Category: Azer News

Tofig Bakikhanov has been awarded the 1st degree ‘Labor’ Order, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed a decree granting the honor.

The decree articulates that Tofig Bakikhanov is being conferred with the accolade in recognition of his sustained and impactful contributions to the evolution of Azerbaijani musical heritage.

The Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (ICESCO) signed an agreement on a project aimed at empowering and promoting the social inclusion of conflict-affected women across the three regions of Nigeria on December 8.

The signing took place during the meeting between Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, and Salim bin Mohammed Almalik, ICESCO Director-General, on the margins of the international conference on the theme “Launch of the AI Index for the Islamic World” in Baku.

The ICESCO Director General expressed his gratitude to Leyla Aliyeva for the excellent organisation of the event in Baku.

He expressed his confidence that the discussions held during the conference would enhance cooperation in AI among ICESCO member states.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva expressed her gratitude to the ICESCO Director General for the constant support provided to Azerbaijan, and for holding events aimed at promoting the Azerbaijani culture.

They noted that the successful cooperation between Azerbaijan and ICESCO, as well as the effective and close relations of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, chaired by Azerbaijani First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva, with ICESCO, serve to boost this cooperation.

The meeting also reviewed the future projects in science, education and culture between the two organisations.

NARGIS Magazine opened its magical seasonal project, “Winter in Azerbaijan,” a festive Gingerbread City exhibition that brings together craftsmanship, imagination and holiday spirit, Azernews reports. Hosted at Port Baku Mall, the exhibition invites visitors into a miniature gingerbread world.

The grand opening welcomed guests into an atmosphere of warmth and celebration. Throughout the evening, beloved mascots such as the Grinch, Olaf, Santa Claus, and a magician entertained visitors, while the children’s choir of the IMEC filled the space with cheerful melodies. Live music by Merry Band added to the festive ambiance. Guests were served hot chocolate, and gluten-free cookies. In addition, visitors received exclusive ‘Winter in Azerbaijan’ postcards and gingerbread cookies as a gift.

The NARGIS team also extends heartfelt thanks to all sponsors whose contributions made the exhibition possible, including Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC, Azerbaijan Railways CJSC, Azerpost LLC, Baku Metro CJSC, the Ministry of Emergency Situations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Baku City Circuit Operations Company, Wolt delivery service, MasterCard, Push30 LLC, Miniboss Business School training centre, Medsol LLC, Kidsberry store, Glodemia training centre, iTicket LLC, The Attack café, and a’Nanas café-bakery.

NARGIS Magazine expresses its sincere gratitude to Port Baku Mall for providing the venue for the exhibition.

We also thank our media partners for their invaluable support in bringing attention to this project. Among them are television channels AzTV, M?d?niyy?t TV, Ictimai TV, X?z?r TV, ARB24 TV, Space TV and Naxçivan TV; radio stations 90 FM Ictimai Radio, X?z?r Radio, Araz Radio, Asan Radio, Avto FM, Dalga FM and Planet FM; as well as online platforms Global Media Group, 1news.az, Day.az, Trend.az, Azernews.az, Milli.az, Azertac and 7news.az.

The exhibition will remain open to the public to January 15. Entrance is free.

The court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, who is accused under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, as well as terrorism and financing of terrorism, and other serious crimes, continued on December 8.

According to Azernews, at an open court session of the Baku Military Court, chaired by Judge Zeynal Agayev and composed of Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samedova), the accused was provided with a translator in the language he understands, namely Russian, as well as a state-appointed lawyer for his defense.

Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the court panel, prosecutors defending the state prosecution, translators, etc., to the victims and the legal heirs of the victims participating in the process for the first time, and also explained their rights and duties as provided by law.

Following this, the statements of the victims were heard.

Victim Nuran Gasimov stated in his testimony that he was injured in his leg as a result of the enemy’s attack on our territories in Lachin. In response to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, he also noted that others were injured during the incident.

Victim Alimukhtar Ibrahimov stated in his testimony that he was injured together with N. Gasimov, who had given testimony before him. In response to questions from state prosecutor Terane Mammadova, he noted that at that time, several other people were also injured.

Victim Panah Aliyev stated in his testimony that he was injured in the head as a result of the enemy provocation in Lachin. In response to questions from Nasir Bayramov, head of the Department for the Defense of State Prosecution at the General Prosecutor’s Office, he noted that several people suffered bodily injuries of varying degrees during the incident.

Victim Asgar Baylarov, answering questions from Vusal Aliyev, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, stated that he suffered a closed craniocerebral trauma as a result of the enemy provocation in Lachin.

Victim Ulvi Rahimov, answering questions from Tugay Rahimli, Assistant to the Prosecutor General for special assignments, stated that he was injured in the arm as a result of the enemy attack in Lachin.

Victim Elvin Salimov, responding to questions from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, stated that he sustained injuries to his head and hand during the enemy’s attack on our territories in Lachin.

Victim Samir Mammadov also stated that he was injured as a result of the enemy provocation in Lachin.

The court proceedings continued with the announcement of statements from other victims. A group of persons recognized as victims in the case sent applications to the court in previous sessions, stating that they could not attend the hearings for valid reasons and confirmed the statements they had given during the preliminary investigation. In previous court sessions, the parties did not object to the announcement of these statements in court.

During the announcement of documents, the accused Ruben Vardanyan submitted a motion. He stated that he wanted to familiarize himself with certain documents in the criminal case, including inquiries.

R. Vardanyan’s defense lawyer, Emil Babishov, requested the court to grant the motion.

Vusal Aliyev, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, responded to the motion, stating that the prosecution does not object to the accused or his defense lawyer familiarizing themselves with the specified documents.

Chairing the court, Z. Agayev stated regarding the motion that the defense could review these documents within this week and that the necessary conditions would be provided to them.

The next court session was scheduled for December 9.

It should be recalled that Ruben Vardanyan is accused under Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparation, initiation, and conduct of an aggressive war), 107 (deportation and forced transfer of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenarism), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of war), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during 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 organization), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, carrying, and transport of firearms, their components, ammunition, explosive substances and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation security), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional order of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of unauthorized armed formations or groups), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan) of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The decline in the use of the ‘Green Corridor’ is not due to reluctance to grant the status, but rather the result of fully transparent risk parameters being established.

Azernews reports that Natig Shirinov, Deputy Chairman of the State Customs Committee, made the remarks during the event ‘Customs-Business Forum 2025: Dialogue and Trust.’

He noted that the Committee’s board has approved specific risk criteria:

‘When any entrepreneur applies for the ‘Green Corridor,’ there are now clearly defined risk criteria in place. The assessment is conducted according to these criteria, and the entrepreneur is fully informed about which risk parameters apply to them. If no risks are identified across all parameters, the entrepreneur is granted the ‘Green Corridor participant’ status. However, if any risk is detected, the entrepreneur is transparently informed and can make the necessary adjustments before reapplying. This process has been legally formalized, providing a clear framework for both customs authorities and business representatives.’

Deputy Chairman Shirinov emphasized that the transparency has been raised to a higher level:

‘The reduced use of the ‘Green Corridor’ is not because we are unwilling to grant the status or are rejecting applicants. It is simply because fully transparent risk parameters have been established in an open framework.’

On December 8, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev held a one-on-one meeting with President of the Slovak Republic Peter Pellegrini in Bratislava, Azernews reports.

Azerbaijan continues to advance its agenda of economic diversification, export expansion, and customs modernization, Presidential Aide and Head of the Department for Economic Affairs and Innovative Development Policy of the Presidential Administration, Shahmar Movsumov, said at the ‘Customs-Business Forum 2025: Dialogue and Trust’ held in Baku, Azernews reports.

According to Movsumov, diversification remains one of the most important challenges facing the national economy, yet the progress achieved in recent years is already visible.

‘Between 2021 and 2024, the non-oil sector grew by an average of 6.7 percent annually, raising its share in the economy to 68 percent. Over the past six years, non-oil exports have nearly doubled, reflecting the country’s strengthened competitiveness. At the same time, thanks to public-private partnership mechanisms and ongoing reforms, the private sector’s share in the economy has reached 81.4 percent,’ he said.

Movsumov highlighted that Azerbaijan has signed free trade agreements with ten countries as part of efforts to expand economic integration and create broader export opportunities.

‘The removal of tariffs, along with the simplification and digitalization of customs procedures, accelerates export operations, reduces costs, and increases the competitiveness of the processing and non-oil sectors. These measures also help attract transit cargo and enhance the use of regional transport corridors in both the Europe-Asia and North-South directions. As a result, Azerbaijan is strengthening its role not only as an exporting nation but also as a transit-logistics hub and regional trade gateway,’ he noted.

The presidential aide also emphasized the new ‘Trusted Partner’ concept signed by President Ilham Aliyev, describing it as a significant step toward improving customs-business cooperation and aligning the country’s foreign economic activity with modern international trade supply chain requirements.

‘The concept aims to improve governance, facilitate trade, protect the interests of business entities, increase revenue opportunities, and modernize customs services. It introduces more flexible export mechanisms, supports the promotion of the ‘Made in Azerbaijan’ brand on global trading platforms, and positions national carriers as reliable partners for international companies,’ Movsumov said.

He added that the model applies to economic operators that fully comply with regulatory requirements and take advantage of state-granted opportunities.

‘This initiative strengthens business confidence and encourages the development of self-assessment systems. As part of the concept, trusted partners will be allowed to pay customs fees in installments, benefit from tailored support programs, receive professional training, and participate in awareness-raising activities. Its implementation will enhance the competitiveness of Azerbaijani businesses, expand export potential, and further consolidate Azerbaijan’s reputation as a reliable partner in the global supply chain,’ he stressed.

On December 8, a meeting was held between Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation Leyla Aliyeva and Supreme Chairman of the Hamdan Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Foundation Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum.

Azernews reports that Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum, who expressed his satisfaction with participating in the “Presentation of the Artificial Intelligence Index in the Islamic World” conference held in Baku, emphasised the importance of events on artificial intelligence and expanding cooperation in this field, and spoke about the importance of programs and projects implemented in the educational and social fields.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva, highlighted the importance of cooperation prospects between the two institutions.

Sheikh Rashid bin Hamdan bin Rashid Al Maktoum once again congratulated the Heydar Aliyev Foundation on being awarded the “Hamdan-ICESCO” award for educational and social support projects in the Islamic world and other countries.

Leyla Aliyeva noted that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation has always attached importance to education and social spheres during its activity, and expressed her gratitude for the Foundation being awarded the “Hamdan-ICESCO” award.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Seyed Abbas Araghchi, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, on December 8, Azernews reports.

President Ilham Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan and Iran share a long history of relations, and the centuries-long coexistence of the two peoples gives special significance to these ties. Expressing satisfaction with the recent intensification of bilateral relations, the head of state emphasized that the visit of President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian to Azerbaijan, as well as reciprocal visits by other high-ranking officials, contribute to the further expansion of cooperation.

President Ilham Aliyev stated that the bilateral agenda is broad and covers numerous areas, adding that concrete roadmaps exist for all issues.

Highlighting the highly effective work of the intergovernmental commission, the head of state pointed to cooperation in economic, trade, transport, energy, and other fields.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed confidence that the visit of the Iranian delegation would be successful and productive.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Seyed Abbas Araghchi first conveyed the greetings of President of the Islamic Republic of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian to the head of state. He noted that the Iranian leader holds great respect for President Ilham Aliyev and for Azerbaijan. The Foreign Minister added that after being elected President of Iran, Masoud Pezeshkian instructed the government to further strengthen relations with Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to Masoud Pezeshkian.

Seyed Abbas Araghchi, in turn, emphasized the deep-rooted nature of Azerbaijan-Iran relations and stressed the importance of further deepening these ties.

During the meeting, the sides also exchanged views on issues of mutual interest.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in the Slovak Republic for an official visit on December 8.

A guard of honor was lined up for the President of Azerbaijan at Bratislava’s Milan Štefánik International Airport.

President Ilham Aliyev was welcomed by Peter Vodráška, Chief of Staff of the Office of the President of the Slovak Republic, and other officials.