Category: Azer News

Chairman of the Milli Majlis Committee on Natural Resources, Energy, and Ecology Sadiq Qurbanov and MP Kamal Jafarov will pay an official visit to Trkiye from October 12 to 18, Azernews reports, citing the Milli Majlis Press and Public Relations Department.

The Azerbaijani lawmakers will hold bilateral meetings in Ankara and Istanbul with representatives of Trkiye’s Ministry of Environment, Urbanization and Climate Change and the Zero Waste Foundation.

During the visit, they will also participate in the Zero Waste Forum, which focuses on sustainable environmental management, waste reduction, and climate resilience initiatives.

The visit aims to further strengthen environmental cooperation between Azerbaijan and Trkiye, promoting the exchange of expertise in green policy, urban sustainability, and climate adaptation practices.

The Middle Corridor is emerging as a sustainable and secure alternative to the northern trade routes, said Rashad Nabiyev, Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan, during the Global Gateway conference in Brussels.

According to the minister, the route has become one of the most crucial components of international trade and reflects Azerbaijan’s broader strategic vision to create a unified space for physical and digital connectivity.

‘Our approach is based on the concept of ‘dual transformation,’ which combines traditional transport corridors with modern digital solutions to ensure transparency and trust within the supply chain,’ Nabiyev stated. He emphasized that Azerbaijan has built an integrated multimodal transport system linking railways, roads, sea, and air, with the Baku International Sea Port in Alat serving as its central hub and the largest logistics center in the Caspian region.

Nabiyev also underlined the importance of the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars (BTK) railway, a key link connecting China, Central Asia, the South Caucasus, and Europe. ‘Recently, the government allocated an additional 100 million US dollars to expand the BTK’s capacity, which will significantly boost transportation volumes in the coming years,’ he said.

The minister revealed that Azerbaijan plans to establish direct connectivity between the Caspian, Mediterranean, and Black Seas, an initiative that will be supported by the Zangazur Corridor and peace efforts backed by Washington. ‘When asked whether it would be possible to reach the Black and Mediterranean Seas within 14 days, my answer was: ‘Yes,’ because we are launching the Zangazur Corridor and other strategic projects,’ Nabiyev noted.

An important stage in Azerbaijan’s transport infrastructure development is the expansion of the Alat Port, whose throughput capacity is set to grow from 10 million to 25 million tons annually by 2030, driven by a fivefold increase in cargo traffic over the past three years.

Nabiyev added that Azerbaijan, through close coordination with Kazakhstan and Georgia, has eliminated not only physical but also bureaucratic bottlenecks. ‘A Coordination Center has been established to optimize logistics and reduce delivery times. If in 2022 it took 53 days to deliver cargo from China to the Georgian ports of Poti and Batumi, today it takes only 12-14 days,’ he said.

He further highlighted that the number of container trains passing through Azerbaijan has grown from one in 2003 to 270 in 2023, with projections indicating a rise to 1,000 trains by the end of 2025.

‘Azerbaijan is not only investing in physical infrastructure but also in digital technologies for transport management, including real-time monitoring and data exchange systems,’ Nabiyev concluded. ‘This ensures that the Middle Corridor is not just a route but a smart, transparent, and innovative transport ecosystem shaping the future of Eurasian connectivity.’

The State Employment Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population continues implementing the self-employment program for residents resettled in the territories liberated from occupation, Azernews reports.

The Agency reported that another group of residents in the districts of Aghdara, Jabrayil, Lachin, and Zangilan has received goods and equipment within the framework of the program.

With the assets provided, participants have established small businesses in various fields, including men’s barbershops, auto repair services, flour product manufacturing, small tailoring workshops, women’s beauty salons, sheep and goat farming, beekeeping, and more.

The program participants expressed their gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the support provided. They emphasized their commitment to further expand their businesses established under the self-employment initiative.

As part of the Great Return program, nearly 500 families who have been resettled in their native lands have already set up their own farms and small enterprises through the self-employment program.

In the United States, an increasing number of citizens are turning to artificial intelligence for legal assistance – and in some cases, completely replacing professional lawyers with AI tools, Azernews reports.

One striking example comes from Lynn White, a resident of Long Beach, California. Faced with an eviction case, she used ChatGPT and Perplexity AI to research legal precedents, analyze court decisions, and draft her appeal. As a result, she successfully overturned the eviction and avoided over $70,000 in fines and debt – a dramatic reversal, especially considering her previous attorney had already lost the case.

Similarly, Richard Hoffmann of New York shared his experience of representing himself in a civil lawsuit against a former employer. Using AI, he developed a self-made legal strategy that guided him through the litigation process – without hiring a lawyer.

While these stories highlight the growing capabilities of AI in the legal field, experts caution against relying solely on artificial intelligence for legal advice. For instance, in 2023, OpenAI’s GPT-4 model passed the U.S. bar exam, scoring in the top 10% of test-takers. However, researchers from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) warned that AI still lacks the nuanced understanding of law, ethics, and judgment required for complex cases.

AI tools are increasingly being used in legal tech platforms to draft contracts, summarize case law, and even predict case outcomes – a trend that is reshaping the legal profession. However, most legal professionals agree that AI should currently serve as a supporting tool, not a full replacement for human expertise, especially in high-stakes or emotionally charged cases.

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan Republic (SOCAR), through its Azneft Production Union, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Singapore-based companies Kranji Solution and MySep Pte.

Azernews reports that the MoU was signed by Tofiq Heydarov, Chief Engineer and First Deputy Director General of Azneft, Michel van Vorselen, Technical Director of Kranji Solution, and Guy Hellinx, Head of MySep Pte.

Under the agreement, the gas collection and transportation systems operated by Azneft’s oil and gas production departments will undergo modernization of their separators to align with current operational standards. Additionally, training will be provided to 10 local specialists in the field.

As a result of the collaboration, local engineers will be equipped to independently carry out tasks related to the design, diagnostics, performance optimization, and compliance of separators. This initiative is expected to significantly reduce the risk of complications in the gas gathering and transportation systems, while enhancing their efficiency and reliability.

In today’s digital economy, financial technology-FinTech-is more than just a buzzword; it has become a critical driver of economic growth, innovation, and financial inclusion worldwide. By transforming how financial services are delivered, FinTech empowers individuals and businesses, lowers transaction costs, and enhances transparency. For emerging economies like Azerbaijan, embracing FinTech is pivotal to accelerating modernization, attracting investment, and integrating into the global financial ecosystem.

The Baku Fintech Forum 2025 opened recently as a landmark event, bringing together leading voices from the international FinTech community. Organized by the Azerbaijan Fintech Association (AzFina) alongside the Central Bank of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Banks Association, the forum provides a vital platform to discuss emerging trends, regulatory challenges, and the future trajectory of financial technologies in the country.

In a move that underscores Azerbaijan’s ambition to expand its FinTech influence beyond national borders, the Azerbaijan Fintech Association (AzFina) signed two key memoranda of understanding during the Baku Fintech Forum 2025 – one with the Turkish Fintech Association, and another with an international consulting firm.

These strategic agreements aim to deepen cooperation in the development of financial technologies, foster the exchange of expertise, and promote innovative solutions across both domestic and international markets.

These partnerships reflect Azerbaijan’s growing recognition of FinTech as a cross-border industry. Turkiye, with its advanced digital finance ecosystem, serves as a valuable partner for knowledge transfer, market access, and joint innovation. Meanwhile, collaboration with a global consultancy firm will likely provide Azerbaijan with insights into best practices, global compliance standards, and scaling strategies-crucial for positioning itself competitively on the international FinTech map.

By establishing these alliances, Azerbaijan is not only enhancing its domestic capabilities but also signalling its readiness to integrate into global FinTech value chains. Such steps are particularly vital as the country seeks to build a knowledge-driven economy and become a digital bridge between Europe and Asia.

One of the foremost challenges Azerbaijan faces is the need to update its legislative framework to keep pace with rapidly evolving FinTech innovations. Zakir Nuriyev, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Banks Association (ABA), highlighted this at the forum, emphasizing the urgency of regulatory reforms, particularly in how electronic money institutions manage customer funds.

Currently, electronic money institutions must hold funds in multiple banks-a practice already mandated for insurance companies to mitigate risks. Extending this requirement to fintech firms will not only protect consumer assets but also enhance systemic stability within the digital payment ecosystem. Such regulatory enhancements are critical as Azerbaijan seeks to foster financial inclusion and facilitate the adoption of modern financial services.

This regulatory approach signals a pragmatic balance between innovation and risk management. While overly rigid rules can stifle startups, thoughtful legislation can build public trust and attract international investors wary of unregulated markets. Azerbaijan’s move mirrors global trends where governments recognize the importance of a secure yet flexible legal framework to nurture FinTech growth.

Beyond regulation, the backbone of FinTech’s success lies in cybersecurity. Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy, underscored cybersecurity’s integral role in economic security and national competitiveness during the CIDC 2025 cybersecurity festival.

In the digital era, the intertwining of regulatory frameworks, advanced technology, and skilled human capital forms the triad essential for resilience against cyber threats. Azerbaijan’s National Strategy on Information and Cybersecurity (2023-2027) exemplifies this holistic approach by prioritizing the protection of critical infrastructure, establishing training centers, and fostering public-private collaboration.

Moreover, initiatives like the Coursera National Academy, which has enrolled nearly 40,000 citizens in digital and cybersecurity courses, demonstrate Azerbaijan’s commitment to building a knowledgeable workforce prepared to support and secure its burgeoning FinTech sector.

The focus on cybersecurity reflects a sophisticated understanding that digital innovation cannot flourish without robust defense mechanisms. For Azerbaijan, investing in cyber talent is a forward-looking strategy to safeguard financial ecosystems and promote investor confidence-both vital for sustaining growth in an interconnected world where cyberattacks can have devastating economic consequences.

Infrastructure development is another cornerstone supporting Azerbaijan’s digital transformation. The commencement of construction for two major data centers, as announced by Farrukh Farajullayev from AzInTelecom at the forum, represents a strategic investment to bolster the country’s digital backbone.

Set to be among the largest in the region upon completion in 2027, these facilities in Hajigabul and Absheron will provide critical support for data processing and storage, essential for scalable FinTech operations.

Building robust data infrastructure domestically not only reduces dependency on foreign servers but also enhances data sovereignty-a growing priority in global digital policy. This move enables Azerbaijan to offer reliable, secure, and high-speed services, attracting fintech startups and global investors alike.

Highlighting the investment potential, Gnc? Önr, Managing Partner at the European venture fund Startup Wise Guys, emphasized that FinTech transcends a single sector, spanning over 20 subfields touching daily lives. The fund actively invests in early-stage startups, including the Azerbaijan-based ePoint, reflecting confidence in the local innovation landscape.

Önr stressed the importance of strong teams, strategic partnerships, and regulatory awareness in evaluating startups. Despite regulatory challenges, these barriers provide a protective framework essential for building trust and sustainability.

The venture capital interest signals a maturation of Azerbaijan’s startup ecosystem and its alignment with global innovation hubs. The notion that ‘every startup will eventually become a FinTech startup’ encapsulates FinTech’s pervasive influence, underscoring its role as a catalyst for broader digital economy growth.

Azerbaijan stands at a critical juncture in its digital transformation journey. The convergence of regulatory modernization, cybersecurity investment, infrastructure development, and venture capital engagement paints a promising picture for the country’s FinTech future.

However, realizing this potential requires continuous collaboration among policymakers, private sector stakeholders, and international partners to create an environment where innovation thrives securely and inclusively. By doing so, Azerbaijan can position itself as a regional FinTech hub, unlocking new opportunities for economic growth and integration into the global digital economy.

On October 10, a limited-format meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council was held in Dushanbe, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

– Dear Emomali Sharipovich,

Dear colleagues,

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to the esteemed President of Tajikistan, Emomali Sharipovich Rahmon, for his hospitality and for the excellent organization of our event.

I would like to congratulate fraternal Tajikistan on the successes and achievements attained under the leadership of its President.

Having visited Dushanbe on multiple occasions, I have observed how rapidly the country’s capital is developing, with new buildings being constructed. This brings us great joy as friends. I congratulate you on your achievements in urban development and am delighted to see Dushanbe becoming more beautiful year by year.

Today, I would also like to highlight the steady development of bilateral relations between Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. These relations are founded on brotherhood, friendship, and mutual support, and they hold significant potential for further growth.

At today’s meeting, I would like to address issues related to strengthening cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. I express my gratitude to the CIS heads of state for supporting the candidacy of the city of Lachin in Azerbaijan’s East Zangezur region as the Cultural Capital of the CIS for this year. In June of this year, Lachin hosted the opening ceremony of the ‘Year of the CIS Cultural Capital,’ during which information about the history and cultural heritage of this ancient Azerbaijani land was presented. Guests of the event witnessed firsthand the rapid revival of Lachin following its liberation from 30 years of Armenian occupation. A city that was completely destroyed has, in just a few years, transformed into one of the most beautiful and livable cities.

Another significant event in the life of the Commonwealth was the 3rd CIS Games, held in Azerbaijan from September 28 to October 8 of this year. The center of the Games was the ancient city of Ganja, the homeland of the great 12th-century Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi. In addition to Ganja, six other Azerbaijani cities-Gabala, Goygol, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Khankendi, and Sheki-welcomed over 1,600 athletes from 13 countries, including both CIS member states and guest nations. Such events strengthen friendship and cooperation within the CIS and beyond, fostering relationships based on equality, mutual interests, and respect.

Thank you for your attention.

President Emomali Rahmon: Thank you, Ilham Heydar oglu.

sOn October 10, a limited-format meeting of the CIS Heads of State Council was held in Dushanbe, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

– Dear Emomali Sharipovich,

Dear colleagues,

First and foremost, I would like to express my gratitude to the esteemed President of Tajikistan, Emomali Sharipovich Rahmon, for his hospitality and for the excellent organization of our event.

I would like to congratulate fraternal Tajikistan on the successes and achievements attained under the leadership of its President.

Having visited Dushanbe on multiple occasions, I have observed how rapidly the country’s capital is developing, with new buildings being constructed. This brings us great joy as friends. I congratulate you on your achievements in urban development and am delighted to see Dushanbe becoming more beautiful year by year.

Today, I would also like to highlight the steady development of bilateral relations between Tajikistan and Azerbaijan. These relations are founded on brotherhood, friendship, and mutual support, and they hold significant potential for further growth.

At today’s meeting, I would like to address issues related to strengthening cooperation in the humanitarian sphere. I express my gratitude to the CIS heads of state for supporting the candidacy of the city of Lachin in Azerbaijan’s East Zangezur region as the Cultural Capital of the CIS for this year. In June of this year, Lachin hosted the opening ceremony of the ‘Year of the CIS Cultural Capital,’ during which information about the history and cultural heritage of this ancient Azerbaijani land was presented. Guests of the event witnessed firsthand the rapid revival of Lachin following its liberation from 30 years of Armenian occupation. A city that was completely destroyed has, in just a few years, transformed into one of the most beautiful and livable cities.

Another significant event in the life of the Commonwealth was the 3rd CIS Games, held in Azerbaijan from September 28 to October 8 of this year. The center of the Games was the ancient city of Ganja, the homeland of the great 12th-century Azerbaijani poet and thinker Nizami Ganjavi. In addition to Ganja, six other Azerbaijani cities-Gabala, Goygol, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Khankendi, and Sheki-welcomed over 1,600 athletes from 13 countries, including both CIS member states and guest nations. Such events strengthen friendship and cooperation within the CIS and beyond, fostering relationships based on equality, mutual interests, and respect.

Thank you for your attention.

President Emomali Rahmon: Thank you, Ilham Heydar oglu.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry has expressed its support for the newly reached agreement on Gaza, emphasizing the importance of the ceasefire, humanitarian access, and the release of hostages and prisoners as vital steps toward sustainable peace. In an official statement, the ministry underscored that the deal marks a critical opportunity to end the cycle of violence and rebuild Gaza, commending the mediation efforts of the United States, Trkiye, Qatar, and Egypt in securing the accord. Baku also voiced hope that all phases of the agreement would be implemented in good faith, contributing to a just and lasting peace in the region.

According to Azernews, the quote read:

We welcome the agreement reached on Gaza that would establish a ceasefire in Gaza, and pave the way for the release of hostages and prisoners, and for the unhindered humanitarian aid to Gaza and its reconstruction. We hope all the phases of the agreement will be duly implemented, and intensify efforts for just and lasting peace to the region. We commend the mediation by the United States, Trkiye, Qatar, and Egypt toward this outcome.

Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, had a one-on-one meeting with Emomali Rahmon, President of the Republic of Tajikistan, on October 10 in Dushanbe, Azernews reports.

During the conversation, the heads of state fondly recalled their meetings held in Azerbaijan, Tajikistan, and within the framework of international events. They highlighted the contribution of high-level mutual visits to expanding cooperation in various fields.

They noted that the meeting of the CIS Council of Heads of State in Dushanbe provided a good opportunity to discuss pressing issues.

During the meeting, the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Tajikistan emphasized the successful development of bilateral relations and exchanged views on the prospects for further cooperation.

Footage of President Ilham Aliyev’s working visit to Tajikistan has been published on his social media accounts.

Azernews presents the post:

“President Ilham Aliyev’s working visit to Tajikistan (01-02.10.2025)”.