Category: Azer News

Without naming specific individuals or countries, Trump expressed dissatisfaction with what he described as NATO’s present condition, suggesting that the alliance would not have survived without his leadership. ‘If I didn’t come along, there would be no NATO right now!!!’ Trump wrote, reiterating his long-standing view that the bloc has relied too heavily on the United States.

In recent days, Trump has also voiced frustration over developments related to the war in Ukraine and a number of issues involving Greenland, adding to tensions between Washington and its European partners. While his political positions have drawn criticism and discomfort among several European leaders, Trump has repeatedly made clear his dissatisfaction with the European Union’s current political direction.

The remarks reflect Trump’s continued scepticism toward multilateral institutions and underscore ongoing strains in transatlantic relations amid broader geopolitical challenges.

On January 18, the animated film Zootopia 2 reached a remarkable milestone, grossing $1.7 billion worldwide. Nearly two months after its release, the film is gradually winding down its theatrical run, but its box office performance has been nothing short of spectacular, Azernews reports.

Not only did Zootopia 2 achieve outstanding results in cinemas around the globe, but it also became the highest-grossing animated film in Hollywood history. The previous record was held for a year and a half by Pixar’s Puzzle 2, which, like Zootopia 2, is part of Bob Iger’s media empire.

However, the all-time global leader among animated films remains the Chinese blockbuster Nezha Defeats the Dragon King, which earned approximately $2.2 billion at the box office-almost entirely from the domestic market. This highlights the growing strength of China’s animation industry and its potential to compete with Hollywood on a global scale.

Top 5 highest-grossing animated films in history:

Nezha Defeats the Dragon King – $2.2 billion

Zootopia 2 – $1.7 billion

Puzzle 2 – $1.68 billion

Frozen 2 – $1.451 billion

The Super Mario Bros. Movie – $1.361 billion

Analysts note that Zootopia 2’s success was driven not only by strong storytelling and beloved characters but also by strategic international marketing campaigns, including collaborations with major brands and immersive fan experiences. This trend suggests that future animated hits will increasingly rely on global fan engagement, not just domestic box office performance.

Another snowfall of the season has been recorded in the city of Shusha, located in Azerbaijan’s Garabagh region, Azernews reports.

Snow began falling across the city and surrounding areas, covering streets, buildings, and nearby mountainous terrain. The snowfall is continuing, and visibility has been reduced in higher elevations.

Shusha is situated at an altitude of approximately 1,400-1,600 meters above sea level and is known for its cold winters and frequent snowfall.

The city holds historical, cultural, and strategic significance in the region and has been undergoing restoration and infrastructure development in recent years.

Azerbaijan’s cultural capital is home to a wide range of historical and cultural landmarks. Among the most notable are the Govhar Agha Mosque, the historic Jidir Duzu Plain, and the mausoleum of the prominent poet and statesman Molla Panah Vagif.

Shusha Castle stands out as one of the city’s most significant architectural symbols. The city’s historic center was originally known as the Panahabad fortress. In 1753, Panah Ali Khan ordered the reconstruction of Shusha Castle due to the unfavorable geographical conditions of the Bayat and Shahbulag castles. As a result, the administrative center of the Garabagh Khanate was relocated to Shusha.

In recognition of its historical and cultural importance, Azerbaijan declared 2022 the Year of Shusha. Numerous projects and initiatives were implemented both domestically and internationally as part of this designation.

In 2023, Shusha was named the Cultural Capital of the Turkic World. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Permanent Council of Ministers of Culture of the International Organization of Turkic Culture (TURKSOY) held in Bursa, Trkiye. The Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Ministry of Culture, the Special Representative Office of the President of Azerbaijan in Shusha, and the Shusha State Reserve were tasked with organizing and overseeing related events.

Throughout 2023, Shusha hosted many major cultural events, including the Kharibulbul International Folklore Festival, the Korkut Ata Turkic World Film Festival, the Cultural Days of the Turkic Peoples, Vagif Poetry Days, the International Festival of Children’s Creativity, and the Wonderland Shusha 2023 International Scout Camp.

By unanimous decision, Shusha was also designated the Cultural Capital of the Islamic World for 2024. Widely recognized for its rich and diverse heritage, the city represents an important center of Islamic history and culture. Numerous historic mosques and mausoleums across Shusha reflect the architectural sophistication and artistic traditions of Islamic civilization.

The Yukhari Govhar Agha and Ashaghi Govhar Agha mosques are among the most prominent examples of the city’s religious heritage and are regarded as masterpieces of Eastern architecture.

The Yukhari Govhar Agha Mosque was designed by the renowned architect Karbalayi Safikhan Garabaghi and constructed between 1763 and 1769 by order of Garabagh ruler Ibrahim Khalil Khan.

As part of her visit to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Leyla Aliyeva visited the “MESOB” Public Service Center located in the capital, Addis Ababa, Azernews reports.

Leyla Aliyeva was welcomed by Mekuria Haile, Ethiopia’s Federal Commissioner (Minister) for Civil Service.

It was noted that MESOB, established based on the ASAN Service model, is a modern “one-stop”platform designed to facilitate citizens’ access to important public services. Combining over 140 services from federal agencies in a single digital and physical center, “MESOB” ensures that public services are delivered more quickly, conveniently, and reliably.

In May 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the relevant Ethiopian institution regarding the implementation of the ASAN Service experience in Ethiopia.

During a meeting within the framework of COP29 on November 14, 2024, between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Ethiopian President Taye Atske Selassie, the Ethiopian side expressed interest in adopting the ASAN Service model in their country and requested Azerbaijan’s support in this regard.

Over the past period, specialists from the State Agency have conducted training for Ethiopian civil servants, prepared legal and other necessary documents for the implementation of the ASAN Service experience in Ethiopia, and developed recommendation documents based on the technological solutions used in ASAN Service centers, establishing a unified standard for service delivery.

In 2025, China’s population declined by 3.39 million people, bringing the total to 1,404,890,000, Azernews reports.

According to official statistics, there were 7.92 million births and 11.31 million deaths during the year. This corresponds to a birth rate of 5.63 per thousand and a death rate of 8.04 per thousand.

The male population fell by 0.3% to 716.85 million, while the female population decreased by 0.1% to 688.04 million. Meanwhile, the number of people aged 65 and older continued to rise, increasing by 1.5% to 223.65 million, highlighting the ongoing challenge of an aging society.

In recent years, the Chinese government has introduced a series of socio-economic policies designed to boost the birth rate and encourage greater economic participation among older citizens, including incentives for families and expanded retirement programs.

This decline continues a trend that began in 2022, when China’s population shrank by 850,000 for the first time in six decades. The downward trend persisted in 2023 and 2024, with population decreases of 2.08 million and 1.39 million people, respectively, marking a significant demographic shift that could have long-term social and economic implications.

Interestingly, some demographers suggest that these changes could eventually lead to a transformation in China’s labor market, urban planning, and healthcare system, as the country adapts to a smaller, older population.

On January 19, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Andre Esteves, Chairman of BTG Pactual, one of Brazil’s leading investment banks and asset management companies on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos.

President Ilham Aliyev touched upon Azerbaijan’s macroeconomic stability and fiscal discipline, as well as its long-term development strategy. He emphasized that the policies implemented in this direction have positively contributed to strengthening the country’s position as a reliable partner in international financial markets.

The head of state highlighted that leading international credit rating agencies have further upgraded Azerbaijan’s credit rating, elevating it to investment grade with a positive outlook.

Andre Esteves spoke about the global geographical scope of his company’s operations and its experience working with institutional investors. He provided information on the investment approaches BTG Pactual applies across various regions.

It was noted that preliminary discussions have recently been held between the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan and BTG Pactual regarding potential areas of cooperation and strategic priorities, with dialogue continuing on matters of mutual interest.

During the conversation, the sides exchanged views on global economic processes, the current situation in international financial markets, institutional investors’ approaches to different regions, the investment climate in emerging markets, long-term investment strategies, and mutual investment projects.

BTG Pactual, established in 1983, manages assets exceeding nearly half a trillion US dollars.

On January 19, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Jacob Aarup-Andersen, Chief Executive Officer of Carlsberg Group, in Davos.

During the meeting, the sides noted that a number of projects have already been implemented to ensure the production of fully locally sourced products.

In this regard, discussions touched upon the operation of the barley malt processing facility in Imishli, which serves as a key raw material for beer production. They also stated that the production of packaging materials is expected to be fully localized in the future.

Jacob Aarup-Andersen highlighted that exports of products manufactured by Carlsberg Group in Azerbaijan recorded a significant increase in 2025.

Satisfaction was expressed with the favorable conditions created in Azerbaijan for foreign investors.

In recent weeks, certain narratives have questioned the origin of Azerbaijani gas exported to Europe, suggesting a dependence on Turkmen or Russian supplies and implying undisclosed arrangements with the European Union. These claims are unfounded. Azerbaijan’s gas exports under the Southern Gas Corridor are sourced exclusively from domestic fields, and no Russian or other foreign gas is transported to EU markets via Azerbaijan.

The Southern Gas Corridor, which comprises the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP), the Trans-Anatolian Pipeline (TANAP), and the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), is physically connected only to Azerbaijani gas fields, primarily Shah Deniz. There is no operational or technical link that would allow Russian gas to enter this export route. Officials from the European Commission, as well as Azerbaijan’s State Oil Company (SOCAR), have consistently confirmed that the Corridor transports exclusively Azerbaijani gas.

In terms of volumes, in 2024, Azerbaijan exported over 12 billion cubic metres (bcm) of gas to EU markets through the Southern Gas Corridor, representing roughly 4% of total EU gas imports. Overall, Azerbaijani production exceeds these export volumes, while Russian gas imports to Azerbaijan for domestic consumption remained below 1 bcm in 2023 and reportedly decreased further in 2024-2025. Even if all imported Russian gas were hypothetically redirected, which is not the case, the volume is negligible compared with Azerbaijani exports.

From a technical standpoint, the Southern Gas Corridor is designed exclusively to connect Azerbaijani production to Europe via Georgia, Turkiye, and Italy. No infrastructure exists under normal operating conditions to allow foreign gas, including Russian supplies, into this system. Exports in 2025 remained broadly consistent, at approximately 12.8 bcm, with new agreements expanding deliveries to countries such as Germany and Austria. Plans aim to increase annual exports to 16-20 bcm by 2027, depending on demand and infrastructure expansion.

Despite rigorous oversight by the European Union and the European Parliament, external actors occasionally attempt to generate attention through sensational claims or misinformation. Some journalists have published speculative content suggesting that Azerbaijani gas exports are tied to Russian supplies. These claims are not supported by evidence.

Official data and independent verification clearly demonstrate that Azerbaijan’s gas exports to Europe are independent and transparent, reflecting both the technical reality of the Southern Gas Corridor and the international agreements underpinning its operations. Reporting facts accurately is essential to uphold objective journalism and to safeguard the national interest of Azerbaijan.

Criticism is the cornerstone of progress, yet today there are few who can distinguish between objective critique and bias. In journalism, critical approaches are measured against specific standards, and where prejudice and falsehood prevail, arguments are either diminished or the writer’s credibility is undermined. In a period when Azerbaijan is viewed with sharp scrutiny, the narrative that Baku exports Russian gas to the European Union sounds nothing short of absurd. The ability to captivate public attention with such fabrications is a skill that, regrettably, thrives only among the black PR practitioners who have cultivated ‘journalism’ within networks akin to illegal groups.

Leyla Aliyeva visited the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, Azernews reports.

The Adwa Victory Memorial Museum is a memorial complex dedicated to the victory over the Italian invaders in the Battle of Adwa on March 1, 1896. Located in the heart of Addis Ababa, this complex occupies the historic grounds where Ethiopians from every corner of the nation once converged before departing for the Battle of Adwa.

This milestone event remains profoundly significant for both Ethiopia and the whole African continent, serving as a powerful symbol of unity and the unwavering pursuit of liberty. Ethiopia’s brilliant success in this conflict allowed the country to defend its independence, distinguishing it as the only nation in African history to remain uncolonized.

At the memorial’s entrance stand the statues of Emperor Menelik II and Empress Taytu Betul, accompanied by the twelve generals who commanded the army during that era.

The museum features a special section dedicated to Pan-Africanism, highlighting Ethiopia’s cooperation with fellow African nations and their leaders. Alongside a collection of both contemporary and ancient artworks, the complex houses rare artifacts from the era, including traditional shields, swords, firearms, original documents, and other historical relics. In addition to exhibition halls, the complex also houses an amphitheater, libraries and youth centers.

Leyla Aliyeva also visited the “Friendship” Park, the largest recreation area in Addis Ababa.

The demonstration of the magnificent musical fountain at the center of the park created a magical atmosphere around. As water droplets danced to the poignant melodies of Azerbaijani folk songs, they blended harmoniously with the musical chords, resembling a delicate work of art.

Registration for the Baku Marathon 2026 has already started, Azernews reports.

Organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation since 2016, the traditional marathon will feature a major change this year: the race will be a full marathon of 42 km for the first time, instead of a half marathon, and it will follow a different route.

The Baku Marathon will start at 10:00 on May 3 from the State Flag Square, with the finish line located in the Sea Breeze area. The route of the 9th Baku Marathon will go from State Flag Square along the Seaside Boulevard, Baku International Sea Trade Port, Neftchilar Avenue, Baku White City Boulevard, 8 November Avenue, Yusif Safarov Street, Heydar Aliyev Avenue, Great Silk Road Street, Muzaffar Narimanov Street, Ziya Bunyadov Avenue, Boyukshor-Pirshagi Road, Bilgah-Pirshagi Highway, and end at Sea Breeze.

Those wishing to participate in the marathon can register until April 25 via the website ,as well as at registration points in 28 Mall, Deniz Mall, and Ganjlik Mall. Registration is free for students.

The Baku Marathon 2026, held with the main sponsorship of Azercell, will see male and female participants compete for the top three positions. Winners in both categories will receive cash prizes and gifts, as well as medals and certificates.

The prize money is 6,000 AZN for first place, 4,000 AZN for second place, and 2,000 AZN for third place, with additional prizes planned for other categories.