Category: Azer News

On December 9, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with Robert Fico, Prime Minister of the Slovak Republic, in Bratislava, Azernews reports.

During the conversation, the sides praised the development of the Azerbaijan-Slovakia strategic partnership. They expressed confidence that Prime Minister Robert Fico’s visit to Azerbaijan last year and the current official visit of the President of Azerbaijan to Slovakia would make a significant contribution to the expansion of bilateral relations.

They hailed the high level of political relations and noted the broad opportunities for deepening cooperation in other areas as well.

Robert Fico congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the achievements in advancing the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Expressing gratitude for the congratulations, the head of state emphasized that Azerbaijan would continue its efforts to ensure regional peace.

During the meeting, the sides expressed satisfaction with the participation of a Slovak company in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories and exchanged views on the prospects for cooperation between the two countries.

On December 9, the opening ceremony of the Awaza branch of the Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship took place in Turkmenbashi, Turkmenistan.

The event was attended by Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Vice-President for Medical Activities of the Charitable Foundation, Oguljahan Atabayeva.

Speaking at the ceremony, Oguljahan Atabayeva noted that the Foundation, established on the initiative of Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, carries out large-scale and effective work. ‘The creation of the Foundation has provided every citizen with the opportunity to participate in charitable activities. Thanks to its support, hundreds of complex medical operations have been performed, and a number of medical institutions have been equipped with modern equipment,’ she said.

Emphasizing that care for children is a priority of state policy, Atabayeva added that, in addition to high-quality medical care, the branch also provides conditions for children’s recreation and rehabilitation. She stressed that they will continue to actively support the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals aimed at improving children’s living standards worldwide.

The Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Charitable Foundation for Assistance to Children in Need of Guardianship was established in 2021. Its main goal is to support the younger generation, create favorable living conditions, and assist in restoring the health of children in need of care. To date, the Foundation has implemented numerous charitable and humanitarian projects in Turkmenistan and abroad.

The Foundation’s activities, based on the principles of humanism, justice, and goodwill, are also supported by the state. Operating internationally, the Foundation has cooperated with UNICEF to send humanitarian aid to children affected by emergencies and natural disasters in Trkiye, Ukraine, Russia, Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Palestine.

A recent report by the NGO Defenders of Human Rights on the rise of religious discrimination in France has raised serious concerns among both the public and government authorities. The report warns that discrimination based on religious affiliation is increasingly tolerated and, in some cases, even perceived as normal, Azernews reports.

According to the Ipsos Institute’s Access to Rights survey, 7% of the population reported experiencing discrimination based on religion in the past five years, up from 5% in 2016. The report notes that discrimination occurs across multiple areas of life, including education, employment, housing, access to services, and social activism.

Discrimination is particularly pronounced among Muslims or those perceived as Muslim, with 34% reporting experiences of bias (compared to 27% in 2016), while among Christians, the figure remains at 4%. Muslim women are identified as the most vulnerable group: 38% reported discrimination, compared with 31% of Muslim men. Human rights activists highlight that 15% of women wearing religious symbols, particularly the hijab, have faced direct discrimination. Employment is cited as the sector most affected. Furthermore, 41% of individuals perceived as ‘Arab’ reported religious discrimination, reflecting the overlap between religious and ethnic bias.

The report also emphasizes that discrimination often comes with abuse of power, including public insults, anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic attacks, desecration of places of worship, and cyberattacks. Claire Hedon, head of Defenders of Human Rights, notes that such incidents can have profound consequences, including anxiety, social isolation, economic difficulties, and loss of trust in government institutions. The report highlights a paradox: some policies aimed at combating separatism may inadvertently reinforce these trends.

Data from the National Human Rights Commission for 2024 indicates that 24% of respondents interpret secularism as a ban on religious symbols in public spaces. The NGO argues that this reflects a misinterpretation of the principle established by the 1905 law on the separation of church and state, sometimes presenting secularism as a form of collective atheism used to restrict religious expression. To address this, the organization proposes including the topic of secularism in school curricula starting from elementary education.

Claire Hedon stressed that combating religious discrimination is not only a legal obligation but also essential for maintaining social cohesion in France. She urged government institutions and society at large to take the issue seriously and emphasized the importance of broader educational initiatives to foster tolerance and inclusion.

Report notes that while anti-discrimination laws exist, many victims hesitate to report incidents due to fear of stigma or lack of trust in authorities. Experts suggest that improving reporting mechanisms and public awareness campaigns could play a critical role in reducing discrimination and strengthening social cohesion.

Court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under multiple articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other grave offenses, continued on December 9.

The open court session at the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Aghayev and composed of judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge: Gunel Samadova), provided the accused with a Russian-language interpreter and a state-appointed defense lawyer.

Presiding Judge Zeynal Aghayev introduced the panel of judges, the prosecutors representing the state, the interpreters, and other participants to the victims and their legal successors attending the proceedings for the first time. He also explained their rights and obligations under the law.

Subsequently, the court heard statements from the victims.

Representative of a victim, Azer Manafov, stated that he suffered as a result of Armenia’s mine terrorism. Responding to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, he said that several people at the scene were injured due to the mine explosion, while Javid Ismayilov was killed.

Victim Yadulla Abushov, answering questions from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, noted that in the Kalbajar district, several people were killed and he, along with others, was injured as a result of mortar and other fire opened by the enemy.

Victim Sahil Salahov stated that he was injured by the explosion of a shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in Khojavend district. Answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Defense of State Accusation at the Prosecutor General’s Office, he noted that several people were killed in the incident.

The court then announced statements from other victims. Some individuals recognized as victims had previously sent petitions stating they could not attend the sessions for valid reasons and confirmed their statements given during the preliminary investigation. In previous sessions, the parties did not object to the announcement of these statements in court.

During the session, expert opinions, protocols, and other evidentiary documents contained in the criminal case materials were also presented.

The presiding judge stated that the examination of statements given by the victims and legal successors during the preliminary investigation has been completed.

The accused, Ruben Vardanyan, filed a motion requesting to review certain documents related to the criminal case and asked for some documents to be excluded. Presiding Judge Zeynal Aghayev stated that appropriate conditions would be created for the accused after specifying which documents he wishes to review.

Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev proposed the examination of other necessary documents in the criminal case.

The next court session is scheduled for December 12.

Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violations of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border).

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.

A panel discussion titled “Employment Opportunities in Creative and Cultural Industries” has been held as part of OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025, Azernews reports. The event focused on how rich creative ideas can be transformed into successful and sustainable professional careers.

The panel session aimed to explore ways for creative individuals to convert their talents into market value, adapt them to professional business models, and address the challenges encountered along the way.

The discussion brought together local and international speakers who have achieved success in fields such as fashion, design, jewelry, craftsmanship, and social entrepreneurship. They shared stories of how successful brands emerged from the fusion of creative vision and entrepreneurial thinking.

Founder of “Azerbaijani Socks”, Teresa Hamlin, emphasized that her brand’s mission is to lovingly introduce traditional Azerbaijani craftsmanship to the world. During her travels across regions, she collects and documents unique sock patterns specific to each area, noting that every region has its own ‘signature.’ Unlike carpets, socks wear out quickly and are discarded, leading to the loss of these distinctive designs. Preserving these patterns, she stressed, is the core of her work.

Rasmina Gurbatova, founder of Resm Jewelry, shared that after a decade of experience at the World Bank in communications, corporate governance, and financial infrastructure, she decided to enter the creative industry not through a pre-planned strategy but driven primarily by passion. She noted that the brand’s successful launch was largely due to her expertise in business, marketing, and communications, combined organically with creative thinking.

Bilal Hassam, founding director of Muslim Agency, also recounted his personal journey, briefly describing his transition from medicine to the creative industries. He explained that research into the role of culture, establishing his own company, family travels, and a return to art ultimately led him to the creative projects he presents today-one of which was showcased at the exhibition.

At the conclusion of the panel, Atelier Azure founder Turkan Mammadova and Agahuseyn Ahmadov, head of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA),highlighted that the combination of creative potential, entrepreneurial vision, and systematic state support has created a favorable environment in Azerbaijan for the growth of cultural and creative industries, as well as innovative startups.

The discussion placed particular emphasis on several key themes. It explored the path from creativity to profitable business, including how ideas are brought to market, how initial resources are managed, and how branding strategies are developed.

Attention was also given to the role of women entrepreneurs, highlighting both their contributions to the growth of the creative sector and the social and economic challenges they face in building their own brands. Another focus was on value-based business models, emphasizing the importance of establishing creative enterprises on Islamic values and principles of social responsibility.

The panel further examined the global outreach of local brands, stressing the promotion of “Made in Azerbaijan” products on the international stage and the need to enhance export potential.

Finally, participants discussed innovation and the labor market, considering the prospects for creative industries to become one of the future career directions within the employment ecosystem of ICO member states.