Category: Azer News

During her visit to Mingachevir, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, took part in a series of environmental initiatives, Azernews reports.

The visit began with the release of 25,000 carp into the Mingachevir reservoir, attended by Leyla Aliyeva. The initiative aims to restore aquatic bioresources, increase fish stocks, and contribute to the ecological balance of water bodies.

Later, Aliyeva participated in a reintroduction program at the Korchay State Nature Reserve. Ten gazelles were brought from the Shirvan National Park and released into the reserve. The relocation is intended to enhance genetic diversity among the existing gazelle population, prevent various diseases, and promote the formation of a healthier gazelle population in the area. Currently, the Korchay State Nature Reserve is home to 810 gazelles.

As part of the visit, a tree-planting campaign was also held in Mingachevir. With Aliyeva’s participation, 100 volunteers planted 200 trees, including Eldar pines and cypresses. These species are drought-resistant and well-suited to the region’s soil and climate conditions, making them important for environmental protection and expanding green spaces.

It should be noted that these environmental initiatives are part of the ongoing work of the IDEA Public Union to protect the environment and biodiversity in Azerbaijan.

The effectiveness of cooperation in the field of security of transport and communication lines is a guarantee for the economic development and long-term stability of fraternal states, said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he addressed the participants of the international conference on “The role of secret services in the security of international transport routes,” Azernews reports.

‘I am confident that today’s event and, most importantly, the continuous joint work of the secret services will help resolve key issues related to the security, stability and well-being of our countries, and also contribute to the peaceful and prosperous development of our peoples,’ the head of state added.

President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, issued an address to the participants of the international conference on “The role of secret services in the security of international transport routes.”

Azernews presents the address:

‘Dear conference participants,

I warmly welcome you to Khankendi for the opening of the international conference on ‘The role of secret services in the security of international transport routes’.

The participation of representatives of secret services from fraternal countries in this event is clear evidence of our common vision for the strengthening of security and cooperation.

It is no coincidence that today’s event is dedicated to ensuring the security of international transport routes, which are of strategic importance for our countries and the region as a whole. The conflicts observed in various parts of the world lately have led to an increase in various challenges that pose a serious threat to international and regional security. From this perspective, enhancing cooperation between secret services and security agencies is of tremendous importance in terms of protecting the vast transport network connecting Europe and Asia that passes through our countries.

Today, our countries play a leading role in the development of the East-West and North-South corridors. Azerbaijan has invested heavily in the infrastructure of modern railways and highways, as well as airports and seaports. We view these transport and communication lines not only as a source of economic prosperity, but also as an important foundation for closer integration of Turkic states in political, cultural, security and defense spheres.

The opening of the Zangezur corridor will play an important part in establishing direct and unhindered links between our countries. The increase in cargo transportation resulting from the implementation of this project will significantly enhance the competitiveness of the region. However, the growing role of our transport hubs also makes them targets for destructive forces. Our transport and communication lines are faced with the threats of international terrorism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, smuggling, as well as cyber threats aimed at paralyzing the management of critical transport infrastructure.

It is also worth pointing at the attempts at external interference and destabilization aiming to hamper the implementation of large-scale regional projects. This is why the strengthening of cooperation between secret services has become a vital necessity. It is extremely important to conduct continuous and operational exchange of information about planned acts of sabotage against major transport facilities, routes and our states in general, and take joint preventive measures.

In this context, the development and implementation of coordinated operational measures to prevent the destructive activities of terrorist organizations and criminal groups attempting to use our transit routes should also be among the priority areas of activity. This cooperation should also include the exchange of experience in the field of protection against cyber threats, as well as the application of cutting-edge technologies for control and monitoring of transport flows.

The effectiveness of cooperation in the field of security of transport and communication lines is a guarantee for the economic development and long-term stability of fraternal states. I am confident that today’s event and, most importantly, the continuous joint work of the secret services will help resolve key issues related to the security, stability and well-being of our countries, and also contribute to the peaceful and prosperous development of our peoples.

I once again warmly welcome all the participants of the event to Garabagh and hope that the conference concludes with significant and tangible results!’

he 8th Forum and Assembly of European Athletes was held in London, the capital of the United Kingdom, Azernews reports.

The forum aims to bring together representatives of the Athletes’ Commissions of 49 European National Olympic Committees, both in-person and online, to discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by athletes.

After presentations explaining the roles of Athletes’ Commissions and the support they receive through Olympic Solidarity from the European Olympic Committee (EOC) and the International Olympic Committee (IOC), athletes participated in several breakout sessions throughout the day.

The primary focus of these sessions was on preventing competition manipulation, how Athletes’ Commissions can effectively use social media, as well as discussions on the IOC’s “Fit For The Future” process and the World Anti-Doping Agency’s Athletes’ Council.

Later, in a video message, IOC President Kristy Coventry emphasised that the athletes’ voice has never been as strong within the Olympic Movement:

“It was a great pleasure to meet many of you at the last International Athletes Forum. The energy in that room showed that the athletes’ voice has never been stronger than it is today. That’s why events like this Forum are so important. This space is for you to speak up, share your ideas, and ensure your voice is heard on the issues that matter most to you. Together, we can shape a stronger future for our Olympic Movement.”

EOC President Spiros Kapralos noted that the representation of former athletes within the Olympic Movement, including significant participation in the EOC Executive Committee, has greatly increased, playing a crucial role:

“Compared to my time as an Olympian, today’s athletes are at the centre of the Olympic Movement. In everything we do, we consider the athletes.”

After reports and information about commissions and candidates, representatives for the Athletes’ Commissions of the European Olympic Committees for both summer and winter sports were selected.

At the Assembly, Azerbaijan was represented by Rafiq Huseynov, a member of the National Olympic Committee’s Athletes’ Commission, an Olympic medalist in Greco-Roman wrestling, and a world and European champion. He was among 18 candidates from Europe for membership in the commission._:

Natig Aghayev, recently appointed as the Head of the Balak?n District Executive Authority by the order of the President of Azerbaijan, was formally introduced to the local community today, Azernews reports.

The introduction ceremony was led by Zeynal Naghdaliyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department for Territorial and Organizational Issues. Addressing the participants, Naghdaliyev conveyed the President’s instructions and recommendations regarding the district’s future work.

Aghayev expressed his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the trust placed in him and affirmed his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities of his new role.

South Korean authorities are negotiating with the United States over the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, insisting that it be built on South Korean soil, Azernews reports.

This was stated by Presidential Adviser on National Security Wee Son Lak during a briefing.

‘The discussions are based on the premise that construction will take place in the Republic of Korea,’ he said. Following the October 29 summit in Gyeongju, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would allow South Korea to build a nuclear submarine at a shipyard in Philadelphia. South Korean officials, including Wee Son Lak, later clarified that they intend for the submarine to be constructed domestically. The joint statement released on November 14 did not specify the construction site.

‘At the summit, this issue was discussed from start to finish from the position that the construction will occur in South Korea. We did not entertain the proposal to build the submarine in the United States,’ Wee Son Lak emphasized.

‘We seek cooperation and may request assistance from the United States. But when asked where the submarine will be built, the answer remains: in South Korea,’ the National Security Adviser reiterated. On November 6, he dismissed as unrealistic a proposal to invest in Philadelphia shipyards to prepare them for nuclear submarine construction.

Experts note that building a nuclear-powered submarine domestically would be a major milestone for South Korea’s defense and shipbuilding industries, potentially positioning the country as one of the few nations with advanced domestic nuclear submarine capabilities. It also reflects Seoul’s broader strategy to strengthen self-reliant defense capabilities while maintaining close security ties with the United States.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Founder and Head of the IDEA Public Union, has visited the city of Mingachevir and got acquainted with the rowing base, Azernews reports.

Leyla Aliyeva was provided with detailed information about the activities of the “Kura” Olympic Training and Sports Center, located on the Kura River, the infrastructure created there, the training process of athletes, and the achievements attained. It was noted that the “Kura” Olympic Training and Sports Center is one of the most unique rowing facilities in Europe and the CIS region.

The center serves as one of the main training bases for the national rowing team. Modern standards have been met to create conditions for athletes of various age groups to train professionally. Necessary infrastructure, sports equipment, and systems ensuring compliance with safety requirements have been provided.

During the meeting, the efforts made to attract young people to a healthy lifestyle, promote rowing as a sport, and strengthen sports infrastructure in the region were also highlighted.

Leyla Aliyeva observed the rowing training process and had a heartfelt conversation with the athletes.

The U.S. administration has confirmed plans to impose restrictions on tourist visas for individuals with obesity, diabetes, and other chronic health conditions, Azernews reports.

This was stated by Deputy White House Press Secretary Anna Kelly, who noted that for over a century, the State Department has had the authority to restrict entry to visitors who might become a financial burden on taxpayers or require government-provided medical care.

Kelly added that the Trump administration fully supports this policy, emphasizing a ‘America First’ approach. The new rules are considered a stricter interpretation of existing regulations, introduced amid public criticism of the U.S. government, and are intended to deny entry to individuals who may later need government assistance.

According to a report by the Washington Post, the State Department has instructed all U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide to consider applicants’ health conditions, particularly chronic illnesses, when evaluating visa approvals.

Experts have pointed out that while the policy is technically an extension of long-standing regulations, it is likely to spark international debate over public health, discrimination, and the balance between national security and humanitarian considerations. Some analysts suggest that such measures could have significant implications for global tourism, international relations, and perceptions of U.S. openness.

By Alimat Aliyeva

The final of the national competition for Sweden’s tastiest tap
water was held in Stockholm, with the municipality of Elvsbyun
taking first place, Azernews reports.

The jury, chaired by wine expert Gunilla Hultgren Karell,
praised the fresh taste and refined character of Elvsbyun’s water.
“This year, the competition was especially strong,” Karell
noted.

Over a period of three weeks, the jury traveled across the
country, sampling water from more than 80 municipalities. The
twenty finalists were evaluated based on taste, purity, and
thirst-quenching ability.

Karell highlighted that differences in water quality are
noticeable even between countries. In the spring, she conducted a
water tasting at the European Parliament, comparing tap water from
across the continent.

“Tap water is available all over Europe, but often it contains a
lot of chlorine. Sweden and Finland came out on top in that
tasting, and Slovenia also had excellent water. The rest is
drinkable, but not always particularly tasty,” she said.

She also noted that Swedes often take the quality of their water
for granted, as it is clean, fresh, and flows straight from the
tap.

“For us, the chlorinated taste is a nightmare, but for
Americans, if the water doesn’t smell of chlorine, they immediately
become concerned,” Karell added.

According to her, tasting water requires concentration
comparable to tasting fine wine: “The differences are subtle, but
that’s the beauty of it. Truly good water should be fresh, clear,
and genuinely thirst-quenching.”

For the past five years, the title had been held by the
municipality of Heganes, but this year it did not qualify for the
finals. Experts emphasize that the quality of Swedish tap water
remains exceptionally high, and Elvsbyun can now proudly claim to
have the most delicious water in the country.

Beyond taste, Sweden’s tap water is also highly sustainable. It
is naturally filtered, rich in minerals, and safe to drink straight
from the tap—helping reduce the country’s reliance on bottled water
and its environmental footprint.

For the first time, Azerbaijan will host the Solidarity Forum of
Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) of the Member States of the
Organisation of Turkic States (OTS), bringing together civil
society representatives from across the Turkic world.

According to the Agency for State Support to Non-Governmental
Organisations of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the forum will take
place from 23 to 26 November 2025. The official opening ceremony is
scheduled for 24 November at the Gulustan Palace in Baku.

The forum will feature panel discussions on key regional themes,
including “The Zangezur Corridor: A Bridge Connecting the Turkic
World” and “Towards WUF13 – A First for the Turkic World”.

Nearly 300 NGO representatives from Azerbaijan, Türkiye,
Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Hungary, and the
Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus are expected to
participate.

As part of the event, the First Azerbaijan–Kazakhstan NGO
Cooperation Forum will also be held, aiming to strengthen bilateral
civil society ties between the two nations.

Following its sessions in Baku, the forum will continue in the
Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, where the establishment of the
Platform of NGOs of the Member States of the Organisation of Turkic
States is expected to be officially announced. The new platform
will unite NGOs from all eight participating countries under a
shared framework of cooperation.

This initiative builds on Azerbaijan’s growing leadership in
global civil society cooperation. Earlier this year, Baku hosted
the founding meeting of the Global South NGO Platform, bringing
together representatives from regions covering two-thirds of the
world’s population. In 2025, Azerbaijan also hosted the first
meeting of NGOs from the D-8 group of Muslim-majority countries,
representing 60% of the global Muslim population.

During the Azerbaijan NGO Cooperation Forum held in Khankendi on
20 October 2025, participants highlighted that the greatest
achievement of Azerbaijani NGOs over the past two years has been
their expanding international engagement. The establishment of the
new Turkic States NGO Platform marks another major step in this
direction, symbolising the growing solidarity and institutional
partnership within the Turkic world.