Category: Azer News

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a telephone conversation with his Georgian counterpart Maka Botchorishvili, during which the sides discussed the export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia through Georgian territory, Azernews reports.

According to a statement released by Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry, the ministers reviewed the current state and future prospects of the friendly and strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Georgia. They emphasized that sustained political dialogue at the highest levels, along with frequent mutual visits, has played a key role in further strengthening bilateral relations. The importance of expanding high-level political contacts in the coming year was also underlined.

The conversation focused on regional trade and communication issues, with both sides welcoming ongoing efforts in this direction. The ministers expressed satisfaction with the agreement reached on the tariff issue related to the export of Azerbaijani oil products to Armenia via Georgia, stressing the need to continue coordinated work. Bayramov conveyed his gratitude to the Georgian leadership for the prompt resolution of the matter.

The sides also exchanged views on other bilateral and regional issues. Concluding the call, the ministers extended their congratulations on the upcoming New Year and voiced confidence that Azerbaijan-Georgia relations will further deepen in the year ahead.

Expired and unusable ammunition will be destroyed in the areas of Pir?k?skl and Agd?r?, Azernews reports, citing the Defense Ministry.

The Ministry noted that the disposal process will take place on December 29-30 in strict compliance with safety regulations. The ammunition, whose operational lifespan has ended, will be destroyed at a training ground near the Pir?k?skl settlement, as well as at a training center located in the Agd?r? district.

The Ministry emphasized that residents should not be alarmed by the sounds of explosions during the operation, noting that there is no cause for concern.

A Cybersecurity Supervision and Monitoring Center has begun operations under the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing the ministry.

According to the statement, the establishment of the center marks a strategic step in ensuring the security of the healthcare sector’s digital transformation and in implementing state policy aimed at protecting critical information infrastructure.

Operating as a 24/7 Security Operations Center (SOC), the facility will play a leading role in safeguarding medical information systems, patient data, and digital healthcare services. Its core functions include proactive monitoring, early detection of cyberattacks and information security incidents, and their rapid response and mitigation.

The center’s key objectives also include protecting the confidentiality and integrity of medical data, preventing cyberattacks that could disrupt the operations of healthcare institutions, implementing centralized monitoring of information systems under the ministry’s authority, and ensuring swift incident response mechanisms.

Ensuring information security in the healthcare sector is a critical component of public trust and national security. As part of the SOC’s operations, the implementation of advanced security solutions such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Identity and Access Management (IAM) is nearing completion, placing the data of millions of patients under strict protection.

The ministry noted that digital transformation requires robust protective measures, and the newly established SOC represents a key solution for enhancing the cyber resilience of Azerbaijan’s healthcare system.

The Ministry of Health of Azerbaijan is the executive authority responsible for shaping and regulating state policy in the healthcare sector, including digitalization and the protection of information resources.

The Prosecutor General’s Office of Azerbaijan has issued a strong warning to citizens regarding participation in armed conflicts abroad, including the ongoing Russian-Ukrainian war, Azernews reports.

In a statement, the office noted that investigations and media reports have confirmed cases of Azerbaijani citizens engaging in military operations in foreign conflicts:

“We regret to note that as a result of these battles, there are our citizens who have died, been seriously injured, and also taken prisoner. We declare that Azerbaijan, considering the life, security, and ensuring the rights and freedoms of its citizens as the supreme goal and duty of the state, demonstrates a firm and uncompromising position based on the principle of inevitability of legal responsibility in relation to every person who acts contrary to the law and violates the rules of law.”

The statement emphasized that participation in armed conflicts abroad is a serious crime under Azerbaijani law and international conventions. Activities such as mercenary work or joining armed formations not recognized by Azerbaijani legislation are punishable by imprisonment from 8 to 20 years, or in particularly severe cases, life imprisonment.

“It is brought to the attention of our citizens that participation in armed formations not provided for by the legislation of Azerbaijan, regardless of any ideological, material, personal or other interest, is considered a crime.”

The Prosecutor General’s Office confirmed that criminal cases have already been initiated against some citizens, with preliminary investigations completed in certain cases and long-term sentences issued for those proven guilty. Other investigations are ongoing.

The statement concluded with a call for vigilance and compliance with national laws:

“The duty of an Azerbaijani citizen is to obey the laws of your state and defend your homeland. No material interest can be more important than your life, freedom and future. Refraining from illegal activities and upholding national interests is the moral and legal responsibility of each of us. We call on our citizens to be vigilant, not to obey illegal calls and to respect the laws of our state.”

Agreement between Azerbaijan and Oman on mutual visa exemption for diplomatic passport holders has been approved, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant law.

According to the law, the “Agreement between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Oman on the mutual exemption from visas for holders of diplomatic, special and service passports”, signed in Muscat on October 29, 2025 is hereby approved.

An event dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the prominent scholar, Honored Scientist, Honored Teacher, Doctor of Medical Sciences, and Professor Ibadulla Aghayev has been held at the Rashid Behbudov Azerbaijan State Song Theatre, Azernews reports.

Organized by the “D?d? ?l?sg?r Ocagi” Public Association, the event began with a one-minute silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the Motherland. This was followed by the screening of a video presentation highlighting Professor Ibadulla Aghayev’s rich life journey and scientific achievements.

Delivering the opening speech, Chairman of the “D?d? ?l?sg?r Ocagi” Public Association, Khatayi Alasgarli, emphasized Professor Aghayev’s significant contributions not only to medical science but also to the preservation and promotion of national and spiritual values.

Professor Ibadulla Aghayev then addressed the audience, expressing his gratitude to the organizers and participants of the event. He noted that the main purpose of his many years of scientific and pedagogical activity has been to serve and contribute to the development of Azerbaijan’s healthcare system.

The event featured speeches by Hasan Hasanov, First Deputy Head of the Sabirabad District Executive Authority; Professor of Azerbaijan Medical University (AMU) and poet Pasha Galbinur; Associate Professor of the AMU Oncology Department Nasimi Gasimov; Associate Professor of the Department of Internal Medicine, PhD in Medical and Philological Sciences Naghdali Zamanov; Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States, Doctor of Medical Sciences and Professor Sudeyf Imamverdiyev; Doctor of Medical Sciences and Professor Fatma Hajiyeva; Professor Haji Khalid Bashar; poet Yusif Aghbulaghi; and poet-publicist Melahat Ismayilgizi. They spoke about Professor Aghayev’s scientific, pedagogical, and public activities, highly appreciating his nearly half-century-long career and highlighting his fundamental contributions to the development of epidemiology, as well as his research in the study and prevention of infectious diseases.

Over more than five decades of scientific and pedagogical activity, Professor Ibadulla Aghayev has made significant contributions to the advancement of epidemiological science, supervised 40 PhD and 5 doctoral dissertations, and authored hundreds of scientific works. In addition, in recognition of his services in promoting Azerbaijani ashug poetry, particularly the legacy of Dede Alasgar, he was awarded the “Ashug Alasgar – 200” jubilee medal in 2024.

The age limit for reserve duty for warrant officers and midshipmen in Azerbaijan has been increased, Azernews reports.

The recent modifications are incorporated into both the “Regulation on Military Service” and the “Law on Military Duty and Military Service”, which were officially approved by President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan.

As stipulated in the new law, the aim is to optimize the utilization of specialized professionals-those trained at domestic and foreign specialized secondary educational institutions-by extending their active military service. Given that these individuals possess advanced training and expertise, the revised policy seeks to leverage their skills for the country’s defense over an extended period. Accordingly, the duration of active military service for warrant officers and midshipmen graduating from such institutions will be set at 10 years during peacetime.

In line with the relevant provisions of Articles 26″v” and 36.1.3 of the law, the new regulations also allow for the acceptance of individuals up to the age of 40 (excluding officers) into active military service as warrant officers and midshipmen.

Under the existing framework, as outlined in the “Regulation on Military Service” and the “Law on Military Duty and Military Service”, the duration of active service for sergeants and junior sergeants during peacetime is currently set at five years, as specified in Articles 12 “q” and 38.1.4.

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

The leadership of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation and renowned champion judokas have met with participants of the seventh “Brotherly Garabagh Schools” Winter Camp held in the Shabran district, Azernews reports.

The meeting was attended by Elnur Mammadli, Vice President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation and Olympic champion; Azer Asgarov, President of the Azerbaijan Veterans Association and Chairman of the “Judo Club 2012” Public Union; Olympic champion Hidayat Heydarov; European champions Rustam Orujov and Orkhan Safarov; as well as other official representatives.

The event, organized jointly by the “Zafar” Public Union for Support of Martyrs’ Families, the Cultural Center of Azerbaijanis in Switzerland, and the “Weekend Garabagh School” operating in Nantes, France, with the support of the Azerbaijan Diaspora Support Fund, featured a friendly conversation between the champions and the camp participants. The athletes shared their personal and sporting experiences and encouraged the young participants to be goal-oriented and persistent.

During the meeting, a young judoka participating in the camp-Laman Niftaliyeva, the daughter of War Hero and martyr, Senior Sergeant Mehrab Niftaliyev, and a national championship medalistwas presented with a judo gift by the champion judokas.

At the end of the meeting, Azer Asgarov, Chairman of the “Judo Club 2012” Public Union and initiator of the event, presented commemorative gifts to all camp participants.

The camp at the “Shabran Wellbeing Resort” Recreation and Health Center, various educational workshops, intellectual games, and cultural and sports activities were organized. The second stage of the camp is planned to be held in France in the summer of 2026.

On December 29, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, their daughters Leyla Aliyeva, and Arzu Aliyeva visited Baku White City, Azernews reports.

Ruslan Sadikhov, Executive Director of the Baku White City project, briefed the head of state and the First Lady on the completed and ongoing works in the area.

President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, their daughters first inspected the Karabakh Horses sculpture complex. Dedicated to Azerbaijan’s victory in the Patriotic War and symbolizing the nation’s heritage, the complex stands in Karabakh Horses Square and features statues of seven Karabakh horses: Soltan, Urek, Sereyin, Aypara, Shohrat, Otgam, and Ildirim.

The foundation stone of the complex was laid by President Ilham Aliyev in December 2022. The composition was created by renowned American sculptor Robert Summers, known for iconic works such as the ‘Cattle Drive’ in Dallas and the ‘John Wayne’ statue at a California airport.

The President, the First Lady and their daughters then reviewed progress in the Babek Quarter, a 31-hectare development where construction is progressing successfully. Plans include a new park, school, metro station on the purple line, major transport hub, multifunctional public and residential buildings, cafes, children’s playgrounds, and other social infrastructure. Buildings of 2 to 20 stories are also planned.

The quarter is enclosed by Babek Avenue – a vital Baku artery – and the 45-meter-wide Khagani Rustamov Street, intersecting three major avenues. Suleyman Vazirov Street connects to Babek Avenue via the Khatai metro station. A reconstructed four-lane road (over 1 km long and 34 meters wide) links the roundabout to Babek Avenue, with two additional 32-meter-wide junctions under construction. Wide 7-meter sidewalks, planted trees and flowers, pedestrian overpasses, electric vehicle charging stations, fuel stations, and other infrastructure enhance the area. Turning lanes prevent congestion, and a pedestrian bridge in front of the school provides safe access to the park and Baku European Lyceum.

President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva and their daughters planted the first oak trees in Palid Meydani Park, which will feature numerous oaks, planes, olives, maples, magnolias, palms, and other seasonal trees.

The head of state, the First Lady and their daughters also attended the opening of Zaman Square and its pedestrian bridge.

Saleh Mammadov, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan State Agency for Automobile Roads, updated President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva on the development works.

The 234-meter-long bridge (7-13 meters wide) significantly improves pedestrian mobility, linking Zaman Square on 8 November Avenue, Central Park from Babek Avenue, and White City Boulevard from Fountain Square. Escalators and elevators connect to the new ‘White City’ metro station.

Zaman Square, spanning nearly 8,000 square meters on 8 November Street, boasts elegant landscaping and fountains. It serves as a cultural hub showcasing works by local and international artists. The square is highlighted by the ‘Seven Public Clocks’ installation – seven clock-themed artworks created specifically for the project by world-famous artist Konstantin Grcic (whose similar ‘Six Public Clocks’ from 1999 is an icon in London).

Other notable sculptures include Joseph Klibansky’s bronze ‘Beyond the Clouds,’ Simon Gudgeon’s ‘Search for Enlightenment’ on Bulvar Street (with counterparts in London’s Hyde Park and Riverside Walk Garden), and the upcoming ‘Flamingo’ by the same sculptor for Daghdaghan Park.

Once notoriously polluted for over 150 years by oil industry waste – earning it the name ‘Black City’ – the site has been transformed through the President’s initiative into a globally recognized ecological redevelopment and modern urban district. Baku White City exemplifies contemporary urban planning, launched on December 24, 2011, with President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva in attendance. Designed on eco-friendly, sustainable ‘smart city’ principles, most residential buildings are the first in the CIS to comply with BREEAM ecological certification and CRREM carbon risk assessment tool. With broad streets, extensive greenery, international sculptures, and cutting-edge innovations, it is evolving into Baku’s premier area for work, living, and leisure.

The hosting of the globally watched COP29 headquarters in ‘Baku White City’ held symbolic importance, underscoring Azerbaijan’s contributions to the international climate agenda, including ecology and greening efforts.

On December 29, a festive celebration was organized for children on the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and Founder and Head of the IDEA Public Association, ahead of December 31 – World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year.

According to Azernews, the event was attended by Leyla Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Center Arzu Aliyeva, and Alena Aliyeva.

The celebration was organized for children raised in various orphanages and boarding schools, as well as for children with disabilities and those in need of special care. The main aim of the event was to create a festive atmosphere for young participants and bring them moments of joy and happiness.

As part of the holiday program, children took part in entertaining games, interactive activities, and musical performances featuring New Year characters and beloved fairy-tale heroes.

During the event, a special New Year edition of the children’s magazine ‘Goyarchin’ was also presented. The magazine, published since 1958, is a monthly publication for preschoolers and primary school students. The editor-in-chief of ‘Goyarchin’ is Honored Cultural Worker and Professor Rafiq Yusifoglu. The special edition was met with great interest by the children attending the celebration.

Stories and poems from ‘Goyarchin’ were read aloud during the event, while children actively participated in various competitions and games.

People’s Artist Faiq Aghayev performed songs from his repertoire, and Leyla Aliyeva, Arzu Aliyeva, and Alena Aliyeva joined the children in dancing and celebrating together.

As the celebration coincided with the People’s Artist’s birthday, Faiq Aghayev marked the special occasion with the children, blowing out candles on a birthday cake together with them.

In addition, residents of Children’s Homes No. 2 and No. 3 showcased their dance performances during the event.

The celebration concluded with a joint cake-cutting ceremony, the distribution of festive gifts, and the presentation of the special New Year edition of ‘Goyarchin’ magazine to the children.