Category: Azer News

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.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the international conference on “Uniting efforts and enhancing cooperation for addressing the issue of missing persons”, Azernews reports.

“Dear conference participants,

I sincerely greet you on the occasion of the international conference dedicated to the issue of missing persons.

The issue of missing persons remains one of the most pressing humanitarian challenges facing the world today. Over the years, this problem has not diminished in relevance; on the contrary, it has become even more acute. According to the United Nations, the past twenty years have witnessed a significant increase in the number of missing persons, with 2024 marking the highest figure – nearly 57,000 individuals went missing in conflict zones. This is a tragic consequence of the disregard for international legal norms during armed conflicts.

One of the humanitarian tragedies resulting from Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan, which lasted for over 30 years, is the disappearance of approximately 4,000 Azerbaijanis, including children, women, and the elderly. Following the liberation of our territories, 29 mass graves were discovered in these areas. Forensic examinations of the remains found there confirm that the victims were subjected to horrific torture – a deeply distressing reality. The mass killing of people under torture, their inhumane burial, and attempts to conceal the traces of these crimes constitute a grave violation of international legal norms.

Clarifying the fate of those who went missing during the Karabakh War has always been a priority for us. Since 1993, the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan has been operating. To date, the identities of 187 individuals who went missing during the war have been confirmed, and they have been laid to rest.

The signing of the Joint Declaration and the initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia on August 8, 2025, in Washington, with the participation of the President of the United States, is a significant historic event that opens up new opportunities for ensuring lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus region. The inclusion of a specific clause in the peace agreement concerning persons missing during the conflict demonstrates the importance we attach to this issue. As stipulated in the agreement, clarifying the fate of these individuals is a crucial instrument for fostering reconciliation and building an environment of trust between the parties. In this regard, the Armenian side must provide Azerbaijan with information about the locations of other mass graves where Azerbaijanis were killed and buried.

The Azerbaijani state continues to make significant efforts to draw the international community’s attention to the issue of missing persons. For the third time, our country is hosting an international event dedicated to this topic. Since 2002, Azerbaijan has initiated resolutions at the UN General Assembly on missing persons, encouraging states and international organizations to take necessary measures in this regard. In my view, the United Nations should further intensify its efforts in this area.

I am confident that the discussions to be held within the framework of this conference will make an important contribution to strengthening international cooperation in addressing the issue of missing persons.

Once again, I welcome you all and wish the conference every success,” the address reads.

As part of an official business visit by an Azerbaijani delegation to Kuwait, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov held a high-level meeting with Subaih Abdul Aziz Abdul Muhsen Al-Mukhaizeem, Kuwait’s Minister of Finance, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Acting Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, and Chairman of the Board of the Kuwait Investment Authority.

Azernews reports that Minister Jabbarov shared details of the meeting via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

‘We highlighted Azerbaijan’s favorable investment climate and the steady growth of economic ties between our two countries,’ Jabbarov noted in the post.

The ministers discussed potential areas for deepening cooperation, including trade, tourism, traditional and renewable energy, agriculture, transport, and transit logistics.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by both nations to strengthen bilateral economic relations and explore new avenues for investment and strategic partnership.

The closing ceremony of the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games, hosted by Azerbaijan for the first time, has successfully taken place at Ganja Stadium, Azernews reports.

The closing ceremony began with an artistic performance, followed by a general video highlight of the games.

Samir Sharifov, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the third CIS Games, then addressed the audience, stating that the games had concluded successfully:

“Over the course of eleven days, the cities of Ganja, Shaki, Gabala, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Goygol, and Khankendi, which hosted the Games, became both witnesses to and active participants in this magnificent sports festival. Athletes from eight CIS member states, along with participants from five other countries, showcased their talents and determination across 23 sports. They competed for 235 sets of individual and team medals, bringing unforgettable joy, excitement, and pride to millions of sports fans. The success of this grand sports event is a testament to the vision and commitment of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, to the development of sports in our country. We can confidently say that the third CIS Games held in Azerbaijan have met the highest standards of organization.”

Afterward, the flag of the third CIS Games was lowered, and the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was played.

The ceremony continued with another artistic performance.

Azerbaijan concluded the Games with an impressive total of 184 medals, including 33 gold, 56 silver, and 95 bronze, securing second place in the overall medal standings.

This result marked Azerbaijan’s best performance at the CIS Games since their inception in 2021.

In the first edition of the Games, Azerbaijan won 60 medals (16 gold, 16 silver, and 28 bronze), and in the second edition, 62 medals (10 gold, 17 silver, and 35 bronze).

Russia topped the medal table with 231 (130-61-40) medals. Belarus secured third place, claiming 122 medals (32-38-52).

Seven cities in Azerbaijan, including Ganja, Shaki, Gabala, Yevlakh, Mingachevir, Goygol, and Khankandi proudly hosted the third CIS Games.

A total of 1,624 athletes from 13 countries are participating in the third CIS Games.

Event mascots Babir and Leyla are helping to generate enthusiasm among young fans.

A famous Azerbaijani proverb says that a close neighbor is better than a distant relative. This simple but profound wisdom has guided Azerbaijan’s foreign policy for decades. The country has always aimed to build stable, mutually respectful, and constructive relations with its neighbors. Azerbaijan understands that in a region as strategically complex as the South Caucasus, cooperation with neighboring states is not only a matter of diplomacy but also a matter of national security and economic growth. Unfortunately, there are always some forces than t attempt to create divisions between Azerbaijan and its neighbors, seeking to exploit tensions for their own agendas.

The recent cooling of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia can largely be traced to the activity of these disruptive actors. The downing of an Azerbaijani aircraft over Russian airspace triggered a wave of tension. Within Russia, public figures such as Margarita Simonyan, Konstantin Zatulin, and Vladimir Solovyov and others played active roles in inflaming the situation, pouring oil on the fire. Their rhetoric, often sensationalist and politically charged, aimed to push bilateral relations into a crisis, undermining the decades-long framework of cooperation that had been carefully cultivated.

However, the recent high-level meeting in Dushanbe has shown that Azerbaijan’s law-based and pragmatic foreign policy approach remains effective. The meeting between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia sent a clear signal to both domestic and international audiences: the period of tension and mutual suspicion is behind us. The careful diplomacy that Azerbaijan has pursued has borne tangible results, demonstrating that rational engagement and respect for international norms can overcome even the most challenging crises. The Russian president’s statements regarding the aircraft incident confirmed that these issues have been addressed and resolved, opening the way for a renewed chapter in bilateral relations.

The significance of these developments goes beyond the mere resolution of an isolated incident. They mark a clear defeat for those who attempt to interfere in Azerbaijan-Russia relations for ideological or geopolitical purposes. Figures such as Simonyan, Solovyov, and Zatulin, along with other Armenian-leaning or anti-Azerbaijani voices, failed in their efforts to destabilize the relationship. Their repeated attempts to provoke discord have been countered by rational, principle-based diplomacy. This outcome demonstrates an important lesson: neighborly cooperation, grounded in mutual understanding and respect, remains stronger than propaganda-driven attempts at division.

Moreover, President Putin’s media statements clarified another critical dimension: the deliberate efforts of anti-Azerbaijani, Armenian-leaning forces within Russia are acknowledged and countered at the highest levels. By addressing these issues publicly, both countries signal a commitment to constructive engagement that leaves little room for outside interference. This approach not only stabilizes bilateral relations but also contributes to broader regional stability.

As another Azerbaijani proverb emphasizes, a neighbor often depends on another neighbor’s ash. When viewed through a political and economic lens, this saying underscores a universal truth: the highest returns in diplomacy and commerce often come from relationships with neighboring countries. Proximity, shared history, cultural familiarity, and mutual understanding make cross-border cooperation more effective and resilient. Azerbaijan and Russia, despite occasional political turbulence, continue to exemplify this principle. Their ties extend across multiple dimensions: cultural, economic, and strategic.

Economically, the relationship between Azerbaijan and Russia is both deep and mutually beneficial. Russia holds a significant share in Azerbaijan’s non-oil exports, often ranking first among its destination countries. This highlights the diversification of Azerbaijan’s economy beyond the energy sector, a priority for Baku in recent years. Conversely, Azerbaijan plays an important role in supplying food products to Russia. While Azerbaijan’s contribution may be modest in the context of Russia’s vast market, it is strategically meaningful, fostering interdependence and stability.

Finally, the recent developments between Azerbaijan and Russia demonstrate that neighborly relations, when based on mutual respect, pragmatism, and legal norms, can overcome attempts at destabilization. The enduring message is clear: third-party efforts to sow discord between these two nations are not only futile but counterproductive. Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, grounded in rationality and foresight, has ensured that ties with its neighbors remain strong, productive, and mutually beneficial.

The Baku Fintech Forum 2025 has officially opened, bringing together leading voices from the global financial technology ecosystem, Azernews reports.

Organized by the Azerbaijan Fintech Association (AzFina) in partnership with the Central Bank of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Azerbaijan Banks Association, the forum serves as a key platform for discussing the future of financial technologies.

The event has attracted participants from numerous countries, including representatives of international financial institutions, fintech companies, banks, and other financial organizations.

Today’s agenda focuses on Open Banking – a transformative development in the financial services industry that promises to enhance connectivity, transparency, and customer control. In the second panel session, titled “Open Banking – A New Era of Financial Connectivity,” key industry leaders will share their insights and experiences.

The discussion will be moderated by Mustafa Baltaci, CEO of Czdan, and will feature speakers including:

Yuliya Salekhova, Deputy Chairwoman of the Association of Payment Organizations of Kazakhstan

Fidan Tofidi, Head of Fintech and Innovations Department at the Central Bank of Azerbaijan

Edgar Abdullayev, Executive Director of United Payment

Rasim Khammadov, CEO of Expresspay

Nazrin Ismayilova, Chief Product Officer at Epoint

Throughout the forum, local and international experts will engage in discussions on recent innovations in the fintech sector. Participants will also share their forecasts for the industry and exchange views on how fintech is shaping the broader financial landscape.

The agenda includes panel discussions on a wide range of topics such as digital payments, artificial intelligence, fraud prevention, and cybersecurity. The forum will also feature the signing of new partnerships, further strengthening collaboration in the fintech sphere.