Category: Azer News

Tehran Mammadov (65 kg) has added three silver medals to the country’s medal haul at the European Junior and U23 Weightlifting Championships held in Durres, Albania, Azernews reports.

The weightlifter successfully lifted 133 kg in the snatch. In the clean and jerk, he managed to lift 155 kg overhead, achieving a total result of 288 kg.

Thus, Tehran Mammadov earned silver medals for his successful execution of the snatch and clean and jerk, securing second place on the overall podium.

The 2025 European Junior Championships will serve as a qualification event for the 2026 Commonwealth Games for Full Member Federations.

The U23 Championships will be open to associate members, and their outcomes will be included in the official results of the 2025 European U23 Championships.

The championships will last until November 4.

Wrestling remains the most popular sport in the country and is overseen by the National Wrestling Federation, which was established in 1993.

The Rio Games opened a new page in wrestling for Azerbaijan. The country became one of only two nations ever to increase the number of medals achieved in five consecutive games.

In 2020, Azerbaijani freestyle wrestlers finished third in the overall medal table of the Individual World Cup in Serbia.

National wrestlers won two medals, including silver and bronze. Russia topped the medal table, followed by Turkiye.

The national team also won five medals at the Grand Prix Moscow held in Russia.

The national team won one gold, two silver, and two bronze medals in the tournament

In 2022, Azerbaijani wrestler Osman Nurmagomedov (92 kg) was crowned the World Champion in Belgrade.

Nurmagomedov became the World Champion after defeating the Russian wrestler in the final.

At 2024 Summer Olympic, Greco-Roman wrestler Hasrat Jafarov (67 kg), freestyle wrestlers Giorgi Meshvildishvili (125 kg) and Magomedkhan Magomedov (97 kg) won bronze medals for Azerbaijan.

Trkiye has achieved a historic milestone in exports, reaching a total of $390 billion, Minister of Trade Ömer Bolat announced in a written statement.

‘Trkiye is no longer just a producer, but a trade and export power that delivers its production to the world,’ Bolat declared.

The minister emphasized that the Turkish economy now boasts a broad and value-added export portfolio ranging from automotive and white goods to defense and software industries. He pointed out that the number of exporting companies has risen to 180,396, highlighting the country’s expanding global trade presence.

‘In the early years of our Republic, exports were made to only 24 countries and covered 30 product chapters. Today, exports have spread to 224 countries and customs territories across 12,806 different products,’ Bolat stated.

He added that as of October 29, 2025, Trkiye’s goods exports reached $270 billion, setting a new all-time record. Together with services, total exports have reached $390 billion, surpassing annual targets and marking the highest level in the nation’s history.

Between 1980 and 2000, Trkiye’s share in world goods exports averaged 0.38%. This figure rose to 0.55% in 2002 and further climbed to 1.07% by 2024, the highest in the Republic’s history. ‘This great success is the most concrete indicator that Trkiye, stepping into the second century of its Republic with a strong export vision, has solidified its position on the global stage with its production capacity and competitive economy,’ Bolat said.

He underscored that in 2024, Trkiye achieved exports exceeding $1 billion to 53 countries, reaching record highs in 60 markets. Thirty-one provinces recorded annual exports surpassing $1 billion, while the number of product chapters exceeding this figure also rose to 53, marking another turning point.

Bolat recalled that in 1973, it took an entire year to export $1 billion worth of goods. By 1987, this amount was achieved in a month, and since 2013, in a single day. ‘Today, our daily exports sometimes reach $2 billion,’ he added.

Despite challenges in the global trade environment, Trkiye has maintained its economic resilience, achieving record export levels in many markets. Exports to the EU-27 countries rose from $11.3 billion in 1996 to $115.1 billion annually as of September 2025, thanks to the momentum gained from the Customs Union.

Trkiye’s share in total EU-27 imports increased from 2.2% in 2002 to 4.0% in 2024, the highest level ever recorded. ‘Today, Trkiye is a reliable, stable, and strong trade partner preferred by developed countries,’ Bolat remarked.

The share of industrial products in total exports, which was 21.2% in 1969, rose to 94.2% in 2024. Similarly, the share of machinery and transport equipment increased from 0.2% in 1969 to 30.1% in 2024. This transformation, Bolat said, ‘is a clear reflection of Trkiye’s evolution from an agriculture-based economy to one driven by high-tech manufacturing and industrial exports.’

Trkiye’s success in foreign trade has also translated into economic growth. Between 1980 and 2002, while the world economy grew by 3.1%, Trkiye’s economy expanded by 3.9%, outperforming the global average. From 2003 to 2024, Trkiye’s growth rate exceeded the world average by 1.9 percentage points, strengthening its position among the world’s major economies.

By 2024, Trkiye ranked 17th globally in nominal GDP, up from 21st in 2002, and 12th in purchasing power parity, up from 16th. During 2002-2024, Trkiye’s GDP grew by 216% in real terms, and in dollar terms, increased nearly fivefold-from $238.7 billion in 2002 to $1.358 trillion in 2024. Per capita income rose from $3,616 to $15,325.

Bolat noted that between 2020 and 2024, Trkiye achieved an average annual growth rate of 5.4%, becoming the second fastest-growing economy among OECD countries.

Kazakhstan plans to integrate several of Azerbaijan’s successful digital solutions into its national legislative framework, according to Deputy Minister of Trade and Integration Aizhan Bizhanova, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the Eurasian Franchise Forum in Baku, Bijanova emphasized the importance of digital cooperation and innovation in strengthening economic competitiveness. ‘IT, artificial intelligence, the development of digital platforms – this is what strengthens competitiveness today. During my working trip, I got acquainted with very interesting digital products that we will definitely implement in our national legislation. We see great prospects in combining digital solutions with franchising models that make trade more accessible, transparent, and fast,’ she said.

The Kazakh official also noted that Azerbaijan remains Kazakhstan’s key partner in the Caspian region. ‘Trade and economic cooperation between our countries demonstrates stable positive dynamics every year. For eight months of this year, the value of mutual trade between our countries amounted to about 350 million US dollars.

“As you know, the heads of state have set an ambitious task to increase this trade turnover and bring it to one billion. I think that these tasks are completely possible for us,” she added

As regards Azerbaijan’s experience in digitalisation, over the past decade, the country has made digital transformation a central pillar of its national development agenda, viewing technology not merely as a tool of convenience but as a strategic driver of efficiency, transparency, and innovation in governance.

The foundation for this transformation was laid through the State Programme on the Expansion of Digital Payments (2018-2020) and later reinforced by the ‘Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development’ strategy, which places the creation of a ‘competitive, innovative and inclusive economy’ at the heart of public policy.

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has announced that Turkiye will manufacture eight Altay main battle tanks each month, marking a major milestone in the nation’s drive toward defense industry self-sufficiency. The first batch of Altay tanks has been delivered to the Turkish Armed Forces (TSK) under the Altay Tank Project, developed to meet the army’s main battle tank needs through domestic capabilities.

At the inauguration ceremony of the BMC Ankara Tank and Next-Generation Armored Vehicles Production Facility and the delivery of the first Altay tanks, three units officially entered the TSK inventory.

Speaking at the ceremony, Erdogan stated: ‘We are taking firm steps toward the goal of a fully independent Turkiye in the defense industry. With the inauguration of the BMC Ankara Tank and Next-Generation Armored Vehicles Production Facility, we are integrating another major technological hub into our defense ecosystem. Spanning 840,000 square meters, this vast complex will employ over 1,500 qualified personnel and house R and D centers, testing areas, armor laboratories, and training tracks. From robotic welding systems to advanced sensor technologies, from simulation infrastructure to data analytics, this facility will serve as a comprehensive technology base.’

Highlighting the plant’s capacity, Erdogan added: ‘In our 63,000-square-meter closed production area, we will manufacture eight Altay tanks and ten Altug armored vehicles, known as the ‘fortresses of the battlefield,’ every month. As with our other defense products, our goal for the Altay tank is to achieve complete independence in critical materials. Despite embargoes, we have come this far, and with the same determination, we will successfully manage the next phase as well. The obstacles before us may slow us down, perhaps delay us a little, but they will never prevent us from reaching our destination. We will either find a way or make one.’

The president also touched on the changing global landscape, saying: ‘A new geopolitical equation is taking shape. The international system is not only changing form but also direction. As we have witnessed repeatedly in recent history – from Bosnia in the 1990s to Syria over the past 14 years, and most recently in Gaza, where 70,000 innocent lives were lost – neither international institutions nor international law can provide people with genuine security anymore. We are constantly reminded that in today’s world, being right is not enough; you must also be strong to protect your rights.’

Erdogan underscored that strength and deterrence are essential for national dignity: ‘If you want to live honorably in today’s world, you must be strong in every field. Otherwise, in this new order – a table of wolves – no one will pity you. Turkiye was among the first nations to recognize the asymmetric rise in risks and threats. From day one, we analyzed, prepared, and, so to speak, studied our lesson well. Through steps taken over the last 23 years, particularly in defense, diplomacy, and security, we have made Turkiye a nation that can no longer be ignored.’

Providing technical details about the Altay tank, Erdogan noted: ‘The Altay tank has successfully passed all stages with 1.5 million hours of engineering, 35,000 kilometers of testing, and 3,700 live-fire rounds. It has proven its excellence in firepower, endurance, and mobility. Alongside the Altay, we will also deliver the Leopard 2A4 modernization project next year. With strong interest from friendly and allied nations, the Altay will significantly enhance the global visibility and influence of Turkiye’s defense industry. This marks the beginning of a new era in tank technology.’

The president underlined Turkiye’s transformation into a country that produces its own weapons: ‘In the past, we couldn’t even produce 20 percent of our defense needs; now we have reached 80 percent. In UAV and UCAV technology, we are among the world’s top three nations. Currently, we rank as the 11th-largest defense exporter globally. In 2024, we achieved 65 percent of the global drone export market, meaning that out of every 100 drones sold worldwide, 65 were Turkish-made, exported to 180 countries. Despite unfair practices, double standards, and embargoes in the past, we managed to make up for lost time. We achieved this despite the opposition’s obstructionist efforts and those incapable of overcoming their own complexes. In just 23 years, we have built a defense ecosystem that the world now watches – some with admiration, others with concern.’

President Erdogan arrived at the ceremony in a specially produced Togg limousine. At the end of the event, domestically produced military vehicles, including the Altay and Altug, paraded before the president and attending officials, showcasing Turkiye’s growing defense capabilities.

Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Union, has attended the premiere of the documentary “Hirkan” on October 29 at the Heydar Aliyev Congress Center in Gabala, Azernews reports.

This film is the latest installment in the IDEA Public Union’s special project, “12 Wonders of Azerbaijan,” and focuses on the Hirkan National Park, one of Azerbaijan’s most cherished natural sites.

The documentary highlights the unique ecosystem of the Hirkan region, home to rare flora and fauna, and underscores ongoing efforts to preserve it.

Directed by Igor Byshnev, the film is part of a larger initiative aimed at promoting the country’s natural heritage.

So far, eight documentaries have been produced as part of the “12 Wonders of Azerbaijan” project under Leyla Aliyeva’s leadership. These films have garnered significant attention, attracting millions of viewers on social media and raising awareness of Azerbaijan’s environmental treasures.

The project “12 Wonders of Azerbaijan” covers national parks from various geographical regions across the country, such as Aghgol, Shirvan, Hirkan, Altiaghaj, Absheron, Shahdagh, Goygol, Samur-Yalama, Gizilaghaj, Akhar-Bakhar, Ilisu, and the Zangazur National Park, which is named after Academician Hasan Aliyev.

These parks are vital in safeguarding and showcasing the nation’s rich natural heritage.

The open court session regarding criminal cases against citizens of the Republic of Armenia-accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, including the preparation and conduct of aggressive war, genocide, violation of the laws and customs of war, as well as terrorism, financing of terrorism, forcible seizure of power, forcible retention of power, and numerous other crimes resulting from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan- Arayik Harutyunyan, Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, Davit Ishkhanyan, David Babayan, Levon Mnatsakanyan, and others, continued on October 30.

The court session, held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Aghayev, with a panel consisting of Jamal Ramazanov and Anar Rzayev (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that each accused person was provided with an interpreter in their native language, as well as lawyers for their defense.

The session was attended by the accused individuals, their defenders, a portion of the victims, their legal heirs and representatives, as well as state prosecutors.

Presiding Judge Zeynal Aghayev stated that a number of victims had applied to the court with a petition, indicating that they would be unable to participate in the court proceedings, confirming their statements given during the initial interrogation, and requesting that they be announced.

The parties did not object to the announcement of those statements in court.

Thereafter, the court continued with the examination of additional evidence submitted by the defense to the court.

During the court session, based on the petition of the accused Davit Ishkhanyan, a video material recorded after the 2020 Tovuz events (Tovuz battles-ed.) was examined.

Recall that on October 24, during the court session, Ishkhanyan’s lawyer had petitioned for the examination of that video.

The video, uploaded to the “YouTube” social network on August 28, 2020, was displayed. In the video material, Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan awards Armenian soldiers in Sardarapat. At the event, attended by Arayik Harutyunyan, Nikol Pashinyan stated that all those awarded were active participants in the July battles.

State prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev addressed questions to the accused Arayik Harutyunyan. First, it was noted that in the video, Armenian soldiers who participated in the July battles are being awarded. “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 puppet regime was held. What was the purpose of your participation? You stated during the court interrogation that the July battles had no connection to the puppet regime. What necessity led to this meeting, and what issues were discussed?” the state prosecutor asked.

In his response, the accused stated that representatives of the puppet regime were always invited to such events held in the Republic of Armenia. At the meeting, issues related to the security of the Republic of Armenia, the readiness of the army, and possible war scenarios were discussed.

The next document examined was an interview given by the accused Levon Mnatsakanyan in Shusha on the Jidir Duzu plain to an Armenian journalist. He stated in court that he did not mention any figures regarding the loss of 400 servicemen from the “Yashma brigade” (referring to Azerbaijan’s Special Forces-ed.) in the interview. Upon re-examination of the video, it was determined that Mnatsakanyan, in response to the journalist’s question, said: “The ‘Yashma brigade’ has losses close to 400.”

After re-watching that part of the interview during the court session, Mnatsakanyan claimed that he did not say such words.

Following this, material submitted to the court by the defender of the accused Bako Sahakyan, Nigar Mirbabayeva, was displayed.

This was an article published online on December 1, 2020, regarding the activities of Arkadi Ghukasyan and Bako Sahakyan during the Patriotic War. The material was examined with the participation of the parties.

Thereafter, the presiding judge announced a letter sent by the State Commission on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Investigation Department of the Prosecutor General’s Office.

The letter indicates that, based on information gathered by the Commission, during the First Karabakh War resulting from Armenia’s military aggression against Azerbaijan, 54 Azerbaijani citizens who were captives and hostages were visited in places of detention in Armenia and the territories it occupied by the International Committee of the Red Cross in 1992-1996.

Subsequently, although the remains of 17 out of those 54 were returned, 37 were forcibly disappeared by Armenian armed forces. No information was provided at all about the subsequent fate of 4 out of the 37. Although it was reported that 33 died in places of detention, their remains were not returned.

Information compiled regarding the records was also announced in court. That information notes that on January 29, 1994, 8 Azerbaijani captives and hostages were killed.

Following this, Tugay Rahimli, Assistant to the Prosecutor General for Special Assignments, requested the examination of a portion of an international organization’s report. The examined document indicates that the incident involving the deaths of 8 captives in Yerevan, Armenia, in 1994 was particularly horrific. At the time the article was written, the cause of their deaths remained unknown.

Addressing the court, Tugay Rahimli stated that the accused Bako Sahakyan had emphasized in interrogation materials that he had been involved in issues related to captives and hostages at one time. Rahimli asked the accused: “On January 29, 1994, 8 captives and hostages were killed. Do you have any information regarding this?” He added that the captives and hostages were killed on the same day, in the same place. This cannot be coincidental.

Sahakyan stated that he has no information regarding the incident indicated in the report.

Following this, during the court session, statements from the victims and the legal heirs of the victims were announced.

In the statement of victim Shukurov Mahmud Sabir oglu, it was reported that on September 13, 2022, in the territory of Zangilan district, Farid Rustamov was killed as a result of the explosion of a hand grenade thrown by the enemy, while he, Farid Mammadov, Saleh Hasanov, and Tabriz Ramazanov sustained bodily injuries.

The legal heir of victim Alakbarli Kenan Mushfig oglu, Alakbarova Fakhriyya Khalil gizi, stated in her testimony that on October 10, 2020, she received the news that her son had been martyred in the direction of Sugovushan village of Tartar district.

Based on the statement of Babirli Asif Oktay oglu, as a result of fire opened by Armenian armed forces on the territory of Goygol district on September 28, 2020, he, Elvin Salimov, Kamran Huseynov, Rashad Novruzov, Mustafa Mammadov, and Rashad Abdullayev were wounded, while Orxan Dashdemirov was killed.

Victim Mammadov Mail Mahammadali oglu stated in his testimony that on October 21, 1992, in Sirkhavend village of Aghdara district, he was taken captive by soldiers of the Armenian armed forces. First taken to Hadrut settlement and then, subjected to torture en route in a “URAL” military vehicle, he was brought to Khankendi city. There, in a special-regime isolation facility where he was held, he was subjected to various tortures. Later, he was held in the basement of another building. During the 3 months he spent in captivity in Khankendi city, Colonel Basensi Azoyan, Lieutenant Colonel Artur Simonyan, and Sergey Abramyan-Armenian officers-interrogated him and subjected him to repeated tortures in the cells where he was held.

Based on the announced statement of victim Aliyeva Malahat Ahmad gizi, born in 1957 and a resident of Khojaly town, on February 25, 1992, Armenian armed forces besieged Khojaly town, shot at the population, and set fire to the town. She, her husband Tapdig Chobanov, son Teymur (born 1979), son Seymur (born 1980), and daughter Nezakat (born 1984) also left the town together with the community. “On the snowy road, ears were deafened by the cries and wails of women and children,” she noted in her statement.

Armenian armed forces opened fire on people on the road to Aghdam, killing a large number of civilians. In the gunfire, Tapdig clutched his stomach and fell to the ground, while Nezakat, in his arms, was shot and died. Although she herself was wounded in the leg, she held her sons’ hands and continued moving. The surroundings were filled with the bodies of numerous women, children, and elderly people. Her other relatives were also murdered.

Victim Garayev Jabrayil Khasay oglu stated in his testimony that on July 20, 1993, during an attack on Giyasli village of Aghdam district where he lived, he was taken hostage by soldiers of the Armenian armed forces. He was held first in Yetim Jinli village of Aghdam, then in a military unit in Khankendi city, and later in Shusha prison. During his captivity, he was regularly beaten, kept hungry and thirsty for long periods on the cold concrete floor, and subjected to tortures and ill-treatment.

Victim Mammadov Vahid Abasgulu oglu stated in his testimony that he was working on the railway in Meghri district of Armenia. On December 6, 1991, while intending to have lunch in the area called Meghri River with brigade leader Gardashov Etibar Farman oglu, operator Javadov Fazil Agha oglu, operator assistant Nabiyev Javad Gurban oglu, laborers Rahimov Valeh Mirsadig oglu, Heydarov Tofig Sadig oglu, Yusifzade Badal Hashim oglu, Gubadov Etibar Anvar oglu, and Mammadov Mahammadhuseyn Jafargulu oglu, they were taken hostage by Armenian soldiers armed with automatic weapons. They were thrown into a room with iron bars in Gajaran town and looted there. Along with Badal Yusifzade and Etibar Gardashov, he was held in an unidentified mountain village, then in Gafan district. During his captivity, he was subjected to tortures, inhumane, and ill-treatment.

The court session continued with the reading of other statements.

The court proceedings will continue on October 31.

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.

A new era of sustainable architecture has arrived in New York City with the completion of the high-tech skyscraper at 270 Park Avenue, designed by the renowned British architectural firm Foster + Partners. Soaring to a height of 423 meters, the tower stands as one of the tallest new buildings in the United States and a striking addition to the Manhattan skyline, Azernews reports.

Now serving as the global headquarters of JPMorgan Chase, the skyscraper ranks 35th in the world, 6th among New York’s tallest buildings, and 8th nationwide. Despite its immense size, the building was designed to fit into one of Manhattan’s most densely built-up areas, replacing the former tower that once stood on the same site.

Supported by massive steel columns, the new 60-story structure rises gracefully above the street, creating an open public plaza below. Its elegant glass façade, shimmering with reflections of the city, sets it apart from the countless rectangular towers nearby and gives Park Avenue a fresh, futuristic look.

Inside, the tower accommodates 10,000 employees and welcomes thousands of visitors daily. It features eight spacious retail zones, modern office areas, and flexible venues for conferences, public gatherings, and major corporate events. The upper floors host the bank’s executive offices and reception rooms, offering panoramic views of the city that never sleeps.

While no ultra-tall skyscraper can be completely ‘green,’ 270 Park Avenue represents a major step forward in sustainable urban design. It proudly holds a LEED Platinum certification, the highest environmental standard in building performance. Remarkably, 97% of materials from the demolished structure were recycled or reused, minimizing construction waste.

This is New York’s largest fully electric, zero-emissions tower, meaning that its daily operations produce no direct carbon emissions. Advanced systems – including triple-glazed windows, automated lighting that adjusts to natural daylight, and rainwater collection and reuse technologies – significantly reduce energy and water consumption.

Adding to its innovation, the tower integrates smart building management systems powered by artificial intelligence, optimizing temperature, lighting, and energy efficiency in real time. Even the rooftop is designed with a green terrace, providing natural insulation and a relaxing space with breathtaking views for employees.

With its blend of sustainability, technology, and bold design, 270 Park Avenue is not just a new corporate headquarters – it’s a symbol of how the next generation of skyscrapers can reshape cities for a cleaner, smarter future.

Cooperation prospects between Azerbaijan and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) were discussed during a meeting between Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy, Mikayil Jabbarov, and William Tompson, Head of the Eurasia Division at the OECD Global Relations and Cooperation Directorate, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Economy.

During the meeting, it was noted that Azerbaijan actively cooperates with the OECD within the framework of the Eastern Europe and South Caucasus Initiative, which is part of the OECD Eurasia Competitiveness Programme. The sides highlighted successful partnership in areas such as economic diversification, enhancing competitiveness, digitalisation, improving the investment climate, and supporting the development of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

The importance of strengthening ties between the OECD and Eurasian countries for the region’s economic and social development was underlined.

The meeting also reviewed future cooperation opportunities in investment, finance, trade, entrepreneurship, and transport. The sides exchanged views on potential areas for comprehensive collaboration and discussed preparations for the OECD Eurasia Week to be held in 2026.

A new production has been unveiled at the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theater, a musical titled “You Are the King,” inspired by the timeless songs of the legendary 20th-century singer and “King of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” Elvis Presley (1935-1977), Azernews reports.

The three-day premiere enthralled audiences with its captivating storyline, stunning music, impressive dance choreography, and exceptional performances, providing an unforgettable and enriching experience for theatergoers.

The musical, presented in Russian and featuring many of Elvis Presley’s greatest hits, was written and directed by the well-known director and producer ?l?kb?r Tagizad?.

The musical’s music director and conductor is Javad Taghizade, the set designer is Vusal Rahim, the choreographer is Kamila Aliyeva, the choir conductor is Honored Artist Vaqif Mastanov, the conductor is Samad Suleymanli, the concertmaster is Kamil Hasanov (a Presidential pensioner), the lighting designer is Rafayel Vagifoglu, and the assistant directors are Tamilla Aslanova and Polina Fyodorova.

The cast includes Honored Artist Ilham Nazarov and Presidential pensioner Atilla Mammadov (Elvin), actors Rauf Babayev (Elvis Presley), Leonid Klets, and Elchin Ah?dzade (Mayor Braun), Olga Georgiyeva, and Presidential awardee Mehriban Zaliyeva (Rose), Aydan Hasanova (Marilyn), Subhan Rust?mov (Steve), Mubariz Naghiyev (Voice), along with the theater’s choir and ballet performers.

The plot revolves around two love stories: one that took place twenty years ago between two gifted musicians, Rose and Braun. From this relationship, Elvin was born, though he is unaware of it. He works in a bar owned by Braun, and his greatest aspiration is to prove himself as a singer and win the affection of the talented performer Marilyn.

Though at times discouraged, “The King of Rock ‘n’ Roll” (Elvis Presley) continues to inspire him in his dreams, pushing him to achieve success both in music and in love.

After Elvin reaches his goals, the King of Rock ‘n’ Roll symbolically passes on the artistic legacy by handing Elvin his microphone and saying, “Now you are the King.”

While Elvis Presley may have passed away, his unforgettable music, his artistic heirs, and the love embedded in his craft keep his legacy alive. This message lies at the heart of the musical.

The official social media pages for the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku from May 17 to 22, 2026, are now active.

Azernews reports that the aim is to inform local and international audiences about the preparation process and ongoing projects related to the world’s largest global event on sustainable urban development.

Organized in collaboration between the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the forum will bring together representatives from governments, municipalities, the private sector, civil society, youth, academia, and international organizations from around the world.