Category: Azer News

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree on awarding persons who have contributed to the development of Azerbaijani science, Azernews reports.

The following persons were awarded in connection with the 80th anniversary of the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan.

Awarded the ‘Honorary Diploma of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan.’

Galib Efendiyev

Adil Aliyev

Ragub Karimov

Eldar Mammadbeyli

Ilham Mammadzade

‘Shohrat’ Order.

Rasim Alguliev

Akpar Feyzullayev

Irada Guseynova

Karim Shukurov

The ‘Labor’ Order, 3rd degree.

Safa Abasov

Kamil Aida Zade

Alovsat Aliyev

Imir Aliyev

Mirsalim Asadov

Farida Azizova

Oktay Gasimov

Arif-Ala Mehdiyev

Ragim Madatov

Islam Mustafayev

Tehran Mustafayev

Mahir Rasulov

Rauf Sardarli

Within the framework of a working visit to Kenya, a delegation led by Deputy Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) Samir Poladov held discussions on strengthening cooperation in humanitarian mine clearance, Azernews reports.

According to ANAMA, the visit included meetings between Samir Poladov, Azerbaijani Ambassador to Kenya Sultan Hajiyev, and the leadership of the International Peace Support Training Center, which operates in the field of mine clearance in Kenya.

During the meeting, Poladov provided detailed information on the mine contamination in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, its humanitarian and socio-economic consequences, and ongoing clearance efforts carried out mainly through national resources. He underlined the crucial role of mine clearance in ensuring the safe implementation of large-scale reconstruction and resettlement projects, emphasizing the need for enhanced international support and cooperation in addressing mine-related challenges.

The Kenyan side, in turn, briefed the delegation on the Center’s activities and international initiatives aimed at improving capabilities and expertise in humanitarian demining. It was highlighted that the growing partnership between Kenya and Azerbaijan creates favorable opportunities for institutional collaboration.

Both sides stressed the importance of advancing cooperation in humanitarian demining through knowledge and experience exchange, joint training programs, innovative clearance methods, as well as capacity building and technical support.

As part of the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation also toured the Center’s Humanitarian Peace Support School, where they were introduced to its technological equipment, military training complex, and specialized training facilities

Guangzhou Xiaopeng Motors Technology Co. Ltd. (Xpeng) announced on Wednesday that it will collaborate with Alibaba Group’s digital mapping service, Amap, to roll out a self-developed robotaxi service by 2026, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

The Chinese automaker plans to introduce three new models equipped with in-house chips, proprietary software, and its own hardware production line. Xpeng’s autonomous taxis will be integrated into Amap’s ride-hailing platform, giving users access to self-driving rides directly through the popular app.

Xpeng’s co-President and Vice Chairman, Brian Hongdi Gu, told the Wall Street Journal that the robotaxi service will initially focus on the Chinese market, though the company may expand internationally in the future. ‘Our biggest advantage is our ability to integrate software and hardware seamlessly. We can launch our system directly without relying on external providers,’ he said.

Industry analysts note that Xpeng’s move highlights the growing competition in China’s autonomous vehicle sector, where local players like Baidu, Pony.ai, and AutoX are also racing to deploy robotaxi fleets. The collaboration with Amap could give Xpeng an edge by leveraging Alibaba’s extensive mapping data and ride-hailing network, potentially making its self-driving service more efficient and widely accessible.

The minimum need criterion in Azerbaijan will be increased to ?300 in 2026, which is expected to lead to a rise in social assistance payments next year, Azernews reports.

Member of Parliament Vugar Bayramov announced the change during a joint meeting of the Milli Majlis Committees on Economic Policy, Industry and Entrepreneurship, and on Labor and Social Policy, where the draft law ‘On the Budget of the State Social Protection Fund for 2026’ was discussed.

According to the MP, setting a higher need threshold is essential for both increasing the average amount of targeted social assistance and expanding the number of eligible applicants.

‘Raising the need criterion will increase the monthly payments provided to citizens under the targeted social assistance program from next year,’ Bayramov said.

‘It will also allow more low-income families to apply for this support. Currently, about 80,300 low-income families, including 353,300 individuals, receive targeted state social assistance. This means a significant number of families will benefit from the upcoming increase.’

The criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under articles of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s Criminal Code related to crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on November 4.

The open court session at Baku Military Court-presided by Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve Judge Gunel Samadova)-provided the accused with an interpreter in his native language, Russian, and state-funded legal representation.

Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the court panel, state prosecutors, interpreters, and others to the victims participating for the first time and their legal heirs or representatives, explaining their rights and obligations as stipulated by legislation.

Subsequently, Emil Babishov, the new lawyer defending Ruben Vardanyan’s rights, submitted a motion to the court.

He noted that in previous sessions, Vardanyan and his then-lawyer had filed several motions. The full extracts of the court’s decisions on those motions had not been provided to the defense. The lawyer requested that the full extracts be delivered to the defense side.

It should be recalled that in the previous session, a new state-appointed lawyer was assigned to Ruben Vardanyan. Until then, his rights were defended by a lawyer of his own choice. Two sessions prior, Vardanyan had waived his chosen lawyer.

Judge Zeynal Agayev stated that the extracts in question had already been provided to the defense and that they could continue to exercise this right.

Ruben Vardanyan then submitted another motion, requesting the summoning of a representative from the State Border Service to the court session. He explained that this relates to one of the charges against him-illegal crossing of the Republic of Azerbaijan’s state border.

Vardanyan’s defense lawyer, Emil Babishov, also supported the accused’s position and motion, requesting its satisfaction.

Addressing the motion, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev stated that the defense’s motion did not clearly indicate who should be summoned and for what reason, what testimony that person could provide in the witness phase, and its relevance to the charges against the accused. He added that there is no need for statements from State Border Service employees regarding illegal border crossing in the current proceedings.

Vusal Aliyev stated that if the accused claims to have crossed the Republic of Azerbaijan’s state border legally-contrary to the charge-and wishes to prove it, there are procedures provided by law. If the accused entered Azerbaijani territory legally, his civilian passport should bear the stamp of the State Border Service. He can prove this by presenting the stamp in his passport.

Vusal Aliyev requested that the motion not be granted.

After hearing the parties, the court issued a decision: the motion was left without consideration.

Judge Zeynal Agayev also noted that if information about the individual is provided in accordance with the law, the matter can be discussed.

The judge then announced that a group of recognized victims had submitted applications to the court, stating that due to valid reasons they could not attend the proceedings and confirming their preliminary investigation testimonies.

The parties raised no objections to the announcement of these testimonies in court.

Subsequently, victims who suffered from Armenia’s aggressive war and occupation policy gave statements.

Responding to questions from state prosecutor Terane Mammadova, victim Sagif Mikayilov said he was injured due to provocations by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups in the direction of Asgaran settlement, Khojaly district.

Victim Aydin Garibov stated that in Khalfali village, Shusha district, he, Ceyhun Shahnamazli, and Tarlan Jabbarov were wounded by enemy fire.

Answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Defense of State Prosecution at the Prosecutor General’s Office, victim Kenan Abilov said he received a bullet wound to his left arm from enemy small arms fire on an unnamed height in Khankendi district.

Victim Yusif Veysov stated that in Chanagchi village, Khojaly district, he suffered shrapnel wounds to the kneecap when a mortar shell fired by remnants of Armenian armed forces and illegal groups exploded nearby.

Victim Rahib Mammadov, answering questions from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, said that in Zangezur district, due to an enemy hand grenade explosion, Farid Mehbaliyev and Tabriz Rahimov were killed, while he, Ibrahim Mayilli, Seymur Hasanov, and several others whose names he does not currently recall were injured.

Togrul Najafli emphasized that in Zangezur district, due to enemy provocation, he and several others were injured, while Farid Rustamov, Farid Mehbaliyev, and Tabriz Rahimov were killed.

Answering questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, victim Faiq Jafarov noted that in Lachin district, due to an enemy mortar shell explosion, he and several others were injured, while several more were killed.

Victim Emin Mammadov, responding to questions from Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General Vusal Aliyev, said that in Lachin district, due to an enemy hand grenade explosion, Ali Aliyev was killed, while he, Tural Aghjabayov, Gabil Mammadov, and several others whose names he does not recall suffered various bodily injuries.

Ramazan Mahammadov stated that in Khojavend district, due to an enemy artillery shell exploding nearby, he and several others were injured.

Victims Seyran Eminov, Vuqar Mammadov, Tural Bagirov, Narmaddin Guliyev, Ali Rustamov, Ahmad Ibrahimov, Tural Imamguliyev, Saleh Ismayilov, Asif Mammadov, Ariz Hashimov, Vidadi Khaniyev, and Nazir Gulaliyev reported being injured due to enemy provocations in Kalbajar district.

Gulu Guliyev, Boyukaga Hasanov, and Sakhavat Guliyev stated they were injured in Lachin district; Seymur Hasanov, Asif Mammadov, and Ugur Shukurlu in Zangezur district due to enemy provocations.

Subsequently, Ibad Ismayilov, Ilkin Rahimov, and Elmir Beydullayev stated they were injured in Khojavend district; Aykhan Abdullayev near Isa Spring in Shusha city; Gunduz Gurbanov in Khalfali village, Shusha district; Rafael Salimov in Aghdam district; and Hijran Sultanov in Aghdara district due to provocations by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal armed groups.

Documents from the criminal case materials collected during the preliminary investigation were also announced in court, and evidence was examined.

The next court session is scheduled for November 18.

Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).

As part of his official visit to Algeria, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov was received by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, the sides exchanged views on the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations, highlighting their foundation of friendship and mutual respect.

Both parties expressed mutual interest in deepening political dialogue and expanding cooperation in a wide range of areas, including economy, education, humanitarian affairs, energy, transport, agriculture, tourism, and science and technology.

They emphasized that the signing of the Agreement on the Establishment of a Joint Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific and Technical Cooperation between the Governments of Azerbaijan and Algeria marks a key step toward advancing bilateral relations.

Discussions also underscored the importance of strengthening cooperation within international and regional organizations, such as the United Nations, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Both sides praised Azerbaijan’s initiatives and leadership during its chairmanship of major international platforms, noting their contribution to global dialogue and regional stability.

Minister Bayramov informed President Tebboune about the history of Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan, the country’s vision for lasting peace and stability in the South Caucasus, and the ongoing reconstruction and restoration efforts in the liberated territories.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, reaffirming both countries’ commitment to broadening their partnership on multiple fronts.

Azerbaijan has nominated its candidate for the position of Deputy Chair of the International Telecommunication Union’s Development Sector (ITU-D) Study Group 1 for the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) region.

According to Azernews, the nomination was made by Azercosmos, the country’s Space Agency. The position will be represented by Ilgar Abdullayev, Adviser on Space Law to the Chairman of the Azercosmos Board.

The election of the new composition of the ITU-D Study Groups will take place in November 2025 in Baku, during the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC-25). The process will be held in accordance with Article 20 of the ITU Constitution.

The upcoming conference will serve as an important global platform for member states to discuss research outcomes and recommendations related to digital development, connectivity, and innovation.

ITU-D Study Groups play a critical role in advancing global progress in telecommunications and communication technologies. They focus on exploring emerging technologies and addressing contemporary challenges in the telecommunications sector – from digital inclusion to infrastructure development.

Azerbaijan’s growing engagement within the ITU framework underscores the country’s ambition to become a regional digital hub and a key contributor to international telecommunications policy.

Korean streaming platform Tving is set to launch a dedicated content hub on Disney+ in Japan as part of a strategic partnership with the U.S. entertainment giant, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

The collection, titled ‘Tving Collection,’ will go live on Wednesday within the Japanese version of Disney+ and will feature original Tving series such as Dear X, alongside hit titles from its parent company CJ ENM, Tving announced on Tuesday.

The launch marks the first time Disney+ has opened an internal content hub in the Asia-Pacific region for an external brand. Tving hopes to leverage Disney+’s established presence in Japan to reduce market entry risks and reach a broader audience.

‘As a local streaming service with the largest library of Korean content, we see this as a valuable opportunity to showcase Tving’s brand power in Japan,’ said Tving CEO Choi Ju-hui at a partnership event on Tuesday.

The collaboration also gives Disney+ a chance to differentiate itself in Japan’s competitive streaming market through popular Korean content.

‘We plan to expand our lineup by combining Tving’s compelling Korean storytelling with Disney+’s blockbusters and local hits,’ said Tamotsu Hiiro, Managing Director of The Walt Disney Company Japan.

Tving has accelerated its global expansion this year, as domestic growth has slowed. Annual growth in South Korean streaming subscribers has hovered around 5% since 2020, according to the Korea Information Society Development Institute. The Korean market, currently valued at roughly 6 trillion won ($4.1 billion), is projected to plateau over the next three to four years.

Facing continued dominance by Netflix in Korea, Tving is increasingly turning to international markets for growth. Last month, the platform expanded into 17 Asia-Pacific regions, including Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Southeast Asia, through a partnership with Warner Bros.’ global streaming platform HBO Max.

By combining Tving’s Korean content with Disney+’s global reach, this partnership could help accelerate the ‘K-wave’ in Japan, introducing a new generation of viewers to K-dramas and original series. Analysts predict that such collaborations could make Korean content a key differentiator for streaming platforms across Asia-Pacific in the coming years.

According to the base scenario of Azerbaijan’s macroeconomic framework, the country is expected to experience annual economic growth over the medium term, with analyses indicating that growth in 2026-2028 will be fully, and in 2029 primarily, supported by the non-oil and gas sector.

As reported by Azernews, these projections are included in the opinion of the Accounting Chamber of Azerbaijan on the draft 2026 State Budget, discussed today at a meeting of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Committee for Economic Policy, Industries, and Enterprising.

The draft indicates that under the base scenario for 2026, the Azerbaijani economy is expected to operate in a favorable macroeconomic environment, characterized by real economic growth, moderate inflation, a current account surplus, and a stable exchange rate.

According to the budget framework, the main fiscal parameters for the medium term were prepared based on various crude oil price scenarios, with the base scenario assuming a price of 65 USD per barrel. Under this scenario, the economy is projected to grow by 2.9% in real terms next year, with GDP reaching 134.1 billion manats. Notably, only the non-oil and gas sector is expected to contribute to economic growth in the upcoming year.

Kia Corp. announced on Tuesday that it has partnered with Britain’s Motability Operations Ltd. to jointly develop an electric, wheelchair-accessible vehicle (WAV) aimed at advancing inclusive mobility solutions, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap agency.

Under a memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed Monday, Kia and Motability Operations will collaborate to bring to market a fully electric, side-entry WAV based on Kia’s Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) architecture.

The WAV will be designed, manufactured, and sold by Kia, while Motability Operations will contribute customer insights from the UK market to ensure the vehicle meets the needs of users with mobility challenges. The project is intended to improve accessibility and independence for people with disabilities.

Kia’s first PBV model, the PV5, is set to debut in the UK in 2026, with a locally converted WAV variant. The automaker said the collaboration will enhance the quality and competitiveness of its PBV lineup, beginning with the PV5 and extending to future models, including the PV7.

‘There is no better demonstration of Kia’s commitment to sustainable mobility solutions than the innovative independence the PV5 WAV offers to those facing mobility challenges,’ said Song Ho-sung, Kia President and CEO.

‘Our collaboration with Kia supports Motability Operations’ long-term mission to take the next step in creating a purpose-built electric WAV, protecting disabled people’s mobility during the transition to electric vehicles,’ added Andrew Miller, CEO of Motability Operations.

The partnership reflects a broader trend in the automotive industry toward inclusive and purpose-built electric vehicles, combining sustainability with social impact. Analysts note that as EV adoption grows, specialized vehicles like the PV5 WAV could set new standards for accessibility, offering disabled drivers independence without compromising on performance, safety, or eco-friendliness.