Category: Azer News

According to UNESCO’s education system data, literacy in Azerbaijan is approaching 100 percent, Azernews reports.

These remarks were made by Idris Isayev, Deputy Minister of Science and Education, during his speech at the VI International Forum on New Challenges in Education.

‘Education plays a central role in the development of society,’ Isayev said. ‘One of the key aspects of our country’s social progress is the development of human capital. Education contributes not only to the formation of the national economy but also to the preservation of moral and cultural values. Significant reforms have been implemented across various sectors, including education. Steps have been taken, work has been done, and efforts continue to address emerging challenges. Today, new demands are shaping the education system, and our youth are expected to adapt to them. Like other countries, we are striving to build a digital economy, which requires the digital development of young people. Artificial intelligence is also being utilized as a tool to acquire certain skills in education.’

Regarding vocational education, Isayev noted that statistics in Azerbaijan show enrollment above 10 percent, which remains lower than in many other countries. ‘There is a need for further development in this area. However, over the past five years, we have increased admissions in vocational education. Coverage in higher education has also expanded significantly. Currently, enrollment in higher education exceeds 75,000 students and will continue to grow in the coming years. At the same time, the number of state-funded places continues to increase, reaching 50 percent in higher education. Efforts to expand state-funded slots will continue in the coming years,’ he added.

Bilateral memorandums of cooperation have been signed between the National Libraries of Azerbaijan and Turkiye, Azernews reports.

Trilateral memorandum has been signed involving the National Library of Azerbaijan, the Institute of Manuscripts named after Muhammad Fuzuli of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), and the National Library of Morocco. The documents were inked as part of the 11th Baku International Book Fair.

In his speech during the ceremony, the Director of the National Library, Professor Karim Tahirov, provided information about the library’s international cooperation. He highlighted that Azerbaijan has signed cooperation memorandums with the national libraries of 54 countries to date. Tahirov emphasized that these new agreements would create new opportunities for book and information exchange, the establishment of literature corners, the use of electronic resources, the exchange of expertise, exhibitions, conferences, and online services.

Ayhan Tuglu, Director of the National Library of the Republic of Turkiye, noted that the signed document would contribute to the development of cultural and scientific cooperation between the two countries.

President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), Academician Isa Habibbayli, stated that the signing ceremonies held within the framework of the international book fair would make a significant contribution to strengthening international relations in the fields of science, education, and culture.

Samira El Malizi, Director of the National Library of Morocco, remarked that libraries play a bridging role between nations, and the signed trilateral memorandum would open new opportunities for future joint projects, exhibitions, and scientific research.

With over 5 million books, manuscripts, and maps, the Azerbaijan National Library is considered one of the largest libraries in the Caucasus region. Since 1939, the library has borne the name of the eminent playwright Mirza Fatali Akhundov.

The library has an extensive collection of literature in Azerbaijani, Russian, English, and other languages. It has collected and preserved national editions, works of Azerbaijani and foreign authors about Azerbaijan published abroad.

The National Leader, Heydar Aliyev, visited the National Library four times in 1995-1997 and donated nearly 300 books from his personal library.

In 2004, the Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library was granted the status of a national library by the decision of Azerbaijan’s Cabinet of Ministers.

The building of the library is no less impressive. The library’s fa?ade is decorated with the statues of eminent poets and writers like Nizami Ganjavi, Mahsati Ganjavi, Uzeyir Hajibayli, Shota Rustaveli, Alexander Pushkin and many others.

The scope of the library’s activities is constantly expanding. In 2005, on the basis of legal copies received from publishing houses and printing companies, the library published the yearbook “Books of Azerbaijan” for 1990, 1991, 2000, and 2001.

Over the past years, the National Library has signed a memorandum on bilateral mutual cooperation with about 80 libraries.

In 2021, the Culture Ministry and Mirza Fatali Akhundov Library launched a joint campaign, “Let’s go to Garabagh with a book”, to restore libraries in the Garabagh region.

A large number of books were donated to the Garabagh Book Fund by a number of international organizations working in the field of culture, Turkic-speaking countries, famous foreign and local authors, publishers, and printing houses.

In 2025, Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) as w officially signed between the National Libraries of Tajikistan and Azerbaijan during a ceremony held in Dushanbe.

The agreement was inked by the director of the Azerbaijani National Library, Karim Tahirov, and the director of the Tajikistan National Library, Farzalizada Jumakhon.

This memorandum provides a framework for enhanced collaboration between the two institutions, emphasising the exchange of books, publications, and other cultural materials to foster mutual understanding and strengthen the cultural ties between the two nations.

It also sets the stage for joint activities and projects aimed at promoting literacy, preserving cultural heritage, and supporting scholarly research.

A delegation from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Center, operating under the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, has been on a business trip to South Korea, Azernews reports.

It was noted that the visit took place as part of a project implemented under a memorandum signed between the Culture Ministry and ADA University. The main purpose of the trip was to learn about South Korea’s experience in the development of cultural and creative industries, as well as to discuss new cooperation opportunities in the fields of innovation and technology.

The delegation participated in the “EdTech 2025” exhibition held in Seoul and familiarized themselves with educational programs at the Korea Museum of Contemporary Art. Meetings at the Korea Creative Content Agency (KOCCA) focused on the international exchange of creative content and the implementation of joint projects.

As part of the program, the delegation also visited the country’s leading science and innovation center, Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST). During the visit, they were introduced to the “Startup KAIST” program and provided information on projects at the intersection of culture and technology.

As a result of the visit, it is expected that Azerbaijan’s creative industries will expand their international cooperation network, new opportunities will arise for young people, and the country’s creative ecosystem will be enriched with global trends.

A presentation of ” Classic Czech Short Stories”, an anthology edited by Dr. Ivana Bozdechová from Charles University and Jaroslav Olša, Jr, has taken place in Baku.

The translation into Azerbaijani was carried out by Shabnam Asadova, a renowned translator.

The publication of the book in Azerbaijani by the “Elm v? T?hsil N?sriyyati” Publishing House represents an important step forward in the cultural exchange between the Czech Republic and Azerbaijan.

In an interview with AZERNEWS, Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Azerbaijan Milan Sedlácek emphasized the significance of this publication for strengthening the cultural ties between the two countries.

He highlighted that this was the first-ever translation of Czech literature into Azerbaijani, describing it as a “momentous step” towards building a stronger cultural connection between the two nations.

Q: How do you assess the significance of publishing the anthology for strengthening cultural ties between our countries?

A: As I pointed out during the opening ceremony, this is a truly momentous occasion, as it represents the first-ever translation of Czech literature into Azerbaijani.

I believe such events do not happen very often. I am very glad that we were able to dedicate three years to preparing this project.

In my opinion, this is an important step in the development of our political and economic relations.

Q: What contribution does your project make to the development of bilateral relations?

A: This anthology covers Czech literature from the 19th century to the present, which allows the reader to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Czech literary tradition.

This is a very significant aspect for a single book. After reading it, the reader may become interested in the works of such authors as Karel Capek, Jaroslav Hašek, and other prominent Czech writers. This will give them the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and continue exploring further. If there is demand, we will continue to translate and publish new works.

It is also worth noting that this is not the second book in this series, as the first one was a collection of Azerbaijani short stories translated into Czech. This project was carried out by one translator, Shabnam Asadova.

The anthology includes Azerbaijani short stories. This project was completed three years ago, and now, as a continuation, we have presented this new anthology.

Q: What initiatives are being undertaken to further expand cultural ties between Azerbaijan and the Czech Republic, as well as in other areas?

A: One of the key steps, in my opinion, is the opening of the Azerbaijani House in Prague. This is a significant event for the development of cultural exchanges. I know that the director of the Azerbaijani House is actively working in this direction. Many cultural events are held at the Azerbaijani House, and, as is well known, culture is always closely linked to economic development.

When the economy prospers, successful businesses emerge that support culture.

We are actively working in this direction, and the economic ties are already showing positive results. I hope that based on this, we will continue to develop both cultural and educational projects.

Azerbaijan has been represented at European Languages Fair in Sofia, Azernews reports.

The event, which took place at Ivan Vazov National Theater, covered 19 languages and was organized in collaboration with language and culture institutes that are members of EUNIC-Bulgaria, as well as cultural centers, consulates, and embassies of non-EU countries, under the auspices of the European Commission’s “Written Translations” Directorate in Bulgaria.

The Azerbaijan Language and Culture Center, operating under Sofia University’s Saint Kliment Ohridski, joined the initiative again this year, introducing festival participants to the Azerbaijani language, culture, and literature.

The center’s stand was supported by students specializing in Turkology-Katrin Nikova and Veronika Balkanci, who study Azerbaijani language. They provided guests with detailed information about the Center’s activities and the Azerbaijani and Turkish languages taught in the Turkology department.

At the stand, translations of works by Azerbaijani writers and poets into various European languages, including Bulgarian, were presented. The display also included interesting facts about Azerbaijan, excerpts from Margarita Pavlova’s book “Plamiçka and Plamiçko” dedicated to Azerbaijan, and educational leaflets titled “Would you like to learn expressions in several Turkic languages?”

It is noteworthy that the main goal of the presentation was to promote the activities of the Azerbaijan Center created by Baku Slavic University and to make the Azerbaijani language taught in the Turkology department of the Faculty of Classical and Modern Philology at Sofia University more appealing to young people, encouraging them to choose this field of study.

The II National Competition Forum is underway in Baku, bringing together government officials, business leaders, and experts to discuss key issues in market regulation and competition policy, Azernews reports.

The forum was convened to analyze the current state of competition policy in modern economic conditions, regulate the activities of natural monopolies, safeguard public interests, and address existing challenges in the sector. It also aims to facilitate the exchange of views on shaping effective and fair market relations in Azerbaijan.

The event is being attended by Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, Chairman of the Committee on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship of the Milli Majlis Azer Amiraslanov, Chairman of the State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Supervision under the President Elnur Baghirov, and President of the National Confederation of Entrepreneurs’ Organizations Mammad Musayev, along with representatives from business associations and the private sector.

Officials emphasized that strengthening competition policy is essential for ensuring consumer rights, increasing efficiency in natural monopolies, and creating a more transparent and competitive business environment. The forum serves as a platform to outline reforms and promote dialogue between the state and the private sector.

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

Azernews presents the post:

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

Round 7 of the Azerbaijan Premier League is set to kick off on October 3, Azernews reports.

The two matches will be played on the first day of the round.

In the opening match, “Araz-Nakhchivan” will take on the “Imishli” club, with the game kicking off at 17:00.

In the second match, “Zira” will host “Neftchi” at home, with the match beginning at 19:30.

The remaining matches of the round will be held on October 4-5.

The Azerbaijan Premier League is the top Azerbaijani professional league for men’s association football teams, comprising ten clubs.

Seasons run from August to May, with teams playing 36 matches each (playing each team in the league four times, twice at home and twice away).

The Premier League champion secures the right to play in the UEFA Champions League’s first qualifying round.

The runner-up and the third-place winner secured the right to play in the UEFA Europa Conference League, starting in the second qualifying round.

Since 1992, a total of 8 clubs have been crowned champions of the Azerbaijani football system.

The Azerbaijan Premier League was first organised in 2007 and succeeded the Top Division, which existed from 1992 to 2007. FC Qarabag won the title in the 2022-2023 season for the tenth time.

The 2024-25 Azerbaijan Premier League marks the 33rd season of Azerbaijan’s top-tier football competition.

On April 27, 2025, during the 32nd round of the Premier League, Qarabag FC clinched the title with four matches to spare after a 1-1 draw against Sabah.

This victory made them the champions for the 12th time overall and for the fourth consecutive season.

This season is the final one featuring 10 teams, as the league will expand to 12 teams starting from the 2025-26 season.

Armenia has expressed strong interest in normalizing relations with Azerbaijan, emphasizing that Yerevan would be among the main beneficiaries of lasting peace and cooperation in the region, Azernews reports.

Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan made the remarks in an interview with the ‘Polish TPV World’ channel.

‘If we talk about the railway connection, according to experts, its construction may take at least two years. But we can already use the infrastructure and territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan to send and receive cargo. We have begun discussions with our American partners regarding TRIPP, and I think we can complete this process in the coming months, after which construction should start,’ Mirzoyan said.

The minister also underlined that the text of the peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan has already been initialed, and Yerevan is prepared to sign it ‘as soon as possible.’

Touching on the broader reconciliation process, Mirzoyan acknowledged the heavy psychological legacy of the decades-long conflict: ‘There is a bloody history and memory on both sides. I believe there is still a certain degree of caution between societies, probably on both sides. The reconciliation process will take time. Peace, as I have already noted, has been established, but it requires constant care and daily efforts from both sides.’

Mirzoyan’s remarks highlight Armenia’s recognition of the economic and strategic opportunities tied to regional cooperation, particularly in transport and connectivity, as well as the challenges of overcoming deep-rooted mistrust between the two nations.

On October 2, a powerful photo exhibition dedicated to Azerbaijani landmine victims was opened in Brussels, Belgium, Azernews reports.

The exhibition was organized within the framework of the ‘CulMINATION Point of Danger’ project, implemented by the ‘Gilavar’ Photo Club Public Union with support from the State Support Agency for NGOs of Azerbaijan. The ‘Fireland’ Azerbaijanis Union partnered in the initiative on the Belgian side.

Speaking at the event, Rashad Mehdiyev, Chairman of the Gilavar Photo Club, emphasized that this was the first NGO-led European exhibition series on Azerbaijan’s landmine problem held at such a scale. ‘After Munich, Nuremberg, and Paris, the photos we are exhibiting this time in Brussels can be called ‘talking pictures.’ They tell the stories of people whose lives were destroyed by mines planted by Armenia on Azerbaijani lands. We will not remain silent-the time has come for Armenia’s military-political leaders, responsible for this cruelty during the 30-year occupation, to answer. Our appeal to the world from Brussels, the capital of the European Union, is for the sake of justice,’ he said.

The exhibition features portraits and testimonies of mine victims. For example, the photo of Elmir Bagirov, who lost both legs after stepping on an anti-tank mine before the age of 18, is accompanied by his words: ‘Can a person fall into an anti-tank mine on his own land? It is difficult to imagine, but I survived. From that day my life full of suffering began-I lost my youth and both legs.’ Another photo shows Samir Alizadeh, who lost both legs and an eye: ‘One step, two explosions. You tell me what happens next.’ Similarly, Rahim Garashov recalls losing his leg while rescuing a colleague from mines buried one on top of the other: ‘What were they trying to do by burying the mines like this? Why so much cruelty? While saving someone else, I became a victim myself.’

Through QR codes attached to each portrait, visitors could access additional information and statistics about Azerbaijan’s mine contamination and the ongoing demining efforts.

Organizers noted that the exhibition will continue across Europe, raising awareness of the humanitarian tragedy Azerbaijan faces due to mines planted during Armenia’s occupation of its territories.