Category: Azer News

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud, Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King of Saudi Arabia.

“My Dear Brother,

On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend my most sincere congratulations and best wishes to you and, through you, to all your people on the occasion of September 23 – the Proclamation of the Kingdom.

We are delighted by the upward trajectory and dynamic development of Azerbaijan-Saudi Arabia intergovernmental relations and cooperation, which are built on shared moral values, religious and cultural roots, traditional friendship, and brotherhood.

We attach great importance to the comprehensive development of our relations based on mutual trust and support. Today, our cooperation across a number of fields serves the interests of our countries and the well-being of our peoples, bringing them even closer together. Our partnership with ACWA Power, your country’s leading company in the priority areas of energy, including alternative and renewable energy, is expanding year by year and gaining new substance.

I would particularly like to emphasize our fruitful cooperation and mutual support within international organizations, especially the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Of course, active political dialogue at the highest level has created a favorable foundation for all of this.

I am confident that the brotherly relations and interaction between our peoples will further deepen in the coming years through our joint efforts for the prosperity of our countries, and that our partnership will be enriched with new achievements.

On this festive day, I wish you robust health, long life, and success in your high office, and the brotherly people of Saudi Arabia lasting peace and prosperity.”

Uganda’s decision to suspend defense and military cooperation with Turkiye may be linked not only to its demand that Ankara extradite Ugandan opposition commentator Fred Lumbuye, but also to uncertainty surrounding the future of the African mission in Somalia.

Several sources familiar with the situation told Middle East Eye that the Uganda People’s Defence Forces (UPDF) announced on September 20 the immediate suspension of all forms of defense and military cooperation with Ankara.

Ugandan media had earlier reported that the decision followed demonstrations outside the Turkish Embassy in Kampala. Participants in the protests, who have been linked to the Patriotic League of Uganda (PLU), demanded the extradition from Turkiye of political commentator Fred Lumbuye, who has lived in the country since 2013.

However, MEE sources said the Lumbuye case may have merely served as a trigger for a broader dispute linked to Uganda’s military presence in Somalia and Turkiye’s growing role in the country’s security sector.

‘The whole issue is connected to the presence of the Ugandan army in Somalia, which is closely linked to security relations between Somalia and Turkiye,’ one source told the publication.

Around 4,500 Ugandan troops are currently deployed in Somalia as part of the African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia (AUSSOM). Another approximately 2,000 troops are stationed in the country under a bilateral agreement.

The future of the mission has been thrown into question after the United States informed the African Union in July of its intention to end funding by the end of the year for the UN support office in Somalia, which provides important logistical assistance to AUSSOM.

The development has raised questions about the mission’s future financing and the viability of maintaining foreign military contingents in Somalia.

According to MEE sources, Somali authorities have asked Uganda to end its military presence in the country, citing the growing capabilities of Somali army units trained by Turkiye. Turkish military personnel have trained around 25,000 Somali soldiers in Mogadishu in recent years, while at least another 10,000 commandos have received training in Turkiye.

Uganda, meanwhile, receives at least $1,000 per month for each soldier participating in the mission, according to the sources. If the Ugandan contingent were to be fully withdrawn, Kampala could lose between $5 million and $6 million in monthly revenue, equivalent to around $60 million to $72 million annually.

‘Ending the mission could mean the loss of millions of dollars in annual revenue for Uganda,’ one source said.

According to the source, Uganda is seeking a solution to the crisis from Turkiye because it considers Ankara one of the key actors shaping Somalia’s emerging security architecture.

Tunç Demirtas, a researcher at the Ankara-based think tank SETA, said that the strengthening capabilities of Somali security forces are allowing Mogadishu to gradually assume greater responsibility for the country’s security.

According to Demirtas, Somali state institutions are already capable of providing security in the capital and surrounding areas, while the need for foreign assistance is declining as state institutions become stronger.

At the same time, a reduction in the international military presence could have significant economic consequences for countries that have deployed troops to Somalia for many years.

According to sources, Ankara is seeking a solution to the dispute out of concern that the confrontation could affect Turkish business interests in Uganda. In particular, a contract worth around $3 billion for railway construction, awarded to Turkish construction company Yapi Merkezi, could be at risk.

AFP reported that amid the deterioration in relations, Kampala could consider canceling the contract as well as expelling Turkish nationals from the country.

US President Donald Trump has called on all countries that are members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to withdraw from the institution, describing it as an ‘out of control institution’ and an ‘evil group of people.’

Speaking at the 81st session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 22, Trump said the United States would not allow the ICC to subject American military personnel to what he described as ‘show trials.’ He urged all states parties to the Rome Statute to ‘officially resign’ from the court immediately.

Trump has repeatedly criticized the ICC and its jurisdiction over US nationals. His latest remarks come amid a broader US campaign against the court, including measures aimed at isolating it internationally.

The ICC was established under the Rome Statute, which provides the legal framework for prosecuting individuals for genocide, crimes against humanity, war crimes and the crime of aggression.

Armenia became a State Party to the Rome Statute in February 2024 after depositing its instrument of ratification in November 2023, becoming the 124th State Party to the treaty.

A press conference has been held in Baku ahead of the 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, with Formula 1 drivers speaking to the media before the race weekend.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, who has raced at the Baku City Circuit several times, discussed his experience at the track, Ferrari’s recent form and the team’s preparations for this weekend.

During the press conference, Leclerc said Ferrari needs a strong qualifying result to be competitive in the race. He described qualifying as one of the team’s main difficulties this season and believes a good starting position could give Ferrari a stronger chance on race day.

He also highlighted track temperatures as a factor that could have a significant effect on the car’s performance, saying the team will need to pay close attention to conditions throughout the weekend.

Leclerc said he enjoys racing on the Baku City Circuit, although his previous appearances there have not been easy. He hopes Ferrari can turn things around this weekend and improve on its recent results.

The Ferrari driver said the team’s previous difficulties in Baku cannot simply be blamed on the circuit. He noted that Ferrari has experienced problems in several areas over the past few race weekends and will look to address them ahead of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The 2026 Azerbaijan Grand Prix will be held on the Baku City Circuit from September 24 to 26, with qualifying on Friday and the race on Saturday.

A meeting has been held with representatives of the women’s and men’s teams that will compete in the Volleyball Super League during the 2026-2027 season at the Volleyball Center of the Ministry of Youth and Sports.

The meeting was attended by Shir-Aslan Karimov, Director of the AVF Sports Department; Zohrab Gozalbeyli, Head of the Communications Department; Nargiz Ismayilova, Coordinator for Training Activities for Junior Age Groups; representatives of the teams participating in the Super League; and federation staff.

It was noted at the meeting that the competition, previously held under the name Higher League, will be called the Super League starting from the new season. The regulations for the 2026-2027 Super League season were also presented to club representatives.

Karimov said that, as in the previous season, nine women’s teams – Turan, DH Volley, Ganja, National Aviation Academy, UNEC, Azermash Absheron, Murov Az Terminal, Azerrail and Nakhchivan – and six men’s teams – Rescuer, Army, Neftchi, Murov Az Terminal, Azerrail and Youth – will compete in the Super League.

He noted that there will be two changes in the women’s competition this season. The team that competed under the name Absheron last season will participate this time as Azermash Absheron. Nakhchivan will make its Super League debut.

The Super League is scheduled to start in October 2026 and conclude in April 2027. The competition will consist of a league stage and playoffs.

In the women’s competition, the league stage will be played in a single round on a home-and-away basis. Based on the results, eight teams will advance to the playoffs.

In the men’s competition, matches will be played in two rounds on a home-and-away basis. At the end of the two-round league stage, the teams finishing in first to fourth place will qualify for the playoffs.

The meeting also included discussions on the competition rules, new requirements, registration and other organizational matters.

The United States, Japan, and South Korea have reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea and to addressing its nuclear and ballistic missile programs.

According to the U.S. Department of State, the three countries also intend to strengthen efforts to prevent North Korea from obtaining financial resources that could be used to support its nuclear and missile programs. Washington, Tokyo, and Seoul have previously emphasized the importance of enforcing international sanctions and closing loopholes that allow Pyongyang to generate revenue for prohibited activities.

At the same time, the three foreign ministers stressed that diplomatic channels should remain open. They expressed support for dialogue with North Korea and called on Pyongyang to return to negotiations aimed at reducing tensions and promoting peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula.

The officials also agreed to expand cooperation in several other areas, including economic security, artificial intelligence, energy, and emerging technologies. These areas have become increasingly important as the three countries seek to strengthen their cooperation not only in traditional security but also in technology and supply-chain resilience.

Trilateral cooperation between Washington, Tokyo, and Seoul has become an important part of their approach to regional security. The countries regularly exchange information and coordinate their responses to North Korean missile launches and nuclear activities. They have also discussed cybersecurity and measures to counter illicit financial activities linked to North Korea.

An interesting fact is that cooperation among the three countries extends far beyond military issues. In recent years, they have increasingly focused on areas such as artificial intelligence, critical technologies, energy security, and supply chains. This reflects a broader shift in international security, where technological and economic resilience are becoming closely connected with traditional national security.

The three governments therefore face a dual challenge: maintaining pressure on North Korea over its nuclear and missile programs while keeping diplomatic channels open in case opportunities for dialogue emerge.

A Community Center aimed at creating new opportunities for engaging with residents has started operating in Icherisheher.

The center was established on the administration’s initiative. Its main goal is to involve residents in social and cultural activities, organize their leisure time effectively and support their various initiatives.

Previously, a Service Center had also been opened in the area to address residents’ requests and needs. The newly opened Community Center, meanwhile, will focus directly on closer engagement with residents, learning about their interests and suggestions, and implementing joint projects and events.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Rufat Mahmud, Chairman of the Board of the Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration, spoke about the contribution the new venue will make to residents’ daily lives. He emphasized that Icherisheher lives not only through its historical monuments, but also through the people who reside there, their memories and traditions. He noted that residents play a special role in preserving the ancient quarter.

The Community Center, which is intended exclusively for Icherisheher residents, will host various meetings, clubs, workshops and cultural events for different age groups and interests. Members of the Icherisheher Council of Elders and the “Goru” Youth Initiative Group, as well as children and adults, will be able to participate in these activities.

The center is expected to become an important platform for encouraging residents’ active participation in community life, creating opportunities to turn new ideas into reality and further developing the rich social and cultural environment of Icherisheher.

Icherisheher, also known as the Old City, forms the historical core of Baku. Surrounded by fortress walls, the ancient quarter preserves a rich architectural heritage reflecting different periods of the city’s history. Among its best-known landmarks are the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs.

The Icherisheher State Historical-Architectural Reserve was established in 1977 to protect, preserve and study the area’s architectural and cultural heritage. The reserve covers the historic quarter and its monuments while also supporting the preservation of its traditional urban environment and way of life.

In 2000, Icherisheher, together with the Maiden Tower and the Palace of the Shirvanshahs, was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Today, the historic quarter remains not only a major cultural and heritage site, but also a living residential community. The new Community Center is intended to further strengthen this connection between heritage preservation and the everyday life of Icherisheher residents.

Pakistan’s Minister for Public Works and Communications, Fazal Shakoor Khan, has reportedly been abducted by armed men, according to local reports.

The minister’s vehicle was stopped by armed individuals, who then took Khan to an unknown location.

Police have launched an investigation into the incident. Further details about the circumstances of the alleged abduction and the identity or motive of the attackers have not yet been disclosed.

The Embassy of Azerbaijan in Iran has issued an appeal to Azerbaijani citizens currently in the country following the cancellation of all scheduled passenger flights between Azerbaijan and Iran.

The embassy called on citizens who have purchased tickets to return to Azerbaijan but are unable to do so by air due to the cancellations to contact the embassy or the Consulate General of Azerbaijan in Tabriz.

Diplomats will assist citizens in returning to Azerbaijan through the land border crossings operating between the two countries.

The statement reads as follows:

‘Attention: Azerbaijani citizens currently in Iran regarding the cancellation of scheduled passenger flights between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Islamic Republic of Iran!

Azerbaijani citizens who purchased flight tickets to return to Azerbaijan but are unable to do so due to flight cancellations are requested to contact the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Islamic Republic of Iran or the Consulate General in Tabriz for assistance in returning to the country via the land border crossings operating between Azerbaijan and Iran.

Azerbaijani citizens who purchased tickets to Azerbaijan from Iranian airlines are advised to contact the sales offices of those airlines to obtain a refund.

For further information and assistance:

Hotlines of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Islamic Republic of Iran:

France has welcomed Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev’s decision to pardon French national Martin Ryan, who had been in custody in Azerbaijan since December 2023, describing the move as a step toward normalizing bilateral relations.

In a statement issued by France’s Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs on September 23, Paris said it “highly appreciates this humanitarian gesture.”

“France has welcomed the decision by the President of Azerbaijan to pardon our national, Martin Ryan, who had been in custody in Azerbaijan since December 2023. France highly appreciates this humanitarian gesture,” the statement said.

According to the French Foreign Ministry, the decision followed what it described as a “patient and demanding dialogue” with Azerbaijani authorities.

“This decision is the result of a patient and demanding dialogue with the Azerbaijani authorities-a dialogue we intend to continue and which marks a step toward the normalization of our relations,” it said.

France also thanked officials and teams in both countries who worked toward Ryan’s release.

“France extends its thanks to all the teams in both Paris and Baku that worked tirelessly to achieve this positive outcome,” the ministry said.

Martin Ryan, who was accused of espionage for France, was pardoned on September 23.

This was reflected in a decree signed by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, pardoning a number of convicted individuals.

Martin Ryan, a citizen of France, was sentenced to 10 years’ imprisonment by the Baku Grave Crimes Court under its judgment dated 16 March 2026.