Category: Azer News

A charity event titled Victory Run was held in Baku to commemorate the fifth anniversary of Azerbaijan’s glorious victory in the Patriotic War.

Azernews reports that the race was organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports under the slogan Forward with Pride.

Before the start, the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was performed, and participants observed a minute of silence in memory of the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the country’s independence and territorial integrity.

The runners began their 10-kilometer course at the Seven Beauties fountain in the Seaside National Park and finished at the same point.

More than 1,700 participants registered for the race. In the men’s category, Bakhtiyar Asgarli took first place, followed by Faget Guliyev in second and Elshad Nasibov in third. Among women, Anna Yusupova, Natalya Vallek, and Yuliya Belkova secured the top three positions.

The event was attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, who also presented awards to the winners alongside National Hero and Colonel-General Madat Guliyev, Olympic champion and Chairperson of the ‘Sports Veterans’ Public Union Zemfira Meftakhetdinova, and Baku City Circuit Operations Company CEO Maksud Farzullayev, among other distinguished guests.

Over the course of two days, the Seaside Boulevard hosted an entertainment zone featuring music, cultural activities, and a vibrant concert program that continued after the race, turning the event into a celebration of national pride and unity.

All proceeds collected during registration will be donated to the ‘YASHAT’ Foundation, which supports families of martyrs and wounded veterans of the Patriotic War.

Since its launch in 2021, the ‘Victory Run’ has been held annually, becoming one of Azerbaijan’s most anticipated and symbolic sports traditions – combining athletic spirit with gratitude toward the nation’s heroes.

Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shibani has confirmed that President Ahmad al-Sharaa will travel to the United States in November for official talks at the White House, Azernews reports, citing the SANA news agency.

Al-Shibani said the visit is expected to take place later this month, although no specific date was provided. The agenda will reportedly focus on Syria’s post-war reconstruction efforts and the possible lifting of U.S. sanctions imposed during the conflict.

‘The continuation of sanctions no longer has any justification,’ the foreign minister said, emphasizing that their removal is essential for Syria’s economic recovery and regional reintegration.

If confirmed, this will mark the first visit by a Syrian head of state to the United States since Syria gained independence in 1946. President al-Sharaa has previously met with former U.S. President Donald Trump-first in Riyadh and later on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

A day earlier, U.S. Special Envoy for Syria Tom Barrack told Axios that al-Sharaa’s visit to Washington is tentatively scheduled for November 10. Analysts view the upcoming trip as a potential turning point in long-frozen U.S.-Syria relations.

On November 2, the Ministry of Education of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic conducted the first centralized assessment monitoring of the academic year for 9th and 11th-grade students, based on the final exam model, Azernews reports, citing the ministry’s press service.

The press service noted that more than 8,000 students participated in the monitoring process.

The initiative was carried out using the facilities of the Monitoring Center established by the Ministry of Education in line with the State Program on the Socio-Economic Development of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic for 2023-2027. The program aims to strengthen centralized assessment mechanisms and improve the quality of education across the region.

Students who achieve the highest results in each district will be awarded by partner organizations as part of the ministry’s efforts to promote academic excellence and motivation among schoolchildren.

While the recent visit of foreign diplomats to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories offers a symbolic nod to the country’s post-conflict reconstruction efforts, the real story lies not in the optics but in the infrastructure. The Zangezur Corridor, once a theoretical ambition, is rapidly becoming a geopolitical reality. And Azerbaijan is not waiting for permission or applause. It is building.

Since 2021, Azerbaijan has been intensively developing the segment of the corridor stretching from Horadiz to Zangilan using its own resources. This is not just a road or a railway-it is a statement. The construction of tunnels, highways, and rail infrastructure across this terrain reflects a strategic vision that transcends domestic connectivity. It is about linking East to West, North to South, and reimagining the region’s economic geography.

The Zangezur Corridor is often framed in terms of its ability to connect mainland Azerbaijan to its exclave, Nakhchivan. But its implications are far broader. It offers a direct route to Turkiye, and by extension, to Europe. It shortens supply chains, reduces dependency on third-party transit routes, and enhances Azerbaijan’s role as a logistical hub in the South Caucasus. In a world where supply chain resilience is the new currency of power, this corridor is pure gold.

Yet the corridor’s full potential will only be realized if one of its most sensitive and strategic segments-Nakhchivan-is developed with foresight and international cooperation. The recent announcement that Azerbaijan is considering foreign investment for the 188-kilometer railway infrastructure in Nakhchivan is a game-changer. It signals a shift from unilateral development to multilateral engagement. And it opens the door for global stakeholders to participate in a project that is as economically promising as it is geopolitically significant.

Why does foreign investment matter here? First, it brings capital and technology that can accelerate construction timelines and improve quality standards. Second, it internationalizes the corridor, making it not just an Azerbaijani asset but a shared interest among regional and global powers. Third, it creates a buffer against political risk. When multiple countries have a stake in a project, they also have a stake in its stability.

Moreover, attracting foreign investors to Nakhchivan is not just about infrastructure-it’s about integration. It invites the world to engage with a region that has long been isolated due to geography and politics. It transforms Nakhchivan from a peripheral exclave into a central node in Eurasian connectivity. And it sends a clear message: Azerbaijan is open for business, and it is building with purpose.

Of course, challenges remain. The Armenian segment of the corridor is progressing slowly, with Yerevan reportedly working bilaterally with Washington. Coordination across borders is never easy, especially in a region with a complex history. But Azerbaijan’s proactive approach-building its own segment, engaging international partners, and maintaining diplomatic outreach-positions it as the driver of progress rather than a passive observer.

The diplomatic visits to the region, including the latest one to Jabrayil and Zangilan, serve a useful function. They allow foreign representatives to witness the scale and seriousness of Azerbaijan’s reconstruction efforts. They offer transparency and build trust. But they are not the engine of change. The real momentum comes from bulldozers, rail tracks, and investment agreements.

In the long run, the Zangezur Corridor could redefine the South Caucasus. It could turn historical fault lines into trade routes. It could replace isolation with integration. And it could elevate Azerbaijan from a transit country to a strategic connector-linking Central Asia, the Middle East, and Europe in a seamless flow of goods, energy, and ideas.

But this vision requires more than ambition. It requires execution. And Azerbaijan is delivering. By investing in infrastructure, courting foreign partners, and maintaining a steady diplomatic hand, it is laying the foundation for a corridor that is not just physical but transformational.

The Zangezur Corridor is no longer a dream. It is being built kilometer by kilometer, tunnel by tunnel. And with the right mix of domestic resolve and international cooperation, it could become one of the most consequential infrastructure projects of the decade.

On November 2, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Association, Leyla Aliyeva, took part in the EcoMind 2025 conference held at the European Azerbaijan School.

According to Azernews, the event was co-organized by the IDEA Public Association and the European Azerbaijan School with the goal of promoting environmental responsibility among children and youth, as well as integrating ecological awareness and green thinking into the education process.

Before the conference, Leyla Aliyeva visited an exhibition showcasing students’ creative works dedicated to environmental issues, their possible solutions, and the protection of nature.

In her opening remarks, Leyla Aliyeva emphasized the importance of active youth participation in ecological initiatives and highlighted the vital role of young people in preserving the environment. She noted that raising environmentally conscious students is a guarantee of the country’s sustainable and green future.

Other speakers also shared their views on strengthening environmental responsibility in educational institutions, engaging students in eco-projects, and integrating sustainable development goals into curricula.

The event also featured a cultural segment.

Held for the first time, EcoMind 2025 aims to become a recurring platform for environmental cooperation in education. The conference brought together more than 450 participants from 30 universities, 20 public schools, and 21 private and international educational institutions.

Azerbaijan’s FIFA referee Aliyar Aghayev has received an official appointment from UEFA, Azernews reports.

Aghayev will officiate the UEFA Champions League group stage match between Slavia Prague (Czech Republic) and Arsenal (England), to be held in the Czech Republic.

He will be assisted by Zeynal Zeynalov and Akif Amirali as assistant referees, while Elchin Masiyev will serve as the fourth official.

The Slavia Prague vs. Arsenal match is scheduled for November 4.

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.

The Board of Directors of the Alliance of Azerbaijanis in Germany held a meeting at the Azerbaijan House in Cologne, Azernews rpeorts, citing the State Committee on Work with Diaspora.

Opening the meeting, Altay Rustamli, Chairman of the Alliance Board, emphasized the importance of unity among Azerbaijanis living in Germany and underscored the organization’s work to preserve national values. He also presented a report outlining the Alliance’s recent initiatives aimed at connecting Azerbaijani diaspora organizations across the country.

Fuad Muradov, Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, stated that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan’s diaspora policy has entered a new stage of development. He stressed the need to unite Azerbaijanis abroad around national interests, coordinate the activities of diaspora institutions, and ensure the systematic implementation of initiatives.

Participants highlighted the importance of the engagement and initiative of Azerbaijanis abroad in strengthening diaspora unity and enhancing the overall effectiveness of Azerbaijani organizations in Germany.

The meeting concluded with discussions on the Alliance’s future plans and new proposals to further expand and empower the Azerbaijani diaspora community.

The Azerbaijan House in Cologne serves as a cultural and community center, promoting the Azerbaijani language, history, and culture while fostering unity and national identity among Azerbaijanis and friends of Azerbaijan in Germany.

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov held a meeting with a delegation from the Istanbul Chamber of Industry (ISO), led by its Chairman Erdal Bahçivan, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Economy.

During the meeting, Minister Jabbarov emphasized the importance of the political will and strategic directives of the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Trkiye in strengthening bilateral relations. He noted that Trkiye remains one of Azerbaijan’s key trading partners, and the Preferential Trade Agreement between the two nations creates new opportunities for expanding economic and commercial cooperation.

The minister highlighted that the successful investment partnership between the brotherly countries and the large-scale joint projects they are implementing not only deepen regional cooperation but also transform the region’s economic landscape.

Discussions focused on promoting collaboration between ISO member companies and Azerbaijani businesses, encouraging joint investment and project implementation, and diversifying cooperation in sectors such as energy, trade, industry, digital technologies, and infrastructure.

As part of the visit organized by Azerbaijan’s Trade Mission in Trkiye and the Istanbul Chamber of Industry, nearly 100 Turkish entrepreneurs were briefed on Azerbaijan’s economic potential, favorable business environment, incentives for investors, and the opportunities available in the Alat Free Economic Zone.

The delegation also visited the Sumgayit Industrial Park, where they were introduced to the activities of local enterprises and explored potential avenues for industrial collaboration.