Category: Azer News

The Swedish Film Days have been launched at CineMastercard cinema,Azernews reports, organized in partnership with the Azerbaijan Film-Makers Union and the Embassy of Sweden in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The Swedish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Tobias Lorentzon participated in the event.

In his speech, the Ambassador stressed the significance of the project in strengthening cultural ties between the two nations and raising awareness of Swedish cinema in Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijani director Oleg Safaraliyev emphasized that such initiatives not only introduce us to global cinematic works but also enrich our own creative processes. The Swedish Film Days provide an excellent opportunity for the exchange of ideas and the deepening of connections between people.

The feature film “Swedish Torpedo” (2024), directed by Frida Kempff, was screened as part of the event.

The film follows the journey of a remarkable Swedish athlete as she struggles for recognition in the male-dominated world of professional sports, exploring themes of strength, perseverance, and self-identity.

On October 14 at 19:10, the film “Hammarshjöld” (2023), directed by Per Fly, will be shown at the same cinema.

The film chronicles the life of Swedish diplomat and economist Dag Hammarskjöld, who, during the Cold War in 1961, devoted himself to the ideals of freedom and humanism, ultimately sacrificing his life for these values.

The film will be screened in Swedish with Azerbaijani subtitles. Admission to the screenings is free.

Russia is providing full assistance in investigating the causes of the AZAL plane crash, said President of Russia Vladimir Putin during a meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe, Azernews reports.

‘We are, of course, as agreed, providing every possible assistance to the investigation. The investigation is nearing completion,’ the Russian President added.

Beneath the ancient walls of the Shirvanshahs’ Palace, in the heart of Baku’s historic Icherisheher, a musical performance emerged as a powerful connection between generations, Azernews reports.

To mark the International Day of Older Persons and the 140th anniversary of the legendary Azerbaijani composer Uzeyir Hajibayli, a special event was held: beloved arias from the operetta “The Cloth Peddler” were performed by elderly citizens alongside children from an orphanage.

The event was organized by the Social Services Agency under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, in partnership with the Administration of the Icherisheher State Historical and Architectural Reserve. It became a powerful symbol of continuity, respect, and love across generations.

With a warm atmosphere, heartfelt emotions, applause, and, of course, the timeless music of Uzeyir Hajibayli, the evening left an indelible mark.

The music brought hearts together, and the ancient palace walls seemed to come alive once more, echoing the soul-stirring performance of “The Cloth Peddler”, now imbued with even deeper meaning.

The International Day of Older Persons is observed every year on October 1, a date designated by the United Nations General Assembly in 1990. The day aims to raise awareness about the issues and challenges faced by the elderly, promote their well-being, and recognize their contributions to society. It serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting older generations, ensuring their rights, and providing opportunities for their participation in social, economic, cultural, and political life. The theme of the day varies each year, focusing on specific aspects of aging, such as health, financial security, or social inclusion.

In Azerbaijan, the International Day of Older Persons holds particular significance as the country has a growing aging population. The government and various organizations mark the occasion with events, cultural programs, and community activities aimed at honoring the elderly.

These celebrations emphasize respect, dignity, and appreciation for the elderly, with a focus on their role in preserving traditions and passing on knowledge to younger generations.

Luis Moreno Ocampo, the Argentine lawyer and former Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), has long been surrounded by controversy. Known for his connections to offshore companies, tax evasion schemes, and questionable lobbying networks, Ocampo’s name has appeared in multiple scandals. Yet, despite his own ethical baggage, he continues to make bold and unfounded claims-especially when it comes to Azerbaijan.

His latest remarks criticizing the UN Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UN WGAD) over its report on Ruben Vardanyan are a clear example of this pattern. In March 2025, the UN WGAD concluded that Vardanyan’s arrest in Baku was not arbitrary and rejected Yerevan’s claims that the criminal case against him was unlawful. Ocampo dismissed the report and called on the UN to invalidate it, accusing the Working Group of bias.

He went further by targeting Anna Yudkovska, the current chair of the Working Group. Without evidence, he claimed she was affiliated with a law firm that provides services to Azerbaijan’s state oil company SOCAR and alleged that her husband had ties to corruption and Baku. These accusations were not only baseless-they were deeply ironic.

Why ironic? Because Ocampo himself has been linked to unethical behavior. Leaked documents from his time at the ICC revealed that he had close ties to parties involved in major legal cases and earned large sums through consulting deals that raised serious questions. He has been accused of working with offshore entities and lobbying groups while holding one of the most powerful legal positions in the world. Yet now, he accuses others of misconduct without proof.

Even more troubling is Ocampo’s long-standing silence on war crimes committed by Armenian forces in Garabagh. During his time at the ICC, he never spoke out about the ethnic cleansing, mass killings, and displacement of hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis, Kurds, Meskhetian Turks, and others. But once the region was liberated, he suddenly became vocal-defending figures like Vardanyan and questioning Azerbaijan’s legal process.

This double standard is hard to ignore. The so-called “republic of garabagh” was never recognized by any country-not even Armenia or Ocampo’s own Argentina, despite its strong Armenian lobby. The UN passed multiple resolutions demanding the withdrawal of occupying forces from Garabagh. If the regime was illegal, then its leaders must be held accountable for the crimes committed under its rule.

Ocampo’s attempt to discredit Azerbaijan’s judicial process is not just unfair-it’s dangerous. The trials currently taking place in Baku are similar to the Nuremberg Trials, where Nazi leaders were held accountable for crimes against humanity. Just as the world supported justice then, it must support justice now. These trials send a clear message: no crime goes unpunished. Justice may be delayed, but it will come.

So the question remains: whose side is Ocampo really on? Is he defending justice, or protecting impunity? His selective outrage and silence on real atrocities speak volumes. If he truly believes in human rights, he should start by acknowledging the suffering of the victims-not shielding those responsible.

‘We invest in early-stage startups, with ‘FinTech’-financial technologies-being one of our main areas of focus. One of our portfolio companies is the Azerbaijan-based startup ePoint, which is also a partner of this event, making their presence here especially meaningful for us,’ said Gnc? Önr, Managing Partner at Startup Wise Guys, a European venture fund, speaking at the Baku Fintech Forum 2025, Azernews reports.

According to Önr, FinTech is not limited to a single sector but encompasses more than 20 subfields. ‘The concept of ‘money’ goes far beyond payments. Many areas that touch people’s daily lives fall under this umbrella.’

She added, ‘When looking at FinTech overall, it ranks among the top three sectors for venture capital investments not only in Turkey and Azerbaijan but globally.’

A strong FinTech ecosystem, she emphasized, reflects not only the success of companies in the sector but also the robustness of a country’s banking system. ‘This facilitates smoother international money transfers and attracts attention from global investors and multinational companies, leading to increased capital flow and economic growth.’

For Startup Wise Guys, FinTech is more than just an investment area-it’s a sector that influences entire ecosystems. Given its direct connection to money and finance, regulation is inevitable and often stringent, due to the inherent risks involved.

‘While regulations, permits, and licenses may pose challenges for startups looking to enter FinTech, overcoming these barriers ultimately provides a protective framework,’ Önr explained. ‘Trust and reliability are essential in this field.’

When evaluating FinTech startups, the fund prioritizes the quality of the team. ‘Strong, knowledgeable, and experienced teams are the most important criterion for us. Even if a startup hasn’t launched a product yet, we assess whether they are working with the right partners and actively building relationships within the ecosystem. We also check if they have done their homework-research, analysis, awareness of competition, and regulatory requirements. These factors are crucial.’

Önr concluded by emphasizing FinTech’s strategic importance for venture capital investors: ‘There is a saying in the industry: ‘Every startup will eventually become a FinTech startup.’ FinTech appeals not only to companies operating directly in financial technologies but also to startups in other fields.’

She noted that the world’s largest venture funds actively invest in FinTech despite its challenges. ‘These challenges exist to protect the sector. Rather than fighting the regulatory environment, entrepreneurs should focus on understanding the reasons behind the rules and learning how to navigate them. This is one of the most valuable skills for founders.’

President of Russia Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences over the crash of a passenger plane belonging to Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL) during a one-on-one meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in Dushanbe, Azernews reports.

It was noted that the investigation into the incident is ongoing and is expected to be completed soon.

Speaking about the incident, the Russian president stated that there had been airspace incursions into Russia on that day, and the Russian Air Force opened fire. Although the aircraft itself was not directly targeted, fragments struck it. In this regard, compensation will be provided, and those responsible will be held accountable.

In the evolving landscape of global politics, few regions illustrate the complexity of transformation as vividly as the post-Soviet space. More than three decades after the collapse of the USSR, the newly independent republics continue to navigate a delicate balance between sovereignty and dependence, reform and inertia. The Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), established as a mechanism to preserve cooperation among former Soviet republics, has gradually turned into a reflection of these contradictions – an organization caught between nostalgia for the old order and the search for a new identity.

Among these, the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) became both a symbolic and practical instrument for Russia to preserve its influence over the former Soviet republics. Yet only a few of these states managed to turn post-Soviet challenges into opportunities. Azerbaijan stands out as a remarkable example: despite the devastating consequences of war, occupation, and nearly one million refugees and internally displaced persons, it has transformed into one of the most successful and stable countries in the region.

Azerbaijan not only restored its territorial integrity through military strength and diplomatic resolve but also reintegrated its liberated lands into the national economic framework. Today, peace in the South Caucasus brings dividends that extend beyond the region itself. Baku’s stability and development have generated new political and economic realities, opening vast opportunities for trade, investment, and regional cooperation.

Following its victory, Azerbaijan assumed the role of initiator in the peace process – one grounded in the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Washington meeting held on August 8 this year became a reflection of this success, symbolizing Azerbaijan’s diplomatic maturity and President Ilham Aliyev’s strategic leadership in regional affairs.

Today, President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Dushanbe, at the invitation of Tajikistan’s President Emomali Rahmon, to attend the CIS Heads of State Summit marks another chapter in this evolving narrative. The summit, however, takes place under entirely new geopolitical circumstances.

Russia-Azerbaijan relations remain cautious and somewhat cool, though both sides express readiness to discuss accumulated issues – as confirmed in a positive tone by Kremlin Spokesperson Dmitry Peskov ahead of the Aliyev-Putin meeting in Dushanbe. Meanwhile, the long-standing Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, once deemed insoluble, is nearing its conclusion. In Central Asia, a new dynamic is unfolding: countries of the region are rapidly deepening ties with the European Union, filling the strategic gap left by Russia, which remains entangled in its war against Ukraine. Political and economic interest in Central Asia has grown more sharply than at any time in the past three decades. This expansion of interests starts in the South Caucasus region. The CIS countries are just a few steps away from regional integration, and the one missing the opportunity in this process appears to be its founder, Russia.

In fact, Azerbaijan has become a key actor in this transformation. Through strengthening cooperation with CIS states – particularly those in Central Asia – it is positioning itself as a vital hub for trade, energy, and transport. This approach is a core element of Azerbaijan’s long-term strategy, which views CIS countries not merely as markets or transit partners, but as integral participants in shaping a single space of stability, energy cooperation, and connectivity stretching from the Caspian Sea to Europe.

Between January and August 2025, Azerbaijan’s trade turnover with CIS countries exceeded $5 billion, reflecting a steady upward trajectory. According to the State Customs Committee, this accounted for over 15 percent of Azerbaijan’s total trade turnover – a clear indication that Baku’s economic integration with the region continues to deepen. Yet for Azerbaijan, this cooperation transcends numbers. It is rooted in shared history, cultural proximity, and collective challenges – the very foundations of long-term regional partnership.

Under Azerbaijan’s leadership, initiatives that once existed only on paper have evolved into tangible projects with measurable impact. Transport corridors connecting East and West, cross-border energy networks, and the rise of the Organization of Turkic States all represent the broader architecture of a new regional order. Interestingly, while these integrative processes expand, it is Russia, once the architect of post-Soviet unity, that now hesitates to fully engage.

The landscape is changing. A new phase has begun, marked by strategic pragmatism and the redefinition of interests. Russia, while still capable of influencing outcomes, can no longer unilaterally dictate them. The regional “chessboard” is vast, and the objective for every player is to secure maximum advantage – but increasingly on their own terms.

The future of the post-Soviet region lies not in isolation or submission but in what can be called sovereign pragmatism – the ability of each state to derive benefit from global engagement without compromising its independence. The foundations are shifting, from military-security paradigms to economic and monetary frameworks. Reforms are essential – not through the templates of Brussels or Moscow, but through nationally driven models that serve domestic needs.

Foreign prescriptions rarely bring lasting prosperity. True stability and progress come when nations pursue their own formula for success – when they take the best the world offers, but only within the limits of their sovereignty and self-interest.

The two-day CIS summit officially begins today in Dushanbe, providing a critical platform to assess the evolving dynamics within the post-Soviet space. As the discussions unfold, we will observe which alliances are reinforced and the likely direction of political and economic processes.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made an important call at the Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), proposing that in 2026, member countries of the OTS hold a joint military exercise under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship.

President Aliyev emphasized that the OTS has gone beyond being merely a cooperation platform and has now become an influential geopolitical center on a global scale. He noted that the strategic importance of the OTS stands out thanks to its young and dynamic population, as well as its logistical and energy potential, while also placing special emphasis on security issues.

Aliyev stated that current global security challenges demonstrate the need for Turkic States to act together, saying: ‘In the face of the threats the world is confronting, it is of great importance for the Turkic States to act as a single power.’

Drawing attention to the strong military cooperation between Azerbaijan and Trkiye, Aliyev recalled that more than 25 joint exercises had been held between the two countries over the past year. In this context, he noted that the time had come to establish broader cooperation among OTS members in the fields of defense and security, adding: ‘I propose that in 2026, a joint military exercise be held in Azerbaijan with the participation of member countries of the Organization of Turkic States.’

Aliyev stated that the world is living in a period when the fundamental principles of international law are increasingly being violated, and in such an environment, defense and military-technical cooperation have become vital for countries. He emphasized that without security, regional stability and development would not be possible.

President Aliyev’s call is being viewed as a step that could pave the way for more comprehensive military integration among OTS member states.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán said, ‘The European Union should today consider the OTS and Central Asia as strategic partners. Hungary has done this. Central Europe is also aware of this.’

In his speech at the summit, Orbán stated that there is mutual understanding within the Organization of Turkic States, saying: ‘We have energy security, growth, and at the same time, strong leaders. There is also a promising future for the further strengthening of Central Asia. I would like to congratulate you all.’

Saying, ‘We Hungarians are great supporters of the Turkic world in this regard,’ Orbán added: ‘I would also like to express my gratitude to President Erdogan. We thank Trkiye very much for being a reliable transit country for energy supplies. We also thank President Aliyev for ensuring safe energy delivery to Hungary. He made it possible to invest in the most important natural gas and oil fields. Thanks to this, Hungarians are entering the market in this field, and I am very grateful.’

On October 9, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held a one-on-one meeting with Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, in Dushanbe, Azernews reports.

Addressing the meeting, President Vladimir Putin said:

– Dear Ilham Heydarovich!

We recently met, albeit rather briefly, in Beijing. We had spoken several times on the phone prior to that.

I would like to begin our meeting with the most sensitive topic – the aviation tragedy that occurred in our airspace. Even back then, in our first phone conversation, I not only apologized for the fact that the tragedy occurred in Russian skies, but also expressed my sincere condolences to the families of the victims. I would like to reiterate all of that and say that, as we agreed, we are certainly providing every possible assistance to the investigation.

The investigation is nearing completion, and we can now talk about the general causes of this tragedy, this catastrophe. It is connected with a number of circumstances.

The first is that a Ukrainian drone was in the sky. We were tracking three such drones that had crossed the Russian border on the night of the tragedy.

The second reason is associated with some technical malfunction of the Russian air defense system itself. The two missiles that were fired did not directly hit the aircraft (had that happened, it would have crashed on the spot), but exploded, perhaps through self-destruction, a few meters away, around 10 meters. This is how damage was caused – primarily not by warhead fragments themselves but most likely by debris from the missiles. This explains why the pilot mistook the impact for a collision with a flock of birds, which he reported to Russian air traffic controllers – all of which is recorded in the so-called ‘black boxes’. He was advised, and this is clearly recorded in the black boxes, to land in Makhachkala, but he decided to return to his home airport and then to Kazakhstan. Nevertheless, the facts remain as they are.

I have just outlined the causes of the tragedy. All of this is stated in the documents, following a thorough analysis of the technical characteristics of what happened and a second-by-second interpretation of the so-called ‘black box’ recordings.

We also discussed this topic afterwards. Of course, the Russian side will do everything that is required in such tragic situations in terms of compensation. A legal assessment will also be given to the actions of all officials.

Of course, any words associated with this tragedy aimed at supporting or providing some moral consolation to the families will not solve the main problem – they can’t bring back to life the people who died as a result of the tragedy.

However, let me repeat that our duty, and we agreed on this from the very beginning, is to provide an objective assessment of everything that happened and identify the true causes. But it takes time. It will probably take some more time to finally bring the matter to a close. But overall, I have basically outlined to you what I was briefed on just the day before our meeting, yesterday, and the day before. Frankly, I even called Moscow last night and asked if there were any additional details. I have told you practically everything I know. This is the first part.

Secondly. I would like to point out that, despite this, our interests, our mutual interests, align closely and are very similar. First and foremost, of course, this concerns trade and economic ties. Despite all the nuances associated with the tragedy I just mentioned and certain issues that arose in connection with that, despite all that, trade and economic ties have developed and continue to develop successfully. Last year, they grew by about 6 percent, while this year the turnover has already increased by over 16 percent. This is a very good indicator.

Thanks to your attention to this issue, our humanitarian ties have always been at a high level. But we will talk about that a bit later. We are grateful to you, first of all, for this, and, of course, secondly, we will do everything for our part to maintain this momentum.

And, of course, the situation in the region, the situation on international platforms in general – our foreign ministries have always worked together very closely. I do hope that this cooperation will not simply be restored, but will also be continued in the spirit of our relations, in the spirit of our alliance. We never forget about this; we remember the agreement that was recently signed, and we will do everything we can to implement all its main provisions.

Thank you.

x x x

Speaking next, President Ilham Aliyev said:

– Thank you very much, Vladimir Vladimirovich.

First of all, I would like to express my gratitude to you for the meeting. As you mentioned, we had a brief conversation in Beijing, and just two days ago, I called you on your birthday. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you once again and wish you, your family, and the friendly people of Russia all the best.

I also extend my special thanks for the detailed information regarding the tragedy last December involving the crash of an Azerbaijan Airlines plane. We were in immediate contact. As you recall, on that tragic day, I was flying to a meeting in St. Petersburg, and when I was informed about the incident, I called you directly from the plane, and we expressed our condolences. I also asked you to convey to our colleagues, who were also expected to participate in that event, that, for objective reasons, I would not be able to attend the informal CIS summit.

I would also like to thank you for your personal oversight of this situation. Since we have repeatedly exchanged views and our teams have maintained regular contact, and given your personal attention to the investigation, we had no doubt that it would thoroughly and objectively establish all the circumstances. Therefore, I would like once again to express my gratitude that you deemed it important to address this issue during our meeting.

As you noted, our relations have developed successfully this year not only in trade and economic areas but also across all other fields. There is strong momentum in the growth of trade turnover, and no slowdown or setbacks have been observed in any other area. On the contrary, the roadmaps we approved are being successfully implemented.

A meeting of the Azerbaijan-Russia Intergovernmental Commission was also held recently, where the co-chairs discussed a wide range of issues in detail – not just trade and economic matters.

Of course, today we have a good opportunity to review the agenda again. It is quite extensive and positive. Once again, thank you very much for this information, and I am confident that the messages we are sending to our societies today will be positively received.

President Vladimir Putin: Thank you.

Construction of two new data centers has officially begun in Azerbaijan this year, marking a significant step in the country’s digital infrastructure development.

Azernews reports that the announcement was made by Farrukh Farajullayev, Director of the Commercial Department at AzInTelecom, during the Baku Fintech Forum 2025.

Farajullayev noted that both facilities are expected to be completed by 2027. ‘These data centers will not only be the largest in Azerbaijan but also among the biggest in the region,’ he said.

One of the data centers is being built in the Hajigabul district, while the other will be located in the Absheron region.