Category: Azer News

The opening ceremony of “The Oil Boom Smiles at Everyone” festival dedicated to the 90th anniversary of the outstanding writer, playwright and screenwriter Magsud Ibrahimbeyov was held at the Magsud Ibrahimbeyov Creativity Center on November 17.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, attended the event.

Anna Ibrahimbeyova, Director of the Center, expressed her gratitude to everyone who lent their invaluable support in realization of the project. Curator Nigar Rzayeva mentioned that the festival brings together theater, literature, cinema, fine arts, and modern thought, thereby forging a vibrant cultural dialogue between the past and the present.

N. Rzayeva emphasized that the festival, created based on the same name play by Magsud Ibrahimbeyov, depicts the pivotal moment when the human spirit stands on the threshold of a great breakthrough.

‘The lead character is confused, now knowing where this new stage will lead. Though we are immersed in a technological, fast and exciting ‘boom,’ at a time of rapid transition the inner world of a person and fundamental values remain unchanged,’ Rzayeva said.

The festival creates a multi-genre space, profoundly inspired by the author’s creative heritage, which effectively rediscovers the artistic potential of his works. ‘The Oil Boom Smiles at Everyone’ play written in the 1960s, reveals the universal themes of choice, responsibility and destiny as questions that remain steadfast in the 21st century.

The event proceeded with a reading of excerpts from Magsud Ibrahimbeyov’s story ‘Our Oil with Timka’ by Honored Artist of Azerbaijan Firdovsi Atakishiyev.

At the conclusion of the ceremony, the distinguished Russian journalist Mikhail Gusman shared his sincere recollections of his cherished friend Magsud Ibrahimbeyov. He underlined that the opportunity to encounter and communicate with Magsud was nothing short of ‘a gift of fate’ and an immeasurably valuable life experience.

Gusman further noted that he remembers Ibrahimbeyov not solely as an outstanding writer and playwright, but also as a perpetually young and profoundly energetic person.

Mikhail Gusman said he believes that Magsud Ibrahimbeyov will forever remain one of the most valuable sons of Azerbaijan – a person who infinitely revered his country and people, who was loyal to his native land with the whole of his being.

Magsud Ibrahimbeyov Creativity Center is dedicated to the core mission of preserving the writer’s heritage and supporting new cultural initiative, which is effectively perpetuated by the festival seamlessly connecting the past and the present, thereby expanding the space for intergenerational dialogue and reasserting the author’s enduring relevance.

Artificial intelligence (AI) models may soon be capable of predicting aspects of the future – not just processing information, but anticipating what will happen next, Azernews reports.

According to an Axios report, ‘world models’ learn by watching videos, digesting simulation data, and processing other spatial information, allowing them to build internal representations of objects, scenes, and physical dynamics.

The key difference between these systems and traditional language models is their ability to foresee the consequences of events in the physical world. Such AI can analyze how objects move, interact in space, and change over time – essentially giving machines an early form of intuitive physics.

However, the biggest obstacle to developing truly efficient predictive models is the lack of sufficient high-quality training data. These systems require enormous volumes of text, video, audio, and simulation materials to learn from, far beyond what current datasets typically offer.

Researchers note that as companies create richer simulated environments and more advanced synthetic data generators, the development of predictive AI may accelerate dramatically. Some experts even believe that future ‘world models’ could be integrated into robotics and autonomous systems, enabling machines to anticipate human actions, prevent accidents, and react to unexpected situations before they occur.

A seminar titled ‘Digital Connectivity for Central Asia and the Caucasus’ was held in Baku under the auspices of Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications as part of the World Telecommunication Development Conference, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan.

According to information, the opening ceremony featured remarks by Samir Mammadov, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport. He emphasized that the event’s theme carries strategic importance for the region’s development and future prosperity.

Mammadov highlighted that the ongoing construction of the Trans-Caspian fiber-optic cable project will create a high-speed, secure alternative route connecting Europe and Asia, positioning Azerbaijan as a regional digital hub.

He added that the establishment of a resilient broadband infrastructure, along with the approval of the Artificial Intelligence Strategy for 2025-2028 and the creation of a National AI Center, stand among Azerbaijan’s key initiatives to advance digital transformation.

During the event, an exchange ceremony was held for the previously signed Memorandum of Cooperation between Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Digital Development and Transport and Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in the fields of ICT and postal services.

Following the seminar, Deputy Minister Samir Mammadov met with Noriko Horiuchi, Japan’s State Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications. The two officials discussed cooperation opportunities in emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things. They agreed to establish a joint working group and develop an action plan to support the implementation of the Memorandum.

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.

The Western Azerbaijan Community (WAC) convened its next Board of Directors meeting on November 17, focusing on expanding international awareness of Western Azerbaijan’s historical and cultural heritage, Azernews reports.

At the meeting, Mahira Huseynova, chairwoman of the Keshkend district community of the Daralayaz district, proposed translating materials on the history and culture of Western Azerbaijan into foreign languages and promoting them widely abroad. She also stressed the importance of legal, organizational, and ideological preparation for the return process based on international law, suggesting that universities host conferences and that Western Azerbaijan TV be added to traditional broadcasting platforms.

WAC Chairman, MP Aziz Alakbarli, noted that President Ilham Aliyev’s remarks at the 80th anniversary of ANAS on November 3 placed additional responsibility on the Community. He highlighted the large-scale initiatives carried out in recent years and outlined the priority directions for future work.

Deputy Chairman Hikmet Babaoglu said the Community had entered a new stage following the President’s latest statements and emphasized the strategic goals for the upcoming period.

MP Aydin Mirzazade called the community’s activities an important political and legal development. She proposed publishing books about notable intellectuals from Western Azerbaijan, establishing a Western Azerbaijan museum, and intensifying outreach efforts.

Other participants including Honored Journalist Hasan Hasanov, head of the Western Azerbaijan History Department at ANAS’s Institute of History Jabi Bahramov, MPs Kamran Bayramov and Nazim Mustafa, NGO leader Rauf Zeyni, and academic Ibrahim Bayramov-stressed that the historical erasure attempts by Armenians do not change the fact that Western Azerbaijan is historically a Turkic land. They emphasized the full legal and moral right of deported Western Azerbaijanis to return to their homeland and underscored the need to expand educational and awareness campaigns domestically and internationally, including stronger social media outreach.

The meeting concluded with the adoption of specific tasks for the Community’s upcoming work and the formation of working groups to implement these directions.

bp today publicly presented the Azerbaijani translation of another internationally recognized academic book for educational institutions, bringing the total number of bp-supported academic resources to 30, Azernews reports.

This initiative is part of bp’s broader educational programme aimed at enhancing the quality of teaching and learning at Azerbaijani universities by providing access to world-class academic materials, knowledge, and expertise. It marks another significant milestone in bp’s long-term commitment to educational development in the country.

The newly translated book, Cognitive Processing Therapy for PTSD: A Comprehensive Therapist Manual by Patricia A. Resick, Candice M. Monson, and Kathleen M. Chard, is intended for specialists in cognitive processing therapy (CPT) for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). It is recommended as a valuable resource for psychology faculties and healthcare organizations engaged in trauma rehabilitation.

CPT is internationally recognized as a best practice for PTSD treatment and is already applied in Azerbaijan to train professional psychologists specializing in trauma care. The book focuses on adapting CPT for specific populations, including combat veterans, making it highly relevant for addressing war-related trauma in Azerbaijan.

Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bp’s vice president for the Caspian region, said: ‘We believe the book is of critical importance to the rehabilitation of people who suffer from war stress and other kinds of traumas. By supporting the publication of the book, we hope to help strengthen psychological rehabilitation in Azerbaijan including mental health rehabilitation of people who have suffered emotional and psychological trauma.

It will also help further enhance the knowledge and skills of people specializing in the treatment of trauma survivors, as well as raise awareness among those affected by PTSD and their family members.’

The book is bp’s gift to educational institutions, psychology faculties and healthcare establishments engaged in trauma rehabilitation.

The book translation and publication initiative was implemented by the international charity organization For Azerbaijan as part of its flagship project, Building up Psychological Rehabilitation Capacity in Azerbaijan, which focuses on sustainable solutions for vulnerable groups. bp contributed 19,700 AZN (approx. USD11,600) to cover translation and publication costs.

Abu Dhabi’s flag carrier, Etihad Airways, announced on Tuesday that it will expand its fleet with 32 new Airbus SE aircraft, including both passenger jets and freighters, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Under the agreement with Airbus, the United Arab Emirates’ second-largest airline ordered six A330-900s, seven additional A350-1000s, and three A350 freighters. Additionally, Etihad will lease nine A330neos and four A320neo family aircraft through Dublin-based aircraft lessor Avolon.

“Securing 32 additional widebodies-with deliveries starting in 2027-demonstrates Etihad’s agility in securing scarce delivery slots and staying ahead of global capacity constraints,” said Etihad CEO Antonoaldo Neves. “These commitments will allow us to continue our growth trajectory, deliver enhanced premium experiences, and bring even more visitors to Abu Dhabi.”

The expansion is part of Etihad’s broader strategy to strengthen its position as a leading global airline, with a focus on sustainability. Notably, the new A350s and A330neos are equipped with the latest fuel-efficient engines and lightweight materials, which will help the airline reduce carbon emissions while enhancing passenger comfort. This move reflects the growing trend of airlines investing in greener fleets amid rising environmental concerns in aviation.