Category: Azer News

Azerbaijan’s young skier Chanel Axelsson has delivered an impressive performance at the international ski competition “Trofeu Borrufa,” held in Andorra, adding valuable points to her record, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation.

The athlete competed for the first time in the U-14 category and achieved a remarkable result in the giant slalom event.

Among 55 competitors representing 17 countries, Chanel secured an outstanding 5th place, demonstrating strong skill and potential on the international stage.

Chanel Axelsson’s success at such a notable event signals a bright future for the Azerbaijani athlete as she continues to develop in the sport.

The Trofeu Borrufa is a prestigious international youth alpine skiing event held every year in Andorra since 1993.

The event is designed for competitors in the U14 (13-14 years old) and U16 (15-16 years old) age groups. Skiers take part in multiple disciplines, including Slalom, Giant Slalom, Super-G, and a special National Team Event conducted in a parallel slalom format.

The event is often seen as a first introduction to high-level international racing for many future professional skiers.

The Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, established on January 31, 2022, is the country’s main body for developing winter sports.

The federation aims to promote disciplines such as alpine skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, and figure skating, while supporting national teams and nurturing young athletes.

Since its founding, the federation has gained international recognition, becoming a full member of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in 2025.

It has also helped bring major events to Azerbaijan, including competitions at the Shahdag Tourism Center and continues to expand grassroots participation in winter sports nationwide.

In January 2026, the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, in partnership with Shahdag Tourism Center, hosted the Azerbaijan Open International Alpine Skiing Tournament.

This large-scale event is part of the FIS (International Ski Federation) calendar, attracting elite athletes from around the world.

The tournament drew 20 female athletes from countries such as Azerbaijan, Switzerland, Hungary, Slovenia, Georgia, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Nepal, and Uzbekistan. Representing the host country was Anastasiya Papatoma, an accomplished alpine skier.

The World Bank is considering providing support for a gas leak detection project in Azerbaijan titled the ‘Azerigas Gas Leak Detection and Repair Facility,’ Azernews reports, citing the Bank.

The project aims to reduce methane emissions caused by leaks in the gas distribution network operated by Azerigaz, while also strengthening the company’s capacity in asset management.

The proposed financing volume of the project is $15 million, with approval scheduled for April 23, 2026.

Under the project, a results-based financing mechanism will be established to support the detection and repair of gas leaks in Azerigaz’s distribution system. This mechanism will be launched using an initial grant from the Global Flaring and Methane Reduction Partnership (GFMR) Trust Fund.

SOCAR will act as the grant recipient and owner of the grant accounts, while Azerigaz will be the sole beneficiary and the implementing agency responsible for the project’s day-to-day execution and management. Funds for agreed leak detection and repair activities aimed at the phased reduction of methane emissions will be channeled from SOCAR to Azerigaz.

The project will build on Azerigaz’s pilot program that established a baseline for gas leaks in Baku. Repair works will be proposed and implemented by Azerigaz in line with pre-agreed eligibility criteria. Measures will be prioritized based on cost, complexity, impact, and other relevant factors to ensure maximum emissions reduction per dollar spent.

In addition, both in the initial phase and in subsequent stages, GFMR funding will be used to enhance Azerigaz’s capacity in emissions monitoring, reporting, and verification in accordance with the OGMP 2.0 standard.

On January 30, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Andreas Gaarder, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Norway to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The ambassador presented his credentials to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev then held a conversation with the ambassador.

The head of state emphasized the importance of developing bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Norway, noting that cooperation between the two countries began in the energy sector and that there are favorable opportunities for further expanding relations.

President Ilham Aliyev wished the ambassador success in his diplomatic activities.

Expressing his satisfaction with his appointment and with the meeting with the head of state, Andreas Gaarder stated that he would spare no effort during his tenure to contribute to the development of relations between the two countries.

The ambassador congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the progress achieved in the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The head of state thanked him for the congratulations and noted that Azerbaijan would continue its efforts to strengthen peace.

The ambassador also informed that Norway will be represented by a high-level delegation at the World Urban Forum to be held in Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, it was emphasized that both Azerbaijan and Norway are energy suppliers to the European Union, and energy security issues were discussed in this context.

The sides exchanged views on the bilateral agenda, including cooperation in economy, trade, energy – including renewable energy – investments, the establishment of business contacts, transport connectivity in the region, and hailed effective partnership within the framework of COP30.

The price of Azerbaijan’s Azeri Light crude oil at Italy’s Augusta port rose by $2.52, or 3.58 percent, compared to the previous level, reaching $72.89 per barrel on a CIF basis, Azernews reports.

At Trkiye’s Ceyhan port, the FOB price of a barrel of Azeri Light increased by $2.54, or 3.75 percent, to $70.31.

Meanwhile, the price of Urals crude climbed by $2.54, or 6.5 percent, compared to the previous figure, reaching $41.64 per barrel.

The price of Dated Brent crude, produced in the North Sea, also rose, increasing by $2.36, or 3.37 percent, to $72.36 per barrel.

It should be noted that Azerbaijan’s 2026 state budget is based on an assumed average oil price of $65 per barrel.

Azerbaijan has begun construction of the Zangezur high-voltage transmission line, a project aimed at integrating the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic into the country’s unified electricity system and strengthening cross-border energy connectivity toward Trkiye and European markets. The project is being implemented by AzerEnergy and forms part of a broader effort to modernize Azerbaijan’s power infrastructure, eliminate internal grid fragmentation, and expand regional electricity transmission capacity.

Why does integrating Nakhchivan into the national grid matter for Azerbaijan’s energy strategy?

Historically, Nakhchivan has operated separately from Azerbaijan’s main electricity system, relying on external connections for system balancing and frequency regulation. Full integration into the national grid is expected to alter this structure by enabling centralized dispatch, improved load management, and access to reserve capacity from the country’s main power network. From a technical perspective, integration allows for more stable system operation and reduces vulnerabilities associated with isolated grid functioning. Economically, it creates conditions for more efficient use of generation assets and lowers the cost of maintaining standalone balancing mechanisms.

The Zangezur project includes the construction of a two-circuit, 330 kV transmission line with a capacity of 1,000 megawatts, extending 105 km from Jabrayil to Aghbend and 74 km from Nakhchivan to the Ordubad border. The route follows the Araz River and crosses mountainous and rocky terrain, requiring complex engineering solutions.

A subsequent phase provides for construction of an additional 44 km line across the Zangezur corridor, which will connect the Aghbend and Ordubad sections into a continuous transmission route. In parallel, a new 330 kV substation is planned in Nakhchivan city, with preparatory works already underway.

The restoration of a direct electricity connection between Nakhchivan and mainland Azerbaijan has implications beyond domestic energy management. By eliminating breaks in internal transmission, the project enables more coherent and predictable power flows toward Trkiye and onward to Europe.

This integration improves the efficiency of transmission corridors passing through Trkiye by reducing system bottlenecks and enhancing operational stability. As a result, it supports the development of a continuous Azerbaijan-Trkiye-Europe electricity corridor and contributes to broader regional energy security.

How does the Zangezur power line support Azerbaijan’s expansion toward European electricity markets?

As a continuation of the project, plans are in place to construct a 230 km, 400 kV transmission line from Nakhchivan to Trkiye, along with the installation of a 400 kV converter substation, a voltage class not previously used in Azerbaijan’s power system. The introduction of 400 kV infrastructure would align Azerbaijan’s grid more closely with European transmission standards, facilitating future cross-border electricity trade and increasing export capacity via interconnected regional networks.

The integration of Nakhchivan into Azerbaijan’s unified electricity system and the construction of the Zangezur power line also complement Azerbaijan’s participation in the Black Sea Energy Corridor, which brings together Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary.

While the Zangezur and Nakhchivan routes strengthen internal grid connectivity and create southern export options through Trkiye, the Black Sea Energy Corridor is designed to transmit electricity – primarily from renewable sources – from Azerbaijan through Georgia, across the Black Sea, and onward to Romania and Hungary, where it can be integrated into the European electricity network.

By eliminating internal transmission constraints and enabling more stable, centralized dispatch, Azerbaijan’s domestic grid projects increase the reliability of electricity flows feeding into westbound export corridors. In this context, internal grid integration becomes a prerequisite for sustained cross-border electricity exports, ensuring that power supplied to the Black Sea route can be delivered in predictable volumes and in line with European technical and regulatory requirements.

At the generation level, several renewable energy projects are expected to contribute to the expanded transmission system. These include four small hydropower plants with a combined capacity of 13 MW in Kalbajar and Lachin, as well as a 240 MW wind power project in Kalbajar. Together, these facilities are expected to increase the availability of electricity for both domestic consumption and export.

Taken together, the Zangezur power line and associated infrastructure projects point to a shift toward deeper internal grid integration and expanded regional interconnection. By linking Nakhchivan to the national power system and supporting multiple export directions toward European markets, Azerbaijan is addressing long-standing structural constraints in its energy system.

However, the project’s long-term impact will depend on several unresolved factors. These include adherence to construction timelines in technically challenging terrain, the synchronization of transmission systems across multiple jurisdictions, and the pace at which new renewable generation can be integrated into the grid without creating imbalances. In addition, differences in regulatory frameworks, market access rules, and grid codes between Azerbaijan and European partners may limit near-term export volumes unless further harmonization efforts are undertaken.

Furthermore, financing structures, cost recovery mechanisms, and the commercial viability of large-scale electricity exports will also play a role in determining whether the infrastructure is utilized at full capacity. As a result, while the Zangezur project strengthens the physical foundations of regional energy connectivity, its effectiveness will ultimately depend on parallel progress in technical coordination, market integration, and regulatory alignment.

Today in Tbilisi, ‘BTKI Railways’ LLC-a joint venture of subsidiaries of ‘Azerbaijan Railways’ CJSC (ADY) and ‘Marabda-Kartsakhi Railway’ LLC, alongside ‘Georgian Railways’ JSC, signed key agreements to fully operationalize the joint venture along the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway line, Azernews reports.

According to ADY, the agreements cover the use of the Marabda-Akhalkalaki railway infrastructure and the provision of terminal services at Akhalkalaki station. Officials noted that the agreements will streamline operations on the BTK line, a vital segment of the Middle Corridor, and are expected to increase cargo transportation volumes.

ADY has completed extensive repair, restoration, and modernization of the 184-kilometer section of the BTK passing through Georgia’s challenging terrain. As a result, the annual cargo capacity of this section has risen from 1 million tons to 5 million tons. The modernization aims to enhance the competitiveness of the Middle Corridor and establish the BTK line as a primary cargo artery connecting Europe and Asia.

‘BTKI Railways’ LLC was established on August 13, 2024, with a mandate to manage BTK operations efficiently, attract new cargo, strengthen strategic regional transport links, and expand the overall potential of the Middle Corridor.

The American company Tesla does not typically disclose detailed information about accidents involving its autonomous vehicles, but it is required to report incidents at the request of U.S. regulators, including the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA). According to statistics, Tesla’s robotaxis in Texas are involved in accidents nine times more frequently than conventional vehicles with human drivers across the United States, Azernews reports.

Between July and November last year, nine accidents were recorded in Austin, where autonomous Tesla Model Y vehicles have been operating since June.

Three incidents occurred in July. In two cases, Tesla’s prototype robotaxis collided with other crossovers, while in the third, a stationary obstacle was struck at a speed of 13 km/h.

In September, four more accidents were reported. These included collisions with obstacles and other cars while maneuvering in parking lots, as well as incidents involving a cyclist and even an animal, with one collision occurring at more than 43 km/h. October saw a single unexplained incident at 29 km/h, and in November, one prototype repeated the July scenario while making a right turn, according to sources.

By November, Tesla’s entire fleet of several dozen robotaxis in Austin had traveled approximately 800,000 km. This equates to one accident every 88,000 km, compared to the average for U.S. drivers, which is about one accident per 800,000 km based on police records. Some analysts suggest that including unreported accidents, the typical American driver’s accident-free mileage drops to 320,000 km – still multiple times better than Tesla’s autonomous fleet.

Until recently, an observer was seated to the right of the driver’s seat in Tesla robotaxis in Austin, with the ability to intervene in vehicle control as allowed by the ergonomics of the production Model Y and the autonomous software. Tesla has now reportedly removed observers from some prototype vehicles entirely. Reports from independent bloggers suggest that these robotaxis are now ‘insured’ or supervised indirectly by a following vehicle.

For comparison, Waymo operates a much larger fleet of fully autonomous taxis without any in-cabin safety drivers, and its vehicles demonstrate better accident-free performance than even conventional human drivers. Unlike Tesla, Waymo provides NHTSA with detailed statistics on all incidents, including those involving injuries, highlighting a stark contrast in transparency and safety outcomes.

This raises important questions about Tesla’s rapid rollout strategy: while the company pushes forward with autonomous technology, the high frequency of accidents and limited reporting make it difficult for regulators and the public to fully assess the safety of its self-driving vehicles. Observers note that the Tesla approach relies heavily on rapid real-world testing with minimal oversight, a strategy that may be cost-effective but comes with significant safety risks.

Interestingly, some experts speculate that the removal of human observers could accelerate Tesla’s data collection, allowing the AI to ‘learn’ from more unfiltered driving scenarios – but at what cost to safety and public trust remains an open question.

Famous rapper Nicki Minaj has revealed that she received Donald Trump’s $1 million Gold Card, which grants her permanent U.S. residency, Azernews reports, citing foreign media. On Wednesday, she declared herself Trump’s ‘number one fan’ while displaying the visa at an event in the nation’s capital.

The star was invited on stage by President Trump during a gathering promoting the so-called ‘Trump Accounts’, a program designed to provide trust funds for children. Minaj expressed her support for the initiative, which aims to help families save for their children’s futures.

Previously a critic of Trump’s hardline immigration policies, Minaj, who immigrated to the U.S. with her parents as a child, has in recent years praised the president’s leadership. Her endorsement marks a notable shift in her public political stance.

The appearance comes amid ongoing protests following several controversial actions by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), including incidents that have resulted in fatalities, underscoring the ongoing tensions around U.S. immigration policy.

US President Donald Trump has warned that it would be ‘very dangerous’ for the UK to deepen business ties with China, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer continues his visit to Beijing aimed at resetting bilateral relations, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Trump’s comments followed the announcement of new UK-China agreements to boost trade and investment after Sir Keir met Chinese President Xi Jinping during his three-day trip. Downing Street said the US had been informed in advance about the visit and noted that Trump himself is expected to travel to China in April.

Trump also issued a similar warning to Canada, describing closer economic engagement with China as ‘even more dangerous,’ and reiterated his threat to impose tariffs if Ottawa proceeds with China-related deals.

Meanwhile, Sir Keir said UK-China relations were in a ‘good, strong place,’ describing his meetings with Xi as productive and saying they delivered the level of engagement the UK had hoped for.

Key outcomes of the visit include visa-free travel arrangements, reduced whisky tariffs, and a £10.9bn AstraZeneca investment in manufacturing facilities in China, alongside agreements on cooperation in areas such as organised crime and illegal immigration.

The Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Republic “Memory Book” Editorial Board, in collaboration with the Yasamal District Executive Authority and the YAP Yasamal District Organization, held a presentation ceremony for the 4th volume of the multi-volume work titled “44 Days – The Historic Victory”, Azernews reports.

The publication gathers encyclopedic information about those who sacrificed their lives for the homeland. It immortalizes their names and memories, honoring their ultimate sacrifice.

The Republic “Memory Book” project has been focused on gathering and publishing materials about Azerbaijani citizens who perished, went missing, were taken as prisoners, or became hostages during various historical periods of tragedy and war. It also includes those who demonstrated heroism in defense of the country’s territorial integrity.

To date, nearly twenty volumes of the Republic “Memory Book” have been published. In 2017, the editorial board collaborated with the Working Group of the State Commission on Captive, Missing, and Hostage Citizens, which operates under the State Security Service, to conduct research and prepare a four-volume (in two languages) publication.

Additionally, in memory of those who fell as martyrs during the 44-day Patriotic War, four volumes of books have been printed. The “Victory – 75 and Victory 80: The Struggle and Resolve of the Azerbaijani People” books were also published. These works commemorate the significance of the victory over fascism, highlighting the heroism and courage of Azerbaijani citizens who fought against Nazi Germany from 1941 to 1945. The books offer unique insights into Azerbaijani women who showed exceptional bravery during the war, as well as those who were awarded the title of Hero of the Soviet Union.

In collaboration with “Baki X?b?r” newspaper, the editorial board has published 10 books as part of the “Martyrs are Immortal, the Homeland is Indivisible!” series, dedicated to the memory of those who lost their lives in the Karabakh War.

Moreover, 8 documentary films have been produced under the “The Stone of the Homeland… or the Epic of 44 Days” project and presented to the public.

The editorial board also emphasized that the “Heydar Aliyev Memory Book” was published in honor of the 100th anniversary of the birth of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev. The book highlights the life and work of the legendary leader, reflecting his immense contributions to Azerbaijan’s development and his legacy.