Category: Azer News

As part of the ‘Fly to Baku. Art Weekend: Sense the Future NOW’ festival, a collective exhibition titled ‘Flowing Memory’ has opened in a 17th-century underground bath located in Baku’s Old City (Icherisheher). The exhibition offers a contemporary reinterpretation of Azerbaijan’s traditional bathhouse culture.

The project features works by Honored Artist Sabina Shikhlinskaya and young talents Nargiz Asgarova, Aliya Bayramova, and Timur Zaripov, Azernews reports.

According to curator Mansura Mammadaliyeva, the exhibition not only reflects traditions but also explores the multilayered meanings of bath culture in Azerbaijan through the lens of water, memory, and purification.

Sabina Shikhlinskaya presented her video installation ‘Hamam’, originally created in 2006 and successfully exhibited in about 15 countries over the years. The piece recreates the atmosphere of 16th-century men’s baths and pre-prayer purification rituals, accompanied by musical fragments from People’s Artist and composer Faraj Garayev’s ‘Nostalgia’ album, creating a meditative harmony between sound and visual rhythm.

The artist interprets the bathhouse as a transitional space between sin and purity, where water cleanses not only the body but also the spirit.

Nargiz Asgarova’s nano video-art piece ‘Be Like Water’ examines the cultural and symbolic dimensions of water as both the origin of life and a vessel of cultural continuity. In her work, the bathhouse serves as a ritual space of renewal and memory preservation, where digital technology underscores water’s transformative and mnemonic power.

In ‘Beyond the Flow,’ artists Aliya Bayramova and Timur Zaripov explore the cyclical cleansing and renewal of memory through visual montages of water and nature. Each image briefly appears, dissolving like a memory-symbolizing both purification and rebirth. Subtle ambient sounds accompany the visuals, inviting viewers into a delicate space between remembering and forgetting, where cleansing becomes an act of release and continuity.

The ‘Flowing Memory’ exhibition is part of the ‘Fly to Baku. Art Weekend: Sense the Future NOW’ festival, held from October 31 to November 2. The festival unites art, culture, and ecology, and is organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and IDEA Public Union in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan. The project’s author and initiator is Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of IDEA.

As Azerbaijan accelerates its green transition, the Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) is rapidly positioning itself as the country’s flagship platform for clean technology and sustainable industrialization. The zone, located strategically near the Port of Alat south of Baku, is not only a logistics and manufacturing hub but increasingly a focal point for green investment and renewable energy innovation.

According to Valeh Alasgarov, Chairman of the Board of the AFEZ Authority, about 200 hectares of land have already been allocated for development, with 138 hectares presented to investors. Among them, 23 hectares are reserved specifically for solar panel production facilities, marking one of Azerbaijan’s most tangible steps toward building a domestic green energy supply chain.

‘Three factories are planned – one focused exclusively on solar panel assembly, and two others producing silicon crystals and related materials,’ Alasgarov noted, emphasizing the integrated nature of this industrial ecosystem.

Already, companies from China, India, Russia, Israel, and Trkiye have registered in the zone, with four actively constructing facilities and two expected to start production by the end of this year.

The AFEZ offers investors one of the most favorable regulatory and fiscal frameworks in the region. The zone operates under an independent legal regime, ensuring that state institutions cannot interfere in its internal activities. Investors enjoy tax and customs exemptions, along with ready-to-use industrial plots equipped with complete infrastructure and communication systems.

This model is designed to attract export-oriented and high-value-added industries – at least 75% of goods produced in the zone must be exported – ensuring integration with global markets while protecting the domestic economy from potential imbalances.

Such an approach clearly illustrates Azerbaijan’s strategic vision to position Alat as a key gateway between Europe and Asia, serving not only as a hub for logistics and trade but also as a center for clean and sustainable industrial development. The design of the Free Economic Zone reflects the country’s broader economic agenda, where diversification and green transition intersect – aligning industrial policy with global sustainability goals.

Azerbaijan’s broader commitment to green energy provides the policy backbone for initiatives like AFEZ. Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov recently underlined the scale of progress in the country’s energy sector, noting in Azerbaijan newspaper that:

‘With the commissioning of new power plants, the total electricity generation capacity of our country has now reached 9,732.5 MW – an increase of 1,317 MW, or 15.6 percent, compared to the same period last year.’

He also highlighted the launch of the 1,880 MW ‘8 Noyabr’ Power Plant, calling it ‘a shining example of international partnership in the field of electricity,’ developed with Chinese and Italian companies.

This expanding energy mix includes renewable components, with 9 solar plants (278.2 MW) and 5 wind farms (63.5 MW) already in operation, alongside ongoing hybrid and waste-to-energy projects. The government’s declared goal of transforming Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur into ‘green energy zones’ demonstrates that renewable development is no longer peripheral – it is now a pillar of national economic policy.

The convergence of energy transition policies and investment liberalization makes the Alat Free Economic Zone a strategic experiment in sustainable industrial policy. By offering a business-friendly environment tied to renewable production, Azerbaijan is signaling to global investors that it aims to be a regional leader in green industry.

Experts argue that AFEZ could soon play a critical role in attracting technology transfers, green finance, and climate-friendly manufacturing – from solar panels and batteries to smart infrastructure components. The participation of international firms underscores growing confidence in Azerbaijan’s regulatory stability and long-term economic vision.

In essence, the Alat Free Economic Zone reflects Azerbaijan’s commitment to combining sustainable energy development with an open and competitive investment environment. The zone demonstrates the country’s readiness to attract international investors, promote clean industrial growth, and align economic diversification with global trends in renewable energy and innovation.

Sheikhulislam Allahshukur Pashazade, Chairman of the Caucasus Muslims Office (CMO), held a series of high-level meetings at the Vatican to discuss the strengthening of interreligious cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Holy See, Azernews reports.

During talks with Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad, Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, and Cardinal Claudio Gugerotti, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches, both sides praised the steady growth of bilateral relations. The discussions highlighted Azerbaijan’s policy of tolerance and multiculturalism, underscoring its success in fostering peaceful coexistence among diverse ethnic and religious communities.

The parties also welcomed the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s partnership with the Holy See, noting that their joint projects not only help preserve global cultural heritage but also advance interfaith understanding.

The meeting addressed the activities of the Catholic Church in Azerbaijan, including the construction of a second Catholic church. It was also announced that next year, the CMO, together with the Muslim Council of Elders and the UN Alliance of Civilizations, will host an international conference on intra-Islamic dialogue and combating Islamophobia.

Pashazade invited Cardinals Koovakad and Gugerotti to take part in the event and reaffirmed the CMO’s commitment to expanding dialogue with the Vatican.

The Vatican side described Azerbaijan’s interfaith environment as a global model, stressing the importance of promoting it internationally.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassadors to the Holy See, Ilgar Mukhtarov, and to Italy, Rashad Aslanov, also attended the meetings. Sheikhulislam Pashazade later met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Holy See’s Secretary of State, where both sides reaffirmed the exemplary level of Azerbaijan-Vatican relations.

The open court hearing on the criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia – Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others – accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of an aggressive war, genocide, violations of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, violent seizure and retention of power, and numerous other offenses resulting from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, continued on October 31.

The trial was held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with Judges Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samedova) participating in the panel. Each defendant was provided with an interpreter in their preferred language and legal counsel for their defense.

The hearing was attended by the defendants, their lawyers, some of the victims, their legal successors and representatives, as well as prosecutors representing the state prosecution.

At the beginning of the session, the defense lawyer of the accused Levon Mnatsakanyan, Ogtay Madatov, addressed the court, requesting a meeting with his client during the break. The judge stated that appropriate conditions would be provided for this during the recess.

Defendant David Manukyan then filed a motion, stating that he did not agree with certain aspects of the charges brought against him. He requested that the accusation related to the creation of a criminal organization be removed from the parts of the criminal case concerning him, and that his case be separated into a distinct proceeding.

Manukyan’s defense lawyer supported the motion.

State prosecutor Fuad Musayev, commenting on the motion, noted that the current stage of the proceedings is not the phase for evaluating evidence, and that the issue raised by the defense pertains to that later stage. The prosecution stated that it would present its position on the matter after the completion of the judicial investigation, during the final statements, and reminded that the court would assess the evidence in the deliberation room.

After hearing the representatives of the victims, the court ruled that the motion was unfounded and rejected it.

Subsequently, the defense lawyer of the accused Madat Babayan, Leyla Namazzade, filed a motion requesting that certain episodes of the charges against her client be removed. The defendant agreed with the motion filed by his lawyer.

Prosecutor Taranah Mammadova stated that the issues raised in the motion were not relevant to the current stage of the trial and would be evaluated by the court during its deliberations. The court announced that the matters mentioned in the motion would be considered in the deliberation room and therefore left the motion unexamined.

Defendant Bako Sahakyan answered questions from his lawyer regarding the evidence he had submitted at the previous hearing.

Later, the defense lawyer of Levon Mnatsakanyan informed the court that, during his meeting with his client, the latter had provided several documents from his personal archive to be added to the case file, and presented them to the court.

The lawyer of defendant Levon Balayan, Saqi Mammadov, also requested a confidential meeting with his client. Judge Zeynal Agayev stated that the necessary conditions would be provided for this during the break.

At the end of the hearing, the presiding judge inquired about the parties’ opinions regarding the conclusion of the judicial investigation. None of the parties objected to the completion of this stage.

Vusal Aliyev, Senior Assistant to the Prosecutor General, noted that the prosecution was satisfied with the evidence presented during the trial.

The presiding judge declared the judicial investigation phase closed and reminded the participants that during the final statements, the parties may refer only to the evidence examined in court.

The prosecutors requested time until November 3 to prepare their closing statements. It was decided that the next hearing would begin with the parties’ closing arguments.

The trial will continue on November 3.

Fifteen defendants of Armenian origin are accused in the criminal case concerning numerous crimes committed during the aggressive war waged by the Armenian state – including the aforementioned criminal association – on the territory of Azerbaijan, in violation of domestic and international legal norms. These crimes were committed for the purpose of military aggression against Azerbaijan and were carried out under the direct leadership and participation of the Armenian state, officials of its state institutions, its armed forces, and illegal armed formations, through their written and verbal orders, instructions, and guidelines; material, technical, and personnel support; centralized management; as well as under strict control and under the leadership and direct or indirect participation of Robert Sedraki Kocharyan, Serzh Azati Sargsyan, Vazgen Mikaeli Manukyan, Vazgen Zaveni Sargsyan, Samvel Andraniki Babayan, Vitali Mikaeli Balasanyan, Zori Hayki Balayan, Seyran Musheghi Ohanyan, Arshavir Surenovich Garamyan, Monte Charles Melkonyan, and others.

The following individuals – Arayik Vladimiri Harutyunyan, Arkadi Arshaviri Ghukasyan, Bako Sahaki Sahakyan, Davit Rubeni Ishkhanyan, David Azatini Manukyan, Davit Klimi Babayan, Levon Henrikovich Mnatsakanyan, Vasili Ivani Beglaryan, Erik Roberti Ghazaryan, Davit Nelsoni Allahverdiyan, Gurgen Homeri Stepanyan, Levon Romiki Balayan, Madat Arakelovich Babayan, Garik Grigori Martirosyan, and Melikset Vladimiri Pashayan – are being charged under the following articles of the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan: Article 100 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression); Article 102 (attacking persons or organizations enjoying international protection); Article 103 (genocide); Article 105 (extermination of the population); Article 106 (enslavement); Article 107 (deportation or forced displacement of population); Article 109 (persecution); Article 110 (enforced disappearance of persons); Article 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law); Article 113 (torture); Article 114 (mercenary service); Article 115 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare); Article 116 (violation of international humanitarian law during armed conflict); Article 118 (military robbery); Article 120 (intentional murder); Article 192 (illegal entrepreneurship); Article 214 (terrorism); Article 214-1 (financing terrorism); Article 218 (creation of a criminal organization); Article 228 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of weapons, ammunition, explosives, and devices); Article 270-1 (acts threatening aviation security); Article 277 (assassination of a state official or public figure); Article 278 (forcible seizure and retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state); Article 279 (creation of armed groups not provided for by law); and additional articles.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung and Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto met on Saturday during the APEC summit in Gyeongju to discuss expanding military and security cooperation, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

The talks focused on the joint development of the KF-21 fighter jet, a long-term defense project both nations launched over a decade ago.

President Lee emphasized the need to sustain the partnership, noting that ‘negotiations are ongoing and depend on economic, pricing, and financing factors.’

LG Electronics is partnering with U.S. tech giant Nvidia to accelerate the development of next-generation technologies, with a particular focus on physical AI and digital twin systems, LG announced on Friday, Azernews reports, citing Korean media.

A major focus of this collaboration is advancing robotics technology through physical AI. LG is building its own physical AI model based on Nvidia’s open foundation model, Isaac GR00T, and leveraging Nvidia’s robotics development platforms for data generation and simulation.

Both companies are also expanding their research collaboration on training data creation and robot learning models using reinforcement learning, operating under the shared understanding that developing physical AI requires access to high-quality data and diverse learning environments.

LG is utilizing data collected from a wide range of sources – including home appliances, automotive electronics, and commercial and industrial spaces – to refine its physical AI systems.

In addition, LG plans to apply its six decades of manufacturing expertise and operational data to enhance smart factory solutions using digital twin technology, while also leveraging Nvidia’s AI platforms. A notable example is LG’s real-time simulation system, built with Nvidia’s industrial AI-based simulation platform, Omniverse. LG also integrates Omniverse with the open-source 3D framework OpenUSD to create digital twins at its global manufacturing sites. Recently, the company has begun using Nvidia’s RTX Pro 6000 Blackwell GPUs for ultra-precise virtual simulations.

The partnership is expected to generate additional synergies in AI data center cooling solutions. LG is currently pursuing Nvidia certification for its coolant distribution unit, a critical component for efficient heat management in AI data centers. The company is also exploring long-term business opportunities in this area.

‘We will accelerate innovation in future technologies through strategic collaboration with Nvidia, a global leader in AI,’ said Eugene Yoo, Head of Open Innovation at LG Electronics.

Meanwhile, LG AI Research, the company’s AI think tank, is working with Nvidia to support the development of LG’s AI model, Exaone, making it accessible to Korean companies, startups, and academic institutions.

Looking ahead, this collaboration could redefine the integration of AI into robotics, manufacturing, and data center management – potentially setting new global standards for intelligent, connected systems.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria Abdelmadjid Tebboune, Azernews reports.

“Dear Brother,

On the occasion of the national holiday of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria – Revolution Day – I extend my most sincere congratulations and best wishes to You and, through You, to the fraternal people of Algeria on my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan.

This historic day, inscribed with golden letters in the heroic chronicle of your country, is a manifestation of the Algerian people’s determination for independence and freedom, their unwavering will, national unity, and solidarity.

Traditional friendship and brotherly relations unite Azerbaijan and Algeria. We attach great importance to the development of these relations and the expansion of our cooperation.

I am confident that, in line with the interests of our peoples, mutually beneficial cooperation between our countries-both bilaterally and on multilateral platforms-will continue successfully through our joint efforts.

On this holiday, I wish You robust health, happiness, and success in Your endeavors, and lasting peace and prosperity to the fraternal Algerian people,” the letter reads.

The Ambassador of Sudan to Azerbaijan, Anas Eltayeb Elgailani Mustafa held a press conference in Baku, addressing his country’s ongoing efforts to secure humanitarian access, restore stability, and rebuild war-affected regions such as Darfur.

He underscored that Sudan’s roadmap, submitted to the UN Secretary-General, envisions the integration of the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) into the national army under civilian oversight, a crucial step toward restoring state authority and ending militia-driven violence.

At the same time, Ambassador Mustafa emphasized the need for international accountability, noting that external support for armed groups continues to hinder peace efforts and deepen the humanitarian crisis.

Sudanese envoy also answered Azernews’ questions during the press conference, elaborating on Sudan’s efforts to ensure humanitarian access, integrate paramilitary forces, and initiate reconstruction in cooperation with friendly nations like Azerbaijan:

Q – As Mr. Ambassador mentioned, it has been quite challenging to ensure safe humanitarian access to Darfur. What has the Sudanese government done to ensure safe humanitarian access into Al-Fashir and other besieged areas of Darfur, and have you appealed to any countries or international institutions? In the context of Azerbaijan’s expanding diplomatic reach and Sudan’s humanitarian need, how would Sudan welcome Azerbaijan’s involvement – both in humanitarian aid and in longer-term economic partnerships in Darfur or elsewhere in Sudan?

Ambassador: The government is fully committed to delivering food, medicine and other relief to civilians in Al-Fashir and across Darfur. When the militia besieged the city – a siege that lasted about two years – citizens were driven to desperate measures; international reports documented severe shortages. We were forced to undertake air deliveries to reach those trapped, despite grave risks caused by militia anti-aircraft weapons. After disabling those anti-aircraft positions, the air operations were able to continue.

Sudan has proposed a clear political roadmap for a peaceful solution. That roadmap, which includes steps for dialogue and security arrangements, was submitted to UN Secretary-General António Guterres. We believe the way forward is political: implementation of the Jeddah agreement signed on 11 May 2023 between the Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) provides a framework for resolution if all parties honour it.

At the same time, we stress that external support for the militia has repeatedly strengthened its ability to resist peace, and we call on the international community to pressure those external backers. For reconstruction, work is already underway in areas liberated from militia control: restoring water and electricity, reopening schools and universities, and preparing safe zones for return. We will urgently need international financial and technical support to repair destroyed institutions and restore services. Sudan welcomes assistance from friendly countries, including Azerbaijan – both immediate humanitarian aid and longer-term partnerships in infrastructure, agriculture and IDP support would be gratefully received and can be coordinated with our reconstruction priorities.

Q – As part of efforts to stabilise Sudan, what is the status of integrating the RSF into the regular armed forces (if such a process is underway) and what safeguards exist to prevent paramilitary forces from operating independently?

Ambassador: Sudan provided a roadmap and legal framework for normalization and integration as part of the political process. The government remains committed to a negotiated security arrangement that would integrate RSF elements into formal state forces under civilian oversight. However, the militia’s continued refusal to comply with agreements – compounded by what we assess as ongoing external support – has obstructed that process.

We remain ready to implement integration and security guarantees, but such processes require the militia’s good faith and external pressure on those supplying it. Our priority is a secure, accountable chain of command and clear safeguards that prevent any armed group from operating autonomously. Implementation depends on the militia’s adherence to the Jeddah agreement and on sustained international engagement to remove external enablers.

Q – How does Sudan envisage international cooperation in rebuilding the Darfur region once hostilities reduce – what role can partner countries like Azerbaijan play, especially in infrastructure, agriculture or IDP support?

Ambassador: Reconstruction is already beginning in liberated areas. Our immediate priorities are restoring essential services – water, electricity, health and education – and creating conditions for safe, voluntary returns of displaced people. We are coordinating with partners to set reconstruction priorities across affected states in western Sudan and beyond.

We invite international partners to support financially and technically: rebuilding hospitals and schools, rehabilitating roads and utilities, investing in agricultural recovery and livelihood programmes for returnees and host communities. We have also observed reconstruction efforts elsewhere – for example, I personally visited Garabagh twice last month – and we wish to draw lessons from successful projects. Azerbaijan’s experience in post-conflict rehabilitation can be valuable, and we welcome bilateral projects and investments that align with Sudan’s reconstruction plans and respect local communities and human rights.

The State Oil Company of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Garabagh University have signed a Cooperation Agreement in Khankendi, Azernews reports, citing the company.

The signing ceremony was attended by Deputy Minister of Science and Education Hasan Hasanli, SOCAR Vice President Ziba Mustafayeva, and Rector of Garabagh University Shahin Bayramov.

Participants paid tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev by laying flowers at his bust before the ceremony.

In their remarks, the speakers emphasized the practical importance of the partnership, expressing satisfaction with the new collaboration. They highlighted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the liberated territories-including Khankendi-are experiencing rapid reconstruction and revival, and the establishment of Garabagh University marks a key step toward the region’s scientific and cultural renaissance.

The agreement is expected to serve as a bridge for knowledge and experience exchange between SOCAR, SOCAR Trkiye, SOCAR Midstream Gas Operations, bp, and other partners, while supporting education-oriented social investment projects.

Following the official ceremony, SOCAR representatives met with university students. Elmar Gasimov, Rector of Baku Higher Oil School, and Elchin Ibadov, CEO of SOCAR Trkiye, addressed the students.

SOCAR officials also visited the university’s infrastructure facilities, including the Faculty of Arts, medical clinic, and dormitory complex.

The cooperation aims to strengthen the link between education and industry, contribute to the development of competitive human capital, and foster innovation. Under the agreement, the sides plan to implement internship and scholarship programs, support joint research and innovation projects, and launch joint academic programs between Baku Higher Oil School and Garabagh University

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.