Category: Azer News

On December 10, 2025, a diplomatic reception was held at the ‘Four Seasons’ hotel in Baku to mark the 15th anniversary of the Eurasian Regional Center of the Islamic Cooperation Youth Forum (ICYF-ERC). The event was attended by representatives of embassies and diplomatic missions accredited in Azerbaijan, government agencies, NGOs, and members of parliament.

The event began with the screening of a video highlighting the contributions of the ICYF-ERC over the past 15 years to youth development and international cooperation within the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) space.

Following the video, Elchin Asgarov, Chairman of the Board of the ICYF-ERC, delivered a speech. He noted that the ICYF, the first youth platform of the OIC, was established in Baku in 2004 with the support of the Azerbaijani government and President Ilham Aliyev personally. He also emphasized that the Eurasian Regional Center of the Forum was created in Baku with the support of the Azerbaijani government, expressing gratitude for the country’s continued support and hospitality.

Speaking on behalf of the Azerbaijani government, Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, expressed satisfaction with the cooperation between the Ministry and the ICYF-ERC in initiatives such as the Alliance of Civilizations for Youth, the OIC Model, the OIC Youth Capital projects, and the establishment of the Secretariat of the OIC Youth Ministers Council. He affirmed that the Ministry would continue its collaboration with the Center.

On behalf of the entire diplomatic corps in Azerbaijan, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Kingdom of Morocco to Azerbaijan, Mohammed Adil Embarch, delivered a congratulatory speech. He emphasized the ICYF-ERC’s contributions to the development and networking of youth in OIC countries and the enhancement of their leadership skills amid growing global risks, threats, and challenges over the past 15 years. He wished the Center continued success in its future endeavors.

As part of the event, nine young participants who demonstrated exceptional skills and active participation in the simulation of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers held in Baku on December 6 of this year, were awarded certificates of distinction and prizes.

The event concluded with a cultural program and a gala dinner representing the cultures of OIC member states.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the Trade Envoy of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Azerbaijan and Central Asia, Lord Alderdice, Azernews reports.

Lord Alderdice congratulated the head of state on the results achieved in Washington regarding the advancement of the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the congratulations, highlighting the historical significance of reaching agreements between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and emphasizing the role of President Donald Trump in this process. The head of state noted that he would continue his efforts to advance Azerbaijan’s peace agenda as the initiator of this process, emphasizing that peace can contribute to the development of the region’s economic potential.

President Ilham Aliyev hailed the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and bp, spanning more than 30 years.

During the conversation, the sides underscored the successful development of relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland based on strategic partnership, friendship, and trust, noting the vast potential for enhancing cooperation in political, economic, trade, investment, energy, including renewable energy, defense industry, education, and other spheres. They underlined the importance of reciprocal visits at various levels in strengthening bilateral relations.

The British companies’ participation in the restoration and reconstruction efforts carried out in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, as well as their contributions to these efforts, were hailed at the meeting.

On December 10, an international conference titled ‘The Role of Women in Modern Society: Promoting International Cooperation for Sustainable Development’ was held in the Awaza National Tourist Zone in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva, participated in the conference.

The guests first toured an exhibition showcasing Turkmenistan’s rich cultural heritage and today’s achievements. The exposition included stands visually presenting the country’s successes in various fields and highlighting women’s active participation in state-building, the economy, science, education, and healthcare.

The conference brought together representatives of international organizations and experts to discuss key initiatives on strengthening the role of women and promoting the global sustainable development agenda.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Oguljahan Atabayeva, Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship, expressed confidence that the conference would be held in an active and constructive dialogue environment. She noted that the event would serve as an effective platform for promoting initiatives based on the idea of commitment to humanism. ‘It is women who teach our children the values of life and instill a culture of peace and respect. Their support is fundamental for a humane society. It is necessary to establish an international network of centers supporting women and children to ensure comprehensive assistance. Providing medical and psychological help to children, social and legal support to women, rapid humanitarian aid, and the formation of mobile medical teams are among the important issues,’ Oguljahan Atabayeva emphasized. She also spoke about the importance of women’s active participation in social, political, and economic processes.

Director-General of the United Nations Office at Geneva Tatiana Valovaya noted that this year marks three important anniversaries – the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration, and the 30th anniversary of the international recognition of Turkmenistan’s permanent neutrality status. ‘Turkmenistan’s neutrality status forms the basis of the country’s foreign policy aimed at dialogue, mediation, and the development of cooperation. Women in Turkmenistan play a significant role in these processes. They represent the country at the UN and other international organizations, participate in negotiations, and contribute to the expansion of multilateral dialogue. Women also actively participate in parliament on issues of education, science, culture, youth policy, social protection, and healthcare,’ the Director-General highlighted.

Saida Mirziyoyeva, Head of the Administration of the President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, noted that women’s rights are protected in their country and stated that free master’s programs for girls and women, as well as scholarships for studying at the world’s leading universities, have been established. Currently, 35 percent of students studying abroad with state funding are women. ‘We have also created a unique accelerator program that provides women entrepreneurs with quality financing, mentoring, and access to global experience,’ she said.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva noted in her speech that women’s leadership, knowledge, and experience are crucial for the sustainable development of society. Leyla Aliyeva provided information about the activities of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, including its international projects. ‘The Foundation has implemented school construction and reconstruction projects in a number of countries, including China, Georgia, Egypt, Russia, Romania, Vietnam, and the Netherlands. Programs for the reconstruction of a girls’ school and school infrastructure in Pakistan, as well as the supply of information technology equipment in Kenya and Rwanda, have been carried out.’ She also highlighted projects in Burkina Faso, Mali, Niger, and Honduras supporting girls’ education and development. Expressing satisfaction that women hold a special place in modern society, the Vice-President of the Foundation stated that they are guardians of family values and cultural traditions.

Leyla Aliyeva noted that the Foundation’s activities cover important areas such as science, education, healthcare, culture, and ecology, and that local and international projects have been implemented in these areas over the past period. During her speech, she also addressed the problem of the significant drop in the Caspian Sea level, a shared concern: ‘The decrease in the Caspian Sea level seriously affects the lives of marine creatures such as sturgeon, golden fish, and seals. Pollution of the Caspian waters continues to worsen their condition. This is a global problem that we must address together, and I believe we can save our sea.’

Other speakers discussed the role of women in society, noting that they are the main bearers and guardians of cultural values, customs, traditions, and moral norms. Emphasizing the importance of maximally involving women’s potential in political and economic life to achieve sustainable development, the speakers noted that such conferences are an important platform for multilateral dialogue. The necessity of strengthening partnerships between state institutions, civil society, and international organizations to eliminate obstacles preventing the full realization of women’s potential was highlighted.

At the Asset Integrity and Corrosion and Coatings Conference, a panel discussion on ‘Next-generation Coating Solutions for Harsh Oil and Gas Environments’ brought together experts representing different parts of the value chain, Azernews reports.

Participants included Nurida Mammadova, Lead Project Engineer at SOCAR Upstream Management International LLC; Paul Gielen, Director of TRAST B.V. Branch in Azerbaijan; and Kanan Atakishiyev, Chief Commercial Officer at WESA.

The session highlighted the combined perspectives of asset owners, technical specialists, and commercial leaders-reflecting how each plays a key role in advancing coating technologies in complex oil and gas environments.

Speaking about the adoption of online coating technologies for high-temperature pipelines that cannot be shut down, Nurida Mammadova noted that SOCAR, now operating on an international scale, remains open to innovative solutions. She explained that online coating technologies can be effective under high-temperature conditions where shutdowns are not feasible, but she emphasized that such applications are more suitable for temporary rather than permanent use.

Paul Gielen underscored the importance of surface preparation in ensuring coating performance. He stated that even the most advanced and expensive coating system will fail if the surface preparation is inadequate. In contrast, a mediocre coating applied to a properly prepared surface is far more likely to perform successfully. According to him, surface preparation remains the foundation of any durable coating system.

From a commercial and industry-development viewpoint, Kanan Atakishiyev addressed the ongoing challenge of clients relying on coating specifications developed decades ago. He noted that conditions 20-30 years ago were very different-digitalization was limited, expectations around efficiency were lower, and environmental regulations were far less strict. Despite this, many companies continue to adhere to outdated standards due to comfort and familiarity with older technologies. Atakishiyev emphasized that while resistance to change exists, it also creates opportunities for companies that can demonstrate next-generation solutions through pilot applications or rapid performance testing. Such efforts, he said, allow clients to adopt new technologies without taking on unnecessary risk.

Reflecting on whether this mindset is shifting, Atakishiyev explained that resistance to new technologies is likely to persist across the industry. However, he believes EPC contractors have a responsibility to champion innovation and guide clients toward more advanced solutions. Being among the first to introduce new technologies, he added, can help companies strengthen their competitive position.

Paul Gielen concluded by noting that manufacturers are actively developing new coating technologies and are eager to introduce them to major operators such as SOCAR, bp, and TotalEnergies. While large operators may sometimes be cautious, he highlighted that collaboration between EPC contractors and manufacturers can accelerate the adoption of innovative solutions across the industry.

The Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has addressed the scientific-practical forum “Culture and Law: Modern Challenges” held at the Heydar Aliyev Center in Baku, Azernews reports.

In his speech, he stressed that the conceptual connection between culture and law is deeper and more intertwined than one might imagine. The Culture Minister added that, in order to discuss the contemporary challenges in the relationship between culture and law, it is first necessary to reanalyze and reconsider these concepts:

“The conceptual connection between culture and law is deeper and more intertwined than one might imagine. If we want to discuss the contemporary challenges in the relationship between culture and law, it would be appropriate to first reanalyze and reconsider these concepts.”

Adil Karimli emphasized that, in a broad sense, culture is an understanding that encompasses the system of thoughts, values, behaviors, and rules that exist in relation to a nation, giving it a unique identity, balancing internal societal unity, distinguishing it from other nations, and forming consistently over a certain period of time.

The Culture Minister noted that, in a positive sense, law is a set of rules created and implemented by state institutions to formalize and regulate individual freedoms, behaviors, and social relations.

He added that, as a crossroads of diverse and rich cultures, Azerbaijan has formed a national culture that incorporates multicultural traditions and is based on values ??such as respect for human dignity, freedom, equality, and national identity throughout its centuries-old history.

Adil Karimli noted that Azerbaijani culture has historically been a key factor in fostering national unity and integrity, as well as in building a strong and modern state in the contemporary era. He stressed that the historic victory achieved during the 44-day Patriotic War further underscores the vital role of Azerbaijan’s national culture.

Organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, “Culture and Law: Modern Challenges” scientific-practical forum aims to examine contemporary challenges in Azerbaijan’s legal and cultural sectors and to discuss recent developments in these areas.

Organized for the first time, the Culture and Law Forum provides a key platform for in-depth discussions on the new challenges facing the country’s cultural and legal fields, as well as the relevant legal regulations.

During the forum, participants will discuss topics including “Culture and Law,” “The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Our Cultural Values,” and “The Role of Culture in the System of International Relations.”

Experts and representatives of state institutions will engage in discussions on the preservation and development of Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage, including ways to strengthen the legal framework supporting the country’s cultural sector.

The forum also aims to enhance cooperation among various institutions involved in the legal regulation of cultural policy.

Developing collaboration in the fields of culture and law is seen as a crucial step toward protecting Azerbaijan’s cultural values, raising its international recognition, and promoting a more effective representation of the country’s culture on the global stage.

Representatives from various state bodies, as well as specialists in law and culture, are participating in the forum.

The prestigious American magazine Time has named Leonardo DiCaprio Artist of the Year, Azernews reports.

The magazine notes that DiCaprio ‘has built a career that many would envy.’ The article recalls that, early in his career, few could imagine his acting potential in the 1993 film This Guy’s Life. It also highlights that Leonardo ‘has the rare gift of making choices that seem risky but ultimately prove brilliant,’ and that ‘the world never tires of looking at his face.’

In 2025, DiCaprio starred in Paul Thomas Anderson’s film Battle for Battle, which became a major hit with both critics and audiences worldwide. The role has been praised for showcasing his versatility and depth as an actor, further cementing his reputation as one of Hollywood’s most compelling performers.

Beyond his acting achievements, DiCaprio continues to be an outspoken advocate for environmental causes, using his platform to raise awareness about climate change and wildlife conservation, adding another layer to his already impressive legacy.

On December 9, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held one-on-one and expanded meetings with Richard Raši, Speaker of the National Council of the Slovak Republic, in Bratislava, Azernews reports.

The Speaker of the National Council welcomed the President of Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev signed the guest book.

First, President Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with Speaker Richard Raši, followed by an expanded meeting with the participation of delegations.

Speaker Richard Raši congratulated the head of state on advancing the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia and on the historic normalization document.

Expressing satisfaction with the existing relations between the parliaments of the two countries, he recalled his visit to Azerbaijan, including Garabagh, and described the participation of Slovak companies in the reconstruction of Bash Garvand village in the liberated Aghdam district as an example of friendship between the two countries.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the congratulations.

The President noted that last year a strategic partnership document was signed between Azerbaijan and Slovakia, emphasizing the development of bilateral relations on this basis.

During the meeting, the sides underscored the importance of parliamentary diplomacy between Azerbaijan and Slovakia and reviewed cooperation between their parliamentary institutions within international parliamentary organizations.

The meeting also highlighted significant opportunities for collaboration in energy, defense industry, humanitarian affairs, sports, direct flights, tourism, and other fields.

An international event dedicated to the security and operational reliability of critical assets in the oil and gas industry has been held in Baku, Azernews reports.

The conference titled ‘Asset Integrity and Corrosion and Coatings Conference’ brought together leading industry experts, company executives and technology providers.

The event focused on the current state and recent advancements in asset integrity management, corrosion mitigation and protective coating technologies. Within the framework of the conference, participants are being presented with the major risks facing the industry, technical solutions, and international best practices.

The conference covers two main tracks: the Asset Integrity Conference and the Corrosion and Coatings Conference. The programme includes technical sessions, panel discussions, and networking meetings. This format aims to facilitate knowledge exchange and expand cooperation among specialists.

More than 500 delegates from over 20 countries are taking part in the event. Over 50 speakers are delivering presentations, while more than 25 companies are showcasing their technological solutions. In total, the programme features more than 50 technical sessions, several panel discussions and various networking activities.

The main goal of the conference is to contribute to the sustainable development of the energy sector in the Caspian region by promoting the application of best practices in environmental protection and reliable infrastructure operation. The event is regarded as an important platform for dialogue among professionals working in the oil and gas industry.

During the official visit of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the Slovak Republic, a number of documents were signed between the two countries on December 9, Azernews reports.

The signed documents are as follows:

– Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Consular Affairs between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Slovak Republic;

– Memorandum of Understanding on Cooperation in Animal Health and Food Safety between the Food Safety Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the State Veterinary and Food Administration of the Slovak Republic;

– Protocol of Intent on Cooperation between the Ministry of Defense Industry of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Defense of the Slovak Republic;

– Memorandum of Understanding between the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Culture of the Slovak Republic;

– Memorandum of Understanding between the Small and Medium Business Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Slovak Republic.

On December 9, 2025, ICESCO Director-General Mr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik visited the headquarters of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and met with the President of the organization, Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova, Azernews reports.

During the visit, the ICESCO delegation was presented with the Foundation’s projects aimed at studying, preserving, and promoting cultural heritage. Important issues related to expanding scientific cooperation and strengthening institutional partnership were discussed.

The two sides exchanged plans for 2026, reviewed areas of mutual interest, and explored new prospects for collaboration.

A key event of the visit was the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation between the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and ICESCO, marking a new stage in the historical partnership between the parties.

The document was signed by the President of the Foundation, Mrs. Aktoty Raimkulova, and ICESCO Director-General, Mr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik.

The Memorandum provides for the international promotion of Turkic-Islamic cultural heritage, the introduction of new scientific approaches in the study, digitization, and preservation of cultural heritage sites, as well as the strengthening of expert exchange.

This important document is regarded as the beginning of a new phase in the field of cultural heritage preservation and will contribute to further enhancing effective cooperation between the parties.

At the conclusion of the meeting, ICESCO Director-General Mr. Salim bin Mohammed AlMalik left warm words in the Foundation ‘s guest book.

It should be noted that members of the ICESCO delegation also attended the meeting: Head of the ICESCO Partnership and International Cooperation Sector Anar Karimov, Director of the ICESCO Regional Office in Baku Dr. Abdulhakim Al-Sanan, Deputy Director of the ICESCO Regional Office in Baku Mrs. Maryam Gafar-zade, and Secretary of the National Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan for ICESCO Affairs Mr. Alakbar Khidirov.

Today’s high-level meeting has given new impetus to deepening cooperation between the Foundation and ICESCO in the field of international protection and development of cultural heritage.

The visit was accompanied by an artistic program.