Category: Azer News

As Azerbaijan prepares for its next monetary policy announcement on October 22, 2025, all eyes are on the Central Bank to gauge whether it will maintain its current interest rates or signal a shift in policy. According to the 2025 schedule for public announcements of monetary decisions, the upcoming meeting marks a critical juncture in the country’s effort to balance inflation control with economic growth.

On September 10, 2025, the Central Bank’s Board decided to hold the key policy rate steady at 7 percent, with the interest rate corridor remaining at 6-8 percent. This decision was informed by multiple factors: the trajectory of actual inflation relative to the 4±2 percent target, global economic trends, domestic macroeconomic conditions, ongoing stability in the currency market, and the transmission mechanism of monetary policy. By signaling a cautious stance, the Bank appeared intent on carefully calibrating the economy without stifling growth.

Earlier, on July 23, 2025, the Central Bank had lowered all parameters of the interest rate corridor by 0.25 percentage points, adjusting the key rate to 7 percent, the lower bound to 6 percent, and the upper bound to 8 percent. This move reflected an accommodative stance designed to stimulate domestic demand while monitoring inflation dynamics.

Yet September data revealed an acceleration in inflation. Annual inflation rose from 4.9 percent in August to 5.7 percent, according to the State Statistical Committee. Food, alcoholic beverages, and tobacco prices increased by 7.9 percent; non-food products by 2.4 percent; and paid services for households by 5.3 percent compared to the same month last year. The uptick in consumer prices underscores the Central Bank’s challenging task of balancing economic support with price stability.

Analysts suggest that, despite the uptick, the Bank may adopt a ‘wait-and-see’ approach on October 22, leaving interest rates unchanged. Public statements by Bank officials have indicated that current rates are at neutral levels, allowing flexibility in responding to either acceleration or moderation in inflation. Should inflation continue to rise, rates could be raised; conversely, if inflation slows, the Bank could pursue further cuts to stimulate the economy.

Some market observers, however, interpret the Bank’s recent actions as indicative of a longer-term trend toward rate reductions. According to economist Natig Jafarly, speaking to AzerNews, another rate cut is highly likely before year-end.

‘The Central Bank will likely lower the policy rate by 0.25 percent again. This could happen either at tomorrow’s meeting or at the final meeting of the year. The trend is clear: rates will not be increased, and the Bank is moving toward a reduction. Even if the cut is not implemented tomorrow, we will witness it before the year concludes,’ Jafarly noted.

This perspective reflects a cautious optimism that the Bank can provide economic stimulus without undermining currency stability or letting inflation spiral. Indeed, the Central Bank has shown a deliberate, step-by-step approach, signaling to markets that any adjustments will be calibrated carefully. The challenge, however, lies in balancing these domestic measures with external pressures. Global commodity prices, exchange rate volatility, and cross-border capital flows all play roles in shaping the Bank’s decisions.

For businesses and consumers, the implications are significant. Stable or slightly reduced rates could encourage lending and investment, supporting Azerbaijan’s broader economic objectives. For households, predictable rates help manage borrowing costs amid rising prices, while businesses can better plan capital expenditures and expansions.

Ultimately, the October 22 decision will not only reflect the Central Bank’s response to recent inflation data but also its strategic view of economic growth and financial stability in a rapidly evolving global context. While short-term volatility may tempt policymakers to act aggressively, the overarching narrative points to a measured approach, with a modest rate reduction by year-end serving as a likely course.

In this environment, investors, economists, and market participants will closely interpret the Bank’s guidance for signals about Azerbaijan’s macroeconomic trajectory. The delicate balance between controlling inflation and fostering growth remains at the heart of the Bank’s policy calculus-a balancing act that will define Azerbaijan’s economic performance in the months ahead.

The final stage of the Beach Wrestling World Series has taken place in Alexandria, Egypt, Azernews reports.

Three Azerbaijani wrestlers participated in the competition under the leadership of head coach Oyan Nazariani.

In the 80 kg category, Sahib Dadashov defeated Egyptian Adham Abdelzaher (4:1), and Vusal Aliyev defeated Georgian Diego Makharadze (3:2) to qualify for the group stage.

In Group A, Sahib defeated Georgian Ramaz Zoidze (2:2) and Moldovan Vasile Diako (1:1) on the last-minute points principle, but gave Serbian Milyan Rajic no chance – 3:0. Vusal, who was placed in Group B, lost to Ukrainian Vasil Mikhailov with a score of 1:3 in the first round, but won a technical victory over the injured Frenchman Hugo Cuenot in the next round. In the last round, he defeated Greek Christos Christoforidis with a score of 4:0. Dadashov advanced to the semifinals as the group leader, while Aliyev as the second place holder.

On the verge of the final, our representatives faced each other and defeated Vusal Sahibi with a score of 3:2. Dadashov won a bronze medal by defeating Zoidze with a score of 4:2. Aliyev lost to Mikhailov with a score of 2:3 in the final and finished the competition with a silver medal. In the 90 kg category, Ibrahim Yusubov defeated American Jacob Bumgardner (3:0), Greek Mikhail Akritidis (3:1) and Georgian Davit Khutsishvili (3:2) in Group A.

The national wrestler, who qualified for the semifinals as the group leader, also showed his strength against American Jabari Irons – 4:1.

Yusubov won the final against Ukrainian Oleksiy Yakovchuk with a score of 2:1 and became the champion. After the final stage of the World Series, the points earned by the wrestlers in all 5 stages were calculated and the final three were determined in each weight category.

As a result, Vusal Aliyev, who made his debut in beach wrestling this year, became the world champion in the 80 kg category. Ibrahim Yusubov achieved the same result in the 90 kg category.

Thus, the Azerbaijani wrestler became a four-time world champion.

For the first time in one season, two of the national athletes won the title of world champion in beach wrestling among adults.

From 31 October to 2 November, an art festival will be held in Baku, organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the IDEA Public Association, in partnership with the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The author and initiator of the project is Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder of the IDEA Public Association.

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

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

Under the theme ‘Fly to Baku. Art Weekend. Sense the Future NOW,’ the event will immerse the city in a wave of creativity, emotion, and energy.

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

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

The festival will span some of the city’s leading cultural venues, including the Heydar Aliyev Center, Icherisheher (Old City), Museum of Modern Art, Museum of Stone Chronicles, Samad Vurghun Azerbaijan State Academic Russian Drama Theatre, Baku Marionette Theatre, Republic Children and Youth Development Center, Magsud Ibragimbeyov Creative Center, Q Gallery, Baku Photography House, YARAT Contemporary Art Space, Museum of Azerbaijani Painting, Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, Nine Senses Art Center, and other locations.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has awarded a group of Azerbaijani statisticians for their outstanding contributions to the country’s data and statistical system, Azernews reports.

The Order “For Service to the Fatherland” of the 3rd degree

Vahab Mammadov

The Taraggi Medal.

Huseyn Baghirov

The Medal “For Distinction in Civil Service”

Abdulkerim Ashurov

Nazim Babayev

Toghrul Ajalov

Rauf Aliyev

Heydar Gafarov

Eyyub Gahramanov

Sabina Guliyeva

Farnad Tahirov

On October 20, Azerbaijan celebrates Zangilan City Day, Azernews reports.

On the occasion of this historic day, a virtual exhibition titled “October 20 – Zangilan City Day” and a traditional book exhibition of the same name were presented to users at the Azerbaijan National Library.

The virtual exhibition showcases official documents, photographs, materials about the city of Zangilan, as well as the ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts, the high-level organization of the Great Return to Zangilan, and the 44-day Patriotic War and the Great Victory.

Books, articles, and other materials preserved in the collection of the National Library are presented in both Azerbaijani and foreign languages.

Those who wish to familiarize themselves with the virtual exhibition can use the link.

The traditional exhibition features books in Azerbaijani and various languages ??about the history of the city of Zangilan, its toponyms, ancient material and cultural monuments of historical importance, the 44-Patriotic War, the glorious victory, the heroes who wrote history, and the path of soldiers, officers, and martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the territorial integrity of our country.

Azerbaijani paralympians have secured 51 medals in international competitions in 2025, Azernews reports, citing the National Paralympic Committee.

This impressive tally includes 14 gold, 17 silver, and 20 bronze medals, showcasing the athletes’ outstanding performances in a range of sports.

Azerbaijan made its Paralympic Games debut at the 1996 Summer Paralympics in Atlanta, competing in track and field and power lifting. In the same year, the National Paralympic Committee was established.

Since 1996, national paralympians have taken part in many international competitions and six Paralympic Games. They enriched the country’s medal haul with multiple awards.

The Azerbaijani Paralympic team has made significant progress since the Tokyo 2020 Games, where they won 14 medals, including 4 gold, 4 silver, and 6 bronze.

Notable athletes, including Olympic gold medalists Lamiya Valiyeva and Said Najafzade, proudly represented their country by waving its national flag during the official country parade at the closing ceremony of the Summer Paralympic Games.

The Paris 2024 Summer Paralympic Games brought together 4,000 athletes from around the world.

The event marked the first time Paris hosted the Summer Paralympics and the second time that France has hosted the Paralympic Games, after Tignes and Albertville jointly hosted the 1992 Winter Paralympics.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in the Republic of Kazakhstan for a state visit on October 20.

A guard of honor was lined up for the Azerbaijani President at Astana International Airport.

President Ilham Aliyev was welcomed by President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev.

The guard of honor marched in front of the two leaders to the accompaniment of a military march.

Between October 13 and 19, humanitarian demining operations in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories resulted in the discovery and neutralization of 69 anti-tank mines, 61 anti-personnel mines, and 2 unexploded ordnance (UXO) items, Azernews reports.

The weekly report from the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) provides details of these operations, highlighting ongoing efforts to make the areas safe for residents and reconstruction activities.

According to ANAMA, a total of 1,587.8 hectares of land have been cleared of mines during this period.

The demining operations have been conducted jointly by ANAMA, the Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Emergency Situations (MES), the State Border Service, and four private companies. The work covers several districts, including Tartar, Aghdara, Kalbajar, Aghdam, Khojaly, Khankendi, Shusha, Khojavend, Lachin, Fuzuli, Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan, as well as the recently liberated villages of Baghanis Ayrim, Ashagi Askipara, Kheyrimli, and Gyzylhacili in the Gazakh district.

These operations are part of a broader effort to restore security, facilitate resettlement, and support socio-economic reconstruction in the formerly occupied regions of Azerbaijan.

A delegation led by Taleh Kazimov, Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, held a series of meetings with major international financial institutions during the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Azernews reports, citing the CBA.

According to information, discussions with financial organizations such as Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank, Mizuho Bank, UBS, and the Federal Reserve Bank of New York focused on the global macroeconomic outlook, current trends and development prospects of Azerbaijan’s financial sector, as well as opportunities to deepen cooperation between financial sectors.

The meetings, held during the U.S. visit from October 13 to 18, were significant for strengthening collaboration between Azerbaijan’s Central Bank and the country’s financial sector with leading international financial institutions. They also aimed to reinforce strategic dialogue with international partners to support Azerbaijan’s ongoing economic development.

Ahead of the visit of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, images of the Azerbaijani flag have appeared on street media screens in Astana, Azernews reports, citing Zakon.kz.

A video featuring Azerbaijani flags displayed on the streets of Astana was released by the press service of Akorda on October 19. The footage shows illuminated LED screens with the Azerbaijani tricolour lighting up the city’s main avenues in the evening.

Earlier, it was reported that, at the invitation of Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev will pay a state visit to Kazakhstan on October 20-21, 2025.

During the visit, high-level talks will be held.

In addition, the two heads of state will take part in a meeting of the Supreme Interstate Council and the Kazakhstan-Azerbaijan Business Forum.

It is worth noting that just recently, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev visited Azerbaijan. On October 6, he arrived in Gabala, and on October 7, the president took part in the 12th Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States.