Category: Azer News

Deputy Minister of Economy Samad Bashirli met with Ukrainian Minister of Health Viktor Lyashko to discuss prospects for expanding cooperation between the two countries, Azernews reports.

At the meeting held at Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy, both sides emphasized the importance Baku places on strengthening economic cooperation with Ukraine.

The discussions highlighted opportunities for broadening collaboration in various economic sectors, particularly in trade and investment.

The officials also exchanged views on deepening partnerships in the healthcare industry, including the potential for joint production of medicines and pharmaceutical products, aimed at enhancing mutual industrial capabilities and bilateral economic ties.

Azerbaijan has shared its experience in energy transformation and the transition to sustainable economic activity during the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in the United Arab Emirates.

As reported by Azernews, Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov announced the news in a post on his X account.

‘As part of our business visit to the United Arab Emirates, we attended the opening ceremony of the ADIPEC Exhibition and Conference. The event showcased modern technologies and innovative solutions in the oil and gas industry. We explored advancements in energy, digitalization, and renewable energy strategies, and shared Azerbaijan’s experience in energy transition and sustainable economic development,’ the minister wrote.

The Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) is one of the world’s largest and most influential gatherings for the oil and gas sector, bringing together professionals, decision-makers, and innovators from around the globe. Each year, the prestigious exhibition highlights the latest achievements in energy technology, oil and gas innovation, and industrial sustainability.

‘In a few days, we will celebrate the fifth anniversary of our glorious Victory. Over the past five years, wars, clashes, and conflicts have occurred in many places around the world, and everything is measured by comparison. Scientists know this well,’ President Ilham Aliyev said in his speech at the conference marking the 80th anniversary of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Azernews reports.

The head of state emphasized: ‘I can say that no second country has achieved a Victory as brilliant, complete, and absolute as ours.’

Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry has announced that expired and unusable ammunition will be safely destroyed in the coming days, Azernews reports.

According to the ministry, the disposal process will take place from November 3 to 7 at designated military sites near the Pirekeshul settlement and within the Aghdara district. The operation will be conducted in strict compliance with all safety standards.

The ministry emphasized that the process involves the demolition of ammunition that has exceeded its service life and is no longer fit for use.

Residents living near the mentioned areas have been advised not to be alarmed by the sounds of explosions that may occur during the controlled detonation process.

‘We urge the public to remain calm. The explosions are part of planned disposal activities, and there is no reason for concern,’ the ministry said in its statement.

This operation is part of ongoing efforts by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces to ensure the safe and environmentally responsible management of outdated munitions.

Since the start of the year, authorities in Kazakhstan have blocked more than 26,000 websites and intercepted over 64 million suspicious phone calls, according to information revealed at a forum in Taraz dedicated to investigating crimes involving cryptocurrency platforms, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the event, Deputy Minister of Internal Affairs Sanzhar Adilov noted that while the digitalization of the economy brings new opportunities for innovation and growth, it also introduces significant cybersecurity risks. Over the past two years, Kazakhstan has registered more than 1,000 criminal cases linked to cryptocurrency operations. Of these, 60% involve fraud, 25% concern illegal crypto exchange activities, and 15% are related to money laundering through digital assets, Adilov said.

He emphasized that the government is taking systematic measures to strengthen digital security. A specialized Anti-Fraud Center has been established, which actively monitors, identifies, and blocks suspicious web resources, mobile applications, and phone numbers used for scams and phishing attacks.

Adilov also highlighted that Kazakhstan is working on enhancing cooperation between law enforcement, financial institutions, and telecom operators to detect and prevent online financial crimes in real time. He added that public awareness campaigns are being launched to educate citizens about safe online behavior and how to recognize potential digital fraud schemes.

Experts note that Kazakhstan’s growing attention to cybersecurity reflects its ambition to become a regional hub for financial technology and digital innovation, while ensuring that its rapidly developing digital economy remains secure and transparent.

Some analysts also suggest that as global cryptocurrency use expands, Central Asia may face increasing pressure from international cybercrime networks, making Kazakhstan’s new initiatives a potential model for neighboring countries.

The Second Forum of Azerbaijani Engineers Living in Europe was held in Cologne, Germany, Azernews reports.

According to the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora, the event, themed ‘Prospects for Artificial Intelligence and Energy Exchange between Azerbaijan and Europe’, was organized by the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany with the support of the Azerbaijan Diaspora Support Fund, operating under the State Committee.

The forum opened with the national anthems of Azerbaijan and Germany, followed by a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity.

Altay Rustamli, Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the First Forum and Head of the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany, delivered the opening address, emphasizing the importance of unity and cooperation among Azerbaijani engineers across Europe.

Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with the Diaspora, described the forum as an important platform for knowledge exchange and professional collaboration. ‘Regardless of where they live, every Azerbaijani remains at the center of our state’s attention,’ he said. ‘The diaspora policy defined by President Ilham Aliyev, aligned with modern global challenges, continues to strengthen the cultural and scientific diplomacy of our compatriots abroad. This forum enables the effective use of our engineers’ intellectual potential and supports new ideas and joint initiatives. As a committee, we will continue to create real opportunities for the development of our compatriots living abroad.’

Among the speakers were Samir Rzayev, Counselor of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Germany; Sanan Tapdigov, Member of the Board of the Intellectual Property Agency; Tahir Khalilov, Acting Chairman of the United Water Supply Service of Large Cities; and Rashad Khaligov, Deputy Chairman of the Innovation and Digital Development Agency. They praised the forum as a valuable initiative that strengthens ties between Azerbaijani professionals in Europe.

A video presentation introduced the Committee’s ongoing projects, highlighting the purpose and significance of such specialized forums.

Discussions at the event covered a range of topics including the use of artificial intelligence across industries, emotion recognition through AI, ethical innovation in humanoid robotics, and perspectives on technological collaboration between Azerbaijan and Europe.

Speakers included Professor Elkhan Richard Sadigzade of Korea University and Chairman of the Organizing Committee; Sonabayim Huseynzade, Head of Women in Engineering; Rauf Abdullayev, Engineer at Berlin Medical and Business Schools; as well as several distinguished Azerbaijani engineers, scientists, and professionals from across Europe. They underscored the importance of international cooperation, innovation, and technological exchange in engineering, sharing their personal experiences and expressing gratitude to the Azerbaijani state for its continued support.

Professor Konstanze Chope from Germany’s Institute for Ceramic Technologies and Systems expressed hope that such events would further enhance cooperation between Azerbaijan and Germany.

The forum brought together around 200 participants, including Azerbaijani expatriates and foreign guests, from 16 European countries and 45 cities across Germany. The session was moderated by Sabina Mammadova, Chairperson of the Mugham German-Azerbaijani Music Society.

The State Committee on Work with the Diaspora has, in recent years, consistently organized international forums for Azerbaijani scientists, doctors, engineers, youth, and students abroad – an initiative widely appreciated by both the Azerbaijani diaspora and society at home.

Pakistan on Saturday reopened the Torkham border crossing in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa for Afghan refugees returning to their country, ending a nearly two-week closure following deadly clashes between border forces last month, Azernews reports, citing Tribune.

Meanwhile, nearly 10,700 individuals returned through the Chaman border in a single day as authorities expanded the process to the crossing.

The repatriation of Afghan families with or without any travel or identity documents was abruptly suspended on October 11 following border clashes between Pakistan and Afghanistan, which continued for days before a ceasefire was formalised in Doha on October 19.

Pakistan had closed all its borders with Afghanistan for all types of movement. Since then, a large number of returning families had been impatiently waiting for the reopening of the Torkham border.

Trade between the countries has remained suspended since then, leading to increased prices of essential goods, especially tomatoes.

Although Islamabad and Kabul on Friday decided to extend the ceasefire, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi stated that the “border remains closed for trade for now” and resumption of trade would depend on the security situation.

Officials previously said that all relevant staff members had been informed to ensure their presence on duty on Saturday morning. It was not clear whether Pakistanis stranded in Afghanistan would be allowed to return.

According to official figures, approximately 1.56 million Afghan nationals have now returned to their homeland under the government’s ongoing repatriation drive. The process was being conducted in accordance with legal and administrative protocols, ensuring that every individual’s documents are verified before crossing the border.

Authorities assured that the repatriation initiative was being carried out in a dignified and orderly manner and has now been extended to Torkham following its recent reopening.

Officials said the Frontier Corps (FC) and the civil administration have set up temporary shelters, food supplies, and medical facilities for departing families. The state has ensured that all humanitarian needs of Afghan refugees are addressed during the transition, an official said.

Similarly, Khyber Deputy Commissioner Bilal Rao confirmed the reopening, saying that the crossing had resumed operations to facilitate the repatriation of Afghan nationals.

Afghan and Pakistani officials, including Khizer Shah, spokesperson of the Pakistani Embassy in Kabul, also verified the development.

The repatriation process for Afghan families, both with and without valid travel or identity documents, had been suspended since October 11, when cross-border clashes broke out between security forces of the two countries.

The border skirmishes, which lasted several days, were halted only after a ceasefire was formalised in Doha on October 19.

Following the violence, Pakistan had closed all border crossings with Afghanistan for both trade and travel, leaving thousands of returning families stranded on either side. The shutdown also disrupted bilateral trade, triggering a spike in prices of essential goods, particularly perishable items like tomatoes, in local markets.

Although Islamabad and Kabul agreed on Friday to extend the ceasefire, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said that the border remains closed for trade for now, adding that commercial activity would resume only after a review of the security situation.

According to officials in Khyber, all relevant border staff had been directed to report for duty early Saturday to facilitate the return of refugees. However, it was not immediately clear whether Pakistani nationals stranded in Afghanistan would also be allowed to cross back into the country.

As part of her working visit to the Arab Republic of Egypt, Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Sahiba Gafarova met with President of the Arab Parliament Mohamed Alyammahi in Cairo, Azernews reports, citing the Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis.

The Department noted that Speaker Gafarova expressed satisfaction with the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Muslim countries, emphasizing that these ties are built on shared religious, cultural, and moral values.

She highlighted the important role of interparliamentary cooperation in strengthening relations between nations, noting that the Milli Majlis maintains close ties with the Arab Parliament and the parliaments of its member states. Gafarova also expressed appreciation for the participation of delegations from several Arab countries in the International Parliamentary Conference held recently in Baku, dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

President Alyammahi underscored Azerbaijan’s special place among Arab countries and extended congratulations on the 30th anniversary of the Constitution and the fifth anniversary of Victory Day on November 8.

The sides also discussed the importance of joint activities between the Milli Majlis and the Arab Parliament at the international level, with Alyammahi noting the Arab Parliament’s strong cooperation with the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, currently chaired by the Azerbaijani Parliament.

Both parties agreed to continue efforts to expand bilateral parliamentary cooperation and strengthen dialogue within multilateral platforms.

From October 31 to November 2, Baku’s historic Old City (Icherisheher) is hosting the Olive Festival, an event dedicated to celebrating Azerbaijan’s centuries-old olive cultivation traditions and promoting local production.

According to Azernews, the festival is sponsored by Absheron Olive Garden, Zire Olives, and Olivea, with the main goal of supporting domestic producers and contributing to the development of a national olive brand.

Among the attendees were Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, and Majnun Mammadov, Minister of Agriculture, who toured the festival pavilions set up at Gosha Gala Square. They viewed local producers’ displays, learned about new technologies in olive processing, and discussed the expansion of product varieties and innovations in the field.

Officials emphasized the importance of such initiatives for Azerbaijan’s agricultural sector, noting that the festival plays a key role in promoting local brands, expanding market access for small and medium-sized enterprises, and raising public awareness about the country’s agricultural potential.

Over the past few years, Azerbaijan has significantly increased the area of olive plantations and modernized processing facilities. The festival, by bringing together producers and consumers, highlights the growing success of the nation’s olive industry.

The three-day event also features vintage car exhibitions, thematic displays, and masterclasses on olive-based products. More than 17 restaurants operating within Icherisheher are taking part, offering special menus inspired by olives and olive oil.

Set against the backdrop of the Old City’s ancient walls, the open-air festival has created a lively and elegant atmosphere, turning the heart of Baku into a celebration of flavor and craftsmanship. Visitors can sample delicacies that reflect both the richness of Azerbaijani cuisine and the high quality of local production.

The Victory Run, held under the slogan Forward with Pride, was dedicated to the glorious victory achieved by the Azerbaijani Army under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev.

As reported by Azernews, Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov emphasized the growing popularity of the event in his remarks to journalists following the race, noting that the number of participants has been increasing each year.

‘This year, we saw a record number of runners take part,’ Gayibov said. ‘We can already see the positive results of the numerous mass sports events organized throughout the year. Various running clubs have been established, and I personally try to participate in as many races as possible. I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who contributed to the successful organization of this event.’

The Victory Run has been held annually since 2021, becoming a symbol of national unity, pride, and the enduring spirit of Azerbaijan’s victory.