Deezer licenses AI tool to Sacem

The music streaming platform Deezer has granted licenses for its artificial intelligence-based detection technology to the French agency Sacem. This landmark commercial agreement is aimed at combating music fraud and reflects Deezer’s commitment to broader adoption of AI tools across the music industry, Azernews reports.

The deal comes as the growing capabilities of AI are blurring the line between human-created and machine-generated music, enabling a new type of streaming fraud. In these schemes, fraudsters upload thousands of AI-generated tracks designed to trigger algorithmic recommendations and collect royalties-payments intended for artists and songwriters for the use of their work.

Deezer reported that in 2025, it successfully identified and removed up to 85% of fraudulent AI-generated streams from its royalty pool, flagging more than 13.4 million tracks using its AI detection system.

Currently, the platform receives about 60,000 AI-generated tracks per day, accounting for roughly 39% of total daily uploads, compared to just 10% in January of last year.

The detection tool works by analyzing audio signals for patterns characteristic of AI music generators, such as Suno and Udio, detecting subtle anomalies that are inaudible to the human ear. Deezer trained the system on a database of 94 million songs and filed two patents for the technology in 2024.

This technology could revolutionize how the music industry handles AI-generated content. Beyond fraud prevention, it may eventually be used to verify the authenticity of new tracks, ensure fair royalty distribution, and even help AI and human artists collaborate safely without unintended exploitation. As AI continues to create increasingly convincing music, tools like Deezer’s detection system could become essential for maintaining the integrity of streaming platforms worldwide.

State Academic Musical Theatre unveils new repertoire [PHOTOS]

The Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre has unveiled a rich and diverse repertoire for the second month of 2026, Azernews reports.

A variety of musical and dramatic performances will be staged throughout February. On February 1, audiences will be treated to “Believe in My Song”(‘N?gm?m? inan’), performed in Russian, with music by Polad Bulbuloglu and a libretto by M. Shcherbachenko.

On February 6, the musical comedy “Golden Wedding” by O. Kazimi and R. Heydar will be presented. The following day, “Telegram from a Killer” by P. Seyidli will be staged on the small stage, while “Who Is to Blame?” by A. Hagverdiyev will be performed on the main stage. On February 8, the musical comedy “The Five-Manat Bride” by S. Rustamov and M.S. Ordubadi will take the stage.

A repeat performance of “Zal qizi Zalxa”, a recent addition to the theatre’s repertoire, is scheduled for February 13. It is worth noting that the premiere of a new production based on Ali Amirli’s play “The Mother of Seven Prisoners”, directed by Samir Ghulamov with music by Javanshir Guliyev, will take place on January 30 and 31.

In addition, theatre lovers will be able to enjoy productions such as “The World Belongs to Those Who Love” by A. Pahlavan, “Bakhtiyar” by T. Guliyev, “Dedicated to Notre-Dame de Paris” based on Victor Hugo’s work, and other performances throughout the month.

The Musical Theatre has also prepared a special lineup for younger audiences. On weekends in February, children can enjoy engaging performances including “Sleeping Beauty and the Dwarfs,” “Little Red Riding Hood” (in Russian), “The Bremen Town Musicians and Pen,” and other popular children’s shows.

The State Academic Musical Theatre is one of Azerbaijan’s most important cultural institutions and a cornerstone of the country’s theatrical and musical life. Located in Baku, it has played a central role in the development of musical theatre in Azerbaijan for many decades.

The origins of the theatre are deeply rooted in the early 20th century with the premiere of “Husband and Wife” (?r v? Arvad), a musical comedy by Uzeyir Hajibayli, which was first staged on May 24, 1910. This production is widely regarded as the foundation of Azerbaijani musical theatre and laid the groundwork for what would become a thriving genre combining music, vocals, drama, and dance.

Officially founded in 1934, the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre has since become one of the country’s leading stages for musical performance. Over time its artistic scope has expanded beyond traditional musical comedies to include a broader range of performance genres. Today, its repertoire features musicals, premieres, concerts, and international festivals that draw audiences from across Azerbaijan and around the world.

The theatre’s historic building underwent a major renovation between 2010 and 2013, equipping it with modern lighting and sound systems and a stage capable of 360-degree rotation. With a seating capacity of around 460 and facilities including a recording studio and rehearsal spaces, the venue supports a rich and dynamic program of artistic productions.

In 2019, the theatre was awarded the prestigious title of academic, a recognition that highlights its significant contribution to Azerbaijan’s cultural life.

The Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre continues to uphold and advance the tradition of musical theatre in Azerbaijan.

Global trade in flux: How US tariffs, UK-China ties, and EU-India deals reshaping world economy

The world is witnessing an era of unprecedented geostrategic shifts as the established global order undergoes a profound transformation. The increasingly unpredictable nature of international relations and trade, fueled by aggressive tariffs, political realignments, and evolving economic partnerships, signals the end of a certain global stability. This new world order, marked by fierce economic competition, fragmented alliances, and fluctuating trade dynamics, is reshaping how countries interact with one another on the global stage.

In this context, nations are navigating a multipolar world where the traditional power structures led by the U.S. and Western Europe are no longer the only game in town. Geopolitical rifts, particularly in the economic realm, are emerging, and countries are beginning to realign based on shared interests in trade, security, and political influence. These shifting relationships are not only impacting traditional alliances but are also leading to the rise of new coalitions that will define the future of global trade, security, and diplomacy.

The U.S. and its role in the geostrategic shift

In recent years, the United States has increasingly used tariffs and sanctions as instruments of foreign policy to assert its dominance and protect its economic interests. U.S. President Donald Trump, for example, repeatedly emphasized the strategic role of tariffs in reshaping global trade dynamics. His administration used these measures to exert pressure on countries, force trade renegotiations, and protect domestic industries.

Trump’s comments on the UK-China relationship illustrate how economic coercion can be leveraged in the service of geopolitical competition. During a visit to the UK, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer discussed with Chinese leaders ways to deepen economic ties between the two nations, including agreements on visa-free travel, reduced whisky tariffs, and the £10.9 billion AstraZeneca investment in Chinese manufacturing. However, Trump warned that such agreements were ‘very dangerous,’ especially given that the U.S. remains the UK’s largest trading partner. The U.S. is the UK’s largest trading partner, particularly in finance, insurance, and technology services. For Britain, the U.S. represents not just a vital trade relationship but also a geopolitical anchor. However, the UK’s increasing engagement with China reflects a growing need to hedge against uncertainty, particularly in the post-Brexit era, as Britain seeks to redefine its global role. Sir Keir emphasized that the UK has ‘a huge amount to offer’ China, signaling that economic diplomacy will be key in shaping this relationship.

This deepening economic engagement comes at a time when many European countries are increasingly disillusioned with Washington’s approach to global trade and geopolitics. The EU-China relationship has evolved significantly, with growing trade surpluses and a focus on mutual benefits. Yet tensions persist, particularly over China’s growing alliance with Russia, which complicates Europe’s response to Beijing.

The UK-China relationship: A pragmatic pivot

The UK’s desire to enhance ties with China reflects a pragmatic response to the changing economic and geopolitical environment. While the U.S. has long been the UK’s dominant partner, China’s growing economic influence and the shifting landscape of global trade have made Asia an increasingly appealing partner. The UK’s pivot to China is part of a broader global realignment, where nations are looking beyond their traditional partners to ensure economic resilience.

During the UK PM’s visit, key agreements were signed, including initiatives aimed at improving trade efficiency and expanding bilateral cooperation on issues like organized crime and illegal immigration. Additionally, the partnership is expected to foster long-term investment opportunities, as evidenced by the AstraZeneca deal.

The EU-India free trade agreement: A new strategic alliance

The EU’s recent free trade agreement with India is another significant example of the shifting geopolitics. The deal, hailed as the ‘mother of all agreements,’ is set to transform trade dynamics between two major regions: Europe and Asia. The free trade agreement will eliminate or drastically reduce tariffs on a range of industrial products such as iron, steel, plastics, chemicals, and pharmaceuticals, creating a massive new market for European goods.

The EU-India deal is particularly significant in light of the growing trade disputes with the U.S. and the long-standing tensions over tariffs. India, which has long been a market closed off to many Western products, is now opening up to Europe in a way that dramatically reshapes the trade landscape. The agreement is expected to double EU exports to India by 2032, which would help European companies save an estimated pound 4 billion in tariffs. Moreover, India’s gradual tariff reductions on European products like wine, olive oil, and processed foods will open up new avenues for European exports.

These alignments with both China and India also signal a strategic pivot for Europe and the UK, aiming to reduce dependence on traditional Western markets like the U.S. and seek new economic partners in Asia. It is a direct response to both U.S. protectionism and the China-Russia axis, offering Europe a new set of partners for economic collaboration and global influence.

Could Asia become a new strategic partner for the EU?

The EU’s relationship with China has reached an ‘inflection point’, as European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen described it. Despite economic cooperation, the EU faces significant imbalances in trade with China, notably a huge trade deficit that continues to challenge the bloc’s economic equilibrium. Furthermore, China’s growing ties with Russia have cast a shadow over EU-China relations, forcing Europe to balance economic interests with political concerns over China’s alignment with Moscow.

At the same time, China is an essential part of Europe’s supply chain, particularly for key manufacturing inputs, technology, and rare-earth materials. The EU must balance its geopolitical concerns with pragmatic economic cooperation, as seen during recent talks where von der Leyen called for finding ‘real solutions’ to ensure a stable partnership.

As European countries navigate the evolving geopolitical landscape, a key question arises: Can Asia truly become a new strategic partner for the EU? The answer is complex and multifaceted, but several factors suggest that Asia is indeed becoming increasingly central to the EU’s geopolitical strategy.

First, there is the growing importance of China and India in the global economy. As China emerges as the world’s second-largest economy and India’s market continues to grow, both countries offer Europe new opportunities for trade, investment, and technology sharing. China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and its increasing engagement with European infrastructure projects provide a key avenue for economic cooperation. Similarly, India’s ambitious industrialization plans create lucrative prospects for European companies looking to expand their footprint in Asia.

However, political and economic risks remain. The EU-China relationship has been strained by issues of trade imbalances, human rights concerns, and Beijing’s growing ties with Russia. The EU has long struggled with how to balance economic engagement with China while addressing these complex geopolitical issues. The increasing presence of China in Europe, especially in Eastern Europe and critical infrastructure, raises concerns about national sovereignty and European cohesion.

Moreover, India offers a promising market for European products, but the EU-India trade deal still faces challenges in addressing agriculture and tariffs, particularly on sensitive European goods like beef, sugar, and poultry. As India looks to balance its economic growth with domestic protectionist policies, the EU must find a way to adapt its approach without alienating other strategic partners.

In a nutshell, Asia, particularly China and India, holds significant potential as a new strategic partner for the EU, but challenges remain in overcoming the political, economic, and security complexities that come with such partnerships. The EU’s relationship with Asia will undoubtedly evolve over the coming decades, driven by a combination of economic opportunities and geopolitical challenges.

Azerbaijan: Strategic engagement and regional connectivity

Azerbaijan actively manages its relations with the United States, Europe, and China. In the political arena, the Washington meeting between Azerbaijan and Armenia, attended by U.S. President Donald Trump and marked by the initialling of a peace agreement, exemplifies Azerbaijan’s diplomatic engagement. Economically, Azerbaijan is expanding its energy partnerships with Europe; since the end of last year, with Austria and Germany joining, it now supplies gas to 13 European countries. In parallel, a green energy corridor is being developed in collaboration with Georgia, Hungary, and Romania, leveraging the Black Sea for sustainable energy production.

Relations with China are also advancing significantly. Recently, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov visited China at the invitation of Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China, further reinforcing bilateral ties. During President Ilham Aliyev’s state visit to China in April of last year, the two countries signed a Joint Statement establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership, marking the highest level of bilateral relations since diplomatic ties were first established in 1992. Key transport and infrastructure initiatives with China include the Middle Corridor and the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, enhancing regional connectivity and positioning Azerbaijan as a strategic hub in Eurasian trade.

Viewed from this perspective, it becomes clear that the shifting relationships between the EU, China, India, the United States and the United Kingdom will shape much of the global economic and political landscape in the 21st century. For Europe, Asia’s rising powers represent both an opportunity and a challenge, requiring careful diplomacy, pragmatic trade agreements and a delicate balance between economic interests and geopolitical security.

Int’l Mugham Center promotes ashiq art through new project [PHOTOS]

The International Mugham Center has hosted a concert titled “The Voice of the Saz, the Breath of the Word,” featuring performances of traditional ashiq music, Azernews reports.

The event was dedicated to the memory of the celebrated master ashiq Edalat Nesibov, honoring his lasting influence on the art form.

Speaking at the event, the director of the International Mugham Center, Honored Artist, and Uzbekistan Cultural Ambassador Sahib Pashazade said that the concert was the first event within the “Sazin s?si, sözn n?f?si” (The Sound of the Saz, the Breath of the Word) project.

He stated that the project will continue throughout the year with monthly events.

The aim of the project is to present the performance and master-apprentice tradition of classical ashig art to the audience in a stage format. The project is both educational and artistic-aesthetic in nature. The main goal is to convey the historical value of Azerbaijani classical ashig art to a wide audience. It is intended to promote the creativity of master ashigs, provide a platform for young ashigs to perform, and present the folk heritage in a new style on the modern stage.

Professor Asif Rustamli stated that the implementation of such projects is commendable. Ashig Edalet did not only play the saz; he also presented the saz as a cultural phenomenon, made the audience love it, and turned the sound of the saz into a carrier of national memory and spiritual existence.

During the evening hosted by Ilhame Qesebova, PhD in Philology, associate professor, and ashig scholar, it was announced that the concerts of the project will include solo saz performances, examples from our dastans, performance skills, deyisme (poetic duels), and choral lyrics. Here, the ashigs will also recite selected pieces of ashig poetry. In musical performance, our ashigs will prefer classical melodies.

Ashig Chingiz Mehdipour, Ashig Ilham Aslanbeyli, Ashig Shaig Inceli, Ashig Nazim Guliyev, Ashig Elmeddin Mammadli, Ashig Nargile Mehdiyeva, Ashig Eldar Baghirov, Ashig Ali Zeynalabdinov, and Ashig Vuqar Kamandaroglu delighted the audience with their magnificent performances.

Ashiq art in Azerbaijan is a traditional form of musical storytelling where the performer, known as an ashig, sings poetry while playing the saz, a long-necked string instrument. It is one of the most important expressions of Azerbaijani folk culture, combining music, poetry, and oral narrative.

Ashiqs often perform songs that tell stories of love, heroism, social life, and moral values, and their art is based on improvisation, emotional expression, and strong connection with the audience. The tradition is passed down through generations using the master-apprentice system, where experienced ashigs teach younger performers both musical skills and poetic techniques.

Azerbaijani ashiq art has received international recognition through UNESCO. In 2009, UNESCO inscribed Azerbaijani ashiq art on its Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.

The UNESCO recognition also helps promote ashig art globally, supporting its preservation through cultural programs, festivals, and educational initiatives.

President Ilham Aliyev awards group of outstanding youth – decree

President Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree granting the 2026 Presidential Award for Youth to a group of young achievers in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

Under the decree, the following individuals, recognized for their outstanding achievements in science, education, culture, youth policy and engagement, public and social initiatives, innovation, and entrepreneurship, will be honored with the 2026 Presidential Awards for Youth:

Sarkhan Aghadadashov

Shahmar Aghayev

Elmina Hasanova

Leyla Hasanova

Aynur Ismayilli

Mahmud Ismayilov

Lamiya Mammadova

Nilgun Mammadova

Samad Novruzov

Mahir Taghizade

BREAKING: U.S. tanker aircraft surge toward Middle East [PHOTO]

Multiple U.S. Air Force KC-135 Stratotanker aerial refueling aircraft have been tracked moving toward and across the Mediterranean and Middle East region, signaling a significant reinforcement of American airpower logistics amid growing regional tensions, Azernews reports.

The deployment coincides with a broader U.S. military buildup, including the arrival of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group in the Arabian Sea and Gulf of Oman, along with other naval assets, as part of an expanded force posture overseen by U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Why this matters

Aerial refueling tankers such as the KC-135 are key to extending the reach and endurance of combat and support aircraft, enabling U.S. and allied fighter jets, bombers and reconnaissance platforms to operate over long distances without requiring nearby bases. Their deployment typically increases operational flexibility and readiness for sustained air operations.

The tanker movements align with recent reinforcement of U.S. fighter squadrons in the region, including F-15E Strike Eagles that have been deployed to enhance deterrence and defense capabilities, supported by KC-135 refueling aircraft.

The increased activity comes amid rising concerns over Iran’s regional posture, continued protests inside Iran, and speculation about possible U.S. or allied action against Iranian nuclear or missile facilities. The U.S. has simultaneously been conducting multi-day aerial readiness exercises to validate rapid airpower deployment and sustainment across the Middle East, reflecting heightened vigilance and coordination with partners.

While such movements are often precautionary and not proof of imminent strikes, analysts note they significantly enhance U.S. capacity for rapid response to crises, deterrence missions and protection of interests and allies across the region. Past large-scale tanker deployments have occurred in contexts where U.S. aerial combat operations were anticipated or underway.

The tanker surge is part of a wider U.S. force presence that also includes naval deployments, readiness exercises and the positioning of strike aircraft. Together, these movements underscore Washington’s intent to maintain strategic flexibility and reassure partners as geopolitical tensions persist across the Middle East.

Azerbaijan’s Sea Breeze mega project presented in UK [PHOTOS]

A presentation of Azerbaijan’s Sea Breeze ‘city of the future’ mega infrastructure project, located along the Caspian Sea coast, was held at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United Kingdom.

The Embassy told Azernews that the event brought together more than 100 guests, including representatives of UK-based real estate and investment companies, banks and financial institutions, business leaders, members of the diplomatic corps, and government officials.

During the presentation, Emin Agalarov, founder of Sea Breeze, provided an overview of the project, its future development prospects, and plans for the coming years. He emphasized that expanding the Sea Breeze project remains a key priority and outlined progress made under its new development phases.

Agalarov noted that cooperation agreements have been reached with a number of international brands and hotel chains, with related construction work already underway. He also highlighted rapid progress on Half Moon Island, a core component of Sea Breeze, adding that half of the island is expected to be completed by the summer.

He further announced that Europe’s largest and the world’s fifth-largest casino is being built within the Sea Breeze complex. In addition, the project already includes two schools, a kindergarten, an arts center, and a hospital, reinforcing its vision as a fully integrated urban environment.

Agalarov underlined that investment opportunities at Sea Breeze are being developed in parallel with construction. According to him, the project’s sales and leasing models are designed to ensure long-term profitability, while its service and management system aims to minimize seasonality and provide investors with stable and sustainable returns.

Speaking at the event, Darren Comber, CEO of architectural firm Scott Brownrigg, said that Sea Breeze is not merely a residential development but is being shaped as a new city in scale, aligned with Azerbaijan’s national development priorities. He added that the project’s master plan is based on the principles of Azerbaijan’s 2030 development agenda.

In his remarks, Ambassador of Azerbaijan to the UK Elin Suleymanov highlighted the country’s rapid development under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, noting that large-scale projects such as Sea Breeze clearly reflect Azerbaijan’s broader economic progress. He invited event participants to visit Azerbaijan and explore the country’s ongoing projects firsthand.

The presentation also featured a promotional video of Sea Breeze, alongside information on the Sky Breeze mountain resort concept and the Sea Breeze Uzbekistan project. Guests were provided with brochures and magazines detailing the development. The Sea Breeze ‘city of the future’ mega project attracted strong interest from attendees.

Russia signals readiness to evacuate staff from Iran’s Bushehr nuclear plant if needed

Russia is prepared to evacuate its personnel from Iran’s Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant if the security situation deteriorates, Director General of the Russian State Atomic Energy Corporation (Rosatom) Alexey Likhachev said on Thursday, as regional tensions surrounding Iran continue to escalate, Azernews reports.

Speaking to Russian state media, Likhachev stressed that Moscow still hopes all parties will respect international commitments regarding the safety of nuclear facilities. ‘We hope that the parties to the conflict will maintain their commitments regarding the inviolability of the Bushehr nuclear power plant,’ he said. At the same time, he underlined that contingency planning is already underway.

‘As they say, we are keeping our finger on the pulse. In cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defense, we will be ready to carry out evacuation measures if necessary,’ Likhachev noted, according to TASS.

Despite the heightened rhetoric and military activity around Iran, Likhachev described Bushehr, located near Iran’s southern port city on the Persian Gulf, as ‘the safest place in Iran’ during the US and Israeli strikes carried out in the summer of 2025. He added that Russian President Vladimir Putin personally raised the issue of the plant’s safety and the protection of Russian specialists in direct discussions with both US and Israeli officials.

The Rosatom chief also warned against potential restrictions on Russian nuclear fuel exports, arguing that such measures would have serious consequences for Europe. According to him, a ban on Russian nuclear fuel purchases would ‘jeopardize’ nuclear safety across the continent and undermine the economic performance of Europe’s nuclear energy sector. He said the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) shares these concerns, expressing hope that ‘common sense will prevail over the desire to increase the number of anti-Russian sanctions.’

Tensions around Iran intensified last June after Israel launched coordinated airstrikes on Iranian military and nuclear facilities, followed by retaliatory actions from Tehran. The United States later joined the escalation by bombing three Iranian nuclear sites. At the height of those developments, Likhachev warned that any strike on the Bushehr plant could result in a catastrophe ‘comparable’ to the 1986 Chornobyl disaster, the world’s worst nuclear accident.

Against the backdrop of renewed US warnings to Tehran, Israeli security preparations, and growing speculation about possible further strikes, Moscow’s comments on Bushehr underline both Russia’s concern over nuclear safety and its attempt to position itself as a key stakeholder in preventing a wider regional disaster.

Trkiye, Uzbekistan unite to leave lasting imprint on Turkic world [OPINION]

Within the framework of the visit of the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, to Ankara, the President of the Republic of Trkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, delivered strong messages regarding the Turkic world. Drawing attention to the shared vision, President Erdogan stated, ‘As long as we stand shoulder to shoulder, we are confident that we will leave the imprint of the Turkic world on the century we are living in.’

Upon the invitation of the President of the Republic of Trkiye, Recep Tayyip Erdogan, the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, visited Ankara on 29 January 2026 to attend the Fourth Meeting of the Trkiye-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council. President Mirziyoyev was officially welcomed with a ceremony at Esenboga Airport by President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.

Within the scope of the working visit of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev to Trkiye, bilateral and inter-delegation meetings were held at the Presidential Complex of the Republic of Trkiye in Ankara. Following the meetings, the Fourth Meeting of the Trkiye-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council was convened, and a signing ceremony for various agreements between the two countries was held.

In this context, President of the Republic of Trkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan and President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev signed the Joint Declaration of the Fourth Meeting of the Trkiye-Uzbekistan High-Level Strategic Cooperation Council, as well as the ‘Decision on the Cooperation Mechanisms of the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Relations between the Republic of Trkiye and the Republic of Uzbekistan.’

In addition, in the presence of the two leaders, numerous agreements and memoranda of understanding were signed covering the fields of health, transportation and international transport corridors, cooperation in the cultural field for the 2026-2027 period, mining, higher education and light industry, free and special economic zones, economy and finance, and education. Through these agreements, the institutional and sectoral cooperation between Trkiye and Uzbekistan was further deepened.

Speaking at the joint press conference held with President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Trkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan stated, ‘We are confident that we will leave the imprint of the Turkic world on the century we are living in.’ President Erdogan emphasized that the economy of Uzbekistan has entered an important restructuring process under the leadership of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and highlighted that Turkish companies, with investments exceeding five billion dollars, currently rank among the top three investors in Uzbekistan. President Erdogan also stated that Trkiye is determined to contribute to the prosperity of Uzbekistan and Central Asia.

In his remarks at the joint press conference, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized that approximately one hundred flights are operated weekly between Trkiye and Uzbekistan, and that a project portfolio worth nine billion dollars has been formed with the participation of Trkiye’s leading companies.

Within the scope of the said press conference, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and President of the Republic of Trkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan specifically stated that they will carry the trade volume and cultural relations between Trkiye and Uzbekistan to more advanced levels.

The views and opinions expressed by guest columnists in their articles may differ from those of the editorial board and do not necessarily reflect its views.

Leyla Aliyeva visits ‘Azerbaijan Room’ at UN Geneva Office [PHOTOS]

On January 30, Leyla Aliyeva visited the “Azerbaijan Room” at the United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland.

Leyla Aliyeva was briefed on the design concept and national elements used in the “Azerbaijan Room”. It was mentioned that few countries have their own rooms at the UN Geneva office. These rooms serve as venues for various sessions and meetings during UN events. In this regard, the “Azerbaijan Room” at the UN Geneva office plays a pivotal role in showcasing nation’s heritage and presence.

The “Azerbaijan Room,” set up at the UN Geneva office by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, features the up-to-date equipment, enabling the hosting of meetings and conferences.

The design of the room features various national elements, including photos depicting Azerbaijan’s rich nature, history, as well as the elements of Shabaka, Azerbaijani traditional stained glass technique. Moreover, it also highlights the Garabagh carpet, and Azerbaijani musical instruments – tar, kamancha and gaval – essential for Mugham.