Category: Azer News

Russian President Vladimir Putin described the signing of the UN Convention on Cybercrime as a “historic event” during a message delivered at the ceremony in Hanoi on Saturday, Azernews reports.

His remarks, read by Russian Prosecutor General Alexander Gutsan, credited the support of most UN member states for advancing Russia’s 2019 proposal to create a global treaty against cybercrime.

Putin noted that despite international tensions, diplomats and law enforcement officials worked together to finalize “the draft of this crucial document.”

The first-ever cadaver organ transplant in Azerbaijan has created a new milestone in the country’s medical history, while also highlighting several emerging challenges and directions for future development, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the international scientific conference titled ‘The First in the Region: Organ Transplantation from a Cadaver. From Successful Experience to the Future’, Head of the Medical Service Department of the State Customs Committee, Honored Doctor, and Major General of the Medical Service Jeyhun Mammadov emphasized that the event marks a turning point in Azerbaijan’s healthcare system.

He underlined the importance of maintaining confidentiality of medical and personal data of deceased donors as one of the core ethical and regulatory issues to be addressed.

‘Equally important is ensuring the capacity to collect donor organs in hospitals where brain death is registered, and advancing cadaveric organ transplantation in regional medical institutions,’ Mammadov said.

He also pointed out the need to differentiate the cost of organ transplants performed from living donors and cadavers within the medical service framework and to create effective administrative mechanisms to eliminate practical barriers during such operations.

Mammadov expressed confidence that the conference would provide valuable insights and help identify practical solutions to strengthen the legal, medical, and organizational framework of cadaveric organ transplantation in Azerbaijan.

For decades, Armenia has faced economic isolation, trapped by closed borders and limited access to international markets because of its stubborn stance in foreign policy. But a recent decision by Azerbaijan to open its territory for transit cargo is changing that narrative, offering Armenia a path toward new opportunities and signaling a real step toward peace.

President Ilham Aliyev confirmed the removal of all transit restrictions during a joint press statement with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on October 21, 2025, highlighting the economic and strategic significance of the move.

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan also welcomed the decision at the V Tbilisi Silk Road Forum, describing it as positive and critical for restoring trust in the region and developing economic relations.

Naturally, the progress has sparked a flurry of reactions. Perhaps most intriguing is the response from Moscow, which has drawn considerable attention from analysts and policymakers alike.

‘Azerbaijan’s decision to open its territory for transit cargo to Armenia is a sign that Baku and Yerevan are serious about moving towards peace,’ Russian expert Mikhail Belyayev stated, commenting on the landmark development.

According to Belyayev, the move carries significant economic implications: ‘This decision by Azerbaijan is of great importance in terms of increasing both bilateral and multilateral trade turnover. For Armenia, which has been blockaded by its neighbors for more than thirty years due to the Garabagh conflict, new opportunities are emerging. Through Azerbaijan, this landlocked country gains access to transport corridors leading to safe sea ports.’

He emphasized that the establishment of transport and economic ties between Azerbaijan and Armenia is broadly beneficial for both the CIS and the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU): ‘Transport routes create additional jobs and stimulate economic development. Every smart leader understands that there are objective economic opportunities determined by geography. There is a long way ahead: the construction of a railway in Armenia connecting Azerbaijan with its exclave Nakhchivan will further enhance trade. The building of highways, railways, and other infrastructure contributes directly to economic growth.

Perhaps, the opening Azerbaijan’s territory for transit cargo will facilitate Armenia’s trade with other countries, including the Central Asian republics. Historically, products from these countries, as well as other EAEU member states, were transported to Armenia primarily via Russia, creating logistical complexity and giving Russia additional influence over Armenia.

Now, transport via Azerbaijan offers a shorter, safer, and potentially lower-cost route, which will improve trade opportunities, increase competition in the Armenian market, and allow goods from a broader set of countries to reach Armenia. At the same time, Russia may also benefit: new logistics routes enable the efficient transport of Russian cargo through Azerbaijan, creating economic advantages for Moscow as well.

Baku has reiterated its commitment to permanent peace and neighborly relations. This lifting of economic and trade restrictions not only supports regional stability but is also aligned with Moscow’s interests. The opening of roads, railways, and eventually air and sea links through Azerbaijan will deepen economic integration, benefiting Armenia, Azerbaijan, and Russia alike.

For instance in the first seven months of 2025, Armenia’s exports fell by 48.3%, amounting to 1.771 trillion drams (approximately $4.545 billion). This decline underscores the need for improved trade routes and access to broader markets. The new transit route through Azerbaijan is expected to alleviate logistical challenges, reduce transportation costs, and enhance Armenia’s competitiveness in regional and global markets.

The establishment of a direct transit route between Azerbaijan and Armenia is anticipated to stimulate economic growth in the South Caucasus. Improved connectivity will facilitate trade not only between the two countries but also with Central Asia, Trkiye, and the European Union.

The question of infrastructure is at the very heart of prospects for peace and prosperity in the South Caucasus. Stretching roughly 1,007 kilometers, the border shared by Azerbaijan and Armenia is the longest in the region, and it’s once again becoming a corridor of opportunity.

Historically, railways and highways crisscrossed this border, facilitating trade and people-to-people contact. Today, the Azerbaijani side is moving swiftly to restore these vital arteries. Many of the rail and road networks on Azerbaijan’s territory are already physically in place, awaiting only the final push to connect with Armenia and come fully back to life.

Progress is tangible: freight trains now travel the Horadiz-Aghband route as far as Gumlaq station, serving Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur. Rails stretch to Minjevan, where bridges and tunnels-currently under construction on the final 25-kilometer section-are set to open next year.

The main highway is nearing completion-95% finished-with tunnels taking shape near the border. Construction is also underway on the highway toward Iran, and the highly anticipated ‘Araz corridor,’ traversing Iranian territory, is slated for a March 2026 opening.

Elsewhere, Nakhchivan is preparing for a major rail upgrade. With a feasibility study complete, plans are in place to renovate 158 kilometers of existing track and lay an additional 30 kilometers of new lines. This project encompasses the stretch from Ordubad to the Armenian border and from Velidag station in Sadarak toward Trkiye. There is every reason to believe the connection with Armenia will soon be restored as well.

On the Gazakh route, daily passenger trains already run-three departures a day, with more expected soon. The railway to Barkhudarly, right at the Armenian border, only needs minor improvements before it too can be revived.

The Armenian side, however, faces more significant hurdles. Some rail lines have collapsed due to landslides, and while efforts to restore motor roads are underway, progress remains partial. For real regional integration to be achieved, accelerated construction on the Armenian side is essential. The gradual reopening of these communication lines could be transformative-not just for commerce, but for the entire region’s future.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov reported a 90% increase in freight traffic along the East-West corridor through Azerbaijan since 2022, highlighting the country’s growing role as a regional trade hub. This trend is expected to continue as new transit routes open up.

Additionally, the U.S.-brokered peace agreement includes the development of the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP), a 32-kilometer corridor through southern Armenia connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave. This corridor will accommodate rail, oil and gas pipelines, and fiber optics, further enhancing regional connectivity.

By opening its territory, Azerbaijan is offering more than a passageway for goods-it is opening a door to trust, dialogue, and regional prosperity. Armenia gets access to vital trade corridors, Azerbaijan reinforces its leadership, and Russia stands to gain from new logistical routes. This moment reminds the South Caucasus that even small steps toward cooperation can generate lasting benefits for countries and communities alike.

One of the events of the Art Weekend to be held in Baku from October 31 through November 2 will be a multidisciplinary program for the youth, Azernews reports.

On November 2, the “Thank you, Sea!” project will be presented at the Museum of Painting as part of that program.

The performances in the joint project of the “SÖZ” art center and the State Children’s Philharmonic are inspired by the lyrical works of Leyla Aliyeva, the initiator of Art Weekend.

The project brings together poetry, music, dance and visual art.

The program to be presented by talented young artists reminds us that poetry lives not only on paper, but also in sound, movement and dreams.

The “Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW” project will be organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and IDEA Public Union, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of Azerbaijan.

the Rashid Behbutov State Song Theatre will host Autumn Legends 2025 Arts Competition, organized in partnership with the Azerbaijan Youth Union the Azerbaijan Dance Association, Azernews reports.

The large-scale competition, held during the autumn season, will bring together talented participants not only from Baku but also from various regions across the country. The project has been taking place for the eighth consecutive year and traditionally unites young artists with diverse talents.

Aziz Azizov, President of the Azerbaijan Dance Association and the founder of the project, emphasized that the competition aims to support talented youth and create opportunities for their creative growth:

“Each performance is not just a competition, but a chance to express oneself, believe in one’s talent, and feel the power of the stage. Don’t be afraid to be sincere and bold, because it is the emotions that make art come alive. Let this competition be a new step towards your dreams.”

During the competition, participants will have the opportunity to showcase their talents in a variety of genres, including folklore, classical music, pop music, as well as in singing, theater, vocal, artistic reading, choreography, and fashion. Performances will be evaluated by a competent jury consisting of Honored and People’s Artists of Azerbaijan.

Each contestant, starting from the age of four, will have the chance to demonstrate their talent, artistry, and stage presence. Winners will receive diplomas, trophies, and special prizes.

The competition will serve as a bright start to the autumn season, providing young artists with new emotions, inspiration, and motivation for future creative achievements.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev on the occasion of his country’s national holiday, Azernews reports.

“Dear Kassym-Jomart Kemelevich,

On behalf of myself and the people of Azerbaijan, I am pleased to convey to you, and through you, to the brotherly people of your country, my sincerest congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the national holiday of the Republic of Kazakhstan – Republic Day.

The brilliant successes achieved by Kazakhstan in every field, its economic development, the improvement of the well-being of its population, and its high prestige in the international arena are the results of the significant reforms implemented under your leadership and your tireless efforts.

The common historical and cultural roots of our peoples are among the primary factors shaping our interstate cooperation. Relations between our brotherly countries are developing in the spirit of mutual trust and high respect. The “Treaty on Strategic Partnership and Allied Relations between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Kazakhstan,” the 20th anniversary of which we marked this year, vividly reflects the strategic nature of our interstate relations.

The intensity of our political contacts, the presence of mutual understanding at the highest level, and active dialogue create a favorable ground for deepening our cooperation in various fields, particularly in trade and economic relations, energy – including green energy – transport, investment, information technologies, cultural and humanitarian spheres, and other areas.

The results achieved, the agreements reached, and the documents signed during my recent state visit to your brotherly country are a clear manifestation of our unwavering will and determination to further deepen our relations.

I am confident that we will continue our joint efforts successfully in the future to strengthen the brotherhood, reliable strategic partnership, and alliance between Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan, as well as to comprehensively expand our cooperation.

On this joyous day, I wish you good health, happiness, and success in your high state activities, and lasting peace, prosperity, and abundance to the brotherly people of Kazakhstan,” the letter reads.

Since joining the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) in 2011, Azerbaijan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the Bandung Principles, pursuing an independent and balanced foreign policy while prioritizing regional cooperation and deepening alliance ties with Trkiye, Azernews reports.

This was stated by Farid Shafiyev, Chairman of the Center for the Analysis of International Relations (CIR), at a conference titled ‘The Role of Neutral and Non-Aligned Countries in International Peace and Security’ held in Vienna.

Shafiyev noted that after the Cold War, Azerbaijan explored various cooperation formats – including within the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) and through European integration – but current geopolitical realities have reinforced the importance of maintaining a pragmatic and balanced foreign policy.

He recalled that during Azerbaijan’s NAM chairmanship from 2019 to 2023, Baku launched several important initiatives, such as promoting global solidarity, advocating for fair vaccine distribution during the pandemic, and founding the NAM Youth Organization and the NAM Parliamentary Network.

Shafiyev emphasized that Azerbaijan consistently prioritizes respect for international law, particularly the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.

‘During the Second Garabagh War in 2020, the vast majority of NAM member states supported the sovereignty and just position of Azerbaijan within its internationally recognized borders. This solidarity was a clear example of mutual trust and friendship within the Movement,’ he said.

He further underlined that Azerbaijan continues to promote dialogue, multilateralism, and international justice, positioning itself as a reliable mediator and a partner for peace and stability in the region by hosting negotiations between various countries.

In his presentation, Shafiyev also discussed the historical, political, and socio-economic context that led to the formation of the Non-Aligned Movement during World War II, as well as the challenges and evolving role of the Movement in the post-bipolar global order.

The conference was organized with the support of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Austria, in collaboration with CIR, the Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for the Study of the Consequences of War, and the Vienna Diplomatic Academy. Opening remarks were delivered by Rovshan Sadigbayli, Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Austria and Permanent Representative to the OSCE, and Martina Schubert, Deputy Director of the Vienna Diplomatic Academy, followed by expert discussions on the topi

Azerbaijan’s election as Co-Chair of the United Nations Intergovernmental Working Group on ‘Adequate Housing for All’ marks yet another chapter in the country’s growing influence within the global policy architecture. The decision, taken at the UN-Habitat headquarters in Nairobi, is more than a ceremonial appointment – it is a recognition of Baku’s vision for sustainable urban development, inclusive housing, and forward-looking governance.

At a time when many nations grapple with the urban crises of overcrowding, inequality, and environmental degradation, Azerbaijan stands out as a model of balanced modernization. The country’s urban policy, shaped by both social responsibility and smart planning, demonstrates that progress and human dignity can coexist – a principle the global North has often failed to reconcile.

Over the past two decades, Baku has transformed from a post-Soviet industrial city into a dynamic urban hub that blends heritage with innovation. Its skyline, infrastructure, and green development initiatives reveal a deliberate strategy: to build cities that serve people, not just capital. This approach, rooted in the idea of ‘people-centered smart cities,’ lies at the core of UN-Habitat’s global agenda – and Azerbaijan’s leadership within this framework is therefore no coincidence.

The Co-Chairmanship shared with Somalia for the 2025-2026 term symbolizes the growing participation of the Global South in shaping international norms. For decades, housing policy and urban planning were dictated by Western institutions whose models often ignored cultural, demographic, and climatic realities of the developing world. Azerbaijan’s role signals a rebalancing of that dialogue – one that values local wisdom, regional cooperation, and practical innovation over abstract theorizing.

Baku’s forthcoming hosting of the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13) in May 2026 will further cement this role. The event, under the theme ‘Housing for All: Safe and Sustainable Cities and Human Settlements,’ is expected to gather global policymakers, architects, and experts to discuss the future of urban life. Yet beyond the formal sessions and policy papers, WUF13 will carry symbolic weight: it will showcase Azerbaijan as a country capable of translating international commitments into visible, human-centered results.

Few nations in the post-Soviet space have managed such a transformation. Through projects that prioritize livability, accessibility, and environmental care, Azerbaijan has redefined its development identity. The reconstruction and revitalization efforts in the liberated territories after the Garabagh victory exemplify this. The concept of ‘smart villages’ and ‘green cities’ being built from the ground up demonstrates how a country emerging from conflict can embrace sustainability, technology, and inclusivity – values that resonate deeply with the UN’s housing and urban goals.

Furthermore, Azerbaijan’s partnership with UN-Habitat has grown steadily in recent years. Hosting the 2023 World Habitat Day, participating in the drafting of international guidelines for people-centered smart cities, and maintaining membership in the UN-Habitat Executive Board all reflect a consistent pattern of engagement. These are not isolated gestures of diplomacy; they are part of a broader narrative where Azerbaijan positions itself as a bridge between developed and developing nations – a meeting point of cultures, policies, and perspectives.

In this sense, Baku’s election is also a political statement. It reflects the global recognition that Azerbaijan’s urban philosophy – balancing modernity with cultural continuity – can inspire others. While some Western capitals struggle with homelessness, decaying infrastructure, and social alienation, Azerbaijan promotes a vision of the city as a shared home where economic progress does not come at the expense of human connection.

The election also signals that global institutions are gradually diversifying leadership beyond the usual centers of influence. As the world faces converging crises – from climate change to mass migration – it is precisely nations like Azerbaijan, with experience in resilience, reconstruction, and strategic foresight, that can offer practical solutions.

Ultimately, the Co-Chairmanship of the UN Working Group on Adequate Housing for All is not just a diplomatic victory. It is a moral one. It affirms that Azerbaijan’s commitment to sustainable development, social inclusion, and innovation is being noticed – and increasingly emulated. The country’s journey from rebuilding its own cities to helping the world build better ones is a testament to what visionary leadership can achieve when anchored in values of dignity, justice, and human-centered growth.

In Nairobi, Azerbaijan was chosen to help shape the world’s housing future. In Baku, that future is already taking form – one sustainable neighborhood, one smart village, one hopeful home at a time.

North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un said military brotherhood between his country and Russia would “advance non-stop,” Azernews reports via KCNA.

North Korea has broken ground on a new memorial in Pyongyang dedicated to its soldiers killed fighting alongside Russian troops to push Ukrainian forces out of Kursk, state media reported.

The groundbreaking ceremony for the “Memorial Museum of Combat Feats” was attended by North Korea’s leader Kim Jong-un and Russia’s ambassador to North Korea Aleksandr Matsegora as well as other embassy officials.

Speaking at the event on Thursday, Kim said the memorial “is a sacred sanctuary dedicated to the immortality of true patriots,” state-run news agency KCNA reported on Friday.

It is not uncommon for North Korean state media to report on events a day after they happened.

Speaking about the operation in Kursk where Ukraine launched a surprise incursion in August last year, Kim said that the “military brotherhood” between his country and Russia would “advance non-stop,” KCNA reported.

According to South Korean assessments, North Korea has sent around 15,000 troops to Russia since last autumn and supplied large quantities of military equipment, including artillery and ballistic missiles, in support of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine.

Seoul estimates that at least 600 North Korean soldiers have been killed fighting alongside Russian troops, with thousands more wounded.

Kim has also agreed to send thousands of military construction workers and deminers to Kursk, as Kim deepens military ties with Russia.

South Korean officials have expressed concern that North Korea could receive badly needed economic aid and advanced military technologies in exchange for its war support.

Thailand’s Queen Mother Sirikit died at the age of 93 in a Bangkok hospital late on Friday, the Royal Household Bureau announced, Azernews reports via DW.

Since October 17, the former queen of Thailand had been suffering from a blood infection.

She had been largely absent from public life in recent years due to declining health. Her husband, King Bhumibol Adulyadej, died in October 2016.

They married on April 28, 1950, a week before his coronation on May 5.

His coronation was held off for four years because he returned to Switzerland to complete his university studies.

He actually became king in 1946 after the previous incumbent, his 20-year-old brother, King Ananda Mahidol, died after a gunshot wound in circumstances that remain unclear to this day.