President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev arrived in Kazakhstan for state visit [PHOTOS/VIDEO]

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.

Humanitarian demining efforts advance with significant land cleared for reconstruction

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.

CBA strengthens ties with global financial institutions

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.

Astana lights up in Azerbaijani colours ahead of President Aliyev’s state visit [VIDEO]

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.

Azerbaijan’s military official honors special forces on fifth anniversary of victory [PHOTOS]

On the occasion of the fifth anniversary of the Patriotic War, Military Prosecutor Bahruz Ahmadov met with the Special Forces of the Defense Ministry, Azernews reports.

According to the Military Prosecutor’s Office, the meeting began with a moment of silence to honor the memory of National Leader Heydar Aliyev and the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence and territorial integrity.

During the event, participants reflected on the unity of the Azerbaijani people and Armed Forces under the leadership of the Victorious Commander-in-Chief, President Ilham Aliyev, which led to the historic triumph in the Patriotic War.

The Special Forces reaffirmed their unwavering commitment to carrying out the Commander-in-Chief’s orders and protecting Azerbaijan’s sovereign territories.

The event also featured demonstrations of exemplary combat maneuvers by the Special Forces, showcasing their professionalism, discipline, and readiness to fulfill any mission assigned to them.

At the conclusion of the meeting, service members who distinguished themselves in their duties were presented with gifts and certificates of appreciation. Military Prosecutor Bahruz Ahmadov praised their courage and dedication, expressing confidence that the personnel of the Special Forces would continue to contribute to the country’s defense and security with the same spirit of patriotism and devotion.

Landmine explosion injures ANAMA employee in Khojavend

A new landmine incident has once again underscored the ongoing threat posed by Armenian-laid mines in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, Azernews reports.

According to the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), a mine explosion occurred today in the village of Tagaverd in the Khojavend region. The explosion injured Ilgar Veli oglu Shirinov, a 1967-born ANAMA employee working as an excavator operator. The agency reported that Shirinov triggered an anti-personnel mine while carrying out his official duties. He was immediately evacuated to a regional hospital, where doctors were forced to amputate his right leg at the ankle. His condition is reported as stable.

The tragic incident highlights the enduring consequences of Armenia’s decades-long military occupation, during which hundreds of thousands of mines were planted across Azerbaijani territories, including residential areas, agricultural lands, and roads. Since the end of the 2020 Patriotic War, over 350 Azerbaijani civilians and personnel have fallen victim to landmines, with many killed or severely injured while supporting reconstruction or returning to their native lands.

Despite continuous demining efforts led by ANAMA, the process remains difficult due to Armenia’s refusal to provide full and accurate maps of mined areas. Azerbaijan continues to call on the international community to hold Armenia accountable for the use of landmines as a tool of terror, which continues to endanger human life and delay the safe restoration and resettlement of liberated regions.

Azercell-supported “Women’s Helpline” receives 1,094 inquiries over last three months

The mobile operator continues to support women facing challenging circumstances

The ‘Women’s Helpline’ service, operating with the support of Azercell Telecom, recorded a total of 1,094 inquiries between July and September 2025.

The majority of requests were related to psychological support (366), legal assistance (181), domestic violence cases (130), and difficulties experienced during divorce (116). In addition, the service addressed inquiries concerning shelter provision (76), education-related matters (69), social and financial welfare issues (44), and healthcare rights (14). The remaining requests (98) included general questions, information about the service and diverse topics.

Throughout the reporting period, the service’s team of professional psychologists, lawyers, and social workers provided personalized support tailored to each case. When necessary, women were referred to relevant state institutions, rehabilitation centers, and shelters for further legal, medical, or social assistance.

Established in 2022 on the initiative of Azercell, the ‘Women’s Helpline’ operates in partnership with the State Committee for Family, Women and Children Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the ‘Ümidli G?l?c?k’ Social Initiatives Public Union. The service’s primary mission is to provide timely and comprehensive psychosocial assistance to women affected by violence, ensuring their rehabilitation and reintegration into society. To strengthen its impact, the helpline collaborates closely with community-based legal aid centers, government institutions, and non-governmental organizations, contributing to a broader ecosystem of protection and empowerment for women across the country.

Operating 24/7, the ‘Women’s Helpline’ can be reached through the short number 116111, as well as via its official Facebook and Instagram pages.

Azerbaijan represented at Int’l Exhibition-Festival in Uzbekistan [PHOTOS]

The first international exhibition-festival titled “The Shine of Carpets” has been held in the ancient city of Khiva, located in the Khorezm region of Uzbekistan, Azernews reports.

The event held at Arda Khiva Tourism Complex brought together artisans, scholars, artists, engineers, designers, and entrepreneurs from various regions of Uzbekistan, as well as participants from Azerbaijan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan. Thousands of residents and guests from the Khorezm region also attended the exhibition.

Azerbaijan was represented by Azerbaijan Cultural Center, operating under the Azerbaijani Embassy in Uzbekistan, along with carpet artist and miniature master Aghasadig Suleymanov, who came from Baku at the initiative of the Center.

During the press conference on the first day of the exhibition-festival, Rasuljon Mirzakhmedov, Chairman of the Hunarmand Association of Uzbekistan, Botir Saidov, Deputy Governor of Khorezm, and other speakers discussed the purpose, importance, and prospects for international cooperation of the first carpet festival.

Botir Saidov mentioned that currently, more than 500 artisans in the Khorezm region are engaged in carpet weaving, and their carpets are in great demand not only in Uzbekistan but also in various countries around the world.

Director of the Azerbaijan Cultural Center in Tashkent, Akif Marifli, noted that carpets are an inseparable part of Azerbaijan’s millennia-old cultural heritage, national art, and aesthetic worldview.

He emphasized that Azerbaijani carpet art is recognized globally not just as a household and decorative craft, but also as a significant cultural phenomenon expressing the spirit, historical memory, moral values, and artistic taste of the people.

The director further added that carpet weaving today fosters cultural dialogue and strengthens friendship among nations, and such international events are crucial for preserving carpet traditions and passing them on to future generations.

Following this, an exhibition dedicated to the national art of carpet weaving was opened as part of the international exhibition-festival.

In the Azerbaijani section of the exhibition, carpets from various regions of Azerbaijan, including Garabagh, Nakhchivan, Ganja, Guba, Yerevan, Tabriz, Borchali, Derbent, and others, were presented by the Azerbaijan Cultural Center, alongside albums about Azerbaijani carpet art. Aghasadig Suleymanov demonstrated the process of weaving carpets live on a small loom.

As part of the exhibition-festival, an international scientific-theoretical conference titled “Uzbek Carpet Art: Tradition and Innovation” was also held. During the conference, Aghasadig Suleymanov delivered a presentation on “The History of Azerbaijani Carpet Art.”

At the closing ceremony of the festival, winners in various categories were awarded prizes.

Azerbaijani carpet artist Aghasadig Suleymanov won first place in the “Young Carpet Artist” category and was presented with a certificate and gifts.

The Azerbaijan Cultural Center was awarded a distinction certificate by the organizers for professionally presenting the rich traditions of carpet art, the artistic depth of the national style, and the aesthetic beauty of Azerbaijani carpets.

The Azerbaijani section was one of the most popular exhibits among visitors, with the originality and high craftsmanship of the carpets adding a unique touch to the artistic atmosphere of the exhibition.

Note that the Heydar Aliyev Cultural Center in Tashkent plays a special role in the Azerbaijani-Uzbek relations in the field of culture, science, education, and tourism.

The center was opened on September 27, 2010, with the participation of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev.

Since then, the cultural center has successfully implemented a number of projects aimed at strengthening the ties between the two countries.

Genesis unveils enhanced GV70 with new features and options

Genesis, the luxury brand under Hyundai Motor Group, on Monday launched an upgraded version of its mid-sized GV70 sport utility vehicle (SUV), featuring enhanced comfort, advanced technology, and more flexible package options, Azernews reports, citing Yonhap agency.

The new GV70 boasts improved noise, vibration, and harshness (NVH) control, achieved through additional sound-absorbing materials throughout the cabin. The 2.5 Turbo variant is equipped with an engine support damper, significantly reducing engine vibrations for a smoother and quieter ride.

Customers can now choose from a broader range of new package offerings, allowing for more personalized configurations tailored to different preferences and lifestyles.

The upgraded model also introduces a striking new color option, Bering Blue, designed to emphasize the vehicle’s premium and dynamic design language.

‘We refined the GV70’s product appeal to meet the tastes of customers seeking a premium and trendy SUV,’ said a Genesis spokesperson. ‘By enhancing standard features and reorganizing optional packages, we aim to provide a more satisfying and refined mobility experience.’

The updated GV70 reinforces Genesis’s commitment to blending luxury with cutting-edge engineering, positioning the SUV as a strong contender in the competitive luxury mid-size segment.

Typhoon Fengshen kills 8, leaves 2 missing in Philippines

At least eight people have died and two remain missing in the Philippines following Typhoon Fengshen on Sunday, Azernews reports, citing the country’s Civil Defense Agency.

In Pitogo municipality, Quezon province, southeast of Manila, five people were killed when a tree fell on them. In the Western Visayas region in the country’s central area, three others lost their lives.

Search efforts continue for two missing individuals in Keson municipality, Bukidnon province, in southern Philippines, after a landslide triggered by the typhoon.

Earlier in October, the Philippines issued tsunami warnings following a powerful earthquake, highlighting the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.