Category: Azer News

bp has launched a pioneering approach to recycling drilling fluids across the Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Trkiye (AGT) region, significantly reducing waste and optimizing operational costs, Azernews reports.

Drilling operations in the Caspian Sea can reach depths of up to 7,000 meters through complex sedimentary layers, requiring precise control at the drill head and throughout well formation. Specially formulated drilling fluids are essential for managing pressure, transporting cuttings, and cooling and lubricating the drill bit. These fluids are mixed, tested, and managed at bp’s advanced drilling fluids facility (AFF), where offshore waste drilling mud is returned in bulk for treatment and disposal.

bp specialists have developed a data-driven method using smart testing combined with machine learning to determine whether waste drilling mud can be safely recycled and reused. This innovative process reduces analysis time from up to 90 minutes to just 15, providing fast, reliable results that keep drilling operations on schedule. Using historical data and only two to three key quality variables, the predictive model achieves 93-94% accuracy, enabling confident and timely decisions on fluid reusability.

Since its launch in 2023, the initiative has delivered tangible benefits:

Over 20,000 barrels of drilling fluids recycled.

Reduced vessel idle time at docks.

Recovery of waste oil for reuse.

Replication of the approach across bp operations worldwide.

This project highlights how innovation and collaboration can reduce industrial waste, unlock cost savings, and improve operational efficiency, demonstrating that sustainability is not just the right choice – it’s also smart business strategy.

The Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) has organized an exhibition showcasing the latest additions to its collection over the past month, Azernews reports.

The exhibition features a diverse range of literature, including textbooks, teaching materials, scientific research, monographs, as well as works of fiction and documentary publications spanning multiple fields of knowledge.

Notable works on display include textbooks such as “Introduction to Econometrics”, “Statistics for Business and Economics”, “Statistical Inference”, “Economic Management and Strategy”, “Ethics in Social Work”, “System Analysis and Modeling”, “Mediation Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan”, “International Medical Law: Special Part”, and “Course of International Public Law”.

The exhibition also features Rauf Rustamov’s “Legal Foundations of Advocacy”, pedagogical works, and Chingiz Mammadov’s three-volume “History of International Relations”, which covers the interwar period and the events of World War II.

The exhibition also highlights literary and documentary works, including writer Rufat Huseynli’s “The Name of Courage – AMID”, dedicated to War Hero Major Amid Heydarov, the scholarly collection “The Summit of Bakhtiyar Vahabzade”, and Hikmat Malikzade’s documentary portrait “Legendary Figure”, focusing on political expert and member of the Azerbaijan Press Council Aydin Guliyev.

Visitors can also explore artistic and literary works, such as Uzeyir Hajibayli’s “Fantasy: Transcriptions for Tar and Piano”, “The World of Beauty in Nizami”, the essay collection “The Starry Flow of Words” on writer and publicist Ulduz Gasim, and the novel “Ç?tind?r?” by writer-poet Vahid Aslan.

The exhibition demonstrates scholarly contributions, including Associate Professor Sevda Khalafova’s monograph on the legacy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, “Electronic Library-Information Resources on the Legacy of National Leader Heydar Aliyev”.

A special highlight is the elegant and comprehensive scientific-cartographic work *Atlas of Natural Resources of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur”, which documents the liberated regions’ natural resources, geological features, ecosystems, soil and water reserves, and biodiversity.

The exhibition will remain open to the public for two weeks, offering readers a unique opportunity to explore the breadth of Azerbaijan’s recent scholarly and literary contributions.

The Central Scientific Library of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences is one of the country’s foremost research libraries with a rich history dating back to the early 1920s, evolving over a century into an essential scientific information center that supports scholars, students, and the broader public.

Originally formed from early bibliographic efforts and systematically expanded alongside the development of Azerbaijan’s scientific community, the library now preserves a vast universal collection of over 1.3 million items in more than 50 languages, including rare manuscripts and valuable historical publications.

Beyond traditional book lending and reference services, the library actively embraces modern information technologies, with extensive digitization projects, electronic catalogs, and participation in global library networks that provide access to international resources and research collaborations.

It also hosts exhibitions, scientific conferences, and special collections such as the Academicians’ Library and engages in international partnerships to foster academic exchange and innovation.

Through this combination of historic preservation and forward-looking digital initiatives, the Central Scientific Library bridges conventional scholarly traditions with contemporary research needs.

The European Commission has proposed providing Ukraine with pound 90 billion in financial assistance in the form of loans for 2026-2027.

As reported by Azernews, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced the proposal in a post on her official account on the social media platform X.

‘We all want peace for Ukraine. For that to happen, Ukraine must be strong. Today, we are presenting our proposal to provide pound 90 billion in loans for 2026-2027,’ von der Leyen said.

Ukrainian media reports indicate that pound 30 billion of the proposed funding would be allocated to support Ukraine’s state budget, while the remaining pound 60 billion would be directed toward military assistance.

Armenian authorities are reportedly preparing to remove Russian border guards from the Akhurik checkpoint on the border with Trkiye, signaling a potential shift in Yerevan’s approach to border management and regional diplomacy. Preparatory steps, including the installation of a flagpole, have been completed, while Russian personnel are expected to remain present during the transition.

On the Turkish side, construction work has already begun at the Margara checkpoint, suggesting serious intentions by both countries to move toward reopening the border. Analysts note that reopening could have significant economic and geopolitical implications, including increased trade, improved regional connectivity, and a recalibration of Armenia’s relations with Russia. At the same time, Armenian law enforcement officials have raised concerns about a rise in illegal border crossings, often involving third-country nationals, highlighting the challenges of balancing border openness with security and migration control.

Azernews spoke with Armenian activist and public figure Ishkhan Verdyan to assess what this development truly signifies. We present the interview:

– What does Armenia’s decision to remove Russian border guards from Akhurik signal about Yerevan’s current foreign policy priorities?

– The decision to withdraw Russian border guards from Akhurik primarily reflects the government’s domestic policy priorities and its desire to restore the country’s sovereignty. An independent Armenia, whose external borders have been closely monitored by Russian FSB troops, is an oxymoron that must be resolved – and Nikol Pashinyan is currently addressing exactly that. This only indirectly concerns foreign policy: Trkiye has ceased to be a ‘threat’ to Armenians, and therefore the borders between the two countries no longer require the presence of a third country’s forces. However, it cannot be denied that, from Russia’s perspective, these developments may indeed be perceived as a major geopolitical shift, since Russia is gradually losing physical control over Armenia and the South Caucasus, post by post.

– How might this move affect Armenia-Russia relations, particularly in the context of security and regional influence?

– From a regional security perspective, a new configuration has already emerged, different from what we were accustomed to. Russia, despite its wishes, can no longer play the system-shaping role in the Caucasus that it did before the events of the past two to three years. The withdrawal of its troops from Akhurik is just one episode in the process through which Armenia is taking vital nodes under its own sovereign control (earlier, Russian border guards left Zvartnots Airport and the Armenian-Iranian customs). This process will inevitably continue until no foreign troops remain along Armenia’s external perimeter.

Could the border reopening influence regional trade corridors, particularly in connection with Azerbaijan and Georgia?

– Borders that remained closed for nearly forty years are now beginning to open, and, frankly, it is extremely difficult to predict what the regional transport network will look like if all previously closed roads are opened. This has never happened before, and therefore we will be the first to witness the benefits that the region can gain from the peaceful coexistence of its peoples.

– To what extent does Armenia’s move suggest a recalibration of its security partnerships away from Moscow, given Russia’s overstretch and perceived inability to act as a decisive security guarantor in multiple theaters? And can this be seen as part of a wider weakening of Moscow’s regional role after years of conflict in Ukraine?

– Armenia has never refused its partnership obligations toward Russia, while Armenian politicians have repeatedly accused the Russian side of violating agreements with Armenia. In essence, the responsibility for the deterioration of relations between the two countries today lies with Russia. Armenia, meanwhile, remains open to engagement and advocates for normal relations – but now without Russia’s ultimate influence over its internal and foreign policy.

Natavan Club of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union has hosted a literary and public conference titled “Our Language – Our Identity”, dedicated to the preservation and development of the Azerbaijani language, Azernews reports.

The event opened with remarks from the Writers’ Union’s Secretary and Honored Art Worker Elchin Huseynbayli, who stressed the significance of protecting the purity of the Azerbaijani language.

He recalled the speeches of Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev on the subject, emphasizing that this issue carries both scientific and societal importance today.

Huseynbayli noted that since the late 19th century, the Azerbaijani Turkish language had been a leading means of communication and cultural exchange in the Caucasus, although historical and political challenges later limited its influence.

He pointed out that under President Ilham Aliyev’s leadership, Azerbaijan has regained its regional prominence, giving a strong boost to the status of the Azerbaijani language, which he confidently predicts will become one of the leading languages of the region in the near future.

Other speakers at the conference explored issues related to state language policy, literary norms, terminological security, and the preservation of linguistic culture in both scientific and artistic contexts.

The event brought together notable figures from Azerbaijan’s literary and academic circles, including Chairman of the Azerbaijan Writers’ Union, People’s Writer Anar, Academics Isa Habibbayli, Rafael Huseynov, Nizami Jafarov, Teymur Karimli, Kamal Abdulla, Mukhtar Imanov, People’s Writers Chingiz Abdullayev, Elmira Akhundova, Members of the Azerbaijani Parliament Elnara Akimova, Jale Aliyeva, Seyyad Aran, Professors Nadir Mammadli, Telman Valiikhanli, Karim Tahirli, editor-in-chief of “?d?biyyat q?zeti” Azer Turan, International Relations Secretary of Azerbaijan Writers’ Union, poet and translator Salim Babullaoglu, and Head of the Center for Literary Translation and Relations Asad Jahangir.

In their remarks, they underlined that the responsibility to protect the Azerbaijani language belongs not only to linguists but to society as a whole.

The conference concluded with in-depth literary discussions and practical recommendations, leaving participants with renewed commitment to the preservation and enrichment of the Azerbaijani language.

Azerbaijan’s figure skaters have once again made their mark on the international stage, standing proudly on the podium at the Sofia Trophy competition in Sofia, Bulgaria, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation.

Samanta Ritter and Daniel Brikalov competed in the ice dance category, delivering a performance that impressed both judges and audience alike.

Out of 11 participating pairs, the duo earned a total of 171.75 points, securing third place and taking home the bronze medal for Azerbaijan.

The Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, established on January 31, 2022, is the country’s main body for developing winter sports.

The federation aims to promote disciplines such as alpine skiing, ski mountaineering, snowboarding, and figure skating, while supporting national teams and nurturing young athletes.

Since its founding, the federation has gained international recognition, becoming a full member of the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS) in 2025.

It has also helped bring major events to Azerbaijan, including competitions at the Shahdag Tourism Center and continues to expand grassroots participation in winter sports nationwide.

In January 2026, the Azerbaijan Winter Sports Federation, in partnership with Shahdag Tourism Center, hosted the Azerbaijan Open International Alpine Skiing Tournament.

This large-scale event is part of the FIS (International Ski Federation) calendar, attracting elite athletes from around the world.

The tournament drew 20 female athletes from countries such as Azerbaijan, Switzerland, Hungary, Slovenia, Georgia, Hong Kong, Saudi Arabia, Turkiye, Nepal, and Uzbekistan. Representing the host country was Anastasiya Papatoma, an accomplished alpine skier.

From January 18 to 24, the Azerbaijan national futsal team will hold a training camp in Baku, Azernews reports.

Head coach Yevgeni Kuksevich has called up a total of 19 futsal players for the preparation process, including four goalkeepers. During the training camp, the national team will play two friendly matches against Denmark on January 22 and 24 at the Baku Sports Palace.

The goalkeepers invited to the camp are Emin Kurdov and Rovshan Huseynli of Araz-Nakhchivan, Javad Mammadov from Baku Fire, and Kamran Hajiyev of Neftchi IK.

The squad also includes field players Adalat Alakbarov, Nurlan Mammadov, Gudrat Gasimzadeh, and Ulvi Aliyev from Araz-Nakhchivan, along with Eldar Zeynalov, Farid Abbasov, Kenan Manafov, Novruz Kazikhanov, Oktay Rustamli, Tofiq Mikayilov, and Murad Guluzadeh of Baku Fire. Completing the list are Emil Hasanzadeh, Farid Atakishiyev, Nihad Ismayilov, and Tofiq Aliyev, who all represent Neftchi IK.

The training camp and the upcoming friendly matches are expected to play an important role in the team’s preparations for future international competitions.

Established in 1994, the Azerbaijan Futsal Federation marks the start of structured futsal in the country with the establishment of its premier league.

The federation is a member of UEFA and FIFA, participating in international competitions like the UEFA Futsal Champions League and the FIFA Futsal World Cup.

The Azerbaijan national futsal team has officially participated in competitions since 1995.

The team made its debut in the final stage of the European Championship in 2010 and in the decisive stage of the World Championship in 2016.

In 2010, Azerbaijan finished fourth at the European Championship. Since then, the team has participated in the final stages of continental championships in 2012 (group stage), 2014 (group stage), 2016 (quarterfinals), 2018 (quarterfinals), and 2022 (group stage).

At the club level, the highest achievement has been by “Araz-Nakhchivan” Futsal Club.

The team won UEFA Cup bronze medals in 2010 and 2014. Notably, the UEFA Cup Final Four, considered the most prestigious club-level competition until 2018, was held in Baku in April 2014.

Since the 2018-2019 season, the tournament has been called the UEFA Futsal Champions League.

The TopSpeed portal has released its latest ranking of the 10 fastest sedans, showcasing the most thrilling cars of 2026, Azernews reports.

Topping the list is the Tesla Model S Plaid, which can accelerate from 0 to 97 km/h in an astonishing 1.99 seconds, cementing its place as one of the quickest production sedans ever. In second place, the Mercedes-AMG S 63 E Performance delivers a perfect mix of luxury and power, reaching 97 km/h in just 3 seconds. Close behind, the Mercedes-AMG EQE Sedan sprints to 97 km/h in 3.2 seconds, proving that even fully electric sedans can dominate in speed.

The rest of the top 10 features equally impressive machines, including the Audi S e-Tron GT, the hybrid Mercedes-AMG C63 S E Performance, the American muscle sedan Cadillac CT5-V Blackwing, the sporty BMW M5 and BMW M3 Competition xDrive, the electric Porsche Taycan 4S, and the compact powerhouse Audi RS3, all capable of accelerating from 0 to 97 km/h in 3.3 to 3.6 seconds.

What’s particularly fascinating is that half of these top performers are electric or hybrid models, highlighting the automotive shift towards high-speed efficiency. From German engineering precision to American muscle, this ranking proves that sedans today can combine practicality, luxury, and breathtaking performance in a way that was almost unimaginable just a few years ago.

An international online exhibition titled “Friendship on the Silk Road” has been organised through cooperation between the Artists’ Union of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, the Azerbaijan Artists’ Union, and the Embassy of Uzbekistan in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The project is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

The exhibition brings together works by a total of 18 professional artists representing Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, showcasing a wide range of creative styles and aesthetic perspectives.

The paintings reflect the shared civilizational space shaped by the Great Silk Road and, within this context, interpret the common historical memory and cultural-spiritual heritage of the Azerbaijani and Uzbek peoples through the lens of contemporary artistic thinking.

As part of the online exhibition, a catalogue complementing the project’s conceptual and artistic content was also presented.

The catalogue opens with a foreword by Gunay Afandiyeva, Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Deputy Chair of the Parliamentary Committee on Culture, and Cultural Ambassador of Uzbekistan.

She notes that the joint exhibition “Friendship on the Silk Road” by Azerbaijani and Uzbek artists is yet another vivid example of the cultural unity between the two brotherly countries and peoples.

The deputy emphasised the importance of bringing artists from both nations together on a shared cultural platform and strengthening cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

Describing the initiative as a meaningful contribution to the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, she stated:

“The project once again reflects, through the universal language of art, the spirit of multifaceted partnership between our two countries-rooted in shared historical values and reinforced by today’s common political will. I am delighted that, alongside many areas of life, a creative dialogue in the field of visual arts is also developing successfully between our peoples. I express my gratitude to all the organizers and talented artists involved in the project and wish the creative team inspiration and continued cooperation. May the artistic embodiment of Azerbaijani-Uzbek brotherhood revive our shared cultural heritage once again.”

In his opening remarks, Uzbekistan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Bahrom Ashrafkhanov, described the project as a vivid symbol of the deep historical, cultural, and spiritual ties between the two brotherly nations.

“Art, as a universal language, clearly reflects the shared values, traditions, and worldview that have taken shape along the Great Silk Road over centuries,” he said.

“The particular significance of this online exhibition lies in the fact that it is dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan. Over these years, our countries have built a strong strategic partnership based on mutual respect, trust, and support,” he added.

The Ambassador also expressed sincere gratitude to the Azerbaijani Parliament and Nakhchivan Artists’ Union for their direct support in organizing this important cultural initiative, expressing confidence that the exhibition would further contribute to strengthening Uzbek-Azerbaijani friendship and developing humanitarian cooperation.

The project’s curator for Azerbaijan is Ulviyya Hamzayeva, Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Chair of the Nakhchivan Artists’ Union, and Honored Artist. The curator for Uzbekistan is Khurshed Khalilov, a member of the Creative Union of Artists of Uzbekistan.

The catalog for the online exhibition was designed by Araz Khudiyev, photographer and designer of the Nakhchivan Artists’ Union.

“Friendship on the Silk Road” is planned as a long-term cultural initiative, with the presented exhibition marking the first stage of the project.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan has approved a new regulatory framework aimed at strengthening market risk management practices across the banking sector, Azernews reports.

According to the Central Bank, the ‘Rule on Market Risk Management in Banks’, adopted by a decision of its Board of Directors, is designed to align Azerbaijan’s banking regulations with Basel III standards while introducing unified and progressive requirements for managing market risks.

The new rule sets out comprehensive requirements for banks’ market risk management systems, including internal policies, governance mechanisms, and risk assessment procedures. It covers key areas such as the identification, measurement, monitoring, and reporting of market risks, ensuring a more structured and transparent approach across the sector.

In particular, the framework defines advanced methodologies for measuring different types of market risk, including interest rate, currency, equity, and commodity risks. It also introduces more sophisticated approaches to managing interest rate risk arising from the banking book (IRRBB), allowing banks to better assess potential vulnerabilities linked to fluctuations in market conditions.

The Central Bank noted that the implementation of the new rules will enable more accurate risk identification and measurement, while enhancing banks’ ability to respond to adverse market movements. Overall, the regulation is expected to strengthen the resilience of Azerbaijan’s banking sector and reduce potential losses stemming from market volatility.