Category: Azer News

On December 23, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova met with a delegation led by Turkish Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz, who is visiting Azerbaijan to attend the twelfth meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Trkiye, Azernews reports.

According to the Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova welcomed the guest and highlighted the importance of the commission’s meeting held in Baku. She noted that Azerbaijan-Trkiye relations reflect the principle articulated by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, ‘One nation, two states,’ adding that cooperation in economic, trade, education, tourism, interparliamentary and other areas continues to deepen. It was emphasized that close personal relations between the heads of state play a key role in the consistent development of allied ties.

Sahiba Gafarova congratulated Trkiye on its election as the host of COP31 and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s support for the brotherly country. The sides expressed satisfaction with the traditional close cooperation and mutual support between Azerbaijan and Trkiye, underlining the importance of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in strengthening Turkic unity.

During the meeting, the role of interparliamentary relations as an essential component of interstate ties was highlighted, including the activities of friendship groups operating within both parliaments. The Speaker expressed satisfaction with the successful development of bilateral, trilateral and multilateral parliamentary cooperation.

Vice President Cevdet Yilmaz thanked Azerbaijan for its support in Trkiye’s successful bid to host COP31 and stated that Trkiye would benefit from Azerbaijan’s experience in organizing major international events. He also noted the significance of jointly implemented megaprojects in the fields of economy, trade, investment and energy, emphasizing the strategic importance of the Zangazur corridor as a key segment of the Middle Corridor.

The sides also discussed the strengthening role of the Organization of Turkic States and the importance of TurkPA as a parliamentary platform of Turkic-speaking countries. Cevdet Yilmaz drew attention to the action plan approved at the twelfth meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission, noting that it would further advance bilateral relations.

Touching upon regional issues, the Turkish Vice President welcomed the progress achieved in the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, stating that the signing of a peace treaty would contribute to lasting peace and stability in the region.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev laid the foundation stone for the production facility of Saloglu Garabagh LLC in Aghdam Industrial Park on December 23, Azernews reports.

Tajeddin Mustafayev, founder of Saloglu Garabagh LLC, briefed the head of state on the plans for the new facility.

The enterprise will be established on a one-hectare site within the Aghdam Industrial Park. The project envisages the construction of a factory for the production of furniture, including various types of living room and bedroom sets, as well as upholstered and metal furniture accessories. Production will utilize technologies from Trkiye, Germany, and China. The factory’s annual production capacity is projected at 4,000 furniture sets and 6,000 metal furniture accessories. The products will meet domestic market demand and will also be exported. The total investment value of the project is 8 million manats. A preferential loan is expected to be provided by the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund under the Ministry of Economy for the establishment of the facility. The enterprise will benefit from all tax and customs incentives granted to residents of the industrial park. The project is expected to create 50 permanent jobs.

D’ART Gallery is a new platform for art, culture, and creative dialogue. By bringing together Azerbaijan’s historical artistic heritage with contemporary art, the gallery offers art lovers a unique journey across time, styles, and artistic perspectives. At the same time, its core mission is to support artists, attract collectors, and present Azerbaijani art to an international audience.

The gallery’s first exhibition, From Generation to Generation, features nearly 50 works by People’s Artists and Honoured Artists of Azerbaijan, alongside representatives of the middle and younger generations of painters, graphic artists, and sculptors. The exhibition creates a bridge between the past and the present of Azerbaijani visual art. It should be noted that all exhibited works are available for sale. Visitors have the opportunity to enrich their existing collections or acquire the first piece of a future collection.

Opening the event with introductory remarks, the distinguished Azerbaijani sculptor and honorary guest of the exhibition, People’s Artist Öm?r Eldarov, stated:

‘The opening of a new gallery is a major and significant cultural event for our republic. I am very pleased. Just as the opening of a theatre is vital for an actor, a new gallery is equally important for us artists. I am confident that D’ART Gallery will fulfil this responsible mission with dignity.’

The Executive Director of the Baku International Multiculturalism Centre, R?van H?s?nov, emphasised that the gallery’s co-founder and director, Dilara Muzaffarli, is a member of the Centre, and that numerous art exhibitions dedicated to the themes of tolerance and multiculturalism-both in Azerbaijan and abroad-have been organised under her authorship and leadership. He added:

‘Art has always been a herald of its time. Every artist, in turn, conveys a message to the future. The title From Generation to Generation is highly symbolic: works from different periods become timeless within a single space. I would also like to note that the opening of private galleries in our country is a very welcome development.’

Vice-Rector of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, People’s Artist and Professor Fuad Salayev, remarked:

‘The gallery is commendable both in its architectural design and its exhibition concept. We are living in a new era, and the opening of a new gallery is of great importance for Azerbaijani culture. I wish the gallery every success in its future activities.’

Advisor to the Rector of the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, Professor Valid? M?mm?dova, noted:

‘The theme of today’s exhibition is extremely important and symbolic. Those who forget their yesterday will lose their today, and nothing will remain of us tomorrow.’

People’s Artist Arif Hseynov stated in his speech:

‘The decision to open the new gallery in Baku’s White City area is absolutely the right one. The works included in the From Generation to Generation exhibition have been selected with a high level of professionalism from an art-historical perspective.’

The gallery’s co-founder and director, art historian Dilara Muzaffarli, said:

‘At D’ART Gallery, we set out with the ambition of creating a platform that brings together the rich heritage of Azerbaijani art and its contemporary expressions. The From Generation to Generation exhibition is the first tangible manifestation of this vision. It presents a wide spectrum, from the prominent masters of the 20th and early 21st centuries to contemporary talents of the 21st century. Through this exhibition, visitors can observe not only the harmony of colour and form, but also an intergenerational dialogue-how the past and the present converge through the language of art.’

In his address, gallery co-founder Nijat Panahli congratulated attendees on the upcoming Day of Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis and the New Year, adding:

‘My wish is that in the coming years people will increasingly give works of art as gifts, thereby supporting artists and expressing their solidarity through these meaningful gestures.’

Following the speeches, guests watched a video presentation showcasing the pre-opening preparations by architect-designer Ruslan Solnaryov, the author of the gallery’s design project and visual symbol.

The exhibition will remain open until 18 January 2026.

PAINTING

Hafiz Mammadov, Elb?y Rzaquliyev, Rasim Babayev, Arif Hseynov, Sirus Mirz?zad?, F?rman Qulamov, L?taf?t M?mm?dova, ?sm?r Narimanb?yova, Ayt?n Rzaquliyeva, Yelena Haqverdiyeva, Inna Kostina, Kamilla Eldarova, R?sad Mehdiyev, Vqar ?li, Miraz?r Abdullayev, R?sad Babayev, Orxan Hseynov, Emin ?sg?rov, Butunay Haqverdiyev, Z?rnisan Yusif, Ramal Kazimov, Mehriban S?ms?dinskaya, Arzu C?f?rova, Xaqan Bayramov

GRAPHICS

Mikayil Abdullayev, Togrul N?rimanb?yov, Rasim Babayev, Rafiq Mehdiyev, Ucal Haqverdiyev, Ayt?n Sirzadova, S?hla Q?hr?manli, N?rmin Abdullayeva

SCULPTURE

Öm?r Eldarov, Aslan Rst?mov, Fuad Salayev, Xanlar ?hm?dov, Sahib Quliyev, Zakir ?hm?dov, Mahmud Rst?mov, K?nan ?liyev, S?nan C?f?rov, X?qan ?hm?dov, Kamran ?s?dov, Vqar Quliyev, Msfiq Heyd?rov, Çinar? Baxsiyeva, Samir Kaçayev, Jal? ?liyeva

The Azerbaijan Badminton Federation has held its General Assembly at the Ministry of Youth and Sports, Azernews reports.

The event opened with the performance of the Azerbaijan National Anthem.

Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov welcomed the participants and wished them success. Following the approval of the meeting’s agenda, Secretary General Ramil Hajiyev presented a report covering the Federation’s activities, competitions, and achievements from 2022 to 2025.

The report was subsequently endorsed through voting.

The Federation’s Statute was then adopted in a revised edition, and elections for leadership positions were conducted. As a result of the vote, Taleh Ziyadov was re-elected as president for another four-year term.

Kamala Shahbazova and Teymur Huseynov were elected Vice-Presidents, while Jeyhun Mammadaliyev and Natavan Mammadova joined the Board of Directors.

In his closing remarks, President Taleh Ziyadov expressed gratitude for the confidence placed in him and outlined the Federation’s plans for the upcoming period.

The Azerbaijan Badminton Federation is considered an active partner within the global and European badminton communities.

Founded in 1962, the federation has become one of the most active members of the world badminton family with international tournaments, development programs and strategic partnerships.

In 2023, Baku hosted the Congress of the Badminton Europe Confederation for the first time.

The large-scale event covered the issues on the agenda of badminton competitions during the preparation period for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

The motto of the Congress was Inclusive Badminton, celebrating the accessibility of badminton for all.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev laid the foundation stone for the Engineering Faculty building of Garabagh University in the city of Khankendi on December 23, Azernews reports.

The head of state was briefed on the facilities planned for the new building.

The Engineering Faculty is a key academic unit focused on training engineering personnel equipped to meet modern technological challenges, with an emphasis on innovation and practical application. Currently, the faculty employs 19 academic, administrative, and technical staff, and a total of 314 students are enrolled.

At the bachelor’s level, training is provided in seven specialties: electrical and electronics, construction, mechatronics and robotics, logistics and transport technologies, computer engineering, data analytics, and mathematics. Additional engineering specialties are planned for the future.

The new building will be constructed according to modern standards and is expected to be completed in a short timeframe. It will feature auditoriums, laboratories, a library, and scientific-research and innovation spaces designed to ensure high-quality education, strengthen students’ theoretical knowledge and practical skills, and foster innovative activity.

The project is expected to make a significant contribution to the development of engineering education in Azerbaijan, promote the application of modern academic content and innovative teaching methods, and create an advanced higher education environment supporting the comprehensive development of students.

The Second Azerbaijan-Trkiye Investment Forum is being held in Baku with the joint support of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy and Trkiye’s Ministry of Trade, and is co-organized by the Azerbaijan Export and Investment Promotion Agency (AZPROMO) and the Trkiye-Azerbaijan Businessmen and Industrialists Public Association (TÜIB), Azernews reports.

The forum brings together senior officials from both countries, as well as representatives of various state and private institutions, business associations, and chambers of commerce.

The agenda of the forum includes panel discussions focused on the promotion of interregional trade, the energy transition, sustainable development and infrastructure projects, the expansion of bilateral business ties, and issues related to the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

The event serves as an important platform for strengthening economic cooperation between Azerbaijan and Trkiye, encouraging new investment opportunities, and fostering closer collaboration between business communities.

It should be recalled that the First Azerbaijan-Trkiye Investment Forum was held in December 2023.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the Hilton Garden Inn Aghdam hotel in the city of Aghdam on December 23, Azernews reports.

The head of state was briefed on the facilities available at the hotel.

Spanning over 2 hectares, the hotel comprises three blocks with 2, 6, and 7 floors. The 287-bed facility features 127 rooms of various categories, along with a restaurant, public catering area, meeting and banquet halls, an indoor pool, and a gym. Extensive landscaping has been carried out across the hotel grounds. The opening of the hotel has created 120 permanent jobs. The hotel is conveniently located near the Aghdam Railway and Bus Station Complex, the Aghdam Mugham Centre, Aghdam Industrial Park, and other social infrastructure facilities.

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the groundbreaking ceremony of the hotel complex in 2022 and inspected the construction progress in February of this year.

For the first time, Azerbaijan will be represented on the international jury of the Budapest International Circus Festival, Azernews reports.

Oleg Amirbayov, Advisor to the Azerbaijan Culture Minister, has been appointed as a jury member for the 16th edition of the festival, which is scheduled to take place in 2026.

The jury of the festival brings together distinguished figures from the worlds of art, culture, and circus. Azerbaijan’s inclusion in the panel of Europe’s leading circus festival marks a new milestone in the country’s expanding international cultural cooperation and highlights its growing professional recognition.

This participation carries significant importance for strengthening cultural ties, encouraging the exchange of experience, and promoting international cultural dialogue.

The Budapest International Circus Festival was established around 1996 by István Kristóf and a group of professionals dedicated to preserving and promoting circus arts.

The festival is considered a global capital of circus arts during its run, celebrating human achievement in performance and honoring the legacy of circus traditions.

More than 200 internationally acclaimed performers from four continents are set to take part in the 16th Budapest International Circus Festival, which will feature five separate show blocks at the Capital Circus of Budapest from January 7 to 12, 2026.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of a metal electric pole production facility owned by Construction LLC in Aghdam Industrial Park on December 23, Azernews reports.

Nurlan Abbasov, founder of Construction LLC, briefed the head of state on the facility’s operations.

Located on a 1-hectare site within the Industrial Park, the facility operates using Chinese technology. Its annual production capacity is 7,200 tons of metal electric poles, which will serve both domestic demand and export markets. The investment volume of the facility is 2.96 million manats, with a guaranteed loan of 1.2 million manats provided by the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund under the Ministry of Economy. The facility currently employs 32 people and benefits from all tax and customs concessions granted to residents of the Industrial Park. During the import of equipment, technological devices, and installations, VAT and customs duty concessions worth approximately 443,000 manats were applied.

Established by a 2021 decree, Aghdam Industrial Park covers 190 hectares and aims to revive the liberated territories, develop Garabagh’s industrial potential, support entrepreneurship, and increase employment in the production sector. Key activities in the Industrial Park include the production of construction materials, packaging of agricultural products, processing of fruit and vegetable preserves, meat and dairy production, feed and fertilizer production, provision of services, and the organization of cold storage facilities.

The government has created a favorable investment environment to support entrepreneurial activity. Residency status has been granted to 32 business entities with a total investment exceeding 312 million manats, while 5 entrepreneurs have been granted non-residency status. Investors have already contributed 142 million manats to the Industrial Park, creating nearly 970 permanent jobs, the majority of which are held by residents of Aghdam and surrounding districts. Products worth 945 million manats have been produced by Industrial Park residents, including 39.5 million manats worth of exports.

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa, the world’s largest nuclear power plant, is preparing to resume operations in Japan after undergoing extensive modernization efforts. The facility, located in Niigata Prefecture, has been shut down for several years following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in 2011, Azernews reports.

The Governor of Niigata Prefecture, Hideyuki Hanazumi, has officially agreed to restart the plant, following comprehensive safety checks and the implementation of advanced protective measures. He emphasized that the safety protocols now in place meet the highest international standards, ensuring that the plant’s operation is essential for the region’s stable energy supply and economic growth.

Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which operates the plant, is currently completing the final stages of preparation for its reopening. This includes final inspections and the testing of new safety systems designed to prevent any future incidents.

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, which consists of seven reactors, was shut down in the aftermath of the 2011 disaster at the Fukushima-1 plant. The restart marks a significant step in Japan’s energy policy as the country seeks to reduce its reliance on imported fossil fuels while striving to meet its carbon-neutral goals.

Experts have noted that the plant’s reopening will help Japan achieve a more stable and sustainable energy mix, particularly as global energy demands continue to rise. However, there remains public debate about the safety and environmental risks associated with nuclear energy in Japan, especially after the Fukushima tragedy.