Category: Azer News

Global investments in artificial intelligence (AI) continue to grow at an unprecedented pace. Spending is projected to reach $1.48 trillion in 2025, marking an increase of nearly 50% compared to the previous year. Analysts predict that by 2026, global AI investment will surpass $2 trillion, and by 2029, it could reach $3.3 trillion, making AI one of the fastest-growing technologies in recent decades, Azernews reports.

Experts note that AI is moving beyond startups and short-term hype, becoming an integral part of the global economy – much like electricity or the Internet once were. Governments and private companies are rapidly expanding data centers, acquiring advanced computing chips, and developing cloud infrastructure to enhance their digital capabilities. In this emerging landscape, global influence is increasingly determined not by territory or natural resources, but by computing power.

At the same time, public concerns persist over the potential for massive job displacement. However, labor market data tells a more nuanced story. Since mid-2023, the unemployment rate in the U.S. has risen slightly – by 0.8 percentage points in industries with low automation and by 0.7 percentage points in highly digitized sectors. Economists argue that these shifts are largely due to broader economic conditions rather than automation itself: as growth slows, companies often cut costs, disproportionately affecting workers in less efficient industries.

History shows that technological innovations do not destroy the labor market but transform it. Just as machines replaced manual labor and computers simplified document management, AI is now taking over routine tasks, allowing humans to focus on analysis, creativity, and strategic decision-making. Analysts emphasize that adaptation and continuous learning are becoming essential skills in this rapidly evolving environment.

Economists estimate that AI could boost global productivity growth by around 0.3 percentage points annually over the next decade, potentially generating several thousand dollars of additional income per person.

Experts identify several possible paths for AI development: Technological acceleration, where AI continues to drive rapid industrial and economic growth; A world of abundance, in which machines produce most goods, reducing human labor needs; Challenges of control, raising ethical and societal concerns.

Human-AI collaboration, where AI complements human capabilities – a scenario that is already beginning to take shape in many industries.

As AI increasingly integrates into daily life and business, societies face both opportunities and challenges. The key question is not whether AI will change the world, but how humanity adapts to harness its potential responsibly.

The Baku Military Court continued hearings on October 30 in the criminal case against citizens of the Republic of Armenia accused of committing crimes against peace and humanity, Azernews reports.

During the session, a video recording was reviewed at the request of defendant Davit Ishkhanyan. The footage, posted on YouTube on August 28, 2020, shows Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan awarding servicemen in Sardarabad following the Tovuz battles of 2020. Also present at the event was Arayik Harutyunyan, one of the accused in the current trial. Pashinyan stated in his speech that those honored were active participants in the July clashes.

Public Prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev questioned Arayik Harutyunyan about the purpose of his participation in the ceremony. ‘For what purpose and in what capacity were you invited to that event? On June 19, 2020, a joint Security Council meeting of the Republic of Armenia and the so-called organization was held. What was the reason for your attendance there? You previously stated that the July battles had nothing to do with the so-called regime – then why was this meeting necessary, and what issues were discussed?’ the prosecutor asked.

In response, Harutyunyan said that ‘representatives’ of the so-called regime were regularly invited to official events in Armenia, adding that the meeting focused on Armenia’s security, army preparedness, and potential war scenarios.

The ongoing trial concerns Armenian citizens charged with committing war crimes, acts of terrorism, genocide, the planning and execution of aggressive warfare, and other grave offenses resulting from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan.

On the initiative of Mehriban Aliyeva, President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, new musical instruments have been purchased for music schools under the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, Azernews reports.

The project aims to support the development of music schools, provide young talents with higher-quality education, and ensure the transmission of musical culture to future generations.

The presentation ceremony was held at the Heydar Aliyev Center, where the musical instruments acquired within the project were showcased.

Vice-Presidents of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Leyla Aliyeva, Arzu Aliyeva, and Alena Aliyeva, attended the event.

As part of the project, over 70 musical instruments across 11 types were acquired for a number of music schools not only in Baku but also in the regions. These include traditional Azerbaijani instruments such as the tar, kamancha, qanun, and naghara, as well as violin, cello, grand piano, upright piano, and others. These instruments include both locally handcrafted pieces and instruments ordered from leading manufacturers worldwide. Among them are “Carlovy” cellos and violins, “Petrof” grand pianos from Europe’s leading acoustic piano manufacturers, and “Yamaha” pianos.

During the presentation, Culture Minister Adil Karimli highlighted the importance of the project, implemented on the initiative of Mehriban Aliyeva, First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, in supporting the development of education in music schools both in the capital and the regions. He expressed gratitude to the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for its consistent support of culture, cultural and art figures, and especially the development and education of young talents.

The event concluded with a concert performed by students of music schools under the Culture Ministry.

Turkiye has formally signed an agreement to purchase Eurofighter Typhoon fighter jets, a deal long anticipated by Ankara. The signing ceremony took place yesterday, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer putting their signatures on the collaboration agreement regarding the Eurofighter program. The event followed a private bilateral meeting and a working lunch with delegations at the Presidential Complex before moving to the formal signing ceremony.

Speaking at a joint press conference with Starmer, President Erdogan noted that the signatures were finalized during inter-delegation discussions. ‘We have just signed the declaration of cooperation with Prime Minister Starmer here today. I see this memorandum as a new emblem of our strategic relations as close allies,’ Erdogan said. He also expressed gratitude for the UK’s efforts through the Eurofighter Consortium, saying, ‘I thank Prime Minister Starmer and his team for their work throughout the process. I also extend my appreciation to the leaders of other consortium member countries for their constructive approach. I believe this collaboration with the UK will open doors to joint projects in our defense industry.’

Erdogan highlighted that today’s discussions focused on trade and defense relations. ‘As you know, the United Kingdom is one of our largest trade and investment partners. We are determined to raise our trade volume first to $30 billion, and then to $40 billion. Our institutions are taking various measures, including updating the free trade agreement. We are also exploring opportunities for joint investments in third countries. We aim to establish new partnerships in energy and the defense industry. Moreover, we are pleased that many UK citizens consider Turkiye their second home. To leverage this potential, we have also begun negotiations on signing a bilateral cooperation framework document. I believe these steps will rapidly elevate our relations and strategic partnership to a much higher level.’

President Erdogan further noted that he and Starmer had the opportunity to review developments in Gaza. Regarding the UK’s recognition of the State of Palestine, Erdogan said, ‘We regard this decision as a courageous step toward a two-state solution. Considering the approaching winter, it is crucial that humanitarian aid reaches the people of Gaza. I believe we will take steps together with the UK in this regard. We all have responsibilities to maintain the ceasefire in Gaza and prevent violations. In this context, the current government in Israel must be restrained.’

The leaders also discussed the situation in Ukraine, with Erdogan stressing the need to resolve the ongoing conflict, now entering its fourth year, with a just peace. On Syria, he emphasized that lasting stability depends on supporting the Syrian government and preventing internal and external actors from destabilizing the country.

During the conference, Prime Minister Starmer remarked, ‘Though our countries are at opposite ends of Europe, we now work together far more closely than before.’ Starmer confirmed that the UK will supply Turkiye with 20 Eurofighter Typhoon jets, with the option for additional purchases in the future. ‘This will deepen NATO security and enhance bilateral defense industry cooperation,’ he said. Starmer also noted their joint efforts for peace in the Middle East, adding, ‘I want to underline the role you have played. The first phase of the Gaza peace plan is taking shape. We are now moving to implement this agreement as quickly as possible and strive to bring the region to a much better position.’

On October 30, 2025, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, met with his Uzbek counterpart, Bakhtiyor Saidov, during an official visit to Samarkand, Azernews reports.

According to the Azerbaijani Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Bayramov extended his congratulations to Uzbekistan on hosting the main conference of UNESCO for the first time, commending the country’s growing role in international cultural diplomacy.

During the meeting, the ministers expressed satisfaction with the dynamic development of Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan relations, which have reached the level of a strategic alliance. Both sides reaffirmed their determination to further strengthen the bonds of friendship and brotherhood between the two nations.

The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the fields of economy, trade, investment, transportation, energy, culture, education, and humanitarian initiatives. The ministers reviewed ongoing joint projects and highlighted the importance of enhancing connectivity and mutual investment opportunities.

Bayramov and Saidov also emphasized the significance of continued coordination and mutual support within international and regional organizations, including the United Nations, the Organization of Turkic States, the Non-Aligned Movement, and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

The ministers agreed that closer collaboration between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan would contribute to peace, stability, and sustainable development across their regions. They also exchanged views on regional developments and other issues of mutual interest.

The meeting in Samarkand once again underscored the deep-rooted historical and cultural ties uniting the two Turkic nations and their shared commitment to a prosperous and secure future.

A poor hazelnut harvest in Italy may soon lead to a shortage of Nutella, the world-famous chocolate-hazelnut spread, Azernews reports.

Ferrero, the company behind Nutella, sources its hazelnuts primarily from Italy and Turkiye. However, this year, the Italian harvest fell to just 70,000 tons, the lowest in decades and roughly half of last year’s yield. Turkiye’s production was also hit by frosts, further reducing global supply.

As a result, experts predict that producers may turn to China to meet demand, which could drive hazelnut prices even higher. Since hazelnuts account for about 13% of Nutella’s content, the price increase for raw nuts is expected to outpace any rise in the cost of the finished product.

The trend is already visible: over the past three years, hazelnut-based products in the EU have increased in price by 27-65%, reflecting tighter supply and growing global demand.

Some analysts also warn that the shortage could affect other confectionery products that rely on hazelnuts, including pralines, spreads, and bakery items. Ferrero has indicated that it is exploring alternative suppliers and long-term contracts to secure nuts and stabilize prices for consumers.

Interestingly, Nutella enthusiasts online have jokingly dubbed the situation ‘the Great Hazelnut Crisis’, sparking memes and debates about the potential impact on breakfast tables across Europe.

Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of the IDEA Public Union Leyla Aliyeva has visited the Gafarov family, participants of the “Young Beekeeper” project, who live in Gabala’s Mikhligovag village, Azernews reports.

During the meeting, a sincere conversation took place with the family members, and Leyla Aliyeva took a close interest in their experience gained within the project and their future plans. The family members expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the implementation of this initiative as well as for Leyla Aliyeva’s personal visit.

For information, young beekeeper Lala Gafarova produced 40 kilograms of honey last year and 100 kilograms this year. She also took part in the Honey Festival held in Kalbajar last month at the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, where she presented her products to customers as a participant of the “Young Beekeeper” project.

Since 2021, the “Young Beekeeper” project has been implemented on the initiative of the IDEA Public Union in partnership with the Azerbaijan Youth Foundation, the State Employment Agency, and the ABAD public legal.

The main goal of the project is to increase the interest of young families in the regions in beekeeping, to support their employment, and to promote ecologically sustainable small family businesses.

The head of the Balaken district executive authority, Islam Rzayev, has been dismissed from his post, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, signed the relevant decree.

On October 29, an official reception dedicated to the 102nd anniversary of the founding of the Republic of Trkiye was held at the Gulustan Palace in Baku. Azernews reports that the event was organized by the Embassy of Trkiye in Azerbaijan.

The ceremony began with the national anthems of both Trkiye and Azerbaijan. The guests included members of the diplomatic corps accredited in Baku, military attachés, government officials, parliamentarians, public figures, and media representatives.

In his opening remarks, Trkiye’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Birol Akgn, highlighted that the modern Republic of Trkiye was founded in 1923 following a national struggle led by Mustafa Kemal Atatrk against imperial powers that sought to occupy Anatolia after World War I. ‘Today we proudly celebrate the 102nd anniversary of our Republic,’ the ambassador said.

He emphasized that Trkiye’s foreign policy has always been guided by Atatrk’s timeless principle – ‘Peace at home, peace in the world.’ Under the leadership of President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Ambassador Akgn noted, Trkiye has become a principled and influential global actor, maintaining strong partnerships within the Western world while actively contributing to a more just and multipolar international system.

Akgn also underlined Trkiye’s vital role in the Islamic world and its growing cooperation with Turkic nations through the Organization of Turkic States. ‘The Turkic world is our common cultural family,’ he said, stressing that this unity aims not at confrontation, but at promoting development, solidarity, and shared prosperity. ‘Strengthening the Middle Corridor serves the interests of the entire world,’ he added.

Following the ambassador’s remarks, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahib? Gafarova delivered a speech in which she paid tribute to Atatrk’s legacy, emphasizing that his republican, secular, and democratic ideals remain the cornerstone of Trkiye’s continued success.

She noted that under President Erdogan’s leadership, Trkiye has become one of the most powerful and respected nations in the world, playing a leading role in shaping the contours of the emerging international order. ‘Trkiye’s independent and multi-vector foreign policy stands as a model of responsibility, principle, and foresight,’ Gafarova said.

The Speaker also praised Trkiye’s growing influence in promoting peace and dialogue from the Middle East to Eastern Europe. ‘Trkiye’s diplomacy embodies wisdom and flexibility – its voice is the sound of peace, stability, and justice,’ she said.

Highlighting Trkiye’s impressive progress in defense, science, technology, and the economy, Gafarova added: ‘The unifying creative energy of the Turkish people has led to remarkable achievements. Trkiye today holds a dignified place among the world’s largest economies and serves as a central hub for energy, transport, and logistics connecting continents.’

She concluded by noting that Trkiye remains a nation confident in its future – faithful to its national values, open to innovation, and committed to building and defending peace and prosperity.

The United States has invited Azerbaijan to participate in the planned ‘Stability Force’ to be deployed in Gaza, Azernews reports, citing AnewZ sources.

According to the report, Azerbaijan has not yet made a final decision on the matter.

However, Baku’s position remains consistent; any participation must be based on a UN Security Council resolution that ensures international legitimacy and defines a clear mandate for the mission.

Earlier, Politico reported that several countries, including Azerbaijan, Indonesia, and Pakistan, were considered as potential contributors to the proposed international stability force for Gaza.