Category: Azer News

Veterans and martyr families will be exempt from paying duty for property right registration in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

This is reflected in an amendment to the “State duty” law, approved by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev.

The amendments set out the rates of state duties for registering property rights and other legal rights related to immovable property, as outlined in Articles 6 of the “State register of immovable property” law and 26 of the “State duty” law.

This includes:

– issuing extracts from the register and technical documents (passport and measurement plan) for immovable property registration;

– conducting survey work for the registration of land rights;

– issuing certificates regarding restrictions on property rights (encumbrances) from the state register;

– state registration of mortgages;

– other legal actions related to immovable property.

Furthermore, the amendment provides exemptions from state duties for individuals in socially vulnerable categories, including those with disabilities due to military service, the January 20 events, or performing military service duties (including in Chernobyl), as well as the families of martyrs.

The President has signed a decree regarding the implementation of the relevant law.

President Ilham Aliyev’s recent interview with local media went far beyond a discussion of Azerbaijan’s domestic politics and social issues. It also provided a comprehensive and clarifying overview of the country’s foreign policy, addressing sensitive international matters with notable precision and strategic clarity.

Among the foreign policy topics raised, the Palestinian issue stood out clearly. Over the past several days, the President’s remarks on Palestine have sparked intense debate across social media platforms as well as in both local and international media. This reaction, however, was largely predictable. In recent years, Azerbaijan has been targeted by certain forces in neighboring countries because of its relations with Israel. Protests were even organized in front of facilities belonging to SOCAR, Azerbaijan’s oil and gas giant, located in one of these countries. What is particularly striking is that rational and level-headed individuals have welcomed President Aliyev’s comments on Palestine within those very societies.

Overall, President Aliyev’s interview once again demonstrated his deep command of complex issues, his ability to address topics down to the finest details, and his clear strategic vision for Azerbaijan’s future. His remarks reflected a leader who not only understands global dynamics but also approaches them with foresight and consistency.

Moreover, President Aliyev’s statements on foreign policy-especially regarding Palestine-underscored that Azerbaijan’s diplomatic stance is precise, principled, and transparent. The rules of engagement are clearly defined in advance, and Azerbaijan has never deviated from them. The central priority of this policy is Azerbaijan itself and the national interests of the Azerbaijani people. These interests are never sacrificed for any country, regardless of ethnicity, religion, language, or political alignment, nor is Azerbaijan prepared to retreat from them for any country. President Aliyev made this unequivocally clear when he stated, ‘Every Azerbaijani citizen is precious to us. We have no intention of risking the lives and health of Azerbaijanis for the sake of others.’

No one, not even Azerbaijan’s adversaries, doubts that the country’s foreign policy functions with clockwork precision. President Aliyev’s words were, in fact, a clear articulation of the policy Azerbaijan has pursued consistently over the past three decades. It is precisely this approach, openly stating one’s position in advance and remaining steadfast, that has enabled Azerbaijan to achieve its political successes. Today, Azerbaijan is one of the rare countries that maintains relations based on mutual respect with both Israel and Palestine. Due to this transparency, Israel does not criticize Azerbaijan for its ties with Palestine, nor does the Palestinian side reproach Azerbaijan for its relations with Israel.

It is worth noting that following the restoration of its independence, Azerbaijan was among the first former Soviet republics to recognize Palestine. It has also consistently and openly supported the establishment of a Palestinian state across all international platforms to which it belongs. As President Aliyev noted, ‘..Azerbaijan has always supported Palestine and the creation of a Palestinian state in the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the OIC. The Palestinian Embassy operates in Azerbaijan, supported in part by Azerbaijani financial assistance.’

Azerbaijan is ready to contribute to lasting peace between Israel and Palestine, but it has never sought to enforce peace upon any party. This has never been Azerbaijan’s approach. It is well-known that Azerbaijan has participated in peacekeeping missions in various conflict zones and possesses substantial experience in this field. As President Aliyev explained, ‘.before making a decision, we must clearly understand what the mandate of the operation would be and what kind of operations are planned. We have experience participating in peacekeeping operations in Iraq, previously in Kosovo, and certainly in Afghanistan; therefore, we are well-acquainted with the operational structure.

Regarding the situation in the Gaza Strip, in our view, it remains unclear who will issue the mandate and what its nature will be. Will these be “peacekeeping” operations or “peace enforcement” operations? These are two different things. We are naturally not ready for the latter, nor have we ever considered participating in it.’

Thanks to this clear and predictable policy, Azerbaijan’s position is accepted by both Arabs and Jews alike. Has there ever been a case where a Palestinian politician, activist, or public figure has accused Azerbaijan of wrongdoing? The same question applies to other Arab countries and Israel as well. Yet, for some reason, certain actors attempt to be ‘more Catholic than the Pope.’ Azerbaijan does not engage in such behavior. Being more Catholic than the Pope is not our way.

Azerbaijan cannot contribute more to the Gaza issue than the Arabs of the region themselves, including the Palestinians. This is neither realistic nor technically possible. Arab states, by virtue of geography and influence, are better positioned to play a decisive role. Moreover, history shows that the more external actors interfere in the Palestinian issue, the greater the harm inflicted on Palestine and its people. Several wars have taken place between Arab states and Israel, primarily over the Palestinian question. A closer examination of these conflicts reveals an interesting fact: in most wars, Arab states possessed far greater resources than Israel. Ordinarily, wars are won by the side with superior resources, which would suggest Israel’s defeat was inevitable. Yet internal rivalries among Arab states and Israel’s skillful exploitation of these divisions led to Israel’s victories. Ultimately, the party that suffered most was Palestine.

Taking all this into account, it becomes clear that determination among Arab states is crucial to resolving the Palestinian issue. As President Aliyev rightly stated, ‘.I have always maintained that the affairs of Arab countries should be resolved by the Arab countries themselves. I remain deeply convinced that non-Arab Muslim countries should not get ahead of themselves. This will lead to no good. There is the Arab League; the Arab League has a position that is quite clear, and we follow it.’

This sober, realistic, and principled approach is precisely what defines Azerbaijan’s foreign policy today, and why it continues to command respect across diverse and often divided regions of the world.

In an era of rapid urbanization and mounting pressure on city infrastructure, transport systems have become a defining factor of economic competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and social well-being. Baku, Azerbaijan’s capital and largest metropolitan center, stands at a critical juncture in redefining its urban mobility model. The launch of the State Program on the Improvement of Transport Infrastructure for 2025-2030, aligned with the General Plan of Baku City (2020-2040), marks a strategic shift from fragmented infrastructure expansion toward an integrated, sustainable transport ecosystem.

This transformation also comes at a time when Baku is preparing to host a major global urban policy event. In 2026, the city will host the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), the United Nations’ flagship platform for sustainable urban development, placing Azerbaijan’s capital under international scrutiny and elevating the strategic importance of its transport and urban reforms.

Since 2003, Azerbaijan has invested heavily in transport infrastructure across all modes. Nationwide, more than 20,767 kilometers of roads, 335 bridges, 45 tunnels, and 163 pedestrian crossings have been constructed. Rail transport has expanded through 1,562 kilometers of new lines, the rehabilitation of 1,906 kilometers, and the acquisition of modern rolling stock.

In Baku, the metro network grew from 30 km to 41 km, with seven new stations and one depot, while annual passenger numbers increased from 137 million to 230 million over the past two decades. Public bus transport was modernized through the delivery of more than 1,300 buses and electric buses to BakuBus LLC. Meanwhile, Azerbaijan’s aviation sector strengthened its role as a regional hub with the commissioning of Fuzuli, Zangilan, and Lachin international airports, and plans to increase the annual capacity of Heydar Aliyev International Airport to 20 million passengers.

However, these impressive figures also reveal a critical limitation: infrastructure supply has struggled to keep pace with rising demand. Rapid population growth, suburban expansion, and increased private car ownership have placed sustained pressure on Baku’s transport network, turning congestion into a structural rather than temporary problem.

The scale of the challenge was openly acknowledged by President Ilham Aliyev in a recent interview with local media. Speaking candidly, the President noted that despite the construction of around 50 tunnels, nearly 50 bridges, and 2,500 kilometers of roads within Baku, traffic congestion remains a serious issue.

‘Traffic is a really serious problem today. During my term of office, seven metro stations have been built, but this is not enough,’ the President stated, announcing plans for the construction of 10 additional metro stations, alongside new bridges and tunnels.

Importantly, the President linked transport investment to broader fiscal and strategic priorities, noting that attracting financing for urban infrastructure would allow state resources to be redirected toward the reconstruction of Garabagh. This framing underscores a growing emphasis on efficient capital allocation and long-term economic planning, rather than unlimited expansion of road infrastructure.

The State Program for 2025-2030 represents a paradigm shift in urban transport policy. Instead of prioritizing road expansion, the focus is on building a multimodal mobility system that reduces dependence on private vehicles. This approach aligns Baku with global urban trends, where mobility is understood as a complex interaction of economic productivity, environmental sustainability, social inclusion, and digital innovation.

A central target of the program is to increase the share of public transport to 40% of all passenger movement, a goal that, if achieved, would significantly alter commuting behavior in the capital.

What are the strategic priorities of the State Program?

At the core of the State Program on the Improvement of Transport Infrastructure for 2025-2030 lies a clear policy objective: to move Baku away from car-dependent urban mobility toward a sustainable, integrated, and people-centered transport system. To achieve this, the program defines several interrelated strategic priorities.

How will public transport capacity be expanded and integrated? – The expansion of public transport infrastructure is the program’s primary pillar. Particular emphasis is placed on the metro system, which is expected to serve as the backbone of urban mobility. Plans include the construction of 10 new metro stations, the development of additional depots, and the optimization of existing stations to improve passenger flow and operational efficiency.

Beyond the metro, the program prioritizes the integration of bus, rail, and future rapid transit systems through dedicated bus lanes and modern transport interchange hubs. This integrated approach aims to increase the speed, reliability, and attractiveness of public transport, with the strategic goal of raising its share to 40% of total passenger movement. Achieving this target would significantly reduce road congestion and the environmental burden caused by private vehicle use.

How does the program address alternative and micromobility solutions? – Recognizing that not all urban trips require large-scale transport systems, the State Program actively promotes micromobility options, including bicycles, e-scooters, and other small electric vehicles. The expansion of dedicated lanes and parking infrastructure is intended to encourage short-distance travel without cars.

This policy reflects global urban mobility trends, where micromobility is increasingly viewed as a cost-effective tool to reduce congestion, lower emissions, and improve first- and last-mile connectivity to public transport networks.

What role does pedestrian infrastructure play in the new mobility model? Another key priority is the transformation of Baku into a more walkable city. The program ??????????????? the creation of pedestrian zones, modernization of crossings, and improvement of sidewalks, making walking a safer and more attractive option for daily movement.

From an economic and social perspective, pedestrian-oriented urban design reduces short car trips, enhances public safety, and contributes to healthier lifestyles. International experience shows that walkable cities also tend to have stronger local economies and higher quality of urban life.

How is environmental sustainability integrated into transport planning? – Environmental considerations form a central component of the program. The gradual transition to electric buses, supported by the construction of depots equipped with charging infrastructure, aims to reduce emissions from public transport and improve air quality.

By prioritizing electrification, Baku aligns its transport policy with broader climate and sustainability goals, signaling a shift toward green urban infrastructure that supports long-term environmental resilience.

What is the role of digital technologies in the State Program? – Digitalization is one of the defining features of the program. The introduction of a single digital payment system for all public transport modes is expected to simplify commuting and encourage greater use of public transport.

In parallel, smart traffic management systems and data-driven planning tools will enable more efficient coordination of transport services, improved traffic flow, and better long-term infrastructure planning. In this sense, technology is positioned not merely as a convenience but as a strategic instrument for managing urban mobility complexity.

WUF13 and the international dimension of Baku’s transport reforms

The relevance of these reforms is heightened by Baku’s role as host of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), scheduled to take place from May 17 to 22, 2026. The forum will be jointly organized by the Government of Azerbaijan and the UN-HABITAT Program of the United Nations, and is expected to bring together representatives from governments, municipalities, the private sector, civil society, youth and academic circles, and international organizations from around the world.

As the UN’s premier global conference on sustainable urban development, WUF13 places transport, mobility, and urban sustainability at the center of international dialogue. For Baku, this event acts as both an opportunity and a benchmark. Progress in metro expansion, public transport integration, pedestrianization, green mobility, and digital transport solutions will inevitably be assessed against global best practices and the objectives of the UN New Urban Agenda.

In this context, Baku’s transport reforms transcend domestic policy considerations and become part of the city’s international positioning and urban diplomacy. Successful implementation of the State Program ahead of WUF13 would allow Baku to present itself not merely as a host city, but as an emerging regional model for sustainable urban mobility.

If successfully implemented, the program is expected to reduce traffic accidents, increase public transport usage, and lower emissions. Beyond mobility, an efficient transport system will support economic productivity, social inclusion, and urban resilience, enhancing Baku’s attractiveness as a modern, globally connected city.

Baku’s transport transformation reflects a broader evolution in urban policy from building roads to building systems. The 2025-2030 State Program, reinforced by the city’s role as host of WUF13 in 2026, provides a strategic framework for addressing congestion while aligning transport development with environmental and economic priorities. The success of this transformation will depend on disciplined implementation, innovative financing, and strong institutional coordination. If achieved, Baku will not only improve the daily lives of its residents but also strengthen its position on the global urban map as a forward-looking, sustainable metropolis.

For the first time in Azerbaijan, a specialized hemodialysis unit has been established at the Absheron Regional Hospital for patients suffering from tuberculosis and chronic kidney failure, Azernews reports, citing T?BIB.

According to the statement, the unit was created at the initiative of the Pulmonary Diseases Center, and the first patient has already begun receiving hemodialysis treatment.

The hemodialysis unit is equipped with a modern Fresenius Medical Care hemodialysis machine manufactured in Germany. All necessary conditions have been put in place to ensure patient comfort, and the unit is fully supplied with the required medical equipment.

To ensure the provision of specialized medical services, a physician-specialist, a specially trained nurse, and technical staff from the Absheron District Central Hospital have been involved in the process.

The primary objective of this service is to eliminate contact between tuberculosis patients and other dialysis patients, while enabling them to undergo hemodialysis in a safe and comfortable environment alongside their tuberculosis treatment.

It is planned to extend this service to regional hospitals in Shamkir and Gobustan in the future.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has consolidated authority over the future of state-owned credit institutions, granting the presidency final say on their reorganization and dissolution under a newly signed decree, Azernews reports.

Under the decree, the list of individuals authorized to represent the state in resolving matters assigned to the general meetings of banks and non-bank credit institutions with state-owned shares in their charter capital has been expanded, to the extent permitted by those shares. These institutions are hereinafter referred to as credit institutions.

President Ilham Aliyev has signed the relevant decree formalizing these changes.

The Ministry of Economy, based on a proposal from the Ministry of Finance, will approve the charter of a credit institution and determine the size of its charter capital in coordination with the head of state.

The Azerbaijan Wrestling Championship has officially begun, with fierce competition already underway, Azernews reports. The first day of the tournament saw the final contenders determined in the Greco-Roman wrestling categories across various weight classes.

In the 55 kg category, Elmir Aliyev (Neftchi) will face off against Rashad Mammadov (Neftchi, Shamkir). The 63 kg final will feature Ziya Babashov (Neftchi) against Sakit Guliyev (Neftchi).

In the 72 kg category, Faraim Mustafayev (Neftchi) will compete with Khalid Hasanov (Neftchi). The 82 kg final will see Elmin Aliyev (MOIK Lankaran) go up against Tuncay Vezirzadeh (Neftchi). Lastly, in the 97 kg category, Muhammad Ahmadiev (Neftchi) will take on Murad Ahmadiev (Neftchi).

Tomorrow, the winners in these weight classes will be determined. Additionally, matches will commence in the 60 kg, 67 kg, 77 kg, 87 kg, and 130 kg categories.

The Azerbaijan Wrestling Championship is shaping up to be an exciting competition, with Neftchi wrestlers dominating the finals in several categories.

Wrestling continues to be the most popular sport in Azerbaijan and is overseen by the National Wrestling Federation, which was founded in 1993.

The Rio Olympic Games marked a significant milestone in Azerbaijan’s wrestling history, as the country became one of only two nations to increase its medal count in five consecutive Olympics.

In 2020, Azerbaijani freestyle wrestlers secured third place in the overall medal standings at the Individual World Cup held in Serbia, winning two medals-a silver and a bronze-behind Russia, which led the table, and Turkiye.

In 2022, Osman Nurmagomedov (92 kg) claimed the World Championship title in Belgrade, defeating a Russian opponent in the final match.

At the 2024 Summer Olympics, Azerbaijan earned three bronze medals in wrestling: Hasrat Jafarov (67 kg) in Greco-Roman, and Giorgi Meshvildishvili (125 kg) and Magomedkhan Magomedov (97 kg) in freestyle.

Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall has hosted a spectacular concert timed to the 270th anniversary of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of classical music’s most influential figures, Azernews reports.

Under the baton of Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev, the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra filled the grand hall with Mozart’s timeless melodies.

The concert program “Rare Classical Music Evening” was met with great interest by the audience. Rafiga Guluzade delivered a brilliant performance on the piano, her fingers dancing across the keys with the grace and clarity that Mozart’s works demand.

Sharif Bagirov, one of Azerbaijan’s leading clarinettists, added a unique color to the evening with his expressive renditions, while Nina Makarova’s mezzo-soprano voice soared through the hall, effortlessly conveying the depth and beauty of Mozart’s vocal lines.

The performance was further enriched by the participation of Nigar Jafarova (soprano), Mahir Taghizada (baritone), Renata Abubekirova (violin), and Rena Rahimova (viola).

The Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra, a distinguished musical ensemble based in Baku, Azerbaijan, was established in 1964 by composers Fikrat Amirov and Gara Garayev.

The orchestra performs compositions by Azerbaijani, Western European, and Russian composers and actively showcases Azerbaijani classical music internationally.

In 2025, Honored Artist Ayyub Guliyev was appointed as the new conductor of the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra.

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) has discussed the steps taken toward the full-scale development of the Absheron gas-condensate field with TotalEnergies.

Azernews reports, citing SOCAR, that on January 8, 2026, SOCAR President Rovshan Najaf met with Martina Oppizi, Senior Vice President of TotalEnergies. During the meeting, the sides reviewed the implementation status of joint projects, with a particular focus on preparations for the next stage of development at the Absheron field.

The discussions covered ongoing cooperation between SOCAR and TotalEnergies, as well as broader issues of mutual interest in the energy sector, reflecting the strategic nature of their partnership.

The Absheron gas-condensate field is located on the Caspian Sea shelf, about 100 kilometers southeast of Baku and 25 kilometers northeast of the Shah Deniz field. Gas and condensate production at Absheron began in July 2023.

At an oil and gas conference held in Baku in June 2024, the project’s partners, TotalEnergies with a 35 percent stake, SOCAR with 35 percent, and ADNOC with 30 percent, announced that the second phase of Absheron could reach peak production of up to 110,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day. Of this volume, around 35,000 barrels per day would be condensate, produced through three or more additional deepwater wells.

The Food Safety Agency (AQTA) has announced the results of epizootic monitoring conducted across the country, including the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, from November 17-21 and December 8-12, 2025, with the participation of relevant authorities.

Citing a statement released by AQTA, Azernews reports that the measures covered state nature reserves, hunting farms, and national parks, including wetlands, coastal zones, and other areas. In addition, general observations and clinical examinations of wild birds were carried out in water reservoirs and riverbank areas, and diagnostic samples were collected from various species of wild birds.

Furthermore, in industrial poultry farms of various sizes and in household farms across 34 districts and cities, blood and swab samples from various species of domestic birds were collected and examined.

Laboratory tests and analysis of general epizootic observations revealed no birds showing clinical signs of avian influenza nor any evidence of the disease-causing agent. Diagnostic samples taken from domestic birds were also tested for Newcastle disease, and no suspected cases of infection were detected.

The admission exams for special talent-based majors in the field of music arts for the 2026/2027 academic year will traditionally be held in the form of written tests on theoretical subjects, Azernews reports citing the Azerbaijan State Examination Center (SEC).

Applicants, as well as sub-bachelor students, can take the major-specific exams and, upon obtaining positive results, will have the right to participate in the theoretical subjects exams.

To help participants prepare more effectively, online mock tests for music theory and solfeggio, harmony and solfeggio, and music literature have been posted on the website . Applicants can take part in the online mock exams by accessing the relevant sections (Azerbaijani and Russian).

The online mock test (Music Arts – No. 3) on the website includes four exams: Music Theory and Solfeggio (30 questions), Harmony and Solfeggio (30 questions), Music Literature (30 questions), and Theoretical Subjects Exam (60 questions).

In the Music Theory and Solfeggio and Harmony and Solfeggio subjects, 25 out of 30 questions assess theoretical knowledge, and 5 questions are related to ear training. In the Music Literature subject, 20 questions cover the lives and works of Azerbaijani, Western European, and Russian composers, as well as knowledge of different artistic styles and periods, while 10 questions are focused on identifying music samples.

In the Theoretical Subjects Exam, 60 questions are distributed as follows: 20 questions on Music Theory and Solfeggio (5 listening, 15 theoretical), 20 questions on Harmony (5 listening, 15 theoretical), and 20 questions on Music Literature (8 listening, 12 theoretical).

It should be noted that, except for the 20th commission, the exams for each commission have been presented separately. For the 20th commission, the theoretical subjects exam consists of 60 combined questions.

You can also familiarize yourself with the distribution of music arts specializations across commissions, registration conditions, and the list of exams here.

The rules and conditions for admission to special talent-based programs in music arts at higher and secondary vocational education institutions, as well as the evaluation criteria and exam programs, will also be published in the special edition of the “Abituriyent” journal titled “Music Arts.”