Category: Azer News

The Azerbaijan Judo Championship has concluded.

Azernews reports that team events were held on the final day of the tournament at the Baku Sports Palace.

In the women’s competition, Shusha UGIM claimed the championship title. Umbayev Sport Club secured the silver medal, while the first team of Neftchi Sports Club finished with bronze.

In the men’s category, Kanokan-TT PCIK emerged as the champions. Azeri-Judo IKIB II, Sarhadchi IM, and Atilla IC shared third place.

The Trump administration’s newly released 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS) symbolises the most dramatic recalibration of American foreign policy in decades. At its core lies a revival, almost verbatim, of the Monroe Doctrine: the idea that the United States should prioritise dominance in the Western Hemisphere while minimising long-term entanglements elsewhere, including in Europe. Though references to the 19th-century doctrine appear modernised, the strategic logic is unmistakably familiar: the United States, once it was heard in every corner of the world, be it the Middle East or Asia, intends to centralise power at home, exert control over its near abroad, and scale back global commitments that it considers wasteful, ideologically misguided, or strategically outdated.

The new NSS also presents a sharply critical portrait of Europe. In language unusually confrontational for an allied relationship, the document frames the European Union as a region suffering from demographic decline, policy fragmentation, weak defence capacity, and a loss of ‘civilisational self-confidence’. These characterisations serve not merely as rhetoric but as justification for Washington’s shifting priorities. In effect, the administration argues that Europe no longer possesses the strategic vitality to justify deep American involvement in its security affairs, particularly in prolonged conflicts such as the Russia-Ukraine war.

This repositioning comes at a sensitive moment. The European Union remains a principal funder and political backer of Ukraine’s defence, while Kyiv continues to set ambitious military and diplomatic expectations for the West. Yet the United States, under its recalibrated doctrine, appears increasingly inclined to end the conflict rather than extend it indefinitely. The tension between these approaches is now becoming one of the most consequential fractures in transatlantic relations since 1945.

The updated NSS should be read, first and foremost, as a vision of American self-containment. It rejects the longstanding assumption that the United States must serve as Europe’s strategic stabiliser. Instead, it prioritises border security, economic nationalism, and hemispheric consolidation. Policy architects in Washington argue that the globalised commitments of the post-Cold War period have outlived their usefulness and drained American political capital, economic strength, and military attention. Within this framework, allies are evaluated through a more transactional lens: whether they advance US interests rather than whether they share US values. For Europe, this shift is profound. Unlike during the Cold War, when Europe represented the ideological frontier against the Soviet Union, today’s NSS treats the continent as a region that is drifting from American strategic priorities, particularly on issues such as climate policy, migration, and regulatory governance. This provides justification for Washington’s pivot away from large-scale European engagements and back towards its historical sphere of influence.

Nowhere is this strategic recalibration more visible than in the Russia-Ukraine war. While past administrations perhaps treated the defence of Ukraine as a cornerstone of the rules-based order, the new NSS signals a decisive departure. Washington now frames the war less as a global struggle for democracy and more as a regional conflict whose long-term dynamics must be managed rather than endlessly funded. This does not imply sympathy for Russia. The NSS reiterates that Moscow remains a strategic competitor with revisionist intent. Yet the document recognises what Europe has been reluctant to acknowledge: that Ukraine cannot achieve its maximalist war aims on the battlefield alone, and that the conflict has placed disproportionate economic and political pressure on Western societies. The administration appears intent on shifting Ukraine toward a negotiated settlement, an outcome the EU remains deeply hesitant to embrace. For Brussels, the conflict is existential; for Washington, it is increasingly peripheral. This divergence between American pragmatism and European principled resolve could reshape NATO, defence cooperation, and the future of European security architecture.

The NSS’s sharp tone towards European allies is unprecedented in its candour. It suggests that Europe is failing to maintain credible defence capabilities, is overly reliant on American security guarantees, and is distracted by internal ideological battles. The reference to ‘civilisational erasure’, a phrase strongly criticised by European leaders, has fuelled debate about whether Washington is moving ideologically closer to Europe’s far-right nationalist movements. The EU’s response, meanwhile, emphasises unity, resilience, and continued support for Ukraine. Yet there is a growing recognition across European capitals that the United States may no longer act as Europe’s ultimate security guarantor. Several European political leaders have already urged accelerated defence spending, expansion of domestic arms production, and development of autonomous security capacities. Trump’s NSS has therefore exposed Europe’s strategic vulnerability: despite its economic weight, the EU has not matured into an independent security actor. If the United States truly intends to deprioritise Europe, the EU will face the first real test of its ability to defend its neighbourhood without relying overwhelmingly on American leadership.

The US pivot toward the Western Hemisphere leaves a geopolitical vacuum in Europe and Eurasia. Russia, despite its battlefield losses, continues to position itself as a long-term challenger to European security. If Washington reduces strategic involvement, the Kremlin may believe the West is losing resolve-potentially emboldening further destabilising actions. China, too, will treat this vacuum as an opportunity. Beijing has already deepened its ties with Moscow, expanded commercial influence in Central Asia, and strengthened Belt and Road engagement in Europe. If the USA retreats to its hemisphere, China will become the principal external actor shaping European and Eurasian dynamics. The NSS acknowledges these risks but suggests that the United States must prioritise threats closer to home and focus on domestic renewal. This marks a clear departure from decades of American grand strategy built on global equilibrium maintenance.

The United States has not abandoned Europe entirely. NATO remains formally intact, and Washington continues to support Ukraine, albeit with growing conditions. Yet the philosophical foundation of the alliance is changing. Values-based cooperation is being replaced with interest-based calculation. European leaders now face a stark choice: adapt to America’s new priorities or build sovereign capacities capable of sustaining European security independently. The revival of the Monroe Doctrine is not simply a rhetorical flourish. It signals a structural reorientation of US foreign policy that is likely to endure. Whether Europe can adjust to this new reality will determine the future of the transatlantic partnership. In a world where the United States turns inward, Europe will no longer have the luxury of strategic dependence. The era of unquestioned American leadership is ending, and Europe must now decide whether to respond with unity and ambition or risk fragmentation in an increasingly unstable global order.

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Bakyt Torobaev, Deputy Chairman of the Cabinet of Ministers of the Kyrgyz Republic, on December 7.

According to Azernews, President Ilham Aliyev noted that Baku will host a meeting of the Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic and Humanitarian Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan, describing its rich agenda as a sign of close mutual engagement between the two countries.

Emphasizing that bilateral relations have been developing rapidly in recent years, the head of state highlighted the role of high-level reciprocal visits in strengthening cooperation.

Pointing out Kyrgyzstan’s support for the restoration of Garabagh and East Zangezur, President Ilham Aliyev once again expressed gratitude to President Sadyr Zhaparov and the Kyrgyz people for the construction of the Khidirli village secondary school named after Aykol Manas in the Aghdam district.

The head of state described the sending of 200 yaks to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories as a gift from the President of Kyrgyzstan as a manifestation of the friendly relations.

President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled the opening of a monument to the outstanding Kyrgyz writer Chingiz Aitmatov in Baku, as well as the Kyrgyzstan-Azerbaijan Friendship Park and the School-Gymnasium Complex No. 20 named after Heydar Aliyev in Bishkek.

Touching on investment projects, the President highlighted the agreement signed between Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan for the construction of a hotel on the shores of Issyk-Kul Lake.

Stating that the political interaction agenda is broad, President Ilham Aliyev noted that the Azerbaijan-Kyrgyzstan Joint Investment Fund, established by the decision of the two heads of state, has already begun financing initial projects, with several others in the financing stage. President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan has allocated funds for the Fund’s capital and that additional contributions will be made if the number of projects increases.

President Ilham Aliyev noted that Kyrgyzstan was among the first countries to support Azerbaijan’s participation in the Central Asia cooperation format, describing this as an embodiment of the fraternal nature of bilateral relations.

The head of state also emphasized that Azerbaijan is a full-fledged participant in the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, expressing gratitude to Kyrgyzstan and other countries for this, and stressed that the initiative will strengthen ties between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, ensure uninterrupted and stable cargo transportation in both directions, and further reinforce fraternal ties between peoples.

On behalf of the delegation, Bakyt Torobaev expressed gratitude for the reception and conveyed the greetings of President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov to the head of state.

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

The Deputy Chairman noted that bilateral relations, based on shared historical roots and centuries-old friendship, have reached the highest level of strategic partnership thanks to the political will of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan.

He highlighted the importance of direct air links between Baku and Bishkek, emphasizing the significance of increasing the number of flights in the future.

Bakyt Torobaev added that they eagerly anticipate the visit of President Ilham Aliyev to Kyrgyzstan.

The meeting also covered prospects for cooperation in energy, transport, mutual investments, humanitarian affairs, education, agriculture, and other areas of mutual interest.

The Nizami Ganjavi International Center held a meeting in Guangzhou, China, to prepare for the XIII Global Baku Forum, scheduled for March 2026.

Azernews reports, citing the Center, that the meeting focused on discussing the conceptual framework of the Forum, its main topics, and strategies for engaging international partners.

Members of the Center’s Board of Directors attended the meeting. Discussions highlighted global security, sustainable development, economic transformation, and the impact of technological changes as priority themes for the Forum.

It was also noted that high-level joint panels would be organised with the World Health Organization (WHO), the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to strengthen collaboration.

Additionally, side events in partnership with the World Academy of Art and Science (WAAS) and The Economist magazine are planned within the Forum’s framework.

The meeting further addressed the Center’s participation and support in the XIII World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, as well as potential collaboration with UN-Habitat in this area.

The next preparatory meeting is scheduled to take place in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

A series of animated films from Turkic-speaking countries was screened at the Nizami Cinema Centre as part of the ATA Festival organised by the Turkish Animation Association (ATA).

According to Azernews, audiences watched the animated films Sona, Tomato Doppi, Shanyraq, Kozular, Bytyktar, Aqlli Qizalog and Bum-bum.

Following the screening, a discussion was held with Kövs?r Qurban, director of Sona; Pavel Kim, director of the Tomato Doppi series; Azizbek Muhamedov, director of Aqlli Qizalog; and R?sid Agamaliyev, director of Bum-bum, along with members of their creative teams.

The presentation of the animated short film Bum-bum brought together editor Gls?n Hseynova, lead animator Mehriban ?liyeva, animator Emil Siran, character designer Trkan ?liyeva, consultant Matthew Lyon, sound director Nadir Mahmudov, actors S?rxan N?ciyev and K?mal? Israfilova, and animators Jal? Haciyeva, Kamilla Sabanb?yli, Billur? ?l?kb?rli and Z?rif? S?limova.

The film was produced by the Azerbaijan Animation Association with financial support from the State Agency for Support to Non-Governmental Organisations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and with venue and technical assistance from ANIMAFILM Studio.

The creative team behind the short film Bum-bum includes directors and scriptwriters N?zrin Agamaliyeva and R?sid Agamaliyev; consultants Elçin Hami Axundov and Matthew Lyon; lead animator Mehriban ?liyeva; compositing artist Emil Siran; composer Az?r Haci?sg?rli; sound director Nadir Mahmudov; voice actors S?rxan N?ciyev, K?mal? Israfilova and Els?n ?sg?rov; editors Gls?n Hseynova and Els?n C?brailzad?; character designers Trkan ?liyeva and Kbra Binn?tova; and graphic designer R?sul H?s?n.

Dynamic Box Studio, a member of the Azerbaijan Animation Association, also took part in the film’s production.

During my visit to Azerbaijan, I had the opportunity to visit the ASAN Service center, which allowed me to see firsthand how government services can be efficiently organized with a citizen-centric approach, said Steve Nouri, CEO and co-founder of GenAI Works, according to Azernews.

‘During my main presentation in Baku, I spoke openly about the current state of modern generative artificial intelligence, upcoming challenges, risks, and real opportunities. I particularly highlighted how the growing gap between countries that only consume technology and those that create and develop it will be decisive in the near future. In this context, I am proud that GenAI Works has signed an official partnership agreement with the ASAN Artificial Intelligence Platform (ASAN AI HUB). This collaboration will open new opportunities to support innovation in the region. At the same time, it aims to ensure that the next phase of AI development is both more inclusive and grounded in local creative potential,’ S. Nouri said.

Today, another match of the XIV round will be held in the Italian Misli Premier League in football.

Azernews reports that in the only match of the day, ‘Karvan-Yevlax’ will host ‘Shamakhi’ at home. The match will start at 14:00.

Currently, the Shamakhi representative is in 9th place with 14 points, while the Yevlax club is in the last – 12th place with 5 points.

It should be noted that in the opening match of the XIV round, ‘Qarabag’ drew 1:1 with ‘Zira’ away. The other matches of the round will be held on December 8-9.

During the 2026 World Cup draw on Friday, FIFA awarded former U.S. President Donald Trump its inaugural ‘FIFA Peace Prize,’ presented in the form of a gold medal and trophy.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino praised Trump while presenting the award, stating it was ‘in recognition of his exceptional and extraordinary actions to promote peace and unity around the world.’

A video shown prior to Trump’s stage appearance described him as ‘a dynamic leader who has engaged in diplomatic efforts that created opportunities for dialogue, de-escalation and stability, and who has championed the unifying power of football on the world stage.’

Earlier, when reporters asked about the upcoming award, Trump reiterated a version of his claim that he has settled ‘eight wars.’

In his acceptance speech, Trump described the award as ‘one of the great honours’ of his life before pivoting to remarks on ticket sales for the upcoming FIFA World Cup, which he said are progressing well.

Tesla Inc. and x.AI Corp. Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Elon Musk took to X on Saturday to express his wonder about “how long” it will be before the European Union disintegrates, Azernews reports.

“How long before the EU is gone?” Musk wrote on X, adding “AbolishTheEU.” In a previous post, the entrepreneur claimed that “the EU should be abolished and sovereignty returned to individual countries, so that governments can better represent their people,” Musk wrote on X.

Musk’s comments came amid his ongoing feudwith the EU after the bloc fined X pound 120 million for breaching its Digital Services Act (DSA).

Hong Kong residents are voting in an election widely seen as a measure of public sentiment following a deadly fire that claimed nearly 160 lives last month in Tai Po.

The government has launched an extensive campaign to encourage voter participation in choosing members of the Legislative Council (LegCo), Hong Kong’s mini-parliament responsible for making and amending laws. All candidates have been vetted to ensure loyalty to Beijing.

Authorities have responded to the Tai Po fire by distributing aid to survivors, arresting suspects, and enhancing building safety regulations, amid public scrutiny over the incident.

A total of 161 candidates are competing for 90 seats in this year’s LegCo election, the second held since Beijing overhauled Hong Kong’s electoral system in 2021 to allow only ‘patriots’ to run. While Beijing argues that these reforms ensure stability, critics contend they undermine democratic participation. The previous election, conducted under the new system, saw record-low turnout of just 30%.

In a bid to boost participation, the government has deployed an array of incentives and publicity campaigns. Voters receive ‘thank you’ cards redeemable for shopping vouchers, beauty services, medical check-ups, and insurance premiums. Public swimming pool and museum entry will be free on polling day, and neighbourhood carnivals, televised variety shows, and a gala are being organised.

Election-themed mascots and a campaign song adapted from Cantopop star Aaron Kwok’s 2001 hit ‘Let’s Vote, Together We Create The Future’ have also been introduced. Chief Secretary Eric Chan stated that these measures aim to foster a ‘happy and festive mood’ and encourage residents to recognise the election’s importance.