Category: Azer News

India and New Zealand have announced that they have reached a free trade agreement (FTA) expected to boost bilateral trade by hundreds of millions of dollars and deepen economic ties between the two countries, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

New Delhi and Wellington confirmed the breakthrough on Monday, stating that the agreement is scheduled to be formally signed in the first quarter of next year, following a final legal review of the negotiated text.

The announcement comes at a time when governments worldwide are seeking to diversify their trade relationships amid uncertainty caused by sweeping U.S. tariffs introduced under President Donald Trump. These policies have accelerated a global push toward bilateral and regional trade deals as countries attempt to reduce exposure to protectionism.

Under the agreement, India will gain zero-duty access for all of its goods exports to New Zealand. In return, Wellington will receive duty concessions and market access for approximately 70% of India’s tariff lines, covering nearly 95% of New Zealand’s exports to India on a phased basis, according to officials.

New Zealand aims to significantly expand exports of dairy alternatives, fruit, wool, and wine to the Indian market, with strong growth also expected in horticulture, wood products, and sheep wool. On the Indian side, sectors set to benefit most from tariff-free access include textiles and apparel, engineering goods, leather and footwear, and marine products.

As part of the broader partnership, New Zealand has committed to investing $20 billion in India over the next 15 years, India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry said. The agreement is also expected to ease access for skilled Indian professionals to New Zealand’s labor market, addressing workforce shortages in key sectors.

India has intensified efforts to diversify its export destinations as part of a wider strategy to protect its economy from global shocks. Prime Minister Narendra Modi underscored this approach earlier this month during trade talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in New Delhi, alongside discussions on geopolitical tensions.

Despite expanding ties with multiple partners, India continues to pursue a careful balance between Eastern and Western economies. Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal reiterated on Monday that, in addition to the New Zealand deal, India is also working on trade agreements with the United States and Canada.

New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Luxon said in a post on X that exports to India are projected to rise by $1.1 billion to $1.3 billion annually over the next two decades as a result of the agreement. ‘Boosting trade means more Kiwi jobs, higher wages, and greater opportunities for hard-working New Zealanders,’ he said.

However, the deal has faced domestic criticism. New Zealand First, a right-wing populist party, warned that the agreement ‘gives too much away, especially on immigration,’ according to a statement cited by The New Zealand Herald.

The agreement also touches on sensitive areas for India. In response, New Delhi excluded dairy imports-such as milk, cream, whey, yoghurt, and cheese-from the deal, along with several animal and agricultural products including goat meat, onions, and almonds.

President Ilham Aliyev has signed an order granting one-time financial assistance to low-income families, Azernews reports.

As of December 30, 2025, each family receiving targeted state social assistance will receive AZN 200 on the occasion of the World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year.

The Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, the Cabinet of Ministers, and the Ministry of Finance have been instructed to address all matters arising from the implementation of this order.

On December 21, the presentation of the documentary film Harmony, which reflects the traditions of coexistence and tolerance among representatives of different religions in Azerbaijan, took place at the Nizami Cinema Centre. The film is a joint project of the State Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan for Work with Religious Organisations, the Fund for the Promotion of Moral Values, and the Baku Media Centre.

Azernews reports via Azertag that Arzu Aliyeva, Head of the Baku Media Centre, attended the presentation of the film.

The film was screened first, followed by remarks from Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organisations, who shared his views on the production. He noted that through the example of three close friends representing different religions, the film demonstrates the attitude of the Azerbaijani people towards diverse faiths and nations. He said that for centuries and millennia, the Azerbaijani people living in this region have preserved multicultural values, mutual respect, living side by side, and the tradition of passing these principles on to future generations. Today, representatives of different religions live, work, and create together in Azerbaijan, which he described as one of the clearest examples of the wisdom of the Azerbaijani people. The committee chairman also emphasised that as a result of the policy pursued by National Leader Heydar Aliyev, multicultural values did not remain merely a tradition of the Azerbaijani people. He further highlighted that in the territories liberated from occupation, all places of worship have been restored through the joint efforts of President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva.

Fuad Mammadzade, the director of the film and one of its scriptwriters, said that through the characters of Nigar, Jamila, and Sofia, who are the main protagonists of the film, they sought to convey a reality that is natural for Azerbaijan.

He stated that Azerbaijan is one of the rare countries in the world where Muslims, Jews, and Christians live together as one family. Through the stories of these women, the filmmakers aimed to deliver the message that such coexistence is truly possible.

It should be noted that the documentary film produced by the Baku Media Centre was created to highlight the opportunities established in Azerbaijan for the coexistence of followers of different religions and to promote harmony among faiths. The film’s chief producer is Arzu Aliyeva, the producer is Orman Aliyev, the director is Fuad Mammadzade, the scriptwriters are Fuad Mammadzade and Ramil Alakbarov, the cinematographer is Ziya Babayev, and the composer is Hafiz Ibrahimli.

Filming took place at religious places of worship in various regions of Azerbaijan, as well as at the festival Colours of Difference, held in Baku on 5 November, which aimed to promote and encourage the exemplary environment of tolerance, multiculturalism, harmony among religions, solidarity, cultural diversity, and values of coexistence that have developed in the country.

The film highlights the tolerant environment in Azerbaijan through the daily lives and interpersonal relationships of three friends belonging to different religions. Against the backdrop of their lifestyles, family relations, religious practices, and friendships, the film conveys to the audience the atmosphere of mutual understanding, trust, and cultural diversity prevailing in Azerbaijan.

The family lives, religious practices, and long standing relationships of the protagonists demonstrate how they live in conditions of cultural diversity and peace. Through this documentary, the promotion of tolerance, mutual respect, and multicultural values in society is emphasised, along with the essence of the state policy implemented by Azerbaijan to preserve and develop harmony among religions.

Preserving the history of Azerbaijan and conveying the truth as it is has been a priority for the Baku Media Centre since its establishment. During this period, the centre has produced a number of films that have attracted wide public interest, including Target is Baku, Heritage, Taghiyev, The Final Meeting, Eternal Assignment, We, and Shusha, You Are Free. Following the documentary Under One Sun, Harmony is another production that reflects the manifestations of Azerbaijan’s tradition of multiculturalism in everyday life through real human stories.

Within the third stage of the cooperation memorandum signed between Georgia’s Shota Rustaveli National Theatre and the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre, Georgian theatre director David Sakvarelidze has visited Baku, Azernews reports.

A meeting was held with the creative team of a new production of William Shakespeare’s tragedy “King Lear”, to be staged under Sakvarelidze’s direction.

During the meeting, Ilham Asgarov, director of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre and Honoured Cultural Worker, outlined that the theatre’s international relations are successfully developing in line with the Culture Ministry’s roadmap. He noted that memorandums signed with several national theatres abroad are yielding tangible results:

“Thanks to President Ilham Aliyev’s successful policies, Azerbaijan has established productive cooperation with many countries. Cultural ties are also flourishing. Our National Drama Theatre has signed cooperation memorandums with a number of prestigious theatres worldwide. The memorandum with Georgia’s Shota Rustaveli National Theatre was signed on February 22, 2025. In the first stage, the theatre’s artistic director, world-renowned Georgian director Robert Sturua, and director Giorgi Tevzadze visited Baku, where Sturua conducted a masterclass. In the second stage, our play Shukriya was performed with great success on the Rustaveli stage. Now, in the third stage, we are honoured to host David Sakvarelidze, a celebrated Georgian director known internationally for his innovative productions.”

Asgarov added that in 2026, Azerbaijan will celebrate the 70th jubilee of People’s Artist Nureddin Mehdikhanli:

“On this occasion, David Sakvarelidze will stage a benefit performance of King Lear featuring Mehdikhanli. I am confident this production will become a major project of global significance.”

Expressing his delight at being a guest of the National Drama Theatre, Sakvarelidze highlighted the strong ties between the two neighbouring nations:

“I am very pleased to be here in this beautiful country and theatre. Georgia and Azerbaijan have always been close, with deep mutual respect and affection between our peoples. The cooperation between our theatres is a source of great joy. This memorandum is a significant step toward the future. I believe King Lear will not only thrive on this stage but also find success on many stages around the world.”

People’s Artist Nureddin Mehdikhanli expressed gratitude for the attention to his creative work, noting that he has devoted 50 of his 70 years to the theatre:

“Turning to Shakespeare and King Lear is no coincidence-it is both a test and a challenge. I am grateful for the recognition of my work and I believe this production will be highly successful.”

The premiere of King Lear, prepared in a new stage adaptation by writer-translator Kamran Naziri, is scheduled for April. That same month, the Rustaveli Theatre troupe will perform Robert Sturua’s production of Prometheus on the stage of Azerbaijan’s National Drama Theatre.

David Sakvarelidze is a renowned Georgian theatre and opera director, arts manager, and composer. He studied at the Shota Rustaveli Theatre and Film University before continuing his education in Milan and London.

A student of legendary director Peter Brook, Sakvarelidze has worked with the English National Opera in London, the New York Theatre, and Milan’s Piccolo Theatre. He has served as artistic director of the Sukhumi State Theatre and general director of the Georgian National Opera Theatre.

He is also president of the Georgian National Centre of UNESCO’s International Theatre Institute. In 2011, he was awarded the Georgian Presidential Order of Honour.

The Shota Rustaveli National Theatre in Tbilisi is a cornerstone of Georgia’s cultural life. Established in 1887 as the Artists’ Society, the theatre quickly became a hub for creativity and performance. In 1921, it was officially named after Georgia’s national poet, Shota Rustaveli.

Over the decades, the Rustaveli Theatre has staged both classical works and modern productions, hosting Georgian and international directors, actors, and playwrights. It remains a leading institution for drama and performance in the Caucasus region.

The Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre stands as the country’s oldest and most distinguished stage.

Its origins trace back to March 10, 1873, when educator Hasan bey Zardabi and students of the Baku Real School presented Mirza Fatali Akhundov’s comedy The Vizier of the Lankaran Khanate. That performance is widely recognised as the starting point of professional Azerbaijani theatre.

By the end of the 19th century, organised groups such as the First Muslim Drama Troupe (1896) and the Union of Artists (1897) helped establish a lasting theatrical tradition. The institution was granted State Theatre status in 1919, and in 1959 it was elevated to the rank of Academic Theatre, underscoring its national significance.

In recent decades, the theatre has broadened its international presence, signing cooperation agreements with leading theatres abroad. It continues to foster cultural exchange through touring productions, creative workshops, and collaborative projects, reinforcing its role as a vital ambassador of Azerbaijani performing arts.

The court proceedings in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia continued on December 22 at the Baku Military Court, with the hearings moving into the stage of final statements by the defendants.

According to Azernews, defendants David Babayan and Levon Mnatsakanyan delivered their final addresses to the court.

During their statements, the defendants presented arguments they said contradicted the claims put forward by the prosecution.

It should be noted that the trial concerns Armenian citizens accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the planning and waging of an aggressive war, genocide, and violations of the laws and customs of war. The charges also include terrorism, financing of terrorism, the violent seizure and retention of power, as well as other serious criminal offenses committed as a result of Armenia’s military aggression.

The court proceedings are ongoing.

On December 22, 2025, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, received the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Colombia to Azerbaijan, Luis Fernando Cuartas Ayala, on the occasion of the conclusion of his diplomatic mission.

As reported by Azernews, according to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Bayramov expressed satisfaction with the current state of bilateral relations between the two countries and thanked Ambassador Cuartas Ayala for his contributions in strengthening these ties.

During the meeting, both sides highlighted the importance of maintaining and developing political dialogue through mutual visits, contacts, and political and consular consultations.

Minister Bayramov recalled with appreciation his recent meeting with Colombian Foreign Minister Luis Gilberto Murillo at the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), emphasising that such interactions play a crucial role in advancing bilateral and multilateral cooperation.

The parties underlined the significance of cooperation between Azerbaijan and Colombia, both bilaterally and within international platforms such as the United Nations and the Non-Aligned Movement.

Minister Bayramov highly valued Ambassador Cuartas Ayala’s contributions to the development of Azerbaijan-Colombia relations and wished him success in his future endeavours.

The meeting also included an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest between the two countries.

The Zeyd Fighting Center has hosted an MMA tournament at the Sarhadchi Sports Complex, held in honor of President Ilham Aliyev’s birthday, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the event, President of the Zeyd Fighting Center Emin Aliyev highlighted that Baku has been named the world capital of sports for 2026, reflecting the country’s leadership and strong support for athletic development.

Aliyev also recognized contributions to sports development, awarding Vugar Ahmadov, President of the Azerbaijan Canoe and Rowing Federation. He expressed his gratitude to Ali Asgarov, founder of the Zeyd Fighting Center, and Azad Asgarov, President of the MMA and Grappling Federation, for their significant support in organizing the tournament.

National Assembly deputies Fazil Mustafa and Vugar Iskandarov stressed the vital role of sports in national development, particularly in promoting the physical and moral growth of young people.

The tournament featured 22 athletes competing in 11 matches. At the conclusion, participants received cash prizes, while the champion was honored with a trophy and additional awards.

Azerbaijan has held discussions with the United States on energy projects, gas transportation, and opportunities to diversify joint activities in the South Caucasus and Caspian regions.

As reported by Azernews, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, shared details of the meeting on his X account.

‘During a videoconference with Caleb Or, U.S. State Department Assistant Secretary for Economic, Energy, and Business Affairs, we highlighted various aspects of Azerbaijan-U.S. economic partnership and emphasised the strategic importance of cooperation in energy and business. We also discussed ongoing energy projects, gas transportation, and opportunities to diversify joint initiatives in the South Caucasus and Caspian regions,’ the statement read.

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.