Category: Azer News

Azerbaijani freestyle wrestler Khetag Karsanov (125 kg) has earned a silver medal at the U-23 World Championships held in Novi Sad, Serbia, Azernews reports.

Around 685 wrestlers from 57 countries participate in the U-23 World Championships.

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

The Rio Olympic Games marked a new chapter in Azerbaijan’s wrestling history, as the nation became one of only two countries ever to increase its medal count in five consecutive Olympic 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.

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

K-pop star Choi Ki-su, known by his stage name KISU, has returned to Baku for his highly anticipated second concert, leaving a trail of excitement and energy in the air.

The South Korean singer-songwriter, formerly the lead vocalist of the boy group 24K, once again mesmerized his Azerbaijani fans with a performance that was nothing short of unforgettable.

Organized by Korean Shop Baku, the concert attracted a diverse crowd of music lovers to Hayal Kahvesi Baku.

In an interview with AZERNEWS, KISU shared his thoughts on returning to Azerbaijan for the second time.

Reflecting on his previous experiences in Baku, he expressed how special it felt to reconnect with his devoted Azerbaijani fans.

KISU also took the opportunity to speak about his personal life, revealing some of his favorite hobbies and interests outside of music.

On the topic of his future musical endeavors, KISU hinted at exciting new projects on the horizon.

Q: This is your second concert in Baku. How do you feel about returning to Azerbaijan?

A: I feel so happy to be back! The first time I came to Baku, the love and energy from the fans were unforgettable. I really missed that connection, so I’m very excited to see everyone again and share new memories together.

Q: What kind of atmosphere do you experience at your concerts in Baku? What do you especially enjoy about interacting with Azerbaijani fans?

A: The atmosphere in Baku is always full of passion and warmth. Azerbaijani fans have a very unique energy – they sing loudly, they smile all the time, and they make me feel at home even though I’m far from Korea. I love how sincere they are.

Q: What songs are included in your new concert program? Are there any special performances you’ve prepared specifically for Azerbaijani fans?

A: This time I prepared a mix of my solo songs, some special covers, and even a few surprises that fans haven’t seen before. I wanted to make the show feel more personal and emotional, just for my fans in Baku.

Q: How did your concert in Baku go? Was there anything that particularly surprised or delighted you this time?

A: It was amazing! The fans were louder and more passionate than ever. What surprised me most was that they knew all the lyrics – even the Korean parts! That really touched me. I could feel how much love and effort they put into supporting me.

Q: How do your tours usually go? How do you prepare for concerts in different countries?

A: Before every concert, I always try to learn about the country and its culture, so I can connect better with the fans. I also practice a lot, both vocally and physically, to make sure I can give my best performance on stage, no matter where I am.

Q: Besides music, do you have any hobbies or interests that help you relax and find inspiration? What do you like to do in your free time?

A: I really enjoy photography and drawing – they help me calm my mind and find new ideas. I also like taking quiet walks or spending time in cafés, just watching people and listening to music. Those little moments inspire me a lot.

Q: What are your musical plans for the near future?

A: I’m currently working on new songs, and I hope to release another album soon. I also want to continue meeting my fans around the world and performing live. Music is my way of expressing love and gratitude, so I want to keep sharing that feeling as much as I can.

After the main concert, fans were thrilled to attend a fan meeting session, which was followed by an exciting afterparty.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved $700,000 in technical assistance to enhance energy efficiency and implement clean technologies in the Baku Metro system, Azernews reports, citing the ADB.

The initiative, titled ‘Decarbonizing Baku Metro for a Smart and Sustainable Urban Transit Future,’ aims to reduce the metro’s carbon footprint, optimize energy use, and lower operating costs.

Under the technical assistance program, experts will assess opportunities for infrastructure modernization, including the integration of renewable energy sources such as solar panels and battery energy storage systems (BESS). The project will also explore the introduction of smart energy management systems, predictive maintenance, and big data-driven solutions to improve efficiency and reliability.

As the backbone of Baku’s public transportation network, the metro currently carries around 630,000 passengers daily. With government plans to expand the network to five lines spanning 120 kilometers by 2035, the need for sustainable and energy-efficient solutions is becoming increasingly urgent.

The decarbonization of the metro will not only reduce emissions and support Azerbaijan’s national commitments to curb greenhouse gases but also improve operational performance and decrease maintenance expenses.

According to the ADB, this project represents a key element of its broader partnership with Baku Metro, contributing to the alignment of the city’s transport infrastructure with international standards for environmental sustainability.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has appointed Seymur Fataliyev as the country’s new Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the United Mexican States, Azernews reports.

According to the decree signed by the head of state, Seymur Fataliyev is set to assume the role of Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary for the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Mexico.

The State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) and Uzbekistan’s Uzbekneftegaz JSC have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to strengthen cooperation in applying artificial intelligence (AI) technologies in the oil and gas industry, Azernews reports.

According to SOCAR, the agreement envisions collaboration in several areas, including the purchase of SOCAR-developed AI solutions, exchange of expertise and specialists, and support for SOCAR’s digital transformation aimed at increasing production efficiency. The partnership also includes consulting services in information technology to enhance digitalization across operations.

Under the MoU, the two sides will jointly develop AI-based projects to optimize diesel fuel production, create a large language model (LLM) to assist operational teams, and implement ‘Seismic AI’ and ENOM systems for automated analysis of geological and energy data. SOCAR will also offer consulting support in establishing a unified information architecture integrating all business processes, as well as in the ODLAR and Daily Drilling projects focused on full digitalization and visualization of seismic and drilling data.

The memorandum marks a significant step toward expanding the use of AI technologies in the oil and gas sector, fostering innovation, efficiency, and technological partnership between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has acknowledged what he described as a historic step in regional relations, expressing gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for Azerbaijan’s decision to lift all restrictions on cargo transit to Armenia, Azernews reports via Armenia media.

Speaking during budget hearings in parliament, Pashinyan noted that for the first time, Armenia’s budget discussions were taking place ‘in a peaceful environment with Azerbaijan,’ marking a symbolic shift after decades of tension.

He revealed that Armenia is now prepared to facilitate transit for Turkish trucks along the Margara-Yeghegnadzor-Sisian-Goris route. ‘At the moment, this is the only option that the Armenian side can implement,’ the prime minister said.

Pashinyan also confirmed that the first batch of grain from Kazakhstan will be delivered to Armenia via the Azerbaijan-Georgia-Armenia railway route.

The development follows President Aliyev’s announcement in Astana alongside Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, where he stated that Azerbaijan had lifted all transit restrictions that had existed since the period of occupation.

The Grace of Nature Rhythmic Gymnastics Tournament has taken place in Gabala, organized by the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation, Azernews reports.

The event saw participation from gymnasts representing 20 different sports clubs across various regions of the country, such as Ocaq Sport, Grasiya Sports Club, BGM, RKIM, SIS, Sarhadchi Olympic Sports Center, and Dinamo Sports Society, along with athletes from cities like Goranboy, Shirvan, Zira, Nakhchivan, Mingachevir-Kur, Absheron OSC, Ganja OSC, Shagan, Hovsan, Ganja, Goychay, Sabirabad, and Agdash.

A total of 203 individual gymnasts and 8 group teams competed. On the first day, athletes born between 2019 and 2016 showcased their skills, followed by competitors born between 2016 and 2013 on the second day, and those born between 2013 and 2010 on the final day.

The gymnasts performed in both all-around and apparatus programs, with the top performers receiving medals.

This tournament plays a crucial role in providing young gymnasts with the opportunity to demonstrate their abilities, gain valuable competition experience, and grow in a supportive and motivating environment.

Founded in 1956, the Azerbaijani Gymnastics Federation comprises seven gymnastics disciplines recognised by the International Federation of Gymnastics (FIG).

The federation has been experiencing a revival since 2002. The restructured federation has brought gymnastics to a completely new level. The high-level organisation of the gymnastics events did not go unnoticed.

The International Gymnastics Federation (FIG) has included the Azerbaijan Gymnastics Federation (AGF) in the list of meritorious federations.

For many years, the AGF has been included in the FIG list of the Top 10 gymnastics federations.

Discussions have been held between Azerbaijan and China on the production and export of wind – both onshore and offshore – as well as solar energy.

As reported by Azernews, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov shared the information on his official X account.

The minister said that the discussions took place during a meeting with Lu Xu, Vice President of China Energy Engineering Corporation Limited.

According to Shahbazov, the meeting focused on the implementation of priority projects within the framework of the comprehensive strategic partnership in the energy sector.

‘We discussed the current state and next steps of cooperation in the production and export of offshore and onshore wind and solar energy, the development of transmission networks, the establishment of a Joint Research Center for Green Energy Development, as well as the supply of equipment for solar power plants with a total capacity of 760 MW,’ the minister said.

According to the 2025 Work Plan of the Chamber of Accounts of the Republic of Azerbaijan, an audit of revenues and expenditures was carried out during the preparation and implementation stages of the COP29 international event. As a result of the audit, a positive opinion was issued on the financial statements prepared by COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, Azernews reports.

The audit was conducted using a methodology based on the international principles of the INTOSAI Framework of Professional Pronouncements (IFPP). The audit process included the analysis of financial documents, verification of the accuracy of income and expenditure reports, assessment of compliance with the legal framework, and evaluation of the effectiveness of the internal control system.

Of the total funds for the event, 92.5% came from the state budget and 7.5% from other sources. The funds were used to cover the operational, construction, service, transportation, equipment, marketing, and other necessary expenses of the COP29 Azerbaijan Operating Company, as well as payments under international commitments. The main share of operational expenses was spent on conference venues (65.4%) and content development activities (10.2%). After the event, long-term assets acquired (such as vehicles and equipment) were duly transferred for use by relevant state institutions.

During the preparation and implementation stages, the main contractors under service agreements were non-resident companies operating in Turkiye, Germany, Israel, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates.

The audit report noted not only the positive aspects of financial management but also areas that could be improved. No significant violations of procurement legislation were identified.

Within the framework of the event, all acquired assets and incurred liabilities were inventoried, the reusability of long-term assets was assessed, the completeness of handover documents was checked, and the importance of reconciling data with contractors was emphasized.

The positive outcome of the audit demonstrates that the organization of COP29 was conducted in accordance with the principles of transparency, accountability, and efficient financial management.

The 85th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s prominent statesman and Doctor of Historical Sciences, Hasan Hasanov, has been celebrated at the Azerbaijan State Academic Drama Theater, Azernews reports.

The event was attended by Farah Aliyeva, Head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism, and Religious Affairs of the Presidential Administration, Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, as well as other state and public figures.

Speaking at the ceremony, Deputy Speaker of the Azerbaijan National Assembly and Director of the National Museum of Azerbaijani Literature, Academician Rafael Huseyn, highlighted Hasan Hasanov’s multifaceted contributions to statehood, science, and culture.

As part of the event, the play “Letters from Exile”, authored by the celebrant himself, was presented. The work, dedicated to the life of the founder of Azerbaijani dramaturgy Mirza Fatali Akhundzade and his son Rashid, brings enlightenment ideas and national thought to the stage.

The play was staged by People’s Artist Marahim Farzalibayov, with set design by Honored Cultural Worker Ilham Elkhanoglu, and music arrangement by Hamid Kazimzade.

Performances were given by People’s Artists Ali Nur, Lalezar Mustafayeva, Haji Ismayilov, Kazim Abdullayev, Honored Artists Elshan Jabrayilov, Vafa Rzayeva, and actors Rustam Rustamov and Elchin Efendi.