Category: Azer News

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.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Adebayo Ogunlesi, Founding Partner, Chairman, and Chief Executive Officer of Global Infrastructure Partners (GIP), a leading global infrastructure investment management company, on December 8, Azernews reports

President Aliyev highly appreciated the partnership between the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) and Global Infrastructure Partners, citing joint investments in the ‘Italo’ high-speed rail operator and London Gatwick Airport as successful examples of cooperation. Highlighting Azerbaijan’s long-term development strategy, the President emphasized the importance of the partnership with GIP in this framework.

Adebayo Ogunlesi noted that cooperation with SOFAZ has produced effective results, with the capital invested in GIP-managed funds creating a reliable partnership model.

He highlighted the company’s extensive international experience in airport management, logistics and transport corridor optimization, and energy – including renewable energy – and expressed interest in collaborating with Azerbaijan on energy transition, transport, and digital infrastructure.

The sides also exchanged views on the company’s ongoing infrastructure projects and emerging trends in the global energy transition, including cooperation on international initiatives involving artificial intelligence technologies.

Founded in 2006 and acquired in 2024 by BlackRock, Global Infrastructure Partners currently manages assets worth approximately $189 billion. BlackRock, the world’s largest active asset management company, oversees nearly $14 trillion in assets globally.

Georgia has agreed to permit a one-time free transit of oil products from Azerbaijan to Armenia, according to information circulated by Armenian media, Azernews reports.

As reported by Azernews, the Georgian Ministry of Economy and Sustainable Development confirmed that it had received a formal request from its partners regarding the transit of Azerbaijani fuel through Georgia en route to Armenia.

In its statement, the ministry noted that all sides were informed about the decision approved by Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze, emphasizing that the move applies exclusively to a single transit operation.

Recall that last Saturday, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan Hikmet Hajiyev stated that the war with Armenia is over for Azerbaijan. He noted that the issue of exporting oil and oil products to Armenia was discussed during Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mger Grigoryan’s visit to Gabala in the previous week.

‘Some time ago, the Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia visited the Gabala region of Azerbaijan. This was again an unprecedented event. During the official visit of the Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia to Azerbaijan, the process of border delimitation was discussed. At the same time, some mutual trade issues between the two countries were discussed. One of these areas, which we are now discussing, is the issue of oil and oil products exports from Azerbaijan to Armenia. This is also an unprecedented event,’ Hajiyev said.

He also stressed that the recent permission to export wheat from Azerbaijani territory to Armenia was an important step toward strengthening peace in the region. According to Hajiyev, the role of US President Donald Trump in achieving peace with Armenia has been fundamental.

Meanwhile, Secretary of the Armenian Security Council Armen Grigoryan stated that Armenia expects new opportunities from the opening of the TRIPP route, suggesting that it would help bring peace to the region and enable Armenia to channel more investment into its economy and cultural development. However, Grigoryan avoided commenting on Hajiyev’s remarks regarding the export of oil and oil products.

Armenian Deputy Prime Minister Mger Grigoryan visited Gabala on November 28 to attend the 12th meeting of the demarcation commission. Official information released at the time did not mention discussions on economic issues. Still, ahead of his visit, Grigoryan had not ruled out that the delimitation process could be carried out in areas where the TRIPP route might pass, facilitating its opening.

The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), representing 57 member states, has long promoted unity through culture, education, and development, Azernews reports.

Since joining the OIC in 1992, Azerbaijan has played an active role in advancing the organisation’s political, cultural, and humanitarian agenda.

This year marks a significant milestone: for the first time, Azerbaijan is hosting the OIC Culture Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025, organised in partnership with the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), demonstrating the country’s growing leadership in strengthening cultural cooperation and unity across the Islamic world.

Since its inception in 2019, the OIC Culture Festival has been held in various member states, strengthening collaboration in culture and creative industries while promoting mutual understanding and friendship among peoples. The Baku edition continues this tradition, bringing together more than 300 official delegates and experts from 50 countries, alongside an expected 5,000 visitors. The festival reaffirms the shared values and unity of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

Within the framework of Baku Creative Week – 2025, several major events are planned, including a high-level meeting of Culture Ministers from OIC member states, the Forum on Cultural and Creative Industries (MYFORUM), the Creative Village exhibition (MYEXPO), the international film program Baku Cinema Breeze – 2025, the Eastern Fashion Show featuring young and established designers from OIC countries, the G-HUB International Summit on Gaming Technologies, as well as diverse cultural projects in theater, music, dance, and animation.

Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has addressed the opening ceremony of the festival.

In his address, the Azerbaijani Minister emphasised that Baku Creative Week – 2025 is not only a celebration of cultural diversity but also a strategic initiative to strengthen Azerbaijan’s role as a hub for creative exchange within the Islamic world. He noted that the festival’s comprehensive program, spanning cinema, fashion, gaming, music, and literature, reflects the dynamism of modern cultural industries and their growing impact on global development.

Minister Karimli pointed out that the event provides an opportunity for policymakers, industry leaders, and creative professionals to share experiences, explore innovative solutions, and build sustainable partnerships. He also stressed that Azerbaijan’s commitment to cultural diplomacy is aligned with the broader goals of the OIC, which seeks to foster unity and cooperation among its member states through dialogue and shared values.

The Azerbaijani official concluded by expressing confidence that the outcomes of Baku Creative Week – 2025 would resonate far beyond Azerbaijan, contributing to the advancement of creative industries across the Islamic world and reinforcing the spirit of solidarity that defines the OIC community.

The role of Baku in hosting international events of global importance has also not gone unnoticed. Tarig Ali Bakheet, OIC Assistant Secretary-General for Humanitarian, Cultural and Social Affairs and Special Envoy of the OIC Secretary General on Afghanistan, said that Azerbaijan’s initiative in hosting the OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025 reflects the country’s growing role in shaping cultural diplomacy across the Islamic world. He added that Baku has become a meeting point where tradition and innovation converge, offering a platform for creative industries to flourish while strengthening the bonds of solidarity among OIC member states.

The Secretary General highlighted that the festival’s diverse program demonstrates how culture can serve as a driver of economic growth, social cohesion, and international cooperation. By bringing together policymakers, artists, entrepreneurs, and young professionals, the event creates opportunities for dialogue and collaboration that extend beyond national borders.

Bakheet emphasised that the OIC Secretariat views such initiatives as vital for nurturing mutual respect and understanding among peoples, while also empowering youth to take an active role in cultural and creative development. He expressed confidence that the outcomes of Baku Creative Week – 2025 would contribute to building a sustainable cultural ecosystem across the Islamic world, reinforcing shared values and strengthening collective identity.

Concluding his remarks, Tarig Ali Bakheet stated that the festival is a testament to the vision of Azerbaijan and the OIC in promoting creativity as a cornerstone of human progress, and he expressed hope that the partnerships formed in Baku would inspire future projects that unite communities through culture and innovation.

Turkiye’s Deputy Minister of Culture and Tourism, Nadir Alpaslan, emphasised that the festival functions not only as an artistic event but also as a significant means of reinforcing spiritual connections, mutual understanding, and shared historical memory among nations. He pointed out that the festival exemplifies how art can serve as a tool for fostering unity, noting that the fraternal relationship between Azerbaijan and Turkiye, grounded in the principle of “One nation, two states,” serves as a model of cultural collaboration.

Alpaslan further stated that Turkiye is consistently willing to support initiatives that promote cultural cooperation, encourage youth participation in creative environments, and develop innovative approaches to presenting Islamic culture. He underlined that the measures taken within the OIC framework, the expansion of cultural platforms, and the growth of creative industries are of strategic significance for Turkiye.

He observed that Islamic culture has historically influenced every aspect of life in the region, from architecture and music to literature and science, and that today it is being shared with broader audiences through new technological platforms, creative ecosystems, and global cultural integration. He expressed the belief that the festival would contribute to both preserving historical heritage and enriching it through a contemporary perspective.

Finally, Alpaslan acknowledged Azerbaijan’s leadership in cultural diplomacy and its contributions to regional solidarity, stating that these efforts are appreciated not only by Turkiye but by the entire Islamic world. He expressed confidence that cooperation in cultural projects would continue to expand in the coming years, introducing new initiatives and formats for cultural exchange.

Speaking at the inauguration of the OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025 in Baku, Pakistan’s Federal Minister for National Heritage and Culture, Aurangzeb Khan Khichi, expressed that Pakistan, as a brotherly nation, took pride in Azerbaijan’s role as host of the landmark event. He stressed that Baku had become a cultural, creative, and intellectual platform for the Islamic world, providing new momentum to cooperation.

Khichi underlined that Pakistan is always willing to actively participate in initiatives that strengthen Islamic solidarity and promote shared cultural values. He explained that the festival should be seen not merely as an event but as a significant opportunity for cultural rapprochement, creative exchange, and strategic cooperation within the Islamic world. He stressed that the shared history, cultural roots, and religious unity of the Islamic nations bind them together not only symbolically but in genuine partnership, and Pakistan was committed to supporting cooperation at all levels to maintain and strengthen this unity.

He also highlighted that Azerbaijan’s efforts in cultural diplomacy and its contributions to cultural cooperation at both regional and global levels were highly commendable. Aurangzeb Khan Khichi expressed the belief that such fruitful initiatives would continue, further reinforcing the cultural identity of the Islamic world.

Delivering remarks at the opening ceremony, Libya’s Minister of Culture and Cognitive Development, Mabrouka Toghi, highlighted the significance of Azerbaijan’s contribution to Islamic solidarity, noting that it was widely acknowledged and respected. She stated that Azerbaijan’s efforts not only strengthen regional ties but also promote global cultural cooperation.

Mabrouka Toghi emphasised that the festival exemplifies these values, bringing together architects, artists, filmmakers, musicians, scholars, and young talents to share modern cultural developments, innovative ideas, and technological creativity. She pointed out that Islamic culture has historically served as a carrier of knowledge, science, art, and moral values, and that this heritage is reflected not only in libraries and museums but also in daily life, architecture, music, literature, and collective memory.

She added that the Libyan Culture Ministry is committed to continuing its work within the OIC framework to expand joint cultural programs, support the creative development of youth, and strengthen cooperation in knowledge and cognitive fields. Toghi also noted that creative industries are expected to become a key sector driving both economic and cultural development in the future.

Egypt’s Culture Minister, Ahmed Fouad Hanno, highlighted that Azerbaijan plays an exemplary role not only in preserving cultural heritage but also as a center for creativity and cultural cooperation within the Islamic world. He stated that Egypt believes the initiative contributes to expanding cultural dialogue in the region, strengthening historical ties, and promoting shared spiritual values globally. He expressed confidence that the festival would provide an opportunity to showcase the cultural strength, creative potential, and contemporary cultural policies of the Islamic world to the world audience.

Hanno also noted that every creative participant, expert, and cultural institution involved in the festival contributes to a common mission: preserving cultural heritage, transmitting it to future generations, and enriching it with modern and innovative approaches. He emphasised that Islamic culture has historically been one of humanity’s most valuable sources of scientific and aesthetic heritage, and that this centuries-old legacy, which has united Islamic nations, now takes on a strategic role in further strengthening cultural relations.

He affirmed that Egypt is prepared to work jointly to develop this shared cultural environment for future generations in a more creative, sustainable, and inclusive way, noting that culture serves as one of the most powerful means of fostering mutual understanding, respect, and lasting peace. Hanno concluded by observing that Baku today functions not only as a festival venue but also as an international hub serving as a bridge between cultures.

The Baku Creative Week – 2025 shows how the OIC Culture Festival is evolving into more than a cultural showcase; it’s becoming a platform for building networks and future opportunities. Moreover, Azerbaijan’s hosting of the festival marks a step toward shaping a more connected and forward-looking OIC community.