Category: Azer News

President of the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) Tufan Erhrman has received a delegation led by head of the working group of the Azerbaijani Parliament on inter-parliamentary relations with the TRNC, Javanshir Feyziyev, in Nicosia, Azernews reports.

President Tufan Erhrman hailed the active participation of Azerbaijani MPs in the festive events marking the 42nd anniversary of the founding of the TRNC.

MP Feyziyev, in turn, conveyed his congratulations to the Turkish Cypriots on the occasion of the TRNC’s 42nd anniversary.

Assistant to the President of the TRNC Mehmet Dana and Head of the Azerbaijan-Cyprus Friendship Society Orkhan Hasanoglu attended the meeting.

Azerbaijan has been granted full membership status in the Central Asia Consultative Meetings, marking a significant step in regional cooperation.

According to Azernews, the announcement was made by Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev during the 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, held today in Tashkent.

With Azerbaijan’s admission, the regional cooperation format will expand from the current ‘Central Asian Five’ to a ‘Central Asian Six.’

Azerbaijan’s inclusion reflects its growing engagement with Central Asia and is expected to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties across the region.

On November 16, the 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State in the ‘Central Asia + Azerbaijan’ format was held in Uzbekistan’s capital Tashkent, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the event.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

– Dear Shavkat Miromonovich,

Dear Heads of State,

Dear friends,

First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, for the invitation to participate in the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. I am grateful to the Uzbek side for its traditional hospitality.

Under the wise leadership of my brother Shavkat Miromonovich Mirziyoyev, Uzbekistan is confidently advancing along the path of development and creation. Its significant international standing, effective economic reforms and large-scale projects in industry, transport and agriculture have elevated Uzbekistan to a leading position in the region. Thanks to the President’s daily dedication, Uzbekistan has joined the ranks of the world’s leading sporting nations. The recent Summer Olympics clearly demonstrated this. Shavkat Miromonovich is not only a wise statesman but also a person who has made a significant contribution to the development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations. He is loved and respected in Azerbaijan for his concrete actions and kind attitude toward our people. As a visionary politician, Shavkat Miromonovich clearly sees the need for closer cooperation between the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan. Once again, dear Shavkat Miromonovich, thank you very much for everything.

We visited the Center of Islamic Civilization. Established on the initiative of the President of Uzbekistan, the center serves as yet another testament to the President’s dedication to Uzbekistan’s rich cultural heritage. At a time when attacks on our religion are growing in some countries and Islamophobia is taking on a systemic character, the opening of the Center of Islamic Civilization demonstrates to the entire world that Islam is a religion of creation, tolerance, friendship, and brotherhood. Outstanding representatives of the Islamic world made immense contributions to global science and culture, and the Center of Islamic Civilization clearly showcases this. I am confident that the majestic and uniquely curated Center of Islamic Civilization in Tashkent will become a source of pride for the entire Islamic world.

Esteemed colleagues, this is the third time Azerbaijan has participated in Central Asian summits. In 2023, I attended the summit at the invitation of esteemed President of Tajikistan Emomali Sharipovich Rahmon, and in 2024, at the invitation of esteemed President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich Tokayev.

The relations between Azerbaijan and Central Asian states are quite unique. We are bound together by centuries-old history, spiritual and cultural heritage, brotherhood, friendship, and solidarity. We have not only maintained these ties but also infused them with new momentum, which has the nature of a strategic partnership.

Reciprocal high-level visits have become regular in recent years. Over the past three years, I have visited Central Asian countries 14 times. During the same period, my colleagues have visited our country 23 times.

Azerbaijan has signed treaties and declarations on alliance and strategic partnership, as well as those on the establishment of joint investment funds, with Central Asian countries. Culture days, exhibitions and concerts are regular in nature, bringing our peoples even closer together and demonstrating how close we are and how much we value our friendship.

Although Azerbaijan is located in the South Caucasus, thanks to this active interaction, Central Asia and Azerbaijan today form a single geopolitical and geo-economic region, whose importance in the world is steadily growing.

We successfully cooperate within the framework of various international organizations, support each other’s initiatives, and develop common approaches to resolving global and regional issues.

After restoring its territorial integrity and sovereignty, our country embarked on large-scale work to revive the liberated territories. We highly appreciate the fraternal support that Central Asian countries are providing to Azerbaijan in this regard.

In particular, the Mirzo Ulugbek School and the Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Cente are already operating in the city of Fuzuli, while the Manas School is open in Aghdam. This is a gift from our Uzbek, Kazakh and Kyrgyz brothers.

In October of this year, the foundation of a mosque was laid in the city of Fuzuli, and this mosque will serve as a symbol of Turkmenistan’s fraternal support. All of this will remain in the grateful memory of the Azerbaijani people as a testament to our brotherhood and solidarity.

Today, Azerbaijan and Central Asia serve as a vital link and bridge between East and West, North and South.

The development of the Middle Corridor is of strategic importance for our countries. Joint efforts to modernize the transport and logistical infrastructure, synchronize and digitalize customs procedures open up vast opportunities for increasing the volumes of cargo, strengthening economic resilience, and expanding cooperation in international markets.

Over the past three years, cargo transportation along the Middle Corridor through Azerbaijan has increased by 90 percent. Transit time along the corridor has significantly reduced.

The Alat International Port, which is expected to reach a throughput capacity of 25 million tons per year in the coming years, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, nine international airports, the region’s largest cargo airline, and other factors have transformed Azerbaijan into an international transport hub.

I am confident that the agreements reached in Washington this August to connect the mainland of Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic will contribute to expanding transit opportunities for international transportation. The construction of the Zangazur Corridor on the territory of Azerbaijan is nearing completion. With an initial throughput capacity of 15 million tons, this railway will become an important artery of the Middle Corridor. Construction of the highway that will form part of the Zangezur Corridor is also nearing completion.

Our cooperation in digital communications also has tremendous potential. The Digital Silk Road project includes plans to build a Caspian subsea fiber-optic cable network.

The Caspian subsea electric cable construction project ushers great prospects for joint electricity exports to global markets.

In conclusion, I would like to thank my esteemed colleagues for the decision on Azerbaijan’s accession to the cooperation format of the Central Asian states. This decision once again confirms the friendly and fraternal nature of our relations and will serve to strengthen cooperation and interaction across a vast geographical area. I would also like to congratulate fraternal Turkmenistan on assuming the chairmanship in our format. Thank you for your attention.

Azerbaijani female taekwondo fighter Minaya Akbarova won a silver medal at the 6th Islamic Solidarity Games held in Riyadh, the capital of Saudi Arabia, Azernews reports.

Akbarova, who competed in the 46kg weight category, lost in the final, securing second place.

The 6th Islamic Solidarity Games will run until November 21.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived at the Congress Center in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, to participate in the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia in the “Central Asia + Azerbaijan” format, Azernews reports.

President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev welcomed President Ilham Aliyev.

Today marked a historic milestone for Azerbaijan, as the country was officially admitted as a full-fledged member of the Central Asia Consultative Meetings. From now on, Azerbaijan joins the traditional five countries, transforming centuries-old brotherly ties and shared heritage into a framework of political, geopolitical, and geo-economic unity across the region. This landmark decision was witnessed in Tashkent, the capital of the brotherly nation of Uzbekistan, where President Ilham Aliyev has been on an official visit since yesterday. Unlike traditional visits, this one signaled a transition: Azerbaijan was no longer merely a guest but a full participant, intent on strengthening and institutionalizing regional ties.

Speaking at the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, President Aliyev highlighted the vision of Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev, noting that it reflects a clear understanding of the necessity for closer cooperation between Azerbaijan and Central Asian states. This approach is timely and justified: countries with centuries-old shared values, common cultural and religious traditions, and mutual interests are increasingly working together to pursue common goals. Joint projects are being implemented on the principles of Islam, construction, tolerance, friendship, and brotherhood, further solidifying regional unity.

Azerbaijan’s inclusion in the Central Asia Consultative Meetings is more than symbolic; it represents a deepening of political, economic, and cultural linkages. As President Aliyev noted in his speech, this is the third time Azerbaijan has participated in Central Asian summits. In 2023, he attended at the invitation of Tajik President Emomali Rahmon, and in 2024, at the invitation of Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. Over the past three years, Azerbaijan has hosted numerous reciprocal visits, with 14 high-level trips to Central Asia and 23 visits by regional leaders to Baku, cementing strategic partnerships and strengthening dialogue.

The country has signed treaties and declarations on alliances, strategic partnerships, and joint investment funds, while cultural diplomacy-through exhibitions, concerts, and national culture days-has reinforced societal and people-to-people connections. These developments demonstrate that Azerbaijan and Central Asia are gradually forming a single geopolitical and geo-economic region, whose significance is increasingly recognized on the global stage.

Azerbaijan’s integration into the regional framework comes amid significant infrastructure and trade projects that enhance connectivity. The Middle Corridor-linking Central Asia with international markets through Azerbaijan-has seen cargo volumes rise by 90% over the past three years, with transit times substantially reduced. Key projects such as the Alat International Port, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the Zangazur Corridor, and nine international airports have positioned Azerbaijan as a strategic transport hub. Plans to link Azerbaijan’s mainland with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, alongside digital initiatives like the Digital Silk Road and Caspian subsea fiber-optic and electricity networks, further strengthen its regional role.

Beyond economics, Azerbaijan’s accession reflects deep humanitarian and cultural cooperation with Central Asian countries. President Aliyev highlighted the support from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Turkmenistan in establishing schools, creativity centers, and mosques in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, demonstrating enduring solidarity and brotherhood. These initiatives not only provide tangible benefits for local communities but also symbolize a long-term commitment to regional unity and mutual development.

At this historic moment, the leaders of Central Asian countries shared their perspectives on Azerbaijan’s full accession to the Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev emphasized the significance of Azerbaijan’s inclusion: “With Azerbaijan’s admission, the regional cooperation format expands from the traditional ‘Central Asian Five’ to a ‘Central Asian Six.’ This step reflects Azerbaijan’s growing engagement with Central Asia and is expected to strengthen political, economic, and cultural ties across the region.”

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence in Azerbaijan’s contributions as a full member: “Today we made a historic decision on the accession of Azerbaijan to our format as a full-fledged participant,” he stated at the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia. “In its new capacity, Azerbaijan will play a substantial role in deepening regional cooperation.”

Kyrgyz President Sadyr Zhaparov highlighted the opportunities arising from this expansion: “The Kyrgyz Republic supports the initiative for Azerbaijan to join our consultative meetings format as a full member. Expanding our format with fraternal Azerbaijan will open new horizons for cooperation in Central Asia, particularly in international transit, logistics, and energy,” he noted. “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 unique platform where not only existing regional challenges are addressed, but new initiatives and proposals are actively developed.”

From a strategic standpoint, Azerbaijan’s elevation to full membership enables it to actively shape regional policies, align infrastructure and digital initiatives with Central Asian partners, and enhance its influence in international forums. It also reinforces the collective regional capacity to address economic, energy, and connectivity challenges. By bridging the South Caucasus and Central Asia, Azerbaijan strengthens a corridor of stability, economic growth, and political coordination stretching from the Caspian to Central Asia.

Azerbaijan’s accession to the Central Asia Consultative Meetings marks a turning point in regional cooperation. It underscores the country’s commitment to strategic partnerships, deepens regional integration, and positions Azerbaijan as a central actor in shaping the future of Central Asia. The event in Tashkent is not only a diplomatic milestone but also a concrete step toward enhanced economic connectivity, cultural exchange, and geopolitical significance for Azerbaijan and its Central Asian partners.

To bridge the digital skills gap, young people must not only benefit from opportunities but also play an active role as co-creators of solutions, said Ahmed Riyad, Huawei’s Director of Strategy and Industry Development, during a session at the ‘Global Youth Day’ held in Baku, Azernews reports.

Riyad highlighted the Generation Connect Young Leadership Program (GCYLP), a joint initiative by Huawei and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Each year, 30 young leaders from various countries receive mentoring, professional training, and seed funding. ‘They are not just participants-they are leaders developing digital solutions in their own communities. Azerbaijani youth are also part of this program. We believe that innovation and skills should be shaped locally by those who understand the problems,’ he said.

The session also covered Huawei’s commitments to ITU’s Partner2Connect Digital Coalition. By 2025, the company aims to provide internet access to 120 million people across 80 countries, including 34 of the UN’s least developed 44 nations. Riyad noted that 90 million people have already benefited from this initiative.

Ahmed Riyad also discussed projects such as Tech4All and Skills on Wheels, highlighting the solar-powered digital learning truck, the ‘DJ Truck.’ This initiative brings training in digital skills, cybersecurity, and online business to youth in rural and remote areas.

He further emphasized Huawei’s ICT Academy and Seeds for the Future programs, noting partnerships with over 1,000 universities in more than 100 countries to provide technical skills as well as startup and career support.

‘International organizations identify global challenges for development, and we provide technological solutions. Our strategic partnership with the ITU offers an ideal platform to bridge the digital divide and foster multilateral cooperation,’ Riyad concluded.

High-tech infrastructure and transport-logistics development are crucial for the future of Central Asia, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said at the 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State held today in Tashkent, Azernews reports.

According to Mirziyoyev, regional countries should combine efforts to implement strategically important projects, including the construction and modernization of power plants, electricity lines, roads and railways, border checkpoints, ‘green corridors,’ fiber-optic networks, and other key facilities.

‘To strengthen interregional transport connectivity, we prioritize projects such as the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and the Trans-Afghanistan Transport Corridor,’ he noted.

Mirziyoyev also highlighted that the Trans-Caspian route and other corridors linking Central Asia with European countries open significant opportunities for the region.

To coordinate these efforts more effectively, the Uzbek President proposed establishing an Infrastructure Development Council at the level of deputy prime ministers of the Central Asian countries.

President Ilham Aliyev, speaking at the 7th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia in Tashkent, highlighted the significant contribution of Shavkat Mirziyoyev to the development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations, Azernews reports.

The head of state said: “Shavkat Miromonovich is not only a wise statesman but also a person who has made a substantial contribution to the development of Uzbek-Azerbaijani relations. In Azerbaijan, he is loved and respected for his concrete actions and kind attitude toward our people. As a forward-looking politician, Shavkat Miromonovich clearly recognizes the need for closer interaction between the countries of Central Asia and Azerbaijan.”

‘Today we made a historic decision on the accession of Azerbaijan to our format as a full-fledged participant,’ President of the Republic of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated at the 7th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia in the ‘Central Asia + Azerbaijan’ format.

As reported by Azernews, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev expressed confidence that Azerbaijan, in its new capacity, will make a substantial contribution to strengthening regional cooperation.