Category: Azer News

In today’s complex global landscape, small states often face the
challenge of navigating international norms while advancing
national interests. Azerbaijan presents a compelling example of
strategic diplomacy, balancing adherence to global standards with
the flexibility to set its own terms when necessary—a hallmark of
professional statecraft.

Azerbaijan’s nuanced diplomacy is reflected not only in its
bilateral relations but also in its active engagement with regional
and multilateral initiatives, such as the D-8 Economic Cooperation
Organisation. Currently, the D-8 Media Forum on “Promoting
Dialogue, Cooperation, and Regional Solidarity” is underway in
Baku, bringing together heads of media agencies, leading media
organisations from D-8 member states, high-ranking officials, and
renowned experts. The forum represents Azerbaijan’s proactive
approach to fostering collaboration in areas that extend beyond
traditional diplomacy, emphasising the strategic role of media in
shaping public opinion, building trust, and promoting regional
cohesion.

Azerbaijan was unanimously elected as a member of the D-8
Economic Cooperation Organisation during the 11th D-8 Summit in
Cairo, Egypt, on December 19, 2024. Subsequently, on March 19,
2025, the country officially submitted the ratification documents
of the D-8 Charter to the Secretariat in Istanbul, thereby
attaining full membership. This milestone reflects both the trust
of existing member states and Azerbaijan’s growing role in
multilateral economic cooperation.

President Ilham Aliyev has highlighted that the D-8, operating
for nearly three decades, is now expanding—a testament to
Azerbaijan’s strong diplomatic ties, credibility, and cooperative
engagement with all member states. By hosting the Media Forum,
Azerbaijan signals its commitment to strengthening dialogue and
developing a reliable information environment, which is essential
for fostering mutual understanding and regional solidarity.

It is also worth noting that last week, Azerbaijan was accepted
as a full member of the Central Asian “G6” format based on a
decision by the Heads of State of the region. This milestone
reflects Azerbaijan’s growing integration into regional
multilateral platforms.

Joining such organisations offers Azerbaijan strategic
advantages. Instead of acting alone, the country can amplify its
voice and influence by participating in collective frameworks.
Currently, Azerbaijan implements a balanced and exemplary foreign
policy, taking into account both geostrategic considerations and
broader international factors. This approach strengthens ties not
only with immediate neighbours but also with countries spanning
from East to West and North to South. Through these relationships,
Azerbaijan not only fosters its own development but also enhances
its regional power and global influence.

Multilateral engagement also contributes to regional
development. The D-8 countries, for example, with a combined
population of 1.2 billion and substantial economic potential, are
capable of supporting one another. At the same time, political
divergences among these nations can pose challenges to economic
integration. Yet, shared interests—such as common religion,
culture, and historical ties—can serve as powerful drivers of
cooperation and economic growth. In this sense, regional unity is
both a source and measure of regional power.

As President Ilham Aliyev emphasised, the D-8 platform, now
spanning three continents, offers significant opportunities to
promote development in critical areas, including sustainable
economic growth, digital transformation, artificial intelligence,
global climate change mitigation, and energy security.
“Azerbaijan has transformed into an important actor of regional
and international cooperation by building multifaceted partnerships
with D-8 countries in energy, transportation and communication
spheres,” the President noted.

It is also important to recall Azerbaijan’s proactive role in
climate initiatives. During COP29 in Baku, the country stressed the
importance of accessible climate finance, particularly for small
island states facing critical environmental threats. This
commitment continues at COP30 in Brazil, building on the legacy of
Azerbaijan’s initiatives. Even prior to these events, during its
chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, Azerbaijan provided
financial and humanitarian support to more than 80 countries,
including 20 small island nations. This approach underscores a
broader principle: developed countries, particularly those with a
colonial past, have a responsibility to provide financial and
technical assistance to nations most affected by climate change,
rather than allowing the costs of global development to fall
disproportionately on smaller states.

Beyond climate and economic development, Azerbaijan recognises
the strategic importance of media in shaping regional cooperation.
As President Aliyev stated, “The information cannot rest as a
mere news in the contemporary world as it plays an important role
in shaping confidence and understanding between peoples by turning
into a main driving force of international relations, public
opinion and economic development.”

Azerbaijan has consistently hosted prestigious international
media events, establishing itself as a hub for dialogue and
exchange. Since 2023, the Global Media Forum has been held annually
in Shusha, attracting representatives from over 50 countries.
Following this model, the D-8 Media Forum brings together public
and political figures, communication experts, and media
professionals from member states to address emerging challenges in
the global information space and advance shared objectives.

The forum aims to establish reliable collaboration among media
organisations to create an accurate, impartial, and responsible
information environment. In today’s world, information drives
international relations and economic development and plays a
central role in fostering mutual understanding among nations. For
the D-8 countries, this shared media cooperation can strengthen
regional cohesion and trust.

Azerbaijan’s experience demonstrates the stakes involved: during
the 2020 Patriotic War, the country was targeted by disinformation
campaigns that distorted the facts. Nevertheless, the truth
prevailed, and the Azerbaijani Army achieved victory, liberating
occupied territories despite significant external pressures. This
experience highlights the necessity of cross-border media
collaboration to counter disinformation effectively.

To this end, the Centre for Media Excellence is being
established under the initiative and guidance of President Aliyev.
As Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development
Agency, explained, the centre will combat fake news, enhance media
professionalism, organise training programs, and implement
media-related projects across D-8 countries.

Azerbaijan’s engagement with the D-8 reflects a
multi-dimensional approach to foreign policy that uses multilateral
platforms to support regional development and advance cooperation
in areas such as energy, transport, climate action, and media
governance. Through initiatives like the D-8 Media Forum, which
aims to strengthen collaboration, enhance information security, and
promote professional media standards among member states,
Azerbaijan contributes to the creation of a more cohesive and
resilient D-8 community while supporting efforts to address
emerging challenges in the global information environment.

Azerbaijan has held discussions with the United States on ongoing work related to the Middle Corridor and the Zangazur Corridor.

As reported by Azernews, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Digital Development and Transport Rashad Nabiyev shared the update on his account on platform X.

‘We met with U.S. Chargé d’Affaires Amy Carlon and Jonathan Askonas, Senior Advisor at the U.S. Department of State’s Office of Policy Planning. We provided information on the progress made by Azerbaijan toward the development of the Middle Corridor. We also discussed cooperation between our two countries in this area, as well as matters related to the Zangazur Corridor. In addition, we exchanged views on partnership opportunities in cybersecurity and artificial intelligence,’ the minister wrote.

The 7th World Harmony International Music Competition has successfully concluded in Spain, Azernews reports.

The event aimed at fostering the creative development of young and talented musicians brought together participants from several countries, including Georgia, Spain, Lithuania, and Turkiye.

The jury of the international competition included Azerbaijan’s Honored Teacher, Vice-Rector for Educational Affairs at Baku Music Academy, Professor Narmina Guliyeva, as well as Honored Teacher and Professor Hokuma Aliyeva.

The contest featured performances in four age categories across various nominations: piano, wind instruments, string instruments, and ensemble performance.

The international jury evaluated the young musicians’ stage presence, performance skills, and creative potential.

At the conclusion of the competition-festival, participants were awarded relevant titles, diplomas, and certificates.

This music competition has become an important platform for young musicians to showcase their talents and gain international recognition.

On November 21, 2025, a group of Armenian civil society representatives arrived in Baku as part of the ongoing dialogue process between the two countries, Azernews reports.

The visit follows the Azerbaijani civil society delegation’s trip to Yerevan on October 21-22, 2025, reflecting the reciprocal and structured nature of the confidence-building efforts.

The parties previously implemented this initiative in Yerevan at the end of October.

This exchange comes within a broader context of normalization measures that have been unfolding over recent years. Earlier diplomatic engagements, including the talks held in Abu Dhabi on July 10, where both sides discussed elements of the peace agenda, helped shape the framework for continued dialogue and set the stage for subsequent confidence-building steps.

Both sides continue engagement within the peace agenda set after the Joint Statement adopted in Washington on August 8, focusing on strengthening mutual understanding, supporting regional stability, and encouraging direct dialogue between communities as normalization efforts advance.

Another key development in this trajectory was President Ilham Aliyev’s announcement in October 2025 lifting all restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia.

The first transit shipment, Kazakh grain passing through Azerbaijani territory, marked the opening of a new practical route for regional trade.

President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed gratitude to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, for the decision to lift restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia, the Kazakh President told local media following talks with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Azernews reports via the press service of the Kazakh President.

“I express my gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for his decision to lift sanctions and create conditions for direct bilateral trade through his country’s territory. Thus, in November this year, the first batch of Kazakh wheat, amounting to 1,000 tons, was delivered to Armenia through the territory of Azerbaijan. This initiative is of particular political and economic significance,” Tokayev said.

According to him, Kazakhstan is ready to supply high-quality grain products and other goods to Armenia regularly.

‘We have agreed to make every effort to further develop this area,’ the head of state said.

Meanwhile, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, in a press statement with President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on October 21, stated that: Azerbaijan has lifted all restrictions on the transit of goods to Armenia that had been in place since the occupation.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) is reviewing a project to modernize the railway infrastructure along the Bilajari-Yalama section, one of the key segments of Azerbaijan’s North-South transport corridor, Azernews reports, citing ADB.

According to the bank, the project includes installation of modern electrification, signaling, and telecommunications (EST) systems along the entire route.

‘Specifically, the plan envisages mounting poles and contact networks, constructing substations, laying cable lines, equipping tracks and stations with new signaling systems, and introducing advanced telecommunications solutions – including fiber-optic and wireless networks, communication facilities, and onboard electronics.

The Bilajari-Yalama section is one of the main routes used by Azerbaijan Railways for export-import and transit freight operations. The project aims to ensure energy-efficient, safe, and uninterrupted railway operations.

Financing will be provided jointly by the ADB, the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), and the Azerbaijani government.

The Government of Azerbaijan has requested a total of $1 billion under a Multitranche Financing Facility from the ADB and has proposed that the bank act as the lead agency for implementing the project in partnership with the AIIB,’ the statement said.

The project aligns with Azerbaijan’s goals for the sustainable development of its railway sector and aims to increase efficiency of transport operations along both the East-West and North-South corridors.

As Azerbaijan pushes forward with its peace agenda and reconstruction efforts, recently, a striking imbalance has recently emerged in the international response, particularly from Europe. During the years of occupation, the European Union and various European organisations regularly introduced peacebuilding programs, civil society initiatives, and grant-based projects, many of which ultimately helped maintain the existing status quo rather than resolve the conflict. Yet now, in a period when Azerbaijan has restored its sovereignty, opened the path for normalisation with Armenia, and is addressing the immense humanitarian and infrastructural consequences of occupation, Europe’s involvement has sharply declined.

Azerbaijan today finances almost the entirety of its demining operations alone, despite more than 20 per cent of its territory being left in ruins and heavily contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance. Only a handful of states, such as Uzbekistan and Pakistan, have provided meaningful assistance. Europe, which once showed sustained interest and even competition in peace initiatives during the conflict, now demonstrates near-total passivity. This is particularly evident when contrasted with the EU’s vigorous political, financial, humanitarian, and reconstruction support for Ukraine.

Azerbaijan, despite this discrepancy, has not withheld its own assistance to Ukraine, raising questions about why Europe applies a selective, asymmetric standard in its approach to post-conflict recovery. While the EU invests heavily in Ukrainian reconstruction and mine clearance, it has not initiated even a single substantial reconstruction or demining project in Azerbaijan. This selective engagement not only undermines Europe’s credibility but also reinforces doubts about its intentions and priorities in the South Caucasus.

The current reality invites discussion on whether Europe has strategically distanced itself from a peace process in which Azerbaijan now holds the initiative, and whether this withdrawal risks weakening regional stability. At the same time, new regional platforms, such as the Zangazur corridor and broader connectivity projects, present opportunities for meaningful support in energy, transport, reconstruction, and humanitarian fields. Yet Europe remains detached, prompting sharper questions about its future role, its geopolitical principles, and its long-term vision for the region.

‘Europe has abandoned the South Caucasus at the very moment when real peace became possible,’ British political scientist Neil Watson told Azernews, before outlining his assessment:

‘To regain credibility and relevance in the South Caucasus, the EU should establish a dedicated EU Recovery and Demining Fund for the Azerbaijani region of Garabagh, focusing on rebuilding critical infrastructure, schools, and agriculture in the liberated territories, thereby making a public and symbolic commitment. The EU should support the Zangazur Corridor, also known as the Trump International Corridor for Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP), not just as a transport route, but as a blueprint for regional connectivity, energy diversification away from Russia, and a path towards a stable and interconnected South Caucasus, which has the potential to become essential in the New World Order. The EU must appoint a Special Envoy for the South Caucasus, embedding the region into the EU’s strategic agenda, rather than treating it as a peripheral issue. Brussels should invest in the digital and green transformation of the region before China, Trkiye, or the Gulf states dominate this space. It is also important to launch a Brussels-Garabagh Dialogue Platform involving Armenian and Azerbaijani civil society, moderated by EU institutions, thereby playing a moral and diplomatic balancing role.’

Watson continued:

‘EU foreign policy is more about inertia and optics than principle. Armenia was seen as the so-called ‘victim’ as it fitted the EU’s preferred narrative of a fragile Christian democracy needing support. When Azerbaijan regained control of its internationally recognised territories, it ceased to be the underdog and used the Russian expansionist mentality to its advantage. Europe struggles to engage with strong, assertive partners who don’t follow its playbook. Geopolitical bias played a role – especially under pressure from Armenocentric France, which heavily influenced the policy stance in Brussels.’

He added, and in the conclusion, warned that the EU has a choice:

‘The EU only supports peace when it’s convenient and beneficial to it. EU neutrality is selective. It doesn’t protect principles; it protects narratives. This has undermined the EU’s image as a reliable peacebroker and shifted trust toward alternative power centres like Trkiye. The ultimate message is dangerous: ‘Strength and sovereignty won’t be rewarded, unless they align with EU preferences. Europe has a choice: reclaim its influence by being bold and fair, or remain a spectator in a region moving toward new alliances. Azerbaijan has played its hand. The South Caucasus is united and independent of Russian domination for the first time.’

‘Azerbaijan hosts several prestigious international events related to the media, and constantly, puts forward important initiatives in this area,’ President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev said in his address to the participants of the D-8 Media Forum themed ‘Promoting Dialogue, Cooperation and Regional Solidarity’, Azernews reports.

‘Aligning our national media strategy with the international practice, we focus, in particular, on increasing professionalism of journalists, broadcasting evidence-based news and developing media literacy. At the same time, we support the creation of information platforms via the regional collaboration,’ the President of Azerbaijan emphasized.

On November 18, ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Albania and Tirana Art Gallery, with the support of Tirana City Municipality, held the next exhibition of Azerbaijani carpets in Europe at Tirana Art Gallery.

The exhibition is dedicated to the 15th anniversary of the inclusion of the traditional art of carpet weaving in the UNESCO Representative List of intangible cultural heritage with the direct initiative and support of the first vice-president of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mehriban Aliyeva. The next day, on November 19, a meeting and master classes were held between students of art faculties of various educational institutions and Azerbaijani artists.

The special event organized to mark the opening of the “May your hands remain well!” exhibition was attended by officials of Albanian state institutions, members of parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps in Tirana, media representatives, representatives of science and academic circles, artists and cultural figures, as well as members of Azerbaijani, Turkish and other communities living in Albania.

The “May your hands remain well!” carpet collection includes traditional carpets from the Karabakh, Guba and Shirvan carpet weaving schools woven in the workshops of ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC, as well as works from various special collections. These include one carpet from the ’44’ collection of ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC in collaboration with Rashad Alekperov, two carpets from the ‘Architect of Memory’ and ‘Woman’ collections with Aydan Salahova, one carpet from a joint project with Faig Ahmed, three exclusive carpets from the ‘Pomegranate Symphony’ collection with young artist Samira Allahverdiyeva, and two – ‘Nakhchivan’ and ‘Qarabagh’ carpets by Rufat Ismayil in collaboration with ‘AFFFAIR’. In addition, the exhibition will feature two carpets by the Albanian artist Xhevahir Kolgji, who in his works connects East and West and thus tries to destroy the borders.

The exhibition was declared open by the Azerbaijani Ambassador to Albania, Anar Huseynov. The Diplomat informed about the history of carpet weaving, which is one of the vivid examples of Azerbaijan’s ancient and rich cultural heritage, and the state’s care for the development of this art in our country. The ambassador noted that the purpose of the exhibition is to convey the culture and truth of Azerbaijan to local residents through art. The two-month exhibition will contribute to the rapprochement of the peoples of Azerbaijan and Albania. He thanked the municipality of Tirana for the conditions created for the exhibition.

During his speech, Chairman of the Board of Directors of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC, Honored Artist Emin Mammadov congratulated the event participants on the occasion of the 5th anniversary of the November 8 Victory Day and the magnificent victory, which we recently celebrated and which is written in golden letters in the centuries-old history of our people, and spoke about the history of the organization. The Chairman said that the main goal of ‘Azerkhalcha” OJSC is to preserve the tradition of carpet weaving and further develop this art. He stressed that Azerbaijani folk-applied art and its branch, carpet weaving, occupy a special place in the history of the national culture of our people. E.Mammadov spoke about the short history of various carpets displayed at the exhibition and spoke about the future plans and main goals of ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC.

Then, Director of The Art Gallery of Tirana Edith Pula and Ambassador Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Albania to Azerbaijan Besart Kadia, who visited his homeland for this exhibition, continued the event with their speeches.

In order to promote the art of carpet weaving in Azerbaijan to the world, protect our national spiritual heritage, adapt it to the modern era and pass it on to future generations, and support the promotion of the art of carpet weaving, the “Qarabakh” and “Nakhchivan” carpets, belonging to the joint “A New Look at Cultural Heritage” collection of “Azerkhalcha” OJSC and “AFFFAIR”, were donated to the Tirana Art Gallery by “PASHA Holding” and “PASHA Bank”. These carpets will continue to be displayed in the gallery’s permanent collection. At the same time, another example of ‘Nakhchivan’ carpet was presented by ‘Pasha Holding” to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Albania as a gift.

The process of weaving a real Azerbaijani carpet was demonstrated and master classes were held for the visitors of the exhibition. Participants of the exhibition have the opportunity to make their own loops on the carpet. A special certificate of ‘Azerkhalcha’ OJSC was also presented to everyone who participated in the weaving process of the Azerbaijani carpet. The exhibition will last until January 20.