Category: Azer News

The Board of the Mirvarid Dilbazi Poetry Society Public Union has convened to review the organization’s accomplishments in 2025 and to prepare its program of activities for 2026, Azernews reports.

The meeting highlighted the Union’s numerous literary and cultural projects over the past year, including poetry nights, commemorative events, and public gatherings.

The Board praised the Society’s efforts to promote the legacy of Mirvarid Dilbazi, engage young people in literature, and preserve the nation’s spiritual and cultural values.

During the session, Board members Vusal Sehranoglu, Taleh Aliyev, Sevil Huseynova (mother of martyr Zaur Ismayilzade), Fakhreddin Mahmudov, Vagif Osmanli, Turan Ibrahimov, Terlan Musayeva, Aybeniz Jamalova, Tarkhanim Musayibgizi, Lale Ismayil, Birliyant Atesh, Sayali Dadashova, Azade Guliyeva, Qulu Ismayilov, Gulnara Mammadova, and Polad Aga Ibrahimov noted that since its establishment, the Mirvarid Dilbazi Poetry Society has made remarkable progress.

They emphasized that the public highly appreciates the Union’s work in honoring martyrs, visiting elderly homes, and promoting Azerbaijan’s spiritual and cultural values both domestically and internationally.

The Board also highlighted the support of the state in promoting national values, citing the establishment of the Mirvarid Dilbazi Poetry Society club at the Vali Mammadov Cultural Center under the Baku City Department of Culture, with Gullu Eldar Tomarli appointed as its head.

Looking ahead, the Society approved the 2026 annual activity and events program for the newly formed club. Plans include continued commemorations of martyrs, meetings with war veterans, a series of events marking the 25th anniversary of the passing of People’s Poet Mirvarid Dilbazi, a memorial evening for martyr Vali Mammadov, and other cultural and social initiatives.

The meeting also announced the appointment of director and composer Polad Aga Ibrahimov as head of the Society’s Youth Department.

In conclusion, the Board stressed that in the coming period, the Mirvarid Dilbazi Poetry Society Public Union will further expand its activities, continuing to promote national literature, poetry, and spiritual values while prioritizing new projects and initiatives that enrich the country’s literary and cultural landscape.

Taiwan’s Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has announced plans to classify Nipah virus infection as a Category 5 notifiable disease, following a recent outbreak in India that has heightened regional and global health concerns, Azernews reports via Taiwanese media.

According to CNA, CDC officials said on Sunday that a proposed amendment to Taiwan’s infectious disease control measures was released on January 16, formally initiating the process to add Nipah virus infection to the Category 5 list. The proposal will now undergo a 60-day public consultation period before it can take effect.

Nipah virus has been under priority surveillance in Taiwan since 2018, but it has not previously been classified as a notifiable disease. CDC data show that globally more than 750 cases have been reported since the virus was first identified in 1998, with a fatality rate of around 58 percent, making it one of the deadliest known zoonotic viruses.

If designated as a Category 5 disease, Nipah virus would be categorized as an emerging or rare infection posing major public health risks. This status would require immediate reporting of suspected cases and the implementation of special control and containment measures.

The move comes amid efforts by Indian authorities to contain a Nipah virus outbreak in the eastern state of West Bengal, where five infections had been confirmed as of January 19, according to CDC Deputy Director-General Lin Ming-cheng. Nearly 100 people have reportedly been placed under quarantine as part of containment efforts.

Despite the outbreak, Lin said Taiwan is maintaining a Level 2 ‘yellow’ travel alert only for Kerala state in southwestern India, a region traditionally associated with Nipah virus cases. No travel warning has been issued for West Bengal or other areas. Under Taiwan’s four-tier travel advisory system, a Level 2 alert urges travelers to exercise heightened caution and take preventive measures but does not restrict travel.

Lin noted that travel advisories will be adjusted depending on how the outbreak develops. If community transmission is detected, alerts could be raised, while infections limited to hospital settings would prompt advice for travelers to avoid medical facilities in affected areas.

The CDC also warned that fruit bats are the natural reservoir of the Nipah virus and that coconuts contaminated by bat saliva or urine pose a significant infection risk. Travelers to India were urged to avoid raw or unheated foods and beverages, with particular caution against consuming raw coconut juice.

According to the CDC, Nipah virus can spread to humans through contact with infected bats or animals such as pigs, as well as via respiratory droplets or direct contact with bodily fluids. Limited human-to-human transmission has also been documented. Symptoms can range from no signs of illness to severe respiratory disease and fatal encephalitis, underscoring the virus’s serious public health threat.

A mild earthquake shook northwest China on Sunday, according to the country’s Seismological Center. The quake, measuring 5.5 on the Richter scale, struck Gansu Province, a region known for its rugged terrain and sparse population. Its epicenter was located in Tebu County, with the seismic activity originating roughly 10 kilometers beneath the surface.

Officials have so far reported no casualties or significant damage, though local authorities are continuing to assess the situation. Residents in nearby towns described feeling buildings sway and household items rattle, prompting many to evacuate temporarily as a precaution.

Gansu Province lies in a seismically active zone, and minor to moderate earthquakes are not uncommon. Authorities are urging residents to remain vigilant, particularly in rural areas where infrastructure may be more vulnerable. Emergency services are on standby to respond should aftershocks occur or further impacts be reported.

China is one of the world’s most earthquake-prone countries due to its location at the complex collision zone between the Indian Plate and the Eurasian Plate. This tectonic pressure has produced some of the deadliest earthquakes in recorded history, particularly across western and central regions.

The 1556 Shaanxi earthquake remains the deadliest earthquake ever recorded. Estimated at magnitude 8.0, it killed around 830,000 people, largely because many residents lived in loess cave dwellings that collapsed instantly. The disaster reshaped imperial disaster governance and remains a benchmark for seismic catastrophe.

In the 20th century, the 1976 Tangshan earthquake marked another grim milestone. Measuring magnitude 7.5, it struck an industrial city northeast of Beijing, killing at least 242,000 people officially, though some estimates place the toll much higher. The quake occurred without warning and exposed severe weaknesses in urban planning and emergency response during the Cultural Revolution era.

More recently, the 2008 Wenchuan (Sichuan) earthquake highlighted modern China’s vulnerability despite economic progress. The magnitude 7.9 quake killed nearly 90,000 people, including thousands of schoolchildren, and caused massive infrastructure damage. It prompted nationwide reforms in building codes, disaster response, and seismic monitoring.

Other major events include the 1920 Haiyuan earthquake (magnitude 8.5), which killed over 200,000 people, and the 2010 Yushu earthquake, which struck a high-altitude Tibetan region, killing nearly 3,000.

Collectively, these earthquakes underscore how geology, population density, construction standards, and preparedness shape disaster outcomes. Despite major improvements in early warning systems and emergency response, seismic risk remains a persistent challenge across much of China.

The Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan is actively implementing AI technologies across key processes in the fuel and energy sector, Azernews reports.

Their approach focuses not on experimental research but on practical pilot projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure reliability, reducing accidents, and optimizing operational costs.

Several major applied projects are underway:

AI-based flaw detection of overhead power lines using unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). This enables fast, precise inspections of extensive power grids while minimizing risks for personnel.

Robotic in-pipe diagnostics of heating networks using acoustic resonance technology. These robots can detect hidden defects and blockages inside pipelines, preventing unexpected breakdowns.

An AI-powered assistant for the gas industry that automatically recognizes gas meter readings from photos via a mobile application. This reduces manual errors and speeds up data collection.

In the near future, the Ministry plans to move beyond pilot projects to scale AI solutions across electricity and heat supply systems, creating smarter, more resilient infrastructure.

What makes these initiatives especially exciting is that they pave the way for predictive maintenance, where AI could anticipate potential failures before they occur, transforming the way energy networks are managed in Kazakhstan.

Aston Villa have reached a verbal agreement in principle to bring Tammy Abraham back to the Premier League, with the Besiktas deal now entering its final stages, Azernews reports citing OneFootball.

Fabrizio Romano has given his signature ‘Here we go’, announcing the club’s hierarchy is currently in Trkiye to seal the transfer to bring the 28-year-old striker to Villa Park.

The Villains agreed personal terms earlier this week, and there is growing confidence inside the club that the move will get over the line.

Villa are determined to sharpen their edge in the final third, especially after the departure of Donyell Malen. Ollie Watkins has carried much of the scoring burden this season.

However, with just seven goals in 29 appearances and several disappointing showings, Unai Emery’s side is keen to add genuine competition and tactical variety up front.

Abraham offers precisely that. He has a different profile, presence, and skill set to complement Watkins and cover for him.

At 6ft 4in, Abraham brings physicality that Villa currently lack, but his game is not built on power alone.

His link-up play, movement between the lines and ability to combine with runners make him an attractive option in systems that demand flexibility.

Former Villains boss Dean Smith called him a ‘handful’ for defenders.

Crucially, he also gives Emery the option to deploy two strikers when chasing games, something Villa have occasionally lacked.

Abraham’s form this season has been impossible to ignore. He has flourished in Trkiye, scoring 13 goals and providing three assists in 26 appearances.

Villa know this version of Abraham well. During his loan spell in 2018/19, he struck 26 goals in 42 appearances.

He played a pivotal role in the club’s promotion push and left a lasting impression at Villa Park.

The agreement, worth pound 21m plus add-ons, will see Yasin Ozcan included in the Besiktas deal.

If completed, the Villains will turn their attention to midfield, where they desperately need cover for Boubacar Kamara.

Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova, has met with King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa of the Kingdom of Bahrain as part of her official visit to the country, Azernews reports, citing a statement released by the Milli Majlis Press and Public Relations Department.

The statement noted that Gafarova conveyed the greetings of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev to the Bahraini monarch during the meeting. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in turn, asked that his own greetings be passed on to President Aliyev.

During the talks, the King spoke positively about Azerbaijan’s development and emphasized the importance of further deepening bilateral relations between the two countries. He also highlighted the constructive role played by parliaments in expanding and strengthening intergovernmental ties.

Speaker Sahiba Gafarova noted that Azerbaijan-Bahrain relations are built on friendship, mutual trust, and respect. She stressed that the existing political dialogue between the two countries creates broad opportunities for cooperation in other areas, including the economy, investment, and tourism. Gafarova also recalled that 2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Bahrain. Both sides expressed satisfaction with the mutual support extended by the two friendly nations within the framework of international organizations.

Gafarova underlined that this visit represents the first official visit by a Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament to the Kingdom of Bahrain. She noted that reciprocal visits by parliamentary leaders and deputies, as well as close and regular contacts, contribute significantly to the deepening of ties between legislative bodies. The Speaker also briefed the King on the meetings held during her visit and on issues related to parliamentary cooperation.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on other matters of mutual interest.

Today, the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs (Employers) Organizations of Azerbaijan (ASK) and the Manufacturers Association of Israel (MAI) will sign a Memorandum of Understanding, Azernews reports. The signing will take place within the framework of the Azerbaijan-Israel Business Forum.

The agreement will be signed by ASK President M?mm?d Musayev on behalf of Azerbaijan and MAI Deputy Chairman Natanel Hayman on behalf of Israel.

The memorandum outlines several areas of cooperation, including organizing business mission trips between the two countries, conducting joint studies on mutual investments, holding B2B meetings, and facilitating the exchange of ideas within the private sector.

The signing coincides with the visit of an Israeli delegation led by Israel’s Foreign Minister Gideon Saar, who is in Azerbaijan today.

PwC Azerbaijan and the Baku Stock Exchange (BFB) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at accelerating the development of the country’s capital markets and supporting the sustainable growth of the financial sector, Azernews reports.

The agreement was signed by Ruslan Khalilov, Chairman of BFB’s Board, and Shaukat Tapia, Country Managing Partner of PwC Azerbaijan. The MoU sets the framework for cooperation to expand market participants’ opportunities, increase issuers’ access to capital markets, and promote transparency and best practices in Azerbaijan’s financial sector.

Commenting on the agreement, Shaukat Tapia said: “Sustainable and efficient capital markets play a crucial role in promoting economic growth and attracting long-term investments. Through our partnership with the Baku Stock Exchange, we are pleased to share our knowledge and expertise to strengthen market confidence, support issuers, and contribute to the development of Azerbaijan’s capital markets.”

The MoU establishes the principles of collaboration between PwC Azerbaijan and BFB. Specific projects and initiatives under this framework will be implemented through separate agreements as needed.

This partnership underscores the shared commitment of PwC Azerbaijan and BFB to build a transparent, sustainable, and efficient capital market in Azerbaijan-one that fosters economic growth, attracts investment, and creates new opportunities for businesses and investors alike.

Corridors matter more than contracts. Perhaps, for Moldova, energy security has long been a vulnerability rather than a policy choice. Landlocked, politically exposed, and historically dependent on Russian gas, the country is now positioning itself as a transit node rather than a hostage.

Moldova and the United States are advancing plans to bolster the Vertical Gas Corridor, a strategic gas transit route designed to channel Azerbaijani pipeline gas and U.S.-supplied liquefied natural gas (LNG) northward through Eastern Europe. The project is gaining fresh momentum as Chisinau and Washington align more closely on energy diversification and geopolitical resilience.

Originally conceived in 2016 to link Greece, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary, the corridor was expanded in 2024 to include Moldova and Ukraine, turning a regional pipeline network into a potential lifeline for countries previously reliant on Russian gas. It builds on the Trans-Balkan Gas Pipeline, enabling flows from Greek LNG import terminals such as Revithus and Alexandroupolis northward into Central and Eastern Europe.

Moldova’s Energy Minister, Doreen Yunghieu, and U.S. Energy Secretary Chris Wright have discussed accelerating the corridor’s development, underscoring a joint interest in reducing Moscow’s historical leverage over European gas markets. Such cooperation reflects broader U.S. policy that views Southeastern Europe as a key arena for energy security and diversification, tapping both Azerbaijani pipeline supplies and LNG imports from global markets.

The Vertical Gas Corridor stands out not just for its geographical reach but for its strategic ambition. It aspires to link a network of existing and emerging infrastructure, from the TANAP and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) routes that bring Azerbaijani gas to Greece, through the Greece-Bulgaria Interconnector (IGB), and onward through Bulgaria, Romania and Moldova to Ukraine and beyond.

Moldova revoked the gas supply license of Moldovagaz, in which Gazprom holds a controlling stake, and has handed over all supply functions to the state-owned Energocom from September 1. According to Moldovan Energy Minister Dorin Junghietu, the state-owned company Energocom has a clear strategy focused on source diversification. ‘We would be glad to see Azerbaijani companies among the suppliers. However, our recommendation is to carefully monitor the tender procedures organized by Energocom, or submit applications, or start direct negotiations,’ the minister stated.

Recent developments underscore this shift from concept to implementation. Gas transmission operators from Greece, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine have jointly proposed new capacity routes labelled ‘Route 2’ and ‘Route 3’ to regulators for approval, aiming to expand cross-border transmission from reek LNG terminals and Azerbaijani sources through the corridor to Ukraine. This kind of infrastructure cooperation reflects a pragmatic response to Russian gas transit reduction and European Union goals to diversify supply as Russian pipeline contracts wind down.

Moldova, for its part, has been proactive. Its National Energy Regulatory Agency has approved new transmission routes that are expected to operate through winter months, strengthening linkages with neighboring systems and boosting regional energy security. And as winters grow more demanding and interconnected markets more competitive, the corridor offers both security and flexibility, by routing gas from multiple sources including LNG as well as traditional pipeline flows.

Why it matters for Chisinau and beyond?

For Moldova, integration into the Vertical Gas Corridor is transformative. Historically dependent on Russian gas, the country has since diversified supplies and modernized infrastructure, securing over 90 percent of its own gas needs heading into the 2025/2026 winter. Participation in the corridor now gives Chisinau direct access to Azerbaijani gas and regasified LNG from Greek terminals, reducing its vulnerability and embedding it more firmly in the European energy market.

The corridor also has broader geopolitical implications. The United States has signaled its support for Greece as a gateway for LNG into Europe, encouraging investment and serving as a hub for diversified flows that circumvent Russia. U.S. diplomats and officials have articulated a clear strategic interest in developing these connections, emphasising that Greece’s position as an LNG receiving and transmission point can bolster regional energy independence.

For the European Union, too, the corridor offers a way to align energy markets across the Balkans and Eastern Europe. Expanded capacity, potentially up to 10 billion cubic meters per year in future phases, would link LNG supply points in Greece with transit networks reaching Moldova, Ukraine and even Slovakia, reinforcing EU objectives for cross-border energy connectivity and competition.

Yet the project’s momentum is not without hurdles. Past attempts to move gas along the corridor northward have seen mixed results; in some seasons, buyers have opted not to import gas through certain routes when competing options proved cheaper or more convenient. Overcoming such market inertia requires not only infrastructure but market mechanisms, regulatory alignment, and competitive pricing, conditions that the participating countries and their partners are now actively trying to establish.

By late 2026, key infrastructure components in Bulgaria and beyond are expected to come online, boosting transmission capacity and facilitating more robust use of the corridor. The involvement of the United States, both as a policy partner and LNG supplier, adds a geopolitical dimension that transcends regional concerns: it frames Moldova’s role in the corridor as part of a transatlantic strategy for energy security and diversification.

On January 26, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Gideon Sa’ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, Azernews reports.

During the conversation, the recent meeting between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Israel, held in Davos a few days earlier, was fondly recalled. It was noted that issues on the bilateral agenda were discussed during that meeting.

Emphasis was placed on the successful development of relations between the two countries in various areas, including economic, trade, energy, tourism, and other fields. Cooperation in agriculture, water resources management, high technologies, and artificial intelligence was highlighted. The contribution of reciprocal visits and contacts at various levels to deepening cooperation was also noted.

The sides also underscored the role of the intergovernmental commission, with particular mention of the recent holding of its next session.

Gideon Sa’ar stated that he was accompanied on this visit by a large delegation of representatives of the business community. He noted that the Azerbaijan-Israel Business Forum, to be held during the visit, would contribute to the development of economic and trade ties between the two countries. He expressed gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the state-level care shown toward the Jewish community in Azerbaijan.

The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.