Category: Azer News

Chinese shipbuilders have unveiled the Kaito, the world’s first super-large oil tanker powered by methanol. Spanning an impressive 333 meters in length, this cutting-edge vessel can carry up to 2.1 million barrels of crude oil, Azernews reports.

The Kaito is equipped with a dual-fuel engine and a methanol supply system, marking a significant breakthrough in sustainable shipping. By using methanol instead of traditional fuel oil, the tanker reduces carbon dioxide emissions by 92% and sulfur oxide emissions by 99%, contributing to a cleaner, more eco-friendly maritime industry.

In addition to its advanced propulsion system, the Kaito features an intelligent platform designed to optimize cargo management, engine room operations, and maintenance. This innovative technology enhances the vessel’s efficiency, safety, and overall performance, setting new standards in maritime transport.

Built by the Dalian division of the China State Shipbuilding Corporation, the Kaito is set to operate along the Middle East to Far East trade route, potentially transforming the global shipping industry with its environmentally friendly approach.

This launch not only represents a technological leap forward but also highlights China’s growing role in pioneering green technologies for global industries. The Kaito could pave the way for future ships to embrace cleaner, more sustainable fuel alternatives.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with residents relocated to the Karkijahan settlement in the city of Khankendi on December 23, Azernews reports.

Welcoming the residents, President Ilham Aliyev said:

‘I congratulate you on your return to your native land after 34 years. Thank Allah, our lands have been liberated from the occupiers, and all former displaced persons are gradually returning to their ancestral lands, including today to the settlement of Karkijahan. This return process continues, and today the ‘Great Return’ Program is the most successfully implemented return program on a global scale.

You lived for many years in difficult conditions, enduring both physical and moral suffering. Now this has come to an end. After 34 years, you are returning to your native Karkijahan. This is a great happiness both for you and for our entire people.

At the end of December 1991, the Armenian state forcibly displaced you from your ancestral land. It was the end of December then, and now, at the end of December 2025, justice has been fully restored here as well. Of course, it is not difficult to imagine how much suffering you endured during these years – both in terms of living conditions and moral torment, as well as the feeling of injustice. But I am certain that, like the entire nation, you believed that one day we would return here.

Two years ago, as a result of an anti-terror operation, the settlement of Karkijahan, together with the city of Khankendi, was liberated from the occupiers, and life is now being rebuilt here.

I visited this settlement in October. At that time, I gave instructions for the repair of houses and the school, as well as the implementation of other necessary infrastructure projects. Today, while familiarizing myself with the settlement, I see that everything has been organized at a high level. The settlement is pleasing to the eye. Of course, this is only the first stage of restoration, because during the occupation the enemy rendered the settlement uninhabitable. Many houses were in a condition unfit for living. Therefore, repair and restoration works have been carried out for nearly two years. Now, some streets have been fully renovated, houses have been brought to full readiness, and all conditions for living here have been created.

I would like to congratulate you once again wholeheartedly on this occasion. I am confident that you will live comfortably and prosperously here. The main thing is that you are on your native land.

Unfortunately, at that time, the Azerbaijani leadership was unable to protect you, failed to demonstrate political will, showed cowardice, and in fact reconciled itself with the occupation. The subsequent government worsened the situation even further. The occupation of Shusha and Lachin occurred approximately five months after the occupation of Karkijahan. Before that, the Khojaly genocide was committed. At that time, both the leadership remaining from the Soviet era and the so-called leadership associated with the popular movement effectively abandoned the people living here to their fate. They could have defended you, but they did not.

Some acted out of cowardice, while others, in their pursuit of power, created chaos and anarchy in Azerbaijan and, in many cases, through betrayal, handed over our lands to the enemy. The APF-Musavat duo that later came to power plunged the country into a deep crisis through their incompetent and treacherous actions. Civil war, the occupation of Kalbajar, and the loss of the Lachin-Khankendi road gave Armenia significant advantages and ultimately led to large-scale occupation.

We, however, worked and fought day and night to liberate our ancient lands from enemy occupation and won the war. It is true that during the Second Karabakh War we did not completely end the occupation, but we never doubted that Khankendi, Khojavend, Aghdara, Asgaran, Karkijahan, and all other settlements and cities still under occupation at that time would be liberated.

Two years ago, as a result of an anti-terror operation that lasted only a few hours, we fully ended the occupation, restored our sovereignty, permanently expelled the occupiers from our lands, and today we live in peace. This is such a glorious history that I am confident both the current and future generations will always take pride in it.

Your return here once again proves that justice exists; one simply has to ensure it. I congratulate you once again.’

x x x

The residents thanked President Ilham Aliyev for the conditions created for them.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the 110/35/10 kV Khankendi-1 substation, operated by Azerenerji OJSC, in the city of Khankendi on December 23, Azernews reports.

Chairman of the Board of Azerenerji Baba Rzayev briefed the head of state on the completed works at the facility.

In accordance with the directives of President Ilham Aliyev to establish a reliable electricity infrastructure in the liberated territories, a modern closed-type 110/35/10 kV substation meeting urban grid standards has been constructed in Khankendi. To connect Khankendi city and surrounding areas to the national power system, an 11-kilometer high-voltage transmission line was laid from Shusha, including 1.8 kilometers of underground cable installed across complex mountainous and forested terrain. This facility is the first closed-type 110 kV substation in the liberated regions, with all equipment, including transformers, installed indoors.

The substation is equipped with a modern microprocessor-based Digital Control Center operating on the Micro-SCADA system, developed by specialists of Azerenerji and applied here for the first time. The system enables real-time monitoring, control, and event recording of high-voltage lines and equipment. The substation will ensure a reliable and uninterrupted power supply to Khankendi city, as well as the Aghdara, Khojaly, and Khojavend districts.

President Ilham Aliyev was also informed about innovative technologies used in the creation of an approximately 1,000-kilometer ring-type power supply network across Garabagh and East Zangazur. Over the past five years, Azerenerji has built around 1,000 kilometers of high-voltage transmission lines interconnected through 12 newly constructed substations, forming a dual-circuit 330/110 kV ring system. This effort included the construction of the Jabrayil Energy Hub and the comprehensive reconstruction of the Imishli, Aghjabadi, and Ganja substations. This constitutes the largest modernization of the region’s power system in its history, ensuring automatic load redistribution and uninterrupted electricity supply in the event of any malfunction.

Another pioneering initiative is the introduction of Digital Monitoring and Analysis Systems for substations and overhead transmission lines, initially implemented in Garabagh and East Zangazur and planned for nationwide deployment. State-of-the-art digital equipment has been acquired, and young Azerbaijani engineers have undergone specialized training abroad. The system uses high-resolution cameras and thermal imagers mounted on vehicles and drones to collect and analyze data, while laser technologies allow for the detection of distances, overheating, and technical defects not visible to the naked eye.

President Ilham Aliyev was further briefed on major projects implemented by Azerenerji within the framework of the Green Energy Transition. Construction of the country’s largest 500 kV Navahi substation has been completed. New 330 kV and 220 kV substations in Jabrayil and Sangachal, respectively, have been commissioned to integrate the Shafag Solar Power Plant and electrify the Sangachal terminal. Battery Energy Storage Systems – the largest by capacity in the CIS – are currently under construction at the Absheron and Aghdash substations. To enable the integration of 2 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity and enhance grid stability, Wide Area Monitoring and Wide Area Control systems are being introduced.

U.S. Southern Command said late Monday that it carried out a strike in the Eastern Pacific under orders from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, targeting a vessel allegedly linked to drug trafficking and designated terrorist groups.

According to the statement, Joint Task Force Southern Spear launched a lethal operation against a low-profile boat operating in international waters. U.S. intelligence assessed that the vessel was travelling along established narcotics trafficking routes and was actively involved in drug smuggling activities.

Southern Command said one man it described as a ‘narco-terrorist’ was killed in the strike.

The latest operation brings the total number of deaths from U.S. strikes on suspected drug-smuggling vessels in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean to at least 105 since the campaign began in early September.

President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

“Dear Ilham Heydar oglu,

Please accept my heartfelt congratulations and warm wishes on the occasion of your birthday.

In Kazakhstan, you are recognized and respected as an outstanding statesman of our time, and as an experienced and capable politician of global stature.

Your many years of dedicated state service are rightly associated with a period of historic achievements for Azerbaijan, the strengthening of its sovereignty, the growth of its international authority, and dynamic socio-economic development.

Under your strong and wise leadership, fraternal Azerbaijan, following a strategic course, will continue its confident progress on the path of sustainable growth and advancement.

I greatly value your enormous personal contribution to strengthening Kazakh-Azerbaijani relations of strategic partnership and alliance, and I attach particular importance to their comprehensive reinforcement in the spirit of centuries-old friendship and mutual support.

I am confident that, through our joint efforts, we will give new impetus to the further development of multifaceted interstate ties and elevate relations between Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan to a qualitatively new level.

I wish you, dear Ilham Heydar oglu, inexhaustible energy, family well-being, and continued success in your responsible state activities as well as prosperity and welfare to the fraternal people of Azerbaijan,” the letter reads.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening ceremony of the newly renovated Secondary School No. 1 in the Karkijahan settlement of the city of Khankendi on December 23, Azernews reports.

Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev briefed the head of state on the project.

The major renovation of the school, designed for 624 students, was carried out to a high standard and completed within a short period of time. The building now includes 17 classrooms, specialized laboratories, STEAM and IT rooms, military training classrooms, as well as biology, chemistry, physics and technology classrooms, club rooms, a pre-school preparation room, a library and reading hall, a gymnasium, an assembly hall, and a cafeteria, all fully equipped and ready for use by teachers and students. Each room is furnished with the necessary educational equipment and teaching resources.

Additionally, an outdoor sports facility has been built on the school premises. Overall, the school provides comprehensive conditions for the organization of a high-quality educational process.

The Azerbaijan Boxing Federation (ABF) has reported that this year has been highly successful for the country’s national boxing teams, with both the number and quality of medals won at international competitions increasing, Azernews reports.

ABF Vice-President Vusal Nasirli noted that, compared to the previous year, Azerbaijani athletes competed successfully across four age categories in international tournaments. He expressed satisfaction with the performance of the coaching staff and highlighted their important contribution to these achievements.

The meeting also reviewed steps taken to improve the Federation’s operations and strengthen its material and technical base. Among the key developments were the opening of the Southern Regional Boxing Center in Lankaran and the establishment of new boxing divisions in Ganja, Gazakh, and Imishli, which were praised as major contributions to the growth of the sport.

Officials emphasized that these initiatives will continue next year, with further efforts to popularize boxing nationwide and expand infrastructure. They outlined the Federation’s main goals for the coming year, which include increasing the number of medals, raising the qualifications of coaches and referees, discovering new talents, expanding the sport’s reach in regional centers, and representing Azerbaijan with distinction at the Youth Summer Olympic Games in Senegal.

Advisor to the ABF President Samir Huseynov and Secretary General Naghi Safarov also shared their views on the year’s results, praising the dedication of athletes and coaches. The meeting concluded with discussions on issues raised by boxers and coaches, and recommendations and instructions were given to ensure the Federation’s continued success.

The Azerbaijan Boxing Federation (ABF) was established in 1924, marking the beginning of organized boxing in the country. Just two years later, in 1926, the first national boxing championship was held in Azerbaijan, and that same year Azerbaijani athletes took part in the Transcaucasian Championship, achieving notable success. In 1929, Azerbaijan hosted its first international boxing match against Turkey, which helped raise the profile of the sport and introduced local athletes to international competition.

Following the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Azerbaijan became an independent state, and in 1992 the Azerbaijan Boxing Federation joined the International Boxing Association (AIBA) and the European Amateur Boxing Association (EABA). This membership allowed Azerbaijani boxers to compete regularly in European and World Championships, as well as the Olympic Games, where they began to achieve significant international success.

Since independence, Azerbaijani boxing has made remarkable progress. Athletes have won medals at major international competitions, including the Olympics, World Championships, and European Championships. The Federation has also invested in regional development, opening new boxing centers and divisions in cities such as Lankaran, Ganja, Gazakh, and Imishli, with the aim of nurturing young talent and expanding the sport’s reach across the country.

Today, the Azerbaijan Boxing Federation continues to play a vital role in promoting boxing, strengthening infrastructure, and ensuring Azerbaijan’s presence on the global stage. Its history reflects both the Soviet legacy and the achievements of independent Azerbaijan, with the Federation remaining committed to producing world-class athletes and expanding the popularity of the sport nationwide.

Aghasi Mammadov secured his place in Azerbaijan’s boxing history as the nation’s first world champion, winning a gold medal at the World Championships. Another notable achievement came when Fuad Asadov earned a medal at the 2004 Summer Olympic Games, further strengthening Azerbaijan’s reputation in the sport.

Over the years, Azerbaijan has frequently been selected to host major international boxing events. Baku staged the AIBA Youth World Championships in 2009, which served as the first licensed youth tournament offering qualification for the 2010 Olympic Games in Singapore.

Two years later, in 2011, the country hosted the AIBA World Boxing Championships, a landmark competition that acted as the primary qualifying event for the London 2012 Olympic Games.

First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva has shared a post on her social media accounts on the occasion of the birthday of President Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

The post says: “Dignity, Sincerity in Every Intention and Kind Heart – those are supreme prayers with no words heard by the Almighty. May the Almighty Allah Bless You and Our People!”

The Punjab Department of Archaeology has intensified scientific excavations at the historic Bhir Mound in Taxila, uncovering evidence of a well-organised ancient civilisation dating to before the 6th century BC, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

Officials said the project aims to scientifically rediscover the earliest city of Taxila and better understand its origins.

According to the department, excavations have revealed signs of early urban planning. These include narrow streets, residential structures, water wells, grain storage areas and artefacts used in daily life.

Experts said the city developed organically. Its layout is different from later Greek-style town planning and reflects an indigenous model of early urban life.

The Directorate of Punjab Archaeology is documenting the site using modern scientific methods. Officials said GPS technology, drone surveys, 3D scanning and digital mapping are being used to accurately record structures and artefacts.

They said the approach will ensure reliable data for future academic research.

Officials said the excavation is not limited to uncovering antiquities. It also aims to promote academic study and provide hands-on training for young archaeologists.

A proposal to develop Bhir Mound into an open-air museum is also under consideration. Officials said this would improve public access to the historic site.

Former Director of Punjab Archaeology Malik Maqsood Ahmed said Bhir Mound is the oldest city of Taxila, with settlement dating back at least to the 6th century BC.

He said the site is central to the early history of the Gandhara civilisation. It is the earliest of Taxila’s three major historic cities, followed by Sirkap and Sirsukh.

Ahmed said the importance of Bhir Mound is further highlighted by remains from the Achaemenid period, the early Mauryan era and the time before the arrival of Alexander the Great.

He added that the city was located along ancient trade routes linking Central Asia, Afghanistan and the subcontinent.

The Punjab Archaeology Department said scientific research, systematic documentation and conservation efforts are helping preserve cultural heritage.

Officials said the work is strengthening Punjab’s position as a regional centre for archaeological research and heritage conservation.

Trkiye continues to sustain uninterrupted economic growth, Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz said during the 2nd Azerbaijan-Trkiye Investment Forum, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the forum, Yilmaz noted that Trkiye’s economy recorded 3.7% growth in the first nine months of this year, with data for the third quarter already available. He acknowledged that the agricultural sector experienced a challenging year due to frost and drought, which is expected to result in a contraction of around 6%. However, despite these setbacks, overall economic growth has remained resilient.

Yilmaz emphasised that Trkiye’s gross domestic product, which stood at $238 billion in 2002 when the AK Party came to power, is expected to exceed $1.5 trillion this year, in line with international forecasts. He added that GDP per capita is projected to surpass $17,000 and approach $18,000.

According to the World Bank’s classification, Trkiye is expected to enter the high-income countries group for the first time this year, Yilmaz said. He recalled that over the past 23 years, Trkiye progressed from a lower-middle-income to an upper-middle-income economy, and current trends indicate a transition to the high-income category.

Citing International Monetary Fund (IMF) projections, Yilmaz stated that Trkiye is expected to become the world’s 16th-largest economy in nominal terms this year, while ranking 11th globally in purchasing power parity.

The Vice President also highlighted Trkiye’s strong performance in exports despite global economic uncertainties, rising protectionism, and ongoing geopolitical tensions in the region. According to annualised figures, Trkiye’s goods exports have reached nearly $271 billion.

He expressed appreciation to the Minister of Trade, the business community, and exporters for their contributions. In addition to goods exports, Yilmaz pointed to Trkiye’s growing potential in services exports, particularly in tourism, transportation, and finance. Latest figures indicate that services exports have approached $122 billion.

Combined, Trkiye’s total goods and services exports are nearing $393 billion, a figure that Yilmaz said clearly demonstrates the strength and resilience of the Turkish economy.