has since been responsible for promoting and developing the sport nationwide, organizing national competitions, and preparing athletes for international events.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev held a meeting with Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport Nurlan Sauranbayev, Chairman of the Management Board of Samruk-Kazyna Nurlan Zhakupov, and Chairman of the Management Board of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy Eljas Otynshev, AzerNEWS reports.

According to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, the meeting focused on expanding cooperation along the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (Middle Corridor), including investment opportunities in ferry vessels, increasing cargo transportation by road, and the project to lay a subsea fiber-optic cable across the Caspian Sea.

The sides also exchanged views on a draft agreement on the development of the Middle Corridor and ongoing efforts to digitalize the route.

The Middle Corridor is a multimodal trade route connecting China and Southeast Asia to Europe. It spans roughly 8,000 to 10,000 km across Kazakhstan, the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey, delivering goods in 10 to 18 days as an alternative to Russian and maritime routes.

Iran Armed Forces’ Khatam al-Anbiya Central Headquarters spokesperson, Ebrahim Zolfaghari, warned countries and companies against accepting reimbursements paid with frozen Iranian assets, AzerNEWS reports.

“All companies and countries that welcome [United States President Donald] Trump’s proposal and use Iran’s blocked assets” will be banned from transiting the Strait of Hormuz, the military spokesman stressed.

Earlier, Trump announced that Washington will start using Iran’s assets to pay for all damages done to ships and cargo.

United States President Donald Trump announced that, “from this point forth,” Washington will be using Iranian money it “controls” to pay for all damages done to ships, cargo, or anything related.

The frozen assets will cover the damages “until further notice,” Trump wrote on Truth Social.

“These damages may be very substantial but, nevertheless, this is the fair and equitable thing to do,” he added.

The internet’s favorite orphaned macaque, Punch, has celebrated his first birthday in Japan, receiving more than 2,500 birthday cards from fans across the globe after winning millions of hearts with his remarkable story of resilience, AzerNEWS reports, citing foreign media.

Born on July 26, 2025, at the Ichikawa City Zoological and Botanical Garden in Chiba Prefecture, Punch was abandoned by his mother shortly after birth, likely because she was exhausted. Zoo keepers hand-raised the infant and gave him a plush orangutan to help him develop the gripping instinct essential for young macaques. The toy soon became his constant companion and source of comfort.

Earlier this year, photos and videos of the young monkey tightly hugging his stuffed orangutan while struggling to integrate with his troop spread rapidly across social media. The emotional images inspired the hashtag #HangInTherePunch, turning the little macaque into an international symbol of perseverance and hope.

Since then, Punch has made remarkable progress. According to zoo officials, the one-year-old macaque has successfully settled into the troop, regularly playing with and grooming other monkeys. While he still sleeps with his beloved plush companion, he no longer depends on it throughout the day, a positive sign of his growing confidence and social development.

To mark the milestone, the zoo displayed thousands of birthday cards sent by admirers from around the world.

The celebrations also attracted visitors who traveled specifically to see Punch, whose journey from a lonely orphan to a thriving member of his troop continues to inspire people of all ages.

Azerbaijan has delivered nearly 40 tons of equipment to Ukraine to support the operation of the country’s railway infrastructure, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Ukraine’s Ministry of Energy.

According to the ministry, the equipment was delivered to a regional railway branch through the energy hub, helping strengthen the work of Ukrainian railway employees and support critical infrastructure.

“Almost every day, equipment leaves the Hub for regions across Ukraine. It helps keep both the energy sector and other critical infrastructure operating under the constant threat”, the ministry said in a post on X.

The Ukrainian Ministry of Energy expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan and STP Global Cable for their support and contribution to maintaining Ukraine’s critical infrastructure.

For three days, Baku became the heartbeat of the international fashion industry as Azerbaijan Fashion Week celebrated its landmark 20th anniversary season. Bringing together designers, international experts, buyers, and industry professionals, the event reaffirmed its position as the leading fashion platform of the Caspian region, AzerNEWS reports.

One of the highlights of this anniversary season was the strategic partnership with DOME Middle East Fashion Week, led by Sabina Agalarova. The collaboration marked an important step toward strengthening international industry ties while creating new opportunities for designers and brands represented by both platforms.

“Our 20th anniversary season is not only an important milestone but also the beginning of a new chapter for Azerbaijan Fashion Week. Today, we see Baku becoming a meeting point for designers, industry professionals, and international partners. Our mission is to build a platform that helps emerging talents from the region reach global audiences while strengthening international cooperation through the universal language of fashion,” said Nijat Bakhshaliyev, CEO of Azerbaijan Fashion Week.

The central theme of the season, Water Element, symbolized movement, transformation, purity, and unity. The concept reflected the cultural dialogue between the Caspian region and the Middle East, where tradition and contemporary creativity come together to shape a new vision of fashion.

Over the course of three days, designers from Azerbaijan and abroad unveiled their latest collections. The anniversary edition featured Natavan Brand, Menzer Zekizade Fashion School, Lala Kerimova, Almas, Mariama, Giltex and AzCotton, JenyaBer, markA atelier Baku, Naz Maer, Sameera, Shakhiadore in collaboration with Time Deluxe and Five Oceans, as well as KHAYALY by Khayala Bayram.

The season culminated with the runway presentation by YUDASHKIN House, which closed the three-day program of Azerbaijan Fashion Week. The renowned Russian fashion house unveiled a new demi-couture collection inspired by the elegance of the mid-20th century, the culture of grand social occasions, and the decorative arts of different eras.

“Azerbaijan Fashion Week is a place where new names emerge and where those who have already become part of fashion history meet the next generation of talent. It is especially meaningful for us to be here in this context-alongside young designers, within a vibrant professional dialogue, and in constant conversation with the spirit of our time. YUDASHKIN House closely follows the changing world, evolving with it while preserving its unique DNA,” said Galina Yudashkina, Creative Director of YUDASHKIN House.

The participation of YUDASHKIN House further underscored the growing international recognition of Azerbaijan Fashion Week and reinforced its role as a platform fostering dialogue between globally established fashion houses and the next generation of designers.

“We want people to associate Baku not only with its remarkable architecture, the Caspian Sea, and its rich history, but also with contemporary fashion, the creative industries, and talented designers. Azerbaijan Fashion Week contributes to shaping a new cultural identity for the city and continues to strengthen Baku’s position on the international fashion map,” said Sayat Dosybayeva, General Producer of Azerbaijan Fashion Week.

The anniversary season of Azerbaijan Fashion Week was held with the support of the YARADICI Center for the Development of Cultural and Creative Industries under the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Over the past twenty seasons, Azerbaijan Fashion Week has evolved into a respected international platform bringing together designers, brands, buyers, and fashion professionals from across the region and beyond. The anniversary edition marked another significant milestone in the project’s development, reaffirming Baku’s growing role as a center for contemporary fashion, international collaboration, and cultural exchange.

Venezuela’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has summoned Iranian Ambassador Ali Chegini and handed him an official note of protest over what Caracas described as ‘derogatory and inappropriate’ remarks concerning Venezuelan state institutions and authorities, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry.

The diplomatic move follows comments by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who referred to Venezuela during an interview with Iranian media while discussing Iran’s position and resilience in the face of external pressure.

“Iran is not Venezuela, where it is enough to arrest one person for everyone else to become frightened and back down,” Araghchi said.

The statement said the envoy was called to the ministry to receive the protest regarding remarks made against Venezuela’s institutions and authorities.

The move marks a rare public rift between the long-standing allies.

Baku is set to become the world capital of dance as the fifth anniversary edition of Night of the Dancing Diamonds takes center stage on October 30 as part of the Azerbaijan Dance Festival 2026, AzerNEWS reports.

One of the year’s most anticipated cultural events, the gala production will bring together dance, music, theatre, poetry, and cinema in a spectacular multidisciplinary performance. Festival organizers have officially announced the start of ticket sales for what promises to be an unforgettable celebration of art and international cultural dialogue.

With a limited number of seats available, organizers encourage audiences to purchase tickets in advance and secure their place at what is expected to be one of the most remarkable cultural evenings of 2026.

More than a dance concert, Night of the Dancing Diamonds is a large-scale theatrical production that will unite world-renowned dancers, world champions, rising talents, performers, and musicians on one stage. Audiences can look forward to a unique artistic experience combining live music, choreography, theatrical performances, poetry, and cinematic visual effects into a single immersive production.

The gala will feature an impressive theatrical performance accompanied by the Boris Myagkov Orchestra, with appearances by internationally acclaimed dance stars, championship-winning performers, and promising young talents. The evening will celebrate international unity, cultural dialogue, and artistic excellence. Following the official program, guests will be invited to a vibrant Salsa Party, bringing participants and audiences together in an atmosphere of dance, celebration, and friendship.

The anniversary edition of Night of the Dancing Diamonds will serve as the centerpiece of the Azerbaijan Dance Festival 2026, taking place from October 29 to November 1. The festival is expected to welcome more than 1,000 participants from over 20 countries, featuring international dance championships, educational programs, masterclasses, and meetings with leading figures from the global dance industry.

This year’s organizers promise an entirely new format for the anniversary gala, where cutting-edge stage technology, original artistic direction, and innovative creative concepts will transform the evening into an extraordinary journey through the world of the arts. Music, dance, theatre, poetry, and cinema will merge into a powerful emotional experience designed to leave a lasting impression on every guest.

Already recognized as one of the region’s most ambitious dance productions, Night of the Dancing Diamonds has become a symbol of five years of artistic growth, international collaboration, and the unifying power of dance.

An anniversary production where music, dance, theatre, poetry, and cinema come together. One stage. One evening. Thousands of emotions.

The festival is organized by Smooth and Rhythm Dance Style (SRDS), led by founder and president Olga Krasnyanskaya; the Azerbaijan Dance Council (AZDC), headed by its president, People’s Artist of Azerbaijan Tarana Muradova; and festival co-founders, six-time World Dance Champions Eldar Jafarov and Anna Sazhina.

Trkiye is expanding its modular wall system along the Turkish-Iranian border as part of efforts to minimize smuggling and illegal migration in the region, AzerNEWS reports.

Since 2021, 235 kilometers of the planned 305-kilometer concrete and steel wall along the Trkiye-Iran border have been completed. Work on the remaining 70-kilometer section is continuing in the mountainous Baskale area.

Another 6-kilometer section of the border has been constructed in Baskale, in eastern Van province, equipped with modern area-monitoring systems. The five-meter-high wall is topped with a 90-centimeter-high barbed-wire fence.

Border units of the Turkish Armed Forces continue to monitor the area around the clock using unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and remotely controlled autonomous ground vehicles. Armored vehicles and anti-drone systems have also been deployed in the area.

Sniper teams and special forces units have been stationed at strategic locations along the border.