‘I congratulate the 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,’ President of the Republic of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon stated at the 7th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia in the ‘Central Asia + Azerbaijan’ format, Azernews reports.
Category: Azer News
Construction of Zangezur corridor on Azerbaijan’s territory is nearing completion, President says
“I am confident that the agreements reached in Washington this August on connecting the mainland Azerbaijan with its Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic will expand transit opportunities for international transportation. Construction of the Zangezur Corridor on Azerbaijan’s territory is nearing completion,” President Ilham Aliyev said at the 7th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State of Central Asia in Tashkent, Azernews reports.
The head of state noted that the railway, with an initial capacity of 15 million tons, will become a vital artery of the Middle Corridor.
President Ilham Aliyev concludes visit to Uzbekistan [PHOTOS]
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev concluded his visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan on November 16.
A guard of honor was arranged for the Azerbaijani President at Tashkent International Airport.
President Ilham Aliyev was seen off by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev.
Footage of President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Uzbekistan posted on his social media [VIDEO]
Footage of President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Uzbekistan has been published on his social media accounts.
Azernews presents the post:
“President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to Uzbekistan (15-16.11.2025)”.
Earthquake of magnitude 5 strikes Russia’s Kamchatka region
An earthquake measuring 5.0 on the Richter scale has been recorded in Russia’s Kamchatka territory, Azernews reports, citing local media.
The tremor occurred approximately 113 kilometers from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky, the region’s administrative center, the Kamchatka branch of the Unified Geophysical Service of the Russian Academy of Sciences reported.
The quake’s epicenter was located at a depth of 20 kilometers.
No immediate reports of damage or casualties have been issued.
Civilian injured in landmine explosion in Azerbaijan’s Aghdara district
A civilian was injured in a landmine explosion in Azerbaijan’s Aghdara district, Azernews reports, citing a joint statement from the Ministry of Internal Affairs, the Prosecutor General’s Office, and the Mine Action Agency of Azerbaijan (ANAMA).
The incident occurred on November 16, 2025, in the liberated Sirkhavand village. According to official information, 35-year-old Natiq Namig oglu Aliyev, a resident of Barda district, sustained leg injuries after stepping on an anti-personnel landmine in an area that had not yet been cleared of mines.
He was promptly transferred to the Barda Diagnostic Center for medical treatment, and his condition is being monitored.
The Aghdara District Prosecutor’s Office has launched an investigation into the incident.
Authorities once again warned citizens to strictly follow safety protocols, heed mine hazard signs, and avoid entering potentially contaminated or unfamiliar areas. ANAMA and security agencies emphasized that entering uncleared territories remains extremely dangerous.
Youth engagement key to achieving sustainable development in Azerbaijan, says WHO representative
Active participation of young people and their digital literacy are vital for achieving sustainable development goals in Azerbaijan, said Hande Harmanci, Head of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) office in Azerbaijan, during a session held in Baku as part of Global Youth Day, Azernews reports.
Harmanci highlighted the importance of the 2026-2030 Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework between Azerbaijan and the United Nations, noting that the framework places special emphasis on innovation, decent work, and people-centered digital services. ‘The 17 Sustainable Development Goals adopted in 2015 are not mere slogans. They serve as a roadmap for eradicating poverty, protecting the planet, and ensuring a prosperous life for all. These goals can only be achieved with the active engagement of young people,’ she said.
She emphasized that digital transformation plays a central role in unlocking youth potential. In this regard, the UN supports programs in Azerbaijan aimed at increasing digital equity and accessibility of services. ‘The UN brings together government, private sector, universities, and youth organizations to build sustainable partnerships. We focus particularly on villages and underserved regions. Our goal is to ensure equal access to digital services, promote innovation, and create decent work opportunities,’ Harmanci added.
President: Relations between Azerbaijan and Central Asian States are of special nature
‘Relations between Azerbaijan and the Central Asian states are of a special nature,’ President Ilham Aliyev stated during the 7th Consultative Meeting of Heads of State from Central Asia in Tashkent, Azernews reports.
‘We are united by centuries of shared history, spiritual and cultural heritage, brotherhood, friendship, and solidarity. We have not only preserved these ties but also given them new momentum, characterized by strategic partnership. We are actively expanding our cooperation in all directions,’ the head of state added.
Ukraine actively negotiates gas supplies from Azerbaijan, seeks long-term agreements
Ukraine is actively working to secure natural gas supplies from Azerbaijan, President Volodymyr Zelensky announced on his Facebook page, Azernews reports.
‘We are creating broad opportunities for winter supplies. In particular, through our Polish partners, we are actively working with Azerbaijan. We hope to reach long-term agreements,’ Zelensky emphasized.
He also noted that a historic deal with France has been prepared, which will significantly strengthen Ukraine’s combat aviation, air defense, and other defense capabilities.
Additionally, Zelensky said his upcoming visit to Spain on Monday is expected to be productive. ‘According to the schedule, the visit will take place on Monday. It will be meaningful and provide support that will truly help Ukraine defend itself and achieve its objectives,’ he stated.
Belgium expresses concern over strike on Azerbaijani Embassy
Belgium has issued a firm and unequivocal condemnation of Russia’s recent large-scale attacks on Ukraine, Belgian Foreign Minister Maxime Prévot announced on his social media platform X, Azernews reports.
‘Belgium strongly and unequivocally condemns Russia’s large-scale strikes on Ukraine in recent weeks. These attacks deliberately target civilians, residential areas, hospitals, energy infrastructure, and vital services. As a result, innocent people, including children, have been killed and injured,’ the minister said.
He also expressed deep concern over Russia’s recent strike near the Azerbaijani Embassy in Kyiv.
‘An attack on a diplomatic mission is not only unacceptable – it is a direct assault on the principles that uphold the international system. Belgium firmly supports Azerbaijan and all diplomatic staff affected by this violence,’ he noted.
In his message to the people of Ukraine, he added: ‘You are not alone. We stand with you. Together with our European and international partners, Belgium will continue its support and increase pressure on Russia until this war ends.’