Category: Azer News

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.

In Ashgabat, a presentation ceremony has been held for the book “The Jewel of Wisdom” by Chairman of the People’s Council of Turkmenistan, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, translated into Azerbaijani by the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Azernews reports.

The event, attended by Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Mehri Bashimova, featured a speech by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Turkmenistan, Qismet Gozalov.

The ambassador emphasized that delivering Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov’s “The Jewel of Wisdom” to Azerbaijani readers is of special importance in terms of promoting this valuable work. He noted that the publication of the book in Azerbaijani also makes a significant contribution to strengthening cultural and humanitarian ties between the two nations.

The ambassador highlighted that the work provides Azerbaijani readers with a broad and comprehensive understanding of the Turkmen people’s history, their rich spiritual values, and the development of science, education, and culture in Turkmenistan.

At the same time, “The Jewel of Wisdom” reflects the shared spiritual values, historical roots, and traditions of brotherhood between the two peoples. Its translation into Azerbaijani breathes new life into literary and cultural cooperation and further reinforces the spiritual bridge that already exists among Turkic nations.

Touching upon bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan, Ambassador Gozalov stressed that the brotherly and strategic partnership between the two countries has made significant progress and, in 2025, was further strengthened by the political will of the national leaders.

He added that these relations continue to expand on the basis of mutual trust and friendship.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the opening of the newly constructed building for the Faculty of Business and Economics at Garabagh University in the city of Khankendi on December 23, Azernews reports.

The head of state was briefed on the facilities available in the new building.

The Faculty of Business and Economics is a key academic unit focused on creating a modern learning environment. Currently, it employs 20 faculty, administrative, and technical staff, and a total of 505 students are enrolled at the bachelor’s level in seven specialties: economics, finance, accounting, management, public and municipal administration, international trade and logistics, and tourism organization.

The faculty prioritizes the development of new academic content, the application of modern teaching methods, the enhancement of practical skills, innovative management, and result-oriented scientific research.

The new educational building includes 40 auditoriums, computer laboratories, a library, reading and assembly halls, meeting rooms, administrative offices, and faculty rooms. Designed and constructed according to modern university standards, the building incorporates principles of sustainable development, inclusivity, and efficient resource use. Its spacious, modern infrastructure facilitates effective educational, research, and administrative activities.

These facilities will strengthen the faculty’s scientific and pedagogical potential, enhance students’ knowledge and skills, train highly qualified specialists in economics and business to meet the evolving labor market demands, and expand scientific-research and innovation activities.

The commissioning of the new building is an important step in developing a modern campus at Garabagh University and contributes to establishing a high-level higher education ecosystem in Garabagh and East Zangezur.

During 2024-2025, President Ilham Aliyev visited Garabagh University to review ongoing work and participated in the opening ceremonies of the university, student dormitory, clinic building, and the educational corpus of the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences.

Currently, Garabagh University enrolls 2,154 students across 34 specialties within seven faculties.

Indonesia expects to sign a tariff deal with the US in early 2026 after reaching an agreement on ‘all substantive issues,’ Jakarta’s chief negotiator said on Tuesday, Azernews reports, citing Arab News.

Indonesia’s Coordinating Minister for Economic Affairs Airlangga Hartarto met with US trade representative Jamieson Greer in Washington this week to finalize an Indonesia-US trade deal, following a series of discussions that took place after the two countries agreed on a framework for negotiations in July.

‘All substantive issues laid out in the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade have been agreed upon by the two sides, including both the main and technical issues,’ Hartarto said in an online briefing.

Officials from both countries are now working to set up a meeting between Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto and US President Donald Trump.

It will take place after Indonesian and US technical teams meet in the second week of January for a legal scrubbing, or a final clean-up of an agreement text.

‘We are expecting that the upcoming technical process will wrap up in time as scheduled, so that at the end of January 2026 President Prabowo and President Trump can sign the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade,’ Hartarto said.

Indonesian trade negotiators have been in ‘intensive’ talks with their Washington counterparts since Trump threatened to levy a 32 percent duty on Indonesian exports.

Under the July framework, US tariffs on Indonesian imports were lowered to 19 percent, with Jakarta committing to measures to balance trade with Washington, including removing tariffs on more than 99 percent of American imports and scrapping all non-tariff barriers facing American companies.

Jakarta also pledged to import $15 billion worth of energy products and $4.5 billion worth of agricultural products such as soybeans, wheat and cotton, from the US.

‘Indonesia will also get tariff exemptions on top Indonesian goods, such as palm oil, coffee, cocoa,’ Hartarto said.

‘This is certainly good news, especially for Indonesian industries directly impacted by the tariff policy, especially labor-intensive sectors that employ around 5 million workers.’

In the past decade, Indonesia has consistently posted trade surpluses with the US, its second-largest export market after China.

From January to October, data from the Indonesian trade ministry showed two-way trade valued at nearly $36.2 billion, with Jakarta posting a $14.9 billion surplus.

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). Bringing together senior government officials, business leaders, and investors from both countries, the forum aims to deepen economic cooperation and advance the strategic goal of increasing bilateral trade and investment.

On the sidelines of the forum, Hseyin Bykfirat, Chairman of the Trkiye-Azerbaijan Businessmen and Industrialists Public Association (TÜIB), gave a special interview to Azernews, discussing the outcomes of the event, the future of bilateral economic relations, and key sectors offering new investment opportunities for Turkish and Azerbaijani companies.

Q: How would you assess the Second Azerbaijan-Trkiye Investment Forum? Did it meet your expectations?

The chairman said the forum exceeded expectations both in terms of participation and substance. He noted that a large number of prominent business leaders from Azerbaijan and Trkiye attended the event, which clearly demonstrated the growing interest of the private sector in bilateral cooperation.

‘The first forum was already very successful, but I can confidently say that the second one was even better,’ he stated. According to him, the participation of high-level officials – including the Vice President of Trkiye, ministers, deputy ministers, and senior representatives from Azerbaijan – was a strong indication that the two countries are moving in the right direction.

He emphasized that such a high-level turnout also increases responsibility for business circles. ‘It shows that we are on the right path, but it also places greater responsibility on us to deliver concrete results,’ Bykfirat added.

Q: The leaders of both countries have set a target of reaching a bilateral trade volume of USD 15 billion. How realistic is this goal from the perspective of the business community?

Bykfirat noted that the business community fully embraces the strategic target set by President Ilham Aliyev and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. He underlined that while governments create the framework, achieving this goal ultimately depends on entrepreneurs, industrialists, exporters, and investors.

‘As businesspeople, we see it as our duty to contribute to this target,’ he said. Mr. Bykfirat added that he personally draws on his long-standing trade experience in Azerbaijan to support this objective. ‘Fortunately, we are already seeing tangible results, and I believe this cooperation will grow even stronger in the coming years,’ he noted.

Q: In your view, what are the future perspectives of Azerbaijan-Trkiye economic cooperation, and which sectors stand out for investment?

According to him, global supply chains are being reshaped due to geopolitical shifts and logistical constraints, opening new opportunities for Azerbaijan. He explained that emerging transport corridors and Azerbaijan’s strategic location have created favorable conditions for investors.

He also highlighted Azerbaijan’s customs advantages, particularly zero-duty arrangements with certain countries. ‘These incentives make Azerbaijan highly attractive not only for Turkish investors but also for companies from third countries,’ he said, adding that targeted efforts are needed to fully leverage these opportunities.

Bykfirat further pointed out that the Garabagh region offers significant state support and investment incentives. He emphasized that promoting these opportunities effectively is a shared responsibility of business associations, public institutions, and the media.

Q: How can Turkish companies take a more active role in these projects, and which areas could generate new business opportunities for the region?

Bykfirat noted that the construction sector already plays a major role, particularly in Garabagh. Referring to official statements, he said that projects exceeding USD 5 billion are currently underway in the region, indicating strong momentum in infrastructure development.

Beyond construction, he highlighted agriculture as a promising field with long-term potential. However, he placed special emphasis on the textile industry. ‘Trkiye is currently experiencing a contraction in the textile sector, with some production shifting to third countries such as Egypt and parts of Africa,’ he explained.

In this context, Mr Bykfirat believes that relocating part of this production to Azerbaijan, especially to Garabagh, could be mutually beneficial. ‘If attractive and well-structured incentives are introduced, Azerbaijan could become a new hub for textile investment,’ he said, adding that this would create jobs, boost exports, and further strengthen economic ties between the two countries.

President of Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports.

“Dear Ilham Heydarovich,

I heartily congratulate you on your birthday. Please accept my best wishes on this joyful occasion.

On this significant day, I wish you, above all, good health, happiness, and every success in your state activities for the benefit of the further progress of the fraternal Azerbaijani people and the strengthening of the country’s authority on the global stage.

It is gratifying that the Republic of Azerbaijan, under your leadership, is today confidently following the path of sustainable and comprehensive development.

Your achievements as head of state have earned you great authority and respect both in your country and beyond its borders.

Taking this opportunity, I would like to particularly note your consistently attentive approach to the further strengthening of various aspects of Tajik-Azerbaijani friendly and cooperative relations.

I am confident that, building on the trust-based political dialogue and close friendship that have developed between us, we will continue to jointly advance the entire range of relations between our countries in the spirit of strategic partnership,” the letter reads.

On December 22, the Vice President of the Republic of Trkiye, Cevdet Yilmaz, arrived in Azerbaijan.

Azernews reports that a guard of honor was lined up at Heydar Aliyev International Airport in his honor, with the state flags of both countries displayed.

Azerbaijani Deputy Prime Minister Samir Sharifov and other senior officials welcomed Vice President Yilmaz.

President of the Republic of Croatia Zoran Milanovic has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on the occasion of his birthday, Azernews reports.

“Dear Mr. President,

I extend my warmest congratulations on the occasion of your birthday. I wish you good health and much success in both your personal and professional life.

I am confident that Croatia and Azerbaijan will continue to strengthen and deepen their mutual friendship and bilateral cooperation, with our joint efforts to improve economic relations being of particular importance.

Wishing you all the best, and progress and prosperity for the citizens of your country, please accept the assurances of my highest consideration,” the letter reads.

The disposal of expired and unusable ammunition will be carried out between December 22 and 26 at designated military facilities, Azernews reports, citing Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Defense.

According to the ministry, the destruction process will take place in strict compliance with safety regulations at a military training ground near the Pir?k?skl settlement, as well as at a training center located in the Aghdara district.

The Ministry of Defense emphasized that the operations are planned and controlled, and pose no threat to the public.

The ministry also urged residents not to be alarmed by the sounds of explosions during the specified period, stressing that there is no cause for concern.

A joyful New Year celebration has been held for students of the Natavan school operating in Paris, Azernews reports.

The festive event was organized by the France-Azerbaijan Dialogue Association with the support of the Azerbaijani Embassy in France.

The celebration opened on a solemn note with the performance of the National Anthem of Azerbaijan.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to France, Leyla Abdullayeva, addressed the gathering, warmly congratulating the school’s teaching staff, students, and their parents on the upcoming New Year. She extended her best wishes for peace, happiness, and prosperity, emphasizing the importance of preserving national values and traditions abroad.

The event brought together the Natavan school’s teachers, students, their families, and embassy diplomats. Dressed in vibrant national costumes, the students and teachers transformed the Embassy’s Cultural Center into a true celebration filled with color, warmth, and festive spirit.

A highlight of the evening was a delightful literary and musical program prepared by the students, featuring New Year-themed performances. The arrival of Santa Claus, a beloved symbol of winter festivities, brought smiles and excitement to the children, followed by the performance of a cheerful New Year song.

The celebration concluded with joyful group dancing, after which the children received New Year gifts, making the evening an unforgettable and heartwarming experience for all participants.