Category: Azer News

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.

While states often interact primarily through economic interests on the international stage, the relationship between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan transcends this traditional framework. Here, cooperation is not merely transactional – it is anchored in shared history, cultural affinity, and fraternal solidarity. Economic collaboration exists and is important, but it serves as a platform to reinforce deeper ties of trust, mutual respect, and a sense of shared destiny.

This unique dimension of the relationship was highlighted in a recent interview by President Ilham Aliyev with Uzbekistan National News Agency. The Azerbaijani president emphasized that bilateral relations have reached an unprecedented level, describing the partnership as an “alliance.” Such terminology reflects a relationship rooted in brotherhood, not just diplomacy or trade.

The world recognizes that Azerbaijan’s deepest wound was the occupation of Garabagh, which was ultimately liberated through the decisive victory of its armed forces. Today, the Azerbaijani government is undertaking extensive efforts at the state level to rebuild and restore the region. Even while Azerbaijan was still grappling with the aftermath of the conflict, offers of assistance came from its closest allies to support the reconstruction of Garabagh. While the country is fully capable of undertaking this restoration independently, such gestures from fraternal nations are warmly welcomed, carrying significance that goes far beyond practical aid. Such gestures not only strengthen bilateral ties but also foster a profound sense of fraternal closeness between the two peoples.

Recalling this pivotal moment, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the special role of the country: “Uzbekistan was the first country and President Mirziyoyev was the first among world leaders to put forward the initiative to provide assistance in the restoration of the Garabagh region. We will always remember and regard this action as a symbol of solidarity, friendship and brotherhood between our countries and peoples.

Leadership initiatives have further reinforced bilateral ties. Reciprocal high-level visits, with five visits in just a year and a half, underscore a relationship characterized by high dynamism. Such engagements signal not only personal rapport between leaders but also a strategic commitment to deepening collaboration across all sectors. Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan actively coordinate within multilateral frameworks, including the Organization of Turkic States, UN, Non-Aligned Movement, OIC, ECO, and CICA, strengthening both bilateral and regional cooperation.

Trade and investment cooperation between the two countries has expanded rapidly, reflecting strong political will and shared economic priorities. Nearly 120 Uzbek-invested enterprises operate in Azerbaijan, spanning industry, agriculture, construction, transport, and services. Trade turnover in 2024 reached $252 million, and in the first nine months of 2025, it surged by 87.5% year-on-year to $319 million-a striking indicator of accelerating economic engagement.

Investment collaboration is also on the rise. The 2023 establishment of the joint Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Investment Company, with $500 million in capital, demonstrates a commitment to strategic projects within both countries and in third markets. Notable projects, such as the garment factory in Khankendi, illustrate how economic cooperation can simultaneously foster social and cultural ties, reinforcing the fraternal dimension of bilateral relations.

Institutional mechanisms, such as the Intergovernmental Commission on Cooperation and the Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Regional Forum, have been instrumental in identifying opportunities and facilitating sustained economic engagement. With nearly 200 bilateral agreements providing a robust legal framework, both countries are well-positioned to expand cooperation across all sectors.

Transport and logistics remain a key pillar of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan cooperation. The Middle Corridor International Transport Route, in which Azerbaijan serves as a crucial transit hub for Central Asian goods, has gained strategic importance. In 2024, transit traffic between the countries increased by over 18%, surpassing 1.3 million tons, with continued growth in 2025. Azerbaijan’s modern infrastructure-including the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ), the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, nine international airports, and a growing commercial fleet-positions it as a regional logistical hub. The opening of the Zangezur Corridor further strengthens Azerbaijan’s role in connecting Central Asia to global markets.

Air connectivity complements these developments. Frequent flights between Baku and Uzbek cities facilitate business, tourism, and cultural exchange, cementing people-to-people ties alongside strategic economic corridors.

Energy cooperation is another cornerstone of bilateral engagement. SOCAR exports petroleum products to Uzbekistan, while the joint venture “Neftegaztekhnologiya,” operating since 2016, highlights industrial collaboration. Strategic agreements signed in 2024 between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan to integrate energy systems and advance renewable energy mark a forward-looking commitment to sustainable regional development.

Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations today are more than the sum of trade agreements and diplomatic visits. They reflect a strategic partnership rooted in shared values, historical solidarity, and mutual economic interest. From reconstruction assistance in Garabagh to joint ventures, transit corridors, and energy integration, the relationship demonstrates resilience, depth, and dynamism.

In this context, the Azerbaijani-Uzbek partnership stands as a model of how economic pragmatism, strategic foresight, and fraternal solidarity can converge, shaping not only bilateral relations but also regional stability and prosperity. The trajectory of cooperation suggests that this alliance will continue to expand across multiple dimensions, reinforcing both countries’ roles as pillars of the Turkic world and broader Central Asian connectivity.

The Azerbaijan women’s national chess team will participate in the World Team Chess Championship from November 17 to 24 in Linares, Spain, Azernews reports.

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) made the decision to invite the team after the Algerian squad was unable to participate. As a result, Azerbaijan, with its high ranking, received an invitation to this prestigious event.

The Azerbaijani team has been placed in Group A, where it will compete against FIDE, USA, Kazakhstan, Spain, and Peru. Group B will feature China, Georgia, Ukraine, France, Uzbekistan, and India.

Representing Azerbaijan will be Ulviye Fataliyeva, Govhar Beydullayeva, Khanim Balayeva, Gulnar Mammadova, and Ayan Allahverdiyeva, under the captaincy of Ilaha Gadimova.

China’s Ministry of Public Security has introduced new national safety standards for motor vehicles, Azernews reports.

One notable measure limits the acceleration of cars from 0 to 100 km/h to at least 5 seconds, with the goal of improving road safety. The proposal is currently open for public consultation.

According to reports, this is not a complete ban on fast acceleration, but rather a special setting that prevents a vehicle from accelerating from a standstill to 100 km/h in less than 5 seconds without additional actions to override it.

The new standards also introduce other safety requirements for vehicles. For instance, electric and plug-in hybrid cars must be equipped with systems to prevent accidental acceleration caused by pedal errors, automatically limiting the vehicle’s power output.

In response to recent high-profile accidents where passengers were trapped in damaged vehicles, the regulations also include stricter requirements for door design. Every door must have mechanical handles both inside and outside, and doors should unlock automatically if airbags deploy or if the battery overheats.

Interestingly, some experts believe that these measures could influence global car design trends, as Chinese safety standards are increasingly being referenced by automakers and regulators worldwide. If implemented, this could lead to safer cars not only in China but across international markets.

Estonia has allocated pound 3.5 million for Ukraine to purchase Starlink communication systems as part of the Estonia-led IT Coalition, Azernews reports.

According to the Estonian Ministry of Defence, the decision follows Ukraine’s request for support to ensure stable Starlink connectivity.

Estonian Defence Minister Hanno Pevkur stated that Ukraine had indicated a particular need for assistance in maintaining Starlink communications.

‘Given Ukraine’s intention to significantly increase the number of drones that require high-speed internet connectivity, Starlink’s capabilities are especially important,’ he said.

The minister stressed that, alongside weapons, information and technology support also play a critical role.

‘That is why I am glad that we can help strengthen Ukraine’s IT capabilities, thereby increasing its chances of success in a war where hundreds of people are dying every day,’ Pevkur added.

Abu Dhabi (UAE) has launched an exclusive chocolate, following in the footsteps of Dubai, where a similar confection went viral last year, Azernews reports.

The new Abu Dhabi Chocolate was crafted by Filipino chef Nuel Katis.

Its standout feature is a luxurious filling of dates and tahini infused with saffron and cardamom, while the chocolate itself is elegantly wrapped in edible gold foil.

Last year, Dubai’s chocolate, made with pistachio paste and kataifi dough, became an online sensation. According to Duty Free outlets, 2.5 million bars worth $45 million were sold in Dubai during the first half of 2025.

Culinary experts note that the rising popularity of these gold-covered chocolates is part of a broader trend of luxury sweets turning into collectible experiences-with travelers not just buying them for taste, but also for the Instagram-worthy presentation and the prestige of owning an ultra-exclusive treat.

US President Donald Trump said on Friday that he is considering agreeing to a deal to supply Saudi Arabia with F-35 stealth fighter jets, which are made by Lockheed Martin, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

“They wanna buy a lot of jets,” Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One.

“I’m looking at that. They’ve asked me to look at it. They want to buy a lot of ’35’ – but they want to buy actually more than that, fighter jets.”

The potential sale comes as Trump plans to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the White House next week, when they are expected to sign economic and defense agreements.

Asked about the talks, Trump told reporters it was “more than meeting, we’re honoring” Saudi Arabia.

He repeated that he hoped Saudi would soon join the Abraham Accords, which have normalized relations between Israel and Muslim-majority nations. Riyadh has resisted such a step absent agreement on a roadmap to Palestinian statehood.

A Pentagon intelligence report has raised concerns over the potential F-35 deal, warning that China could acquire the aircraft’s technology if the sale proceeds, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the assessment.

The Azerbaijani women’s handball team played its opening match at the VI Islamic Solidarity Games in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.

Azernews reports that the team, placed in Group B, faced Uzbekistan in their first game.

The match, held at the Green Hall Olympic Complex, ended in a 28-26 victory for Uzbekistan.

Azerbaijan’s national team is scheduled to play its next match against Kazakhstan on November 17.

On November 15, Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, held a one-on-one meeting with Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Uzbekistan, in Tashkent, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, the sides hailed the successful development of relationship between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, which is based on alliance and strategic partnership.

The role of President Ilham Aliyev’s regular visits to Uzbekistan and President Shavkat Mirziyoyev’s visits to Azerbaijan in the development of relations between the two countries was highlighted.

The parties noted with satisfaction that the cooperation between Azerbaijan and the countries of Central Asia has recently expanded considerably, and in this regard, stressed the significance of the participation of President Ilham Aliyev in the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia.

During the conversation, the heads of state exchanged views on the prospects of relations between the two countries.

At the invitation of President of the Republic of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Tashkent on November 15 to participate in the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, Azernews reports.

A guard of honor was arranged for the Azerbaijani President at Tashkent International Airport.

President Ilham Aliyev was welcomed by Prime Minister of Uzbekistan Abdualla Aripov, and other officials.