Category: Azer News

The Baku Military Court continued its proceedings on October 31 in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of committing war crimes and other grave offenses, Azernews reports.

According to Azernews, the session involved the announcement of documents and several procedural motions. The lawyer of the accused Levon Mnatsakanyan, Ogtay Madatov, requested a meeting with his client during the break, which the judge approved.

Another defendant, David Manukyan, filed a motion to separate the charge of creating an organized criminal group from his case. His lawyer, Valeh Gurbanov, supported the motion; however, the public prosecutor, Fuad Musayev, noted that it was not appropriate for the current stage of the trial. Following deliberation, the court rejected the motion as unfounded.

Later, Madat Babayan’s lawyer, Leyla Namazzadeh, filed a motion to exclude certain episodes from the charges against her client, which Babayan supported. Public Prosecutor Tarana Mammadova opposed the request, and the court stated that the motion would be reviewed in deliberation.

The trial concerns Armenian citizens accused of crimes against peace and humanity, including war crimes, terrorism, financing terrorism, genocide, and other offenses stemming from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan. The hearings are ongoing

Agricultural development continues to stand at the forefront of strategic priorities for both Bulgaria and Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

According to the Bulgarian Ministry of Agriculture and Food, Deputy Minister Lozana Vasileva made the remarks during the 7th meeting of the Bulgaria-Azerbaijan Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation held in Sofia.

Vasileva emphasized that agriculture is not only a traditional but also a promising sector, noting that both countries can achieve tangible results through the exchange of knowledge, technologies, and best practices.

‘We can combine our efforts in several areas, including agricultural science and technology, aquaculture, sustainable fisheries management, and the development of fish product trade,’ she stated.

The deputy minister also underlined the importance of active participation by Bulgarian and Azerbaijani companies in international exhibitions and fairs hosted in both countries.

‘An important element of our bilateral relations is the deepening of cooperation between the Bulgarian Food Safety Agency and the Azerbaijan Food Safety Agency. This partnership envisions exchanges of expertise in food safety, plant and animal health, as well as coordination of imports and exports of goods under veterinary and phytosanitary control,’ Vasileva said.

She concluded by expressing confidence that such forums will give new impetus to economic and agricultural cooperation and lay a solid foundation for future success.

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto during his working visit to Samarkand, Uzbekistan, Azernews reports citing the Foreign Ministry.

During the meeting, the sides discussed the prospects for deepening the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Hungary, cooperation within regional and international organizations, as well as plans for future projects.

Minister Bayramov underlined that the political dialogue, reciprocal visits, and mechanisms such as the strategic dialogue and political consultations between the two countries have played a key role in advancing bilateral relations. The ministers also reviewed opportunities for enhancing cooperation in various sectors – including economy, trade, investment, energy security, renewable resources, education, and culture.

Particular emphasis was placed on the growing potential for strengthening economic ties, with both sides highlighting the important role of the Joint Commission on Economic Cooperation in exploring new avenues for collaboration.

The discussion also covered renewable energy development, with both ministers reaffirming the significance of the Black Sea Submarine Cable and Green Middle Corridor initiatives as central elements of the Azerbaijan-Hungary strategic partnership.

Minister Bayramov expressed appreciation for Hungary’s contribution to the reconstruction and development efforts in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories. The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on regional security and other issues of mutual interest

The Zangezur Corridor is entering its final stages as it approaches the Azerbaijan-Armenia border, Azernews reports.

Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, shared the update on his official “X” account.

‘Zangazur Corridor comes to final completion towards Azerbaijan-Armenia border. Azerbaijan is doing its hard work on the ground to establish regional transport and logistics connectivity!!!’ Hajiyev stated.

On November 8, the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan adopted a statement dedicated to the fifth anniversary of Victory Day, Azernews reports.

Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova stated that the victory achieved in the Patriotic War holds not only military and political importance but also deep moral significance.

‘This expresses revival. The events of recent years show that only peoples closely united around their leader are capable of protecting and restoring their rights,’ she said.

Gafarova also noted the large-scale construction and resettlement work carried out in the liberated territories, emphasizing that more than 50,000 people have already returned to live in their native lands.

‘After the end of the conflict, peace negotiations have begun on the basis of the principles put forward by Azerbaijan. We believe that our country will achieve greater success in the coming years in conditions of peace and stability,’ she added, paying tribute to the martyrs and veterans who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of Azerbaijan’s lands.

The text of the statement was presented by MP Vugar Rahimzade, and it was unanimously adopted by the Milli Majlis.

The European Union (EU) has recognized Azerbaijan as a strategic partner in the field of transport connectivity within the framework of the Middle Corridor and the ‘Global Gateway’ initiative.

As reported by Azernews, this is highlighted in a resolution adopted by the Euronest Parliamentary Assembly on promoting fair trade, cooperation, and investment between the EU and Eastern Partnership countries.

The document emphasizes that initiatives such as the planned Black Sea submarine electricity cable and the Trans-Caspian Digital Corridor are designed to facilitate the transmission of renewable energy and high-speed digital traffic between the Caspian region, the South Caucasus, and the EU. These projects are assessed as being fully aligned with the goals of the Global Gateway initiative.

‘The Southern Gas Corridor remains a reliable and strategic route for the delivery of natural gas to EU markets, contributing to the diversification of energy supplies. Both the EU and Azerbaijan have expressed their commitment to strengthening cooperation under initiatives such as REPowerEU,’ the resolution states.

The Middle Corridor, also known as the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, is a key trade and transport link connecting Asia and Europe through several countries in the region. It serves as an alternative to the traditional Northern and Southern routes.

The route begins in China and passes through Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan, then crosses the Caspian Sea, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Trkiye before reaching Europe. The Middle Corridor offers a land-based connection between East Asia and Europe, providing a faster and more efficient alternative to longer maritime routes.

On October 30, the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the United Kingdom hosted an event titled ‘Azerbaijan’s Sovereign Credit Rating and Economic Outlook: Unlocking the Regional Potential of the Caucasus and Central Asia.’

Azernews reports, according to the Embassy, the event brought together Azerbaijani and foreign professionals working in leading UK companies, representatives from the City of London Corporation, government institutions, and economic experts.

The session was moderated by Cemal Ismayilov, Partner and Head of Azerbaijan at Oliver Wyman, who noted that Azerbaijan had achieved a major milestone this year with its sovereign credit rating upgraded by international rating agency Moody’s from Ba1 to Baa3 – investment grade.

He emphasized that this decision reflects the government’s consistent and goal-oriented economic strategy over the past decade, which has strengthened the country’s fiscal resilience and long-term competitiveness. Ismayilov added that the positive assessments by Moody’s and other rating agencies demonstrate strong confidence in Azerbaijan’s ongoing economic reforms.

‘This achievement should further inspire Azerbaijan to deepen institutional reforms, expand the private sector, and strengthen economic partnerships worldwide – including with the United Kingdom,’ he said.

During the panel discussion, Moody’s Vice President Daniela Re Fraschini and Oppenheimer and Co. Senior Analyst Gabin Levy shared insights into Azerbaijan’s sovereign credit rating and economic stability. They highlighted key factors behind Moody’s decision, including fiscal discipline, sound macroeconomic indicators, efforts to reduce oil dependence, diversification initiatives, investor confidence, institutional reforms, and the country’s strategic role as a transport and logistics hub in the South Caucasus and Central Asia.

Experts also noted that the post-August 8 Washington summit normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia has had a significantly positive impact on Azerbaijan’s investment outlook.

Addressing the event, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the UK, Elin Suleymanov, said the country’s achievements were the result of President Ilham Aliyev’s visionary political, economic, and social reforms. He underlined that the initial peace agreement and normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia open new opportunities not only for the two countries but also for the broader South Caucasus and Central Asia regions.

‘Peace and cooperation will enhance the efficiency of regional trade and transport corridors, expand energy and logistics projects, and create a favorable environment for economic cooperation and investment,’ the Ambassador stated.

At the conclusion of the event, the establishment of the Azerbaijan-UK Business Council was officially announced. The Council aims to strengthen trade and economic ties between the two countries, support business-to-business connections, promote bilateral trade and knowledge exchange, represent the interests of the business community, and foster cultural cooperation.

As part of the project “Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW”, the “Above” Creative Tour will be held in a cultural space located on the rooftop of a historic building, where renowned artists and painters will present their studios, Azernews reports.

The artists will present their works based on the festival’s main theme, “Water.” The Creative Tour aims to explore the significance of water as a source of life and an inspiring force for artists. Water is not just a physical element; it also symbolizes the human connection with nature, emotions, and culture.

The tour will be led by Asmar Babayeva, the chair of the ICOM National Committee and a well-known art historian.

From 31 October to 2 November, the project “Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW” is being held in Baku. The event is organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the IDEA Public Union, in partnership with the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry. The author and initiator of the project is Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Union.

The project aims to present Baku as a global cultural capital, a city that unites tradition and modernity, brings together diverse ideas, and inspires future generations.

Over the course of three days, art lovers can expect an engaging and extraordinary weekend experience.

Under the theme “Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW,” the event immerses the city in a wave of creativity, emotion, and energy.

As the central element of Art Weekend, water has been chosen as a symbol of sustainability, renewal, and collective memory. This choice is far from accidental: water serves as a metaphor for creative impulse, a mirror of transformation, and a bridge between humanity and nature. From philosophical, artistic, and ecological perspectives, water will stand at the heart of the Art Weekend’s concept.

During the festival days, visitors have the opportunity to explore exhibitions, presentations, lectures, master classes, music sessions, tours, street art projects, and immersive street theatre performances across Baku.

The festival spans some of the city’s leading cultural venues, including the Heydar Aliyev Center, Icherisheher (Old City), Baku Modern Art Museum, Stone Chronicles Museum, Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theatre, Baku Marionette Theatre, Republic Children and Youth Development Center, Magsud Ibrahimbayov Creativity Center, QGallery, Baku Photography House, YARAT Contemporary Art Space, the-21st Century Azerbaijani Painting Museum, Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, Nine Senses Art Center, and other locations.

Zaman Art Gallery has officially opened its doors for a group exhibition “I Am Water”, running from October 31 to November 16, as part of the international art festival “Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW”. The exhibition brings together over 20 Azerbaijani artists whose works explore the elemental and emotional dimensions of water.

The unique art project aims to evoke in the viewer not only the aesthetic perception of water but also a sense of belonging to its essence – to let one feel that within each of us flows our own river, carrying memory, pain, light, and hope.

Art manager Gulnara Khalilova shared with AZERNEWS, the main essence of the exhibition.

“Water is not just a subject-it’s a metaphor for our inner worlds. This exhibition invites viewers to dissolve boundaries and connect with the fluidity of memory, emotion, and transformation. Each artwork is a ripple in a collective stream of consciousness,” she said.

“The exhibition showcases art pieces by incredibly talented artists, including Tahir Shikhaliyev, Aylin Mammadli, Diana Aliyeva, Mahammad Orujov, Eldar Babazade, Sayali Mammadova, Orkhan Garayev, Inna Kostina, Afaq Akbarova, Adil Shikhaliyev, Mir Azer Abdullayev, Gunel Ravilova, Aynura Mahmudova, Gulnara Khalilova, Nigar Familsoy, Vugar Ali, Fazila Rajabova, Javid Mammadov, Soltan Soltanli, Vusala Agharaziyeva, Rafail Aliyev, Sarkhan Hajiyev, Fidan Zaman and Novruz Balabayov,” she added.

At the heart of “I Am Water” lies a poetic meditation on water as both a physical and metaphysical force:

“I am water. I am the beginning of all things. I am the beginning of you. Within you lies my memory; in your cells, my pathways run. I have no form, yet I take every form. I have no constancy, yet I am eternal.”

This lyrical manifesto sets the tone for an immersive experience where viewers are invited to reflect on water’s role as a mirror, a healer, and a silent witness to human emotion. The exhibition encourages a sense of unity with nature and self, reminding us that to flow is to live.

The exhibition “I Am Water” offers a compelling journey through the currents of contemporary Azerbaijani art.

From October 31 to November 2, Baku is hosting the grand Arts Festival “Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW”, bringing together art, culture, and ecology.

The project is organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the IDEA Public Union in partnership with the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry. The author and initiator of the project is Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Union.

This immersive project transforms Baku into a living space of contemporary creativity, dialogue, and discovery. Special attention will be given to the ecological situation in oceans and seas, presented through the language of art.

The main theme of the festival is water as a symbol of life, renewal, and sustainable development. Water, representing resilience, renewal, and collective memory, has been chosen as the key element of the Art Weekend, fostering a meaningful dialogue between Azerbaijan and the international art community.

Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports Farhad Hajiyev met with Japan’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Katsuya Watanabe, to discuss preparations for the 2026 Sumo World Championship, which is set to take place in Baku, Azernews reports.

The meeting covered topics such as encouraging Japanese sports fans to visit Azerbaijan as part of the “Baku – Sports Capital of the World” initiative, organizing joint training camps, and other areas of cooperation.

The meeting was also attended by Elnur Mammadov, Head of the Sports Department, Zarifa Zulfugarova, Head of the International Relations Department, and Taiichi Tsuchiya, First Secretary of the Japanese Embassy.

Note that the International Sumo Federation selected Azerbaijan to host the event, with backing from the Japan Martial Arts Association, following a bidding process that involved competing countries.

In September, the official flag of the tournament was formally handed over to Azerbaijan. The ceremony took place at Sumo World Championship held in Bangkok, Thailand.

The flag was accepted on behalf of Azerbaijan by the Vice-President of the Japanese Martial Arts and Culture Association in Azerbaijan, Ulvi Aghamirov.

The mascot for the 2026 Sumo World Championship in Baku is Azumo. It was revealed to the public during the championship’s presentation and represents both strength and the long-standing tradition of Azerbaijani hospitality.

The unveiling of Azumo and other promotional materials occurred at the Sumo Expo 2025 event in Osaka, Japan.