Category: Azer News

On January 20, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to Euronews TV in Davos.

Azernews presents the interview.

Correspondent: Hello and welcome to Eurasia Talks from Davos, and I’m delighted to be joined today by Azerbaijan’s President, Mr. Ilham Aliyev. Thank you so much for joining us today. It’s wonderful to see you. As you join world leaders here in Davos, we are at this moment witnessing a fundamental reassessment of the existing international system. Now, you’ve warned about this shift before. How does your country engage with this changing world order, and what is your message to world leaders?

President Ilham Aliyev: Well, actually, as you mentioned, we’ve been facing a situation in which international law norms were not obligatory for all the actors of the international community. Therefore, our strategic goal was to achieve results based on our national interest, and with all respect to international law, do what we thought was right. Everything that we’ve done, whether it’s political development or restoration of our sovereignty and territorial integrity, was in line with international law and common values. Today, as you mentioned, international relations are entering a new era, where it is not the rule of law, but the rule of strength that is ruling the situation. We can see it in different parts of the world. Therefore, it once again signals that every country should base their strategy and policy on their potential, establish good relations with as many countries as possible, first in your region, and second on a global scale. That’s what Azerbaijan managed to achieve.

– I want to congratulate you. I learned yesterday that you will be receiving the Zayed Award for Human Fraternity for all of your efforts. And obviously, this brings me on to the next question. Amid the historic peace deal in Armenia, the South Caucasus is evolving fast in a global context, you know, after decades of competing interests, influences, and shifting alliances. How do you assess the current balance between risk and opportunity in the region?

– First of all, thank you for the congratulations. It’s a big honor for me to receive this prestigious award, especially as it bears the name of the founder of the UAE, late Sheikh Zayed. I consider it as appreciation of our efforts to establish peace in the Caucasus after more than 30 years of bloodshed, conflict, and wars. Today, the Southern Caucasus also enters a new stage of development. We have lived in peace only for five, six months; we are learning to do it. We never lived in peace in all our independent history. It’s a special feeling. And of course, it’s a great opportunity. Today, the relationship between Armenia and Azerbaijan is already evolving into cooperation. We lifted all the restrictions on cargo transportation to Armenia. Moreover, we started to supply critical commodities to Armenia, primarily oil products, which the country is largely dependent on. It’s a win-win situation. So, I think that by the joint efforts of Armenia and Azerbaijan, including the civil society, we will achieve not long-lasting peace, but peace forever in the Caucasus. This is our goal.

– We hope so, yes. With Iran as your neighbor, I want to also mention, how is Azerbaijan engaging with the evolving crisis that we are seeing there? And what is your assessment of its impact of stability across Eurasia, also including the energy markets?

– Every country, including Azerbaijan, should think about stability around and beyond its borders. With respect to Azerbaijan, we do not have any potential risks inside the country. All the potential risks can come from outside. Therefore, for us, stability in our neighborhood is something that we always think about. We’ve been concerned about some destabilization in Iran. And for us, stability, predictability, and peace in the region are the biggest asset. We suffered from occupation, from war, from losing thousands of victims. And today, stability and security for every country are the only way to succeed.

With respect to the energy market, as you see today, the oil price is stable. It is at the appropriate level, at least for Azerbaijan. It demonstrates that the situation in Iran, the situation in Venezuela, and in other parts of the world do not seriously influence the price of oil. This is a good sign, because producers and consumers, they need to know the predictability of the situation in order to plan their future.

So I hope that the situation in the South Caucasus and around it will not deteriorate. This is what we really wish to see. I hope that every country will contribute to regional stability and security.

– Where do you feel that the South Caucasus sits in terms of being an emerging force in the energy sector and moving towards the EU as well?

– With respect to the energy sector, Azerbaijan is the only country in the Southern Caucasus which has energy resources and exports them to other countries of the Southern Caucasus. Other countries of the region import energy resources from Azerbaijan – Georgia for many years, and now Armenia. With respect to Europe and the European Union, our energy cooperation is growing. We already supply natural gas to 16 countries, and 10 of them are members of the European Union. So by this coverage, by the geographical coverage of supply of pipeline gas, Azerbaijan is number one in the world.

We have resources, we have a transportation system, modern pipelines. We have good relations with many European countries, and for them it’s a way to strengthen their energy security. For us, it’s an opportunity to sell our resources on the premium market. Though we sell gas not only in Europe, we have also started to export gas to Syria recently, but the European market, of course, is the best from the point of view of prices.

– How do you feel and how do you react to this constant criticism of Azerbaijan from the EU Parliament?

– Well, we do not react any longer.

– Very diplomatic answer.

– Yeah. We stopped reacting. We did react in the past, but of course, it’s so obvious that this biased situation towards Azerbaijan is generated by special lobbying groups, by special forces which cannot digest Azerbaijan’s independent policy.

So actually we have for many years already stopped any cooperation with the European Parliament and also with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe. We cooperate with the European Commission, and for us it is enough.

But I think European Parliament puts itself in a very awkward situation, accusing us of what we have never done, including so-called our aggressive position towards Armenia, while Armenia itself appreciates the relationship with Azerbaijan.

Last August, the peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan was initialed in the White House. So I hope that members of the European Parliament will find the courage to reconsider their unfair policy towards Azerbaijan.

– Mr. President, always a pleasure talking to you. Thank you for joining us on Euronews this morning.

– Thank you for the invitation.

International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) Director General Rafael Grossi said on Tuesday that the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in Ukraine lost all off-site power due to “widespread military activity” this morning local time, Azernews reports.

He added that other nuclear power plants in Ukraine were also affected as attacks damaged several electrical substations.

“The IAEA is actively following developments in order to assess the impact on nuclear safety,” Grossi said.

Last month, the Russian-occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant lost power overnight following strikes, the 12th time since the start of the Russian invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall will host a commemorative ceremony dedicated to the cherished memory of the victims of the January 20 tragedy, Azernews reports.

The event will feature a performance by the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Mustafa Mehmandarov.

The concert program will present notable works from both Azerbaijani and world classical music.

Among the featured pieces are the final scene from G.Garayev’s ballet “The Path of Thunder”, A. Melikov’s symphonic poem “The Last Pass”, the final movement of A. Alizadeh’s Symphony No. 4 “Mugamvari” and the internationally renowned “Adagio” by S. Barber.

This musical evening will not only pay tribute to the victims of the January 20 tragedy, a defining moment in the nation’s memory, but will also convey, through the universal language of music, the sorrow, pride, and indomitable spirit of the Azerbaijani people.

The Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic warmly invites all to participate in this meaningful commemorative event. Admission is free.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has made a post on his social media accounts on the occasion of the 20 January tragedy.

Azerbaijan Composers’ Union has hosted a commemorative event dedicated to the anniversary of the January 20 tragedy, Azernews reports.

The event featured a speech by the Chairperson of the Azerbaijan Composers’ Union, Corresponding Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), People’s Artist, and Professor Firangiz Alizadeh.

In her remarks, she spoke about the horrific tragedy committed against the civilian population in Baku on January 20, 1990. She particularly emphasized the fact that National Leader Heydar Aliyev was the first to give a political assessment of these events and to bring them to the attention of the international community. Firangiz Alizadeh also presented a list of numerous works composed by Azerbaijani composers in connection with this tragedy and shared her reflections on these compositions.

At the event, presentations were delivered by Jala Gulamova, PhD in Art Studies and Professor at the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, on the topic “The Artistic and Aesthetic Representation of the January 20 Tragedy in Azerbaijani Musical Culture,” and by Leyla Guliyeva, PhD in Art Studies and Associate Professor, titled “The Theme of January 20 in Symphonic Music.”

In addition, Leyla Zohrabova, Secretary of the Azerbaijan Composers’ Union, Doctor of Art Studies, and Associate Professor, spoke about the creative legacy of the renowned composer, Honored Art Worker Tahir Akbar, who was born on January 20, 1946.

Following the presentations, speeches were delivered by Elnara Dadashova, Secretary of the Azerbaijan Composers’ Union, Honored Art Worker and Professor; members of the Board including Honored Art Worker Mammadaga Umudov, composer Rana Gadimova, Doctor of Philosophy and Professor Mina Hajiyeva, and others.

The artistic segment of the event featured an audio recording of Tahir Akbar’s poem-composition ‘Ya Rabb.’ Young composer Kamran Nasirov also shared his thoughts on his work “January Elegy” for oboe and piano. The piece was performed by international competition laureates Murad Taghiyev (oboe) and Emil Ahmadzadeh (piano).

The announcement that President Ilham Aliyev has been awarded the Human Fraternity Award by the Sheikh Zayed Foundation of the United Arab Emirates has drawn international attention and rightly so. This recognition underscores Azerbaijan’s dedication to peace, stability, and constructive diplomacy in a region that has witnessed decades of conflict. The Sheikh Zayed Foundation, established to honor the legacy of the United Arab Emirates’ founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is widely regarded as a prestigious institution promoting humanity, coexistence, and the principles of brotherhood. Its Human Fraternity Award celebrates individuals and leaders whose actions advance harmony and global dialogue.

Founded to foster intercultural understanding and support efforts that transcend borders, the Sheikh Zayed Foundation has long been a beacon for initiatives promoting tolerance, collaboration, and constructive international engagement. By awarding President Aliyev, the Foundation not only acknowledges his personal leadership but also signals the international community’s appreciation of Azerbaijan’s responsible and principled approach to regional diplomacy. This recognition highlights how proactive, visionary leadership can shape both national destiny and regional stability.

President Aliyev’s receipt of this award can be seen as an affirmation of Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace following the recent conflicts in the South Caucasus. In the aftermath of military success, he has demonstrated that victory on the battlefield must be accompanied by a dedication to lasting peace. The recognition from the Sheikh Zayed Foundation emphasizes that a leader who secures their nation’s interests while promoting regional stability is not only a victor in war but also a pioneer of peace.

The road to peace, however, has not been without obstacles. Efforts by Armenia to pursue revanchist agendas threatened to destabilize the fragile post-conflict environment and risked plunging the region into renewed confrontation. Throughout these challenges, President Ilham Aliyev has maintained a firm and principled stance, consistently advocating for solutions that respect Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and the realities established by recent agreements. His approach has exemplified the careful balance between asserting national will and encouraging dialogue, ensuring that the peace process does not falter under external pressures or unilateral provocations.

A defining moment came in August 2025 in Washington, when Azerbaijan decisively set the terms for conflict resolution. This milestone reflected not only the country’s military and political success but also the ability to translate that victory into a sustainable framework for peace. By reaching this agreement on the international stage, Azerbaijan provided a model for how post-conflict leadership can combine assertiveness with diplomacy, demonstrating that responsible governance in the aftermath of war is essential to long-term stability.

The Sheikh Zayed Foundation’s award serves as a global endorsement of this approach. It signals that Azerbaijan’s model – grounded in both firm sovereignty and forward-looking diplomacy – is worthy of recognition and emulation. More broadly, it reinforces the principle that leadership is measured not solely by military achievements but also by the ability to secure a stable, peaceful environment for one’s citizens and neighbors. By championing dialogue and setting a precedent for constructive engagement, President Ilham Aliyev has placed Azerbaijan at the forefront of nations demonstrating how victories can translate into enduring progress.

This recognition also provides a broader lesson for international observers: post-conflict peacebuilding requires clear vision, steadfast principles, and the courage to confront challenges directly. Azerbaijan’s experience exemplifies how national determination, aligned with thoughtful diplomacy, can prevent renewed confrontations and foster regional security. The Sheikh Zayed Foundation’s acknowledgment of President Aliyev reflects an appreciation for these qualities and underscores the broader international community’s interest in supporting leaders who pursue both national and regional stability.

In awarding President Aliyev the Human Fraternity Award, the Sheikh Zayed Foundation highlights not only his personal achievements but also the broader success of Azerbaijan in achieving a comprehensive and sustainable resolution of regional disputes. The award celebrates the example set by Azerbaijan: that military success, when complemented by principled and decisive diplomacy, can establish a lasting foundation for peace, stability, and constructive international engagement.

Indeed, Azerbaijan’s absolute victory and the exemplary conduct in conflict resolution now stand as a benchmark for others navigating post-conflict challenges. The award is a testament to a leadership that has skillfully combined courage, foresight, and a commitment to humanity. Through this recognition, the world is reminded that true leadership lies in ensuring that the aftermath of conflict produces lasting security, prosperity, and mutual respect among nations.

On January 20, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of J.P. Morgan, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, in Davos, Azernews reports.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said during a press conference on Tuesday that the population and the local authorities should be ready for a possible invasion, although he still considered it an unlikely scenario. His comments comeamid repeated requests by the United States to acquire sovereignty of the Arctic island from Denmark, Azernews reports.

“It’s not likely there will be a military conflict, but it can’t be ruled out,” Nielsen stressed as US President Donald Trump insisted on owning the territory. Furthermore, the prime minister promised that the authorities would form a task force to help the local population prepare for the possibility of disruptions to civilian life resulting from a hypothetical military intervention. The government will also recommend that people have a five-day supply of food reserves in their homes.

Denmark has repeatedly resisted Trump’s push to take control of Greenland, while European leaders mulled their response to Washington’s threat of imposing tariffs if no solution is reached.

Schools under the Baku City Education Department have organized a series of in-class activities and visits to the Martyrs’ Alley in honor of January 20 – National Day of Mourning, Azernews reports.

Both students and teaching staff participated in these commemorative events, reflecting on the sacrifices made for Azerbaijan’s independence.

The anniversary events began with the performance of the Azerbaijan State Anthem followed by a moment of silence in memory of the country’s martyrs. Students were then given detailed insights into the historical context of the tragic events of January 20, 1990, emphasizing the bravery and struggle of the Azerbaijani people in their fight for freedom and independence.

Speakers highlighted that January 20 marks the beginning of Azerbaijan’s path to independence and a day of national awakening.

Even 36 years later, this date is remembered as a moment when the Azerbaijani people stood united, demonstrating their willingness to sacrifice for freedom and national ideals. Students were encouraged to preserve and honor the memory of this defining chapter of their nation’s history.

During the events, students recited poems dedicated to the January 20 tragedy and performed literary and artistic compositions, paying tribute to the courage and resilience of those who gave their lives for the country.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it is ‘premature’ to talk about Russia’s participation in US President Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ on Gaza, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

In remarks to journalists at a press briefing, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia does not yet know ‘all the details’ of the US-led initiative, and whether it concerns only Gaza or a broader context.

‘There are still many questions, and we hope to receive answers during our contacts with the Americans,’ Peskov said.

Responding to a question on whether Russia will be represented in the board, Peskov said: ‘It’s premature to say so.”

Peskov’s recent remarks come a day after he announced President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the international body, saying Moscow is currently examining ‘all the details of this proposal, including hoping for contacts with the American side to clarify all the nuances.’ The development was confirmed by Trump on Tuesday.

Last week, the White House announced the formation of the Board of Peace to “play an essential role in fulfilling” 20 points of Trump’s plan to permanently end Israel’s war on Gaza and rebuild the enclave, as well as “providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.”

The US also formed the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to implement phase two of Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” a founding Executive Board, and a Gaza Executive Board to support the transitional framework.