Category: Azer News

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced he will meet US President Donald Trump at the White House later this month to discuss the challenging second phase of the Gaza ceasefire, Azernews reports via Yeni Shafak. Netanyahu also stated he will not leave politics even if granted a presidential pardon for his ongoing corruption trial.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has confirmed an upcoming meeting with US President Donald Trump to coordinate on the next stages of the Gaza ceasefire agreement. During a press conference in Jerusalem alongside German Chancellor Friedrich Merz, Netanyahu indicated the talks at the White House would focus on implementing the more complex second phase of the truce, which includes Gaza’s reconstruction and establishing a new governing framework.

Netanyahu described the upcoming phase as “more difficult, or equally difficult, than the first,” noting it would follow the confirmed return of all living Israeli hostages and the remains of those killed from Gaza. The ceasefire, mediated by Trkiye, Egypt, and Qatar with US backing, has held since October 10. Its initial phase involved a prisoner exchange, while subsequent steps aim to rebuild the devastated enclave and install an administration excluding Hamas.

Separately, Netanyahu addressed his domestic legal challenges, asserting he has no intention of resigning from political life even if he receives a presidential pardon. Last week, he formally requested clemency from President Isaac Herzog for longstanding corruption charges, a move opposition figures criticized as an implicit admission of guilt. The prime minister also faces an International Criminal Court arrest warrant for war crimes in Gaza.

Today, Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi will visit Azerbaijan.

According to Azernews, the Iranian minister, who will meet with Azerbaijani officials during the visit, will discuss the development of mutually beneficial cooperation.

The visit, which was carried out at the invitation of the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is part of the ongoing regular consultations between the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries at various levels.

Japan’s defence ministry reported on Sunday that Chinese military aircraft targeted Japanese fighter jets with fire-control radar in airspace southeast of Okinawa. The ministry said Chinese J-15 fighters twice locked their radar onto Japanese jets on Saturday, though no damage or injuries were recorded.

China rejected the accusation, calling Tokyo’s account ‘completely at odds with the facts’ and demanding that Japan cease ‘slandering and smearing’ Beijing.

Tensions between the two countries have risen after Japan’s new Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, suggested that Tokyo could use military force if China were to attack Taiwan. Beijing summoned Japan’s ambassador last month in response to her remarks.

Japan’s Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi condemned the radar lock-ons as ‘dangerous and extremely regrettable,’ saying Japan has filed a formal and strong protest with China.

The two sides remain at odds over the Senkaku Islands – known in China as the Diaoyu – a group of uninhabited islets located between Okinawa and Taiwan, which both countries claim.

The latest incident occurred as Australia’s Defence Minister Richard Marles visited Japan. After meeting Koizumi, Marles expressed ‘deep concern’ about China’s actions in the past day. He noted that Canberra had managed to ‘stabilise’ its relationship with Beijing by maintaining a calm and consistent approach but stressed that Australia would still ‘disagree where we must.’

Marles also toured Mitsubishi’s Nagasaki shipyard, months after Australia inked a $6 billion contract to acquire 11 advanced warships from the Japanese manufacturer.

Donald Trump Jr., the eldest son of US President Donald Trump, said on Sunday that the United States would no longer act as ‘the big idiot with the chequebook’ in global affairs.

Speaking at the 23rd Doha Forum in Qatar, Trump Jr. said Washington would not continue to shoulder the financial burden for international issues that, in his view, offer no clear benefit to the American public.

He argued that the Russia-Ukraine war is not a priority for most Americans and claimed that US counter-narcotics operations in the Caribbean pose a ‘far greater clear and present danger’ to the country than events in Europe.

Trump Jr. insisted that the US wants peace in Ukraine but said European nations must ‘step up’ and assume a greater share of responsibility.

Recalling criticism directed at his father, he said Donald Trump had been portrayed as a leader who would trigger World War III, yet instead sought to de-escalate conflicts across different regions.

He praised Qatar for its cooperation with Washington during the Gaza peace talks, saying Doha was genuinely committed to achieving peace rather than pursuing international prestige.

While emphasising that Washington’s priority is domestic investment, he said the US would continue competing with China over rare-earth minerals.

Asked whether the US would take part in Gaza’s reconstruction, Trump Jr. said it would – but stressed that ‘no one in America wants to bear the entire responsibility.’

A tactical-special exercise titled ‘Organisation of Warning Systems During Emergencies, Search for Persons Trapped Under Debris, and Management of Forces and Equipment During Rescue Operations’ was held in the territory of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve under the organisation of the Main Operations Department of the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES).

As reported by Azernews, citing the Ministry, the purpose of the exercise was to inform residents and employees of facilities operating within the Reserve about potential emergencies they may face, to improve operational coordination and interaction during emergencies, to test the practicality of existing response plans, and to carry out relevant public awareness activities.

A total of 46 personnel from the MES and the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration, along with six specialised vehicles, took part in the exercise.

The training consisted of both theoretical and practical components.

During the theoretical part, MES specialists provided staff of the Icherisheher Reserve Administration with extensive information on emergency situations and related behaviour rules, including the organisation of evacuation procedures. Questions were answered in detail.

In the practical phase, the participants carried out an assessment of the situation created by a simulated ‘explosion’ accompanied by a conditional fire within the Reserve’s territory, ensured the rapid deployment of forces and equipment to the scene, and organised reconnaissance, search-and-rescue operations, and coordinated management by commanders.

The simulated fire was extinguished within a short time by the firefighting units of the Ministry. Individuals ‘left helpless’ inside the affected building were ‘rescued’ by emergency responders, provided with first aid, and handed over to the relevant authorities.

Later, a meeting was held to review the outcomes of the exercise and issue corresponding instructions.

UN Security Council President Samuel Zbogar on Saturday expressed support for Lebanon’s territorial unity and sovereignty, calling for all parties to commit to the ceasefire agreement signed on Nov. 27, 2024.

He made the remarks during a press conference at the conclusion of a visit by a UN Security Council delegation to Beirut, where members met Lebanese officials and toured the Blue Line, the border demarcation marking Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanon in 2000, according to Anadolu Agency.

The UN official said the Security Council renews its commitment to the stability of Lebanon and the region as a whole, and continues to hold regular consultations on the situation in Lebanon and along the Blue Line.

‘We came to Beirut at a pivotal time for the implementation of … the cessation of hostilities agreement of November of last year,’ said Zbogar.

Recently, Israel’s public broadcaster reported that the country ‘is preparing for a military escalation’ in anticipation of potential security deterioration in Lebanon due to what it described as the ‘growing capabilities of Hezbollah.’

‘We reaffirm the council’s support for Lebanon’s territorial integrity, sovereignty and political independence,’ said Zbogar.

On Aug. 11, 2006, the UN Security Council adopted Resolution 1701, which called for a complete cessation of hostilities following a 33-day war between Hezbollah and the Israeli army.

Zbogar further affirmed that the “safety of peacekeepers must be respected and that they must never be targeted.’

‘We support the Lebanese government’s decision to ensure the state’s monopoly of arms.’

Under US-Israeli pressure, the Lebanese government decided last August to disarm Hezbollah, and the army drafted a five-phase plan to remove its weapons.

However, Hezbollah quickly rejected the plan, calling the decision a ‘sin’ and insisting on Israel’s withdrawal from Lebanese territory, which it has failed to do despite making pledges to leave.

On Friday, the UN delegation began its visit to Lebanon after arriving from Syria, where it met with President Joseph Aoun, Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, Prime Minister Nawaf Salam, and Army Commander Rodolphe Haikal.

Georgian Minister of Education, Science and Youth Givi Mikanadze and Azerbaijani Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev visited Georgian Technical University to discuss strengthening cooperation in higher education and scientific research, Azernews reports, citing local media.

During the visit, the university’s rector, academician David Gurgenidze, briefed the ministers on the university’s international projects, scientific and academic achievements, and ongoing research initiatives. He also highlighted the active participation of the university’s scientists and students in some of the world’s largest scientific experiments.

The ministers and invited guests toured an exhibition of scientific projects and met with Georgian and Azerbaijani students presenting innovative works in robotics, artificial intelligence, and modern technologies.

In a highlight of the visit, David Gurgenidze awarded Emin Amrullayev the title of Honorary Doctor of Georgian Technical University for his outstanding contribution to developing academic and scientific ties between the university and Azerbaijani higher education institutions.

An international charity event was held in Ankara under the auspices of the Association of Solidarity of the Wives of Turkish Foreign Ministry Partners (DMEDD).

Azernews reports, citing Report, that representatives of diplomatic missions from 50 countries operating in Ankara, along with their spouses, members of the press and local residents, took part in the event.

Azerbaijan was represented with two stands organised by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Turkey. Gnel M?mm?dova, the wife of Ambassador R?sad M?mm?dov, said one stand showcased a variety of traditional Azerbaijani dishes, while the other featured national teas, assorted local products, small carpet samples, kelagayi scarves and other handicrafts.

Organisers noted that Azerbaijani products attracted strong interest from visitors.

The cultural segment of the event included dance and performance pieces from various countries, including Azerbaijan.

Simay Gmrkç, head of DMEDD, told Report that the event required extensive effort from both the association and the spouses of diplomats stationed abroad and in Ankara. For this reason, she said, the charity fair is held only once every two years.

Diplomatic representatives from Azerbaijan, Slovenia, North Macedonia, Turkmenistan, the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Japan, Bangladesh, the Philippines and Iran, who were present at their respective stands, described the charity event as highly valuable in comments to Report.

DMEDD was founded on 24 September 1981 to support the families-particularly the spouses and children-of Turkish diplomats and Foreign Ministry staff who were martyred while performing their duties abroad. Over the years, the association has broadened its activities and now carries out extensive assistance programmes, especially in the fields of education and healthcare.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, together with the head of Baku Media Center, Arzu Aliyeva, visited an institution for orphaned and homeless girls in Dhaka, the capital of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, on December 6 as part of their visit to the country.

The management and teaching staff of ‘Shorkari Shishu Poribar’ (Government Orphanage) provided detailed information about the institution’s activities. It was noted that the facility, operating under the Department of Social Services and financed through voluntary donations from various sources, permanently houses more than 130 children. In addition to education, the children receive vocational training and are taught various work skills to prepare them for future life.

Leyla Aliyeva and Arzu Aliyeva then familiarized themselves with the conditions and needs of the orphanage, including the dormitories and classrooms, and held a heartfelt conversation with the teaching staff and children. They were informed that, guided by the principle of humanism consistently upheld by the Azerbaijani state on a global scale, the Heydar Aliyev Foundation implements various social projects in different countries. In this context, the possibility of implementing an assistance program for the institution was discussed.

At the end of the visit, the pupils of the orphanage performed a program featuring Bangladeshi folk songs and dances for the guests from Azerbaijan.

A gathering titled ‘The 5th Assembly of Students and Graduates in Sweden” was held in the city of Uppsala, organised by the public union ‘Sweden Students and Alumni Network Azerbaijan’.

Azernews reports that Azerbaijani students and graduates from various cities across Sweden took part in the event. The main aim of the assembly was to strengthen connections among young Azerbaijanis studying or having completed their studies in Sweden, to encourage social interaction, and to facilitate academic discussions.

The programme began with a historical tour and a visit to the museum in Uppsala. Participants learned about Scandinavia’s oldest university, Sweden’s tallest cathedral, and the city’s 1,600-year history.

Following the city tour, the head of the Board of the Public Union, Glgn F?rziyeva, together with board members N?rmin Abbasova and M?ftun Qafarov, presented information about the organisation’s history, its projects, and the benefits of membership. Rahil M?mm?dov, co-founder of the union, discussed the organisation’s contributions aligned with Azerbaijan’s youth policy and called on young people to participate actively in this process.

‘The voluntary unification of educated and capable young people to contribute to our society shows that they will become determined and hardworking professionals in the future,’ Rahil M?mm?dov noted.

The organisation, founded in 2020 and restructured with new priorities in 2021, has identified as its core strategy until 2030 the strengthening of unity among members, improving academic literacy, and advancing towards greater goals.

Azerbaijan’s ambassador to Sweden, Zaur Ahmadov, praised the achievements of young Azerbaijanis studying in Sweden and the educational opportunities created abroad by the Azerbaijani state. He emphasised Azerbaijan’s successes in international events and expressed confidence that young people would contribute more actively in these areas.

‘It is commendable that students who study or have graduated in Sweden demonstrate unity and contribute to our state’s youth policy. From this perspective, carrying out more constructive and purpose-oriented work is essential,’ the ambassador stressed. He also highlighted the importance of the state programme on foreign education, recalling that hundreds of young Azerbaijani students have been sent to leading higher education institutions across the Union. The ambassador added that this platform plays a crucial role in strengthening the ties of Azerbaijani students abroad with the homeland.

During the academic segment of the event, the topic ‘Climate Action and Environmental Sustainability in the Caspian Sea Region Through the Lens of Swedish Nature Preservation Experience’ was discussed, forming the basis of the organisation’s annual action plan.

During the discussions, Hamid?xanim Hseynova, a master’s student in Environmental Studies and Sustainability Sciences at Lund University, delivered a speech. She addressed the ecological crisis in the Caspian Sea, its regional impact, and key points emphasised by President Ilham Aliyev in his address to the 80th session of the UN General Assembly.

After the speeches, Swedish director Mikael Silkeberg’s documentary film ‘History of Folk Jazz from West to East’ was screened. Participants then joined a quiz dedicated to the history and culture of Azerbaijan and Sweden. Winners of the intellectual contest were awarded by the organisation.

It should be noted that the Public Union ‘Sweden Students and Alumni Network Azerbaijan’ is a non-political, non-profit organisation that operates both in Azerbaijan and Sweden with the aim of uniting Azerbaijani students and graduates living in Sweden, expanding their interests and connections, and organising projects in the fields of education, science, business, technology, sustainable development, and culture.