Category: Azer News

A presentation ceremony for the book ‘Selected Works’ of the great Azerbaijani poet Muhammad Fuzuli was held at the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan.

As reported by Azernews, according to the Azerbaijan Embassy in Uzbekistan, the event was attended by prominent state and public figures, poets, writers, literary scholars, translators, and students.

The ceremony was opened by Sirajiddin Sayid, Chairman of the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan, who provided a comprehensive overview of Fuzuli’s literary legacy. He noted that almost all of the poet’s works have been translated into Uzbek, and Fuzuli’s poetry is widely read and deeply respected across Turkic-speaking nations. Special attention was given to the ‘Leyli and Majnun’ poem, which holds particular cultural significance for the Uzbek people.

Following this, Akif Marifli, Director of the Heydar Aliyev Azerbaijani Cultural Center in Uzbekistan, highlighted that the publication of Fuzuli’s ‘Selected Works’ represents a tangible example of the systematic development of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan cultural relations in recent years. He emphasized that the foreword written by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev adds special value to the publication, reflecting the spirit of friendship and mutual respect between the two nations, and aligns with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s policies to expand humanitarian cooperation.

The event also featured speeches by Qairat Majid, Deputy Chairman of the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan; Almaz Ulvi Binnatova, Head of the Department at the Institute of Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi, Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences; Yasar Qasim (joining online); as well as Uzbek scholars Professor Maqsud Asadov and Dr. Gulbahar Ashurova, among others. Speakers underlined that Muhammad Fuzuli is not only a master of Azerbaijani literature but also one of the greatest poets of classical Eastern literature.

The book was published through a joint initiative of the Writers’ Union of Uzbekistan and the Uzbek Center for Islamic Civilization at Zilol Buloq Publishing House in Tashkent. President Shavkat Mirziyoyev wrote a foreword titled ‘Unity of the Uzbek and Azerbaijani Peoples’. The collection includes Fuzuli’s Divan, Leyli and Majnun, Bang Bade, Conversations of Fruits, and ghazals.

The edition was prepared by Mirza Kenjabek, who also authored the explanatory notes and glossary. In preparing the publication, manuscripts preserved at the Uzbek Center for Islamic Civilization, including Nastaliq-script copies of Divani Mowlana Fuzuli and Divani Fuzuli, as well as a copy of Divani Fuzuli aleyhir-r?hm? from the Suleymaniye Library in Turkey and the lithographic edition Divani Fuzuli maa Leyli va Majnun preserved by the Tasmuhamedov family, were used. The publication also includes previously unpublished works of Muhammad Fuzuli.

The World Kyokushin Federation (KWF) World Championship concluded in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, with Azerbaijan’s national team delivering strong performances across multiple categories, Azernews reports.

The Azerbaijani delegation included 16 athletes, 2 referees, 1 head coach, and 1 country representative, for a total of 20 participants. The team was led by Gabil Sayadov, Secretary General of the Azerbaijan Karate Federation, and Rza Mustafayev, KWF representative.

According to the final results, Azerbaijani karatekas won medals in various age and weight categories:

Gold: Javid Kazimli (16-17 years, +80 kg) and Selcan Babayeva (+60 kg)

Silver: Rahman Yusubov (14-15 years, -75 kg)

Bronze: Vagif Bandaliyev (16-17 years, -70 kg) and Toghrul Orucov (12-13 years, -60 kg)

The national team excelled in both individual and team competitions, representing Azerbaijan with distinction and contributing to the strengthening of the country’s position in the international Kyokushin karate arena.

A new regulatory framework for the artificial intelligence industry is set to take effect in South Korea on January 22, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap.

The legislation includes safety and transparency requirements, such as disclosure obligations for certain AI systems, and calls for the establishment of a national AI committee and the creation of a basic three-year AI plan, according to sources familiar with the matter.

A recent poll cited by Yonhap revealed that 98% of South Korean AI startups are unprepared for the new rules and lack the systems needed to comply. An unnamed industry official warned that some companies could be forced to abruptly alter or suspend services, and that others might even consider exiting the South Korean market after the regulations come into effect.

A literary and artistic evening dedicated to the 100th anniversary of the birth of prominent Azerbaijani poet Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh was held at the Heydar Aliyev Palace.

As reported by Azernews, the event featured recitations of the poet’s immortal verses, reflecting his rich literary legacy, strong national spirit, and deeply rooted patriotic ideals.

Poems by Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh were performed by People’s Artist Mehriban Zaki, Honored Artist Elshan Rustamov, recitation master Sabira Abdullayeva, and artistic reader Khazar Suleymanli.

As part of the evening, songs composed to the poet’s lyrics were also performed, adding a musical dimension to the commemoration.

It is worth noting that the event was organized in line with a decree signed by President Ilham Aliyev on celebrating the 100th anniversary of the birth of People’s Poet Bakhtiyar Vahabzadeh, one of the most distinguished figures in Azerbaijani literature.

Iran’s Foreign Ministry has dismissed renewed remarks by the Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Rafael Grossi, regarding Tehran’s stockpile of uranium enriched to 60 percent, saying they do not alter the existing reality, Azernews reports.

Speaking at a press conference in Tehran, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmail Baghaei said Grossi has repeatedly raised the same issues and reports, adding that such statements ‘do not change the facts on the ground,’ according to Trend.

Baghaei stressed that Iran remains a signatory to the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and has fully complied with its obligations under the safeguards agreement. ‘Iran understands its commitments within the framework of the NPT and has fulfilled them,’ he said.

He also criticized the IAEA leadership for failing to address what he described as the root causes of the current situation. Baghaei argued that the IAEA Director General and the agency’s Board of Governors have refrained from even briefly condemning US and Israeli strikes on Iran’s peaceful nuclear facilities, calling the agency’s position ‘unfair and one-sided.’

‘Such approaches cannot help resolve the problem,’ Baghaei said, adding that the IAEA chief should focus on his technical mandate in line with the agency’s statute and emphasize the importance of his defined responsibilities.

The remarks come amid heightened regional tensions. On June 13, Israel carried out airstrikes on Iran, killing several senior military officials, generals, nuclear scientists, and other high-ranking figures. Iran responded later that day with ‘True Promise III,’ launching hundreds of ballistic missiles and drones at targets across Israel, including Tel Aviv, causing civilian casualties and widespread damage.

On June 22, the United States conducted airstrikes on three Iranian nuclear facilities, reportedly destroying key sites. Iran retaliated the following evening by striking a US military base in Qatar.

On June 24, the Israeli Prime Minister’s Office announced that Israel had agreed to a ceasefire with Iran brokered by US President Donald Trump. Iran’s Supreme National Security Council later confirmed that hostilities had been halted.

A shooting incident occurred in Sydney, Australia, leaving 10 people dead, including children and a police officer, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Two unidentified armed individuals opened fire at Bondi Beach, prompting police to launch a special operation to apprehend the suspects.

Authorities, via social media, stated that police immediately intervened in the incident and urged civilians to avoid the area.

During the operation, one of the shooters was neutralized, while the other was injured and receiving medical attention.

On December 13, the presentation ceremony of the electronic book ‘Western Azerbaijan in Documents and Sources’ by historian and writer Afgan Valiyev, Head of Sector at the Social Research Center, was held at the Litera Book House, Azernews reports.

The book was prepared within the framework of a grant competition of the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental Organizations and is part of the ‘Ancient Homeland’ project implemented by the National Heritage Cultural Historical Research Foundation.

The event brought together representatives of state institutions, heads of NGOs, members of the scientific and public community, and media representatives.

Opening the event, Asad Aslanoglu, Director of MIMTA Publications, spoke about the essence of the work, the process of developing the e-book, and the significance of Azerbaijan’s historic Victory.

Executive Director of the MIMTA Foundation, Parviz Amirov, highlighted the development of the ‘Ancient Homeland’ project, noting that the book was also prepared in electronic format in both Azerbaijani and English to ensure global accessibility of this valuable research.

Chairman of the Public Union ‘Baku Resource and Training Center of Non-Governmental Organizations’, Rauf Zeyni, welcomed such initiatives, emphasizing that these research projects are among the achievements realized after Azerbaijan’s historic Victory and reaffirming readiness for a return to Western Azerbaijan, described as the nation’s ancestral homeland.

Sharing her views on the publication, Irada Rzazade, Chairperson of the Public Union ‘For Citizens’ Social Welfare’, stated that the book represents an integral part of national history and expressed hope for an increase in similar NGO-led initiatives focusing on Western Azerbaijan.

President of the Public Union ‘Support for the Solidarity of World Azerbaijanis’, Tofig Alizade, noted the resilience and heroism of the Azerbaijani people, underlining that the nation not only confronted enemies in Armenia but also overcame broader lobbying efforts, adding that the implementation of such projects deserves strong support.

Within the framework of the event, legal researcher Samad Vakilov, Honored Art Worker Shafaq Sultan Alikhanli, and other speakers expressed their gratitude to the MIMTA Foundation and Afgan Valiyev for their contributions.

Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that Moscow is primarily focused on engagement with the United States rather than European countries in efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, Azernews reports.

Speaking to reporters, Peskov claimed that European states are pursuing their own agenda and suggested that they are inclined toward prolonging the war. ‘The Europeans are playing their own game. It still looks like they want the war to continue, but we are naturally more oriented toward our counterparts in Washington,’ he said.

Peskov’s remarks came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled Kyiv’s willingness to abandon its bid for NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees from the United States, European nations, and other partners.

The statements highlight differing diplomatic approaches among key actors as discussions around potential pathways to end the conflict continue to gain momentum.

Kremlin Press Secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Sunday that Moscow is primarily focused on engagement with the United States rather than European countries in efforts to resolve the conflict in Ukraine, Azernews reports.

Speaking to reporters, Peskov claimed that European states are pursuing their own agenda and suggested that they are inclined toward prolonging the war. ‘The Europeans are playing their own game. It still looks like they want the war to continue, but we are naturally more oriented toward our counterparts in Washington,’ he said.

Peskov’s remarks came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky signaled Kyiv’s willingness to abandon its bid for NATO membership in exchange for security guarantees from the United States, European nations, and other partners.

The statements highlight differing diplomatic approaches among key actors as discussions around potential pathways to end the conflict continue to gain momentum.

The 11th Global Forum of the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) has officially begun in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Azernews reports.

Held under the theme ‘UNAOC: 20 Years of Dialogue for Humanity – Towards a New Era of Mutual Respect and Understanding in a Multipolar World’, the forum brings together heads of state and government, leaders of international and regional organizations, religious figures, and representatives from the private sector, youth, arts, sports, academia, and media.

A delegation from Azerbaijan, led by Minister of Culture Adil Kerimli, along with Sheikh-ul-Islam Allahshukur Pashazade, chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO), is participating in the event.

Over the course of two days, forum sessions will cover topics including:

Responsible leadership in a multipolar world: promoting multilateralism through inclusive dialogue

Faith in humanity: interfaith dialogue as a bridge to peace and a unified humanity

From digital realities to the real world: combating deepfakes, AI-driven disinformation, and algorithm-enhanced hate

Protecting human dignity and promoting belonging: reimagining migration narratives and designing cities as inclusive spaces for all

In addition, the forum will host the UNAOC Friends High-Level Meeting and the UNAOC Youth Forum, highlighting the importance of cross-generational dialogue and global cooperation.