Category: Azer News

The 9th International Banking Forum has opened in Baku, Azernews reports.

The event is being held under the motto ‘Reliable, Secure and Sustainable Banking.’

This year’s forum focuses on key trends shaping the financial sector, including the cashless economy, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, open banking, capital markets, and emerging payment ecosystems.

Representatives from government institutions, banks and financial organizations, the fintech community, international bodies, and leading companies are taking part in the discussions.

At the WINS and GABA Women Leadership Event held in Baku, the Founder of Africa Azerbaijan Cooperation (AFAZ), Rena Gafarova, captured significant attention with her inspiring keynote speech, Azernews reports.

The event was initiated and organized by Nazrin Sadiqova, owner of Spectr Medical Group, Founder of GABA Business Club, and Founder of the SABAH Charity Foundation. The gathering brought together women leaders from various sectors with the goal of strengthening women’s entrepreneurship and leadership in Azerbaijan.

During her presentation, Rena Gafarova highlighted the life stories of Africa’s most courageous and transformative women leaders, showcasing their achievements as a powerful source of inspiration and motivation for Azerbaijani women.

She emphasized that the resilience of African women in the face of challenges, their perseverance in entrepreneurship, their unwavering commitment to community development, and their strong leadership spirit stand as a remarkable example for women everywhere-mirroring the character and determination of Azerbaijani women.

In her remarks, Rena Gafarova stated:

‘The life stories of African women carry tremendous strength, resilience, and a spirit of change. This energy is very close to the heart of Azerbaijani women as well. Women are the strongest bridge connecting continents.’

Gafarova also underlined that one of the strategic priorities of Africa Azerbaijan Cooperation is to strengthen collaboration between African and Azerbaijani women in joint business, social, and development initiatives.

As part of this mission, the 2025 business trips to Ethiopia and Kenya will include:

dedicated meetings with women entrepreneurs,

discussions with leading women’s business associations,

and the signing of key Memorandums of Understanding between women’s entrepreneur unions of the participating countries.

Event organizer Nazrin Sadiqova highlighted the importance of uniting women both nationally and internationally, noting that such platforms create real opportunities for cooperation, growth, and leadership development.

Participants described Rena Gafarova’s presentation and the stories of African women leaders as highly inspirational, empowering, and opening new pathways for future joint projects.

A delegation led by Arif Agayev, Deputy Chairman of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), took part in the 2nd China-Europe Express Railway Cooperation Forum, Azernews reports, citing ADY.

The forum serves as one of the key international platforms supporting the sustainable development of freight transportation along the China-Europe route, strengthening transport connectivity between Asia and Europe, and advancing the Belt and Road Initiative.

In his speech, Arif Agayev emphasized that Azerbaijan regards China not only as a strategic trade partner but also as a reliable ally in the field of transport and logistics. He noted that joint implementation of infrastructure and multimodal projects plays a crucial role in strengthening interregional connectivity, accelerating logistics processes, diversifying routes, and boosting the export-import potential of participating countries.

Alongside taking part in the forum, the ADY delegation held high-level meetings with representatives of China’s major companies, including Cosco, Huawei, and CCCC. Discussions focused on cooperation prospects, regional freight transportation, and potential joint steps in digitalization.

Forum discussions centered on enhancing the efficiency of the China-Europe Express corridor, increasing freight volumes, shaping a modern international logistics system, and improving land transport links between East and West. Participants emphasized that establishing safe, sustainable, and competitive multimodal transport routes is vital for the further development of the Belt and Road Initiative.

At the conclusion of the event, the parties signed a document titled ‘Joint Initiative for the High-Quality Development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route.’

The agreement covers cooperation in digital data exchange, tariff policy improvements, increased infrastructure investments, and the adoption of green logistics practices.

In line with international trade regulations, the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency (AFSA) received a request from Israel’s Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to verify the authenticity of phytosanitary certificates, Azernews reports. Upon examination, the certificates submitted were found to be falsified.

Investigations revealed that the QR codes on these fraudulent documents redirected users to domains created abroad, including e-afsa.com, storage2.me-qr.com, and cdn.qr-code-generator.com. These domains were confirmed to be fake and unrelated to the agency.

AFSA’s Information Technology and Innovative Solutions Department emphasized that the agency’s official domain is e-afsa.gov.az. Certificates issued by AFSA, when scanned via QR code, always redirect exclusively to this official domain.

The discrepancy has been reported to the relevant Israeli authorities, with additional documentation requested to continue the investigation. All materials related to the forgery have been submitted to law enforcement for legal assessment.

In its statement, AFSA declared that such unlawful acts are unacceptable and warned that those engaged in these activities will face the strictest measures under the law. The agency urged exporters, businesses, and farm owners to carefully check that QR codes on official certificates lead to the legitimate domain e-afsa.gov.az.

The strategic partnership between the Azerbaijani and Polish banking associations has been strengthened, Executive Vice President of the Polish Banking Association Wlodzimierz Kicinski said at the 9th International Banking Forum in Baku, Azernews reports.

Kicinski noted that work is actively underway to deepen long-term cooperation between the Azerbaijani Banking Association and its Polish counterpart. He stressed that the ‘existing friendly relations between the two countries, the history of successful economic cooperation and growing bilateral trade create favorable conditions for further strengthening of future cooperation.’

Speaking about Poland’s banking landscape, he stated: ‘The Polish Banking Association represents almost all banks operating in the country. Currently, there are 550 banks in Poland. These include 65 commercial banks and approximately 500 cooperative banks actively operating in agricultural regions. The main challenges of the banking sector are related to geopolitical processes, increasing investment volumes and meeting customer demands at a higher level.’

Kicinski also highlighted the role of innovation in Poland’s financial sector.

‘In Poland, there is effective cooperation between private and public banks. The activities of the Banking Technology Forum also play an important role in the implementation of innovative solutions in the sector,’ he said.

He added that more than 50 percent of Polish bank customers use only mobile banking, emphasizing the modern and highly capitalized nature of the country’s banking system:

‘This is also indicated by the fact that 4 Polish banks are among the 34 world’s digital banking leaders.’

The leaders of the Red Crescent Societies from Turkic States convened in Baku for a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening humanitarian cooperation and planning future initiatives.

Azernews reports that representatives from Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan-members of the Red Crescent Network-attended the event, along with observer representatives from Turkmenistan and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

The main agenda of the meeting included a comprehensive review of the Network’s activities in 2025, an evaluation of achievements in humanitarian collaboration among the member National Societies, and the development of the 2026 Action Plan.

The meeting is set to conclude with the signing of the Turkic Red Crescent Network Declaration, a document reaffirming mutual cooperation and solidarity among the member National Societies.

It is noteworthy that during last year’s meeting in Bishkek, the Red Crescent Societies of Turkic States established the ‘Red Network’ platform, with Kyrgyzstan assuming the chairmanship. At this year’s gathering, the chairmanship has been passed on to the Azerbaijan Red Crescent Society.

On November 15th, 2025 Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, conducted an official visit to Uzbekistan and maintained a productive one-on-one meeting with his counterpart, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. This working visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan is taking place at a pivotal moment for the

Economic integration of Central Asian nations, a geography that heavily depends on the dynamic land transportation corridors including the East – West Corridor and Zangezur corridor (an increasingly important segment that could heavily harness the economic and industrial integration of Central Asia region and reduce the global dependence on troublesome chokepoints emanating from maritime trade routes).

The recent visit of President of Azerbaijan to Tashkent is an impeccable achievement of Baku’s Foreign Service, its economic and political implications are similar to the outcome of the 12th Summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) that was held in Gabala – Azerbaijan, on October 7th, 2025.

The Turkic States Summit in Gabala was indeed a great opportunity for Central Asian and Turkic nations to shape a better platform of regional integration and development brought together by Azerbaijan, a developed nation that has made remarkable strides towards green economy, circular economy and environmental preservation practices.

On November 16, the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia was held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev participated at this multilateral round table.

On this occasion, President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed the Azerbaijani leader, and delivered an opening statement, emphasizing:

‘We are making fundamental decisions on the accession of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the consultative meetings format as a full-fledged participant. We will build a solid bridge between Central Asia and the South Caucasus, paving the way for the formation of a unified space of cooperation, which will undoubtedly strengthen the strategic interconnectedness and resilience of both regions. I sincerely thank all my esteemed colleagues for adopting this important decision and congratulate Ilham Heydarovich on Azerbaijan’s accession to the consultative meetings format as a full-fledged participant.’

President Shavkat Mirziyoyev praised the strengthening of solidarity and the aspiration for joint development projects that embolden international leverage and uphold the role of Central Asia on a global scale. Contrary to performance of other multilateral organizations, cooperation within the ‘Central Asia+’ formats has intensified and the Republic of Azerbaijan has emerged as a principal actor of integration in a world smothered by fragile global cooperation.

The region now speaks with a unified voice on authoritative international platforms. Certainly, with Azerbaijan’s accession to this interactive roundtable, the geo-economic interests of Central Asian nations will reach greater levels of pragmatism and relevance across Europe, Latin America, Africa and southeast Asia.

For President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, the accession of Azerbaijan is ‘a historic decision’. The Kazakhstan head of state expressed confidence that Azerbaijan will make a substantial contribution to strengthening regional cooperation.

Furthermore, the Kyrgyz Republic supported the initiative for the Republic of Azerbaijan to participate in this format of consultative meetings as a full member. President of the Kyrgyz Republic Sadyr Zhaparov stated: ‘Expanding our format with fraternal Azerbaijan will open new opportunities and broaden horizons for cooperation in Central Asia, particularly in international transit, logistics, and energy. Today, we can confidently say that the consultative meetings format of the Central Asian heads of state has proven successful. It has demonstrated its viability and become a genuine, one-of-a-kind platform where not only existing regional challenges are discussed, but new initiatives and proposals are actively put forward.’

On its accession to the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia, Azerbaijan was congratulated by the President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, who made a statement: ‘I congratulate esteemed Ilham Heydar oglu Aliyev on the accession of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia. It is gratifying that our platform is confidently establishing its significance as an important participant in international and regional processes. It is balanced and demonstrates a commitment to advancing the growing interests of the countries in the region.’

The participation of impressive Baku in the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia will advance the region towards a greater level of cooperation in: industrial development, green economy, technological innovation and supply chain sector.

With the admission of Azerbaijan, Central Asian countries will receive an elevated international standing, achieve effective economic reforms and large-scale projects in industry, transport and agriculture.

The relations between Azerbaijan and Central Asian nations are very special, uniquely bonded by historical heritage and shared cultural traditions. They are bound together by centuries-old history, spiritual and cultural heritage, brotherhood, friendship, and solidarity. This alliance has a nature of strategic partnership and Azerbaijan’s president has conducted fourteen official visits to Central Asian countries over the past three years. During the same period, Central Asian heads of states have visited Baku twenty-three times.

Azerbaijan and Central Asia are poised to serve as a vital corridor and commercial bridge that will connect Western European countries with the Far East markets and Southeast Asian nations, at a critical time when principles of globalization and free trade are at a crossroad.

The Republic of Azerbaijan will continue to play a vital role towards harnessing the fraternal nature of its relations with Central Asian governments, this strategic concept is the fulcrum of Baku vibrant Diplomacy.

About the author: Peter Tase is a freelance writer and journalist of International Relations, Latin American and Southern Caucasus current affairs. He is the author of America’s first book published on the historical and archeological treasures of the Autonomous Republic of Nakhchivan (Republic of Azerbaijan); has authored and published four books on the Foreign Policy and current economic – political events of the Government of Azerbaijan.

The expansion of the 130-kilometer Ganja-Gazakh-Georgia border section of the Baku-Alat-Gazakh-Georgia state border highway-a key segment of the historic ‘Great Silk Road’-to four traffic lanes is progressing successfully and is now in its final stage, Azernews reports, citing the Azerbaijan State Agency of Automobile Roads (AAYDA).

The Agency noted that the project envisions a total roadbed width of 27.5 meters, with the highway comprising four lanes, each 3.75 meters wide.

Construction along the Ganja-Gazakh-Georgia section is being carried out in three lots. Work on Lots 1 and 2, as well as part of Lot 3, has been completed. On August 7, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev attended the inauguration of the 102-kilometer Ganja-Gazakhbeyli section.

Under the framework of the ‘State Program on Socio-Economic Development of Regions of the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2019-2023,’ 67 underpasses, 19 interchanges, and 17 bridges (a total of 36 structures) were built and commissioned along this first-class 1b technical road segment.

Currently, construction continues on the final 28-kilometer stretch from Gazakhbeyli to the Georgian border (kilometers 102.2-130.150). This segment includes four interchanges with overpasses, two river bridges, 15 underpasses, 13 rectangular culverts, and 68 circular drainage pipes. In line with the project, 28 bus stops have also been installed.

Work is ongoing to install lighting systems, construct concrete drainage channels in necessary areas, and lay safety curbs. The construction process is being carried out without disrupting public traffic and strictly adheres to construction standards under the supervision of the Azerbaijan State Agency of Automobile Roads.

Upon completion, the 130.15-kilometer Ganja-Gazakh-Georgia highway expansion to four lanes and the increase in speed limits will ensure safer and more comfortable travel for citizens. Moreover, by bypassing large residential areas, the project significantly enhances safety for both the population and drivers.

As a key part of an international transport corridor, the Baku-Gazakh-Georgia highway plays a vital role in connecting Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, as well as improving domestic transportation links. Once fully completed, this segment of the ‘Great Silk Road’ passing through Azerbaijan will make a major contribution to increasing both international and domestic freight traffic between East and West.

On November 18, Baku hosted the First Azerbaijan-US Think Tanks Forum, organized by the Center of Analysis of International Relations (CAIR).

As Azernews reported, the forum – titled ‘Shared Perspectives: Azerbaijan-US Dialogue for Strategic Partnership’ – featured sessions on ‘Assessment of the Washington Summit: Implications for US-Azerbaijan Relations,’ ‘The Armenia-Azerbaijan Peace Process After the Washington Summit,’ and ‘Energy Security and Connectivity.’

The event brought together representatives of the Azerbaijani government, local think tanks, and experts from leading American policy institutions, including the Atlantic Council, New Lines Institute, Hudson Institute, Central Asia-Caucasus Institute, and The National Interest magazine.

Participants discussed the outcomes of the 2025 Washington Summit, the ongoing peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan, and Azerbaijan’s role as a strategic connector between Central Asia and Europe in the fields of energy, transportation, and digital technologies.

The forum also examined opportunities to deepen strategic partnership between the two countries, enhance regional cooperation, and support initiatives aimed at sustainable development, security, and economic integration across Eurasia.

Chaired by Samir Nuriyev, Head of the Presidential Administration and head of the Coordination Headquarters for addressing issues in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories in a centralized manner, a meeting dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the Coordination Headquarters was held in Zangilan city.

In his remarks, Samir Nuriyev highlighted the ‘Great Return’ Program implemented in the liberated territories under the direct leadership of the Head of State. He stressed that the ongoing large-scale efforts to restore and reconstruct Karabakh and East Zangezur serve as an important example of international best practices, describing it as one of the most systematic and rapid reconstruction models applied in the post-conflict period.

The head of the Coordination Headquarters emphasized that the major projects implemented have radically changed the entire development landscape of the region. Over the past five years, the Head of State has participated in 569 events in the liberated territories, laid the foundations for 177 projects of various purposes, and inaugurated 167 facilities and infrastructure projects.

He also touched upon the Master Plans of cities and ongoing demining initiatives in the liberated territories, noting that as a result of the work carried out, more than 62,000 people currently live and work in the liberated territories, including those employed in the public and private sectors, as well as those studying.

In accordance with the meeting’s agenda, the Coordination Headquarters reviewed reports on the implementation of the ‘First State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan.’

Moreover, reports were presented on progress regarding government oversight of construction projects, the execution of construction and installation works, ensuring resilience to emergency situations, sustainable population resettlement, efficient use of agricultural land and organization of competitive agricultural production, and the restoration and protection of cultural, historical, and religious monuments.

The meeting participants were informed about the necessary measures to be taken in line with the tasks set by the President of Azerbaijan and were given relevant instructions.

As part of the visit, members of the Coordination Headquarters inspected numerous facilities in Zangilan, including the Zangilan city mosque, the Zangilan city residential complex, and a school building. Moreover, members of the Coordination Headquarters familiarized themselves with the ongoing efforts in the Zangilan Hotel Complex.

They also inspected the center-pivot irrigation in the arable lands of the “Dost Agro Park” in Zangilan district, the park’s livestock complex, as well as agricultural land plots allocated to residents of Aghaly village and “Shirin Agro” CJSC horticultural area in Zangilan.

The headquarters members also reviewed the ongoing construction of the highway and railway line along the Zangezur Corridor, as well as the Aghband-Kalala bridge over the Araz River. They were briefed on the connection of the Horadiz-Jabrayil-Zangilan-Aghband highway with the Islamic Republic of Iran, the progress of construction of the Horadiz-Aghband highway and railway lines that are part of the Zangezur Corridor and the bridge over the Araz River, as well as on the planned construction of the corresponding checkpoint, and the current status of customs control and infrastructure development.