President Ilham Aliyev meets with Prime Minister of Netherlands in Copenhagen [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

On October 2, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Dick Schoof, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, in Copenhagen, Azernews reports.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands congratulated the head of state on the results achieved in Washington regarding the advancement of the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing their significance.

President Ilham Aliyev, in turn, highlighted the importance of the Washington Declaration, signed between Armenia and Azerbaijan in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump, and the document on the normalization of relations between the two countries for regional peace, noting that peace already exists between the two nations. During the meeting, they emphasized that Dutch companies are successfully operating in Azerbaijan, spanning sectors such as shipping, port construction, the electrical industry, agriculture, urban planning, and other areas.

The discussions also touched upon cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Netherlands within international organizations.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands extended congratulations on the successful hosting of COP29 in Azerbaijan, noting that significant results were achieved in the context of the international climate agenda during the event.

President Ilham Aliyev attends opening ceremony of 7th EPC Summit [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

The opening ceremony of the 7th Summit of the European Political Community was held in Copenhagen, the capital of Denmark, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the event.

Prime Minister of Denmark Mette Frederiksen welcomed President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and other heads of state and government attending the Summit.

This year’s Summit brings together heads of state and government from nearly 50 countries.

Discussions during plenary sessions and the round tables focus on topics including overall security situation in Europe, the Russia-Ukraine war, economic security, migration, traditional and hybrid threats.

The European Political Community is an intergovernmental platform aimed at strengthening cooperation in security, economic stability, and democratic governance. It promotes political and economic coordination both within and beyond the European Union, among small and large countries alike. The Community’s goal is to develop political dialogue and cooperation to address common challenges and enhance the security, stability, and prosperity of the European continent.

Azerbaijan, Spain speakers discuss parliamentary cooperation at G20 summit [PHOTOS]

The Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova, held a meeting with the Speaker of the Congress of Deputies of Spain, Francina Armengol, within the framework of the 11th Summit of the Speakers of the Parliaments of the G20 countries in Cape Town, Azernews reports.

According to the Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova recalled her first official visit to Spain in May and her earlier meeting with Francina Armengol, noting that mutual visits and exchanges provide valuable opportunities for strengthening bilateral ties. She stressed that the current meeting contributes to the further development of relations between the two countries and their parliaments.

Both sides highlighted the importance of deepening cooperation between legislative bodies and noted that contacts between parliamentary delegations could make a positive contribution to bilateral relations.

Gafarova also briefed her Spanish counterpart on the situation in the region, including the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as restoration and reconstruction activities in the liberated territories. In turn, Armengol congratulated on the initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia and expressed Spain’s support for efforts aimed at ensuring lasting peace and security in the South Caucasus.

The meeting further addressed issues of mutual interest.

Azerbaijan shines at CIS Games with outstanding medal haul

Azerbaijan’s athletes have delivered a remarkable performance, securing 12 gold, 8 silver, and 10 bronze medals across a variety of disciplines at third CIS Games, Azernews reports.

This strong medal count positioned Azerbaijan among the top nations in the competition. Wrestling, taekwondo, and badminton were particularly strong areas for Azerbaijan, with the country’s athletes dominating these events and securing the majority of the medals.

The country’s boxing team also had a highly successful campaign, contributing significantly to the overall medal tally.

Azerbaijan performed admirably in swimming and athletics, with athletes securing podium finishes.

The country holds second place with 62 medals, comprising 8 gold, 21 silver, and 33 bronze.

Currently, Russia tops the medal table with a total of 96 medals, including 64 gold, 19 silver, and 13 bronze.

Belarus is in third position with 52 medals, made up of 7 gold, 19 silver, and 26 bronze.

To date, athletes from six countries have won medals at the 3rd CIS Games, while a total of 13 countries are participating in the competition.

Azerbaijan is proudly hosting the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games from September 28 to October 8, 2025, marking a landmark event in the region’s sports calendar.

This multi-sport competition brings together athletes from CIS member states as well as invited nations, fostering a spirit of friendship, collaboration, and athletic excellence.

For the first time in the history of the CIS Games, the events are being held across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, Yevlakh, and Khankandi.

Each city is hosting competitions in various sports, with Ganja, the country’s second-largest city, serving as the main hub and officially designated as the CIS Sports Capital for 2025.

A total of 23 sports are being contested across 12 venues, offering a diverse and comprehensive athletic program.

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

To engage younger audiences, event mascots Babir and Leyla are energizing the atmosphere and drawing enthusiasm from fans of all ages.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with French President in Copenhagen [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

On October 2, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with President of the French Republic Emmanuel Macron in Copenhagen.

President Macron congratulated the Azerbaijani head of state on the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the progress achieved in advancing the peace agenda.

Expressing gratitude for the congratulations, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the historic significance of the results achieved in Washington, witnessed by the President of the United States, in promoting regional peace. The Azerbaijani President noted that joint efforts are currently underway in various areas to further advance the peace agenda.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of relations between Azerbaijan and France.

Azerbaijan’s swimming team wins 13 medals at CIS Games

Azerbaijan’s swimming team has concluded the third CIS Games with 13 medals, Azernews reports.

On the final (fifth) day of the competitions held at the Ganja Sports Palace, Azerbaijani representatives Suleyman Ismayilzade won a gold medal, and Anastasia Gnussina won a bronze medal.

They excelled in the 400 and 1500 meters freestyle events, respectively.

With this, Azerbaijan’s swimming team has concluded the III CIS Games with a total of 13 medals.

Azerbaijan is hosting the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games from September 28 to October 8, 2025, marking a significant event in the region’s sports calendar.

This multi-sport competition brings together athletes from CIS member states and invited countries, aiming to promote friendship, cooperation, and athletic excellence.

For the first time in the history of the CIS Games, competitions are being held across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, Yevlakh, and Khankandi.

Each city hosts events in different sports, with the second-largest city, Ganja, serving as the main hub and officially designated the CIS Sports Capital for 2025.

Around 23 sports are being contested across 12 venues, highlighting a broad and inclusive athletic program.

A total of 1,624 athletes from 13 countries had confirmed participation. Event mascots Babir and Leyla are helping to generate enthusiasm among young fans.

Azerbaijani former POW testifies at trial of Armenian nationals in Baku

On October 2, during the ongoing trial at the Baku Military Court concerning crimes committed by citizens of the Republic of Armenia, victim Ilham Mammadov gave testimony.

Azernews reports that Mammadov recounted that on May 10, 2002, while serving in the army and heading to his post in the Haram plain, he was captured by Armenian armed forces. He stated that he had been unarmed at the time. After being taken prisoner, Armenian soldiers beat and tortured him. One of the officers, he noted, displayed particular brutality. Mammadov later learned that the officer’s name was Levon.

Answering questions from state prosecutors, the victim pointed directly at the accused, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and identified him as the officer who had beaten him. He testified: ‘He hit me first with his fist, then with the butt of his rifle. He forced me to climb onto a trench and fired his weapon. At that moment, my back was turned toward the positions of the Azerbaijani Army. He made me stand in such a way that my own soldiers could have shot me by mistake. Later, they forced me to walk through mined areas.’

Mammadov said he was held for a week in Azerbaijani territories under Armenian occupation at the time, before being transferred to Armenia. He remained in captivity for six months and 15 days before being handed back to Azerbaijan.

Responding to questions from the defense, the victim stated that he had not known Mnatsakanyan prior to his capture and was unaware of his military rank at that time. ‘But from the way others treated him, I assume he was the chief of staff,’ he added.

In response to Mnatsakanyan’s own questions, Mammadov confirmed that he was born in 1973 and held the rank of first lieutenant at the time of his capture. He explained: ‘I graduated from the Azerbaijan Agricultural Institute, which had a military department, and was granted an officer’s rank upon completion.’

The trial continues against several citizens of Armenia accused of committing numerous crimes as a result of Armenia’s military aggression, including crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, preparation and waging of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, terrorism and its financing, the violent seizure and retention of power, and other grave offenses.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with President of Moldova in Copenhagen [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a meeting with President of the Republic of Moldova Maia Sandu in Copenhagen.

During the meeting, President Ilham Aliyev congratulated President Maia Sandu on the victory of the Party of Action and Solidarity in Moldova’s parliamentary elections, noting that the results reflect the will of the Moldovan people.

President Maia Sandu expressed her gratitude for the congratulations and, in turn, congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the achievements in Washington regarding the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace agenda, witnessed by the United States.

Expressing gratitude for the congratulations, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that the progress made in advancing the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan holds historic significance.

The leaders also exchanged views on the prospects of bilateral relations, with particular focus on the broad opportunities for cooperation in the energy sector.

President Maia Sandu highlighted Moldova’s appreciation for Azerbaijan’s support, especially during periods of energy need.

Fraternal ties between Uzbekistan, Azerbaijan serve progress of our peoples – Shavkat Mirziyoyev

The fraternal ties and strong bonds of friendship that unite Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, coupled with our regular and productive high-level dialogues, serve the common progress of our brotherly peoples, said President Shavkat Mirziyoyev in his congratulatory letter to President Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

“In particular, the complete elevation of our interstate relations to a new historic stage of alliance in recent years can be regarded as a brilliant practical expression of our firm political will and joint consistent efforts.

Dear Ilham Heydar oglu, I am confident that our strategic partnership, grounded in principles of mutual trust and respect, will continue to develop rapidly across all priority areas, including politics, economy, trade, transport, logistics, energy, industry, agriculture, tourism, and culture.

Undoubtedly, our upcoming series of important meetings this year-both in Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan-will provide favorable opportunities not only to discuss the prospects of our bilateral relations but also for an in-depth exchange of views on the most pressing issues of regional partnership,” the letter reads.

President Ilham Aliyev meets European Council and European Commission presidents in Copenhagen [PHOTOS]

n October 2, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a meeting in Copenhagen with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, Azernews reports.