Category: Azer News

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the 4th meeting of the Asian Cultural Council of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties, Azernews reports.

“Dear event participants,

I cordially greet you at the 4th meeting of the Asian Cultural Council of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP), dedicated to the theme ‘From National Diversity to Global Solidarity: The Role of Culture in the New World Order.’

The Asian continent, with its rich cultural heritage, historical diversity, and dynamic development potential, possesses broad opportunities to advance global transformation processes. The political parties representing the peoples of this region play a significant role not only in preserving national cultural values but also in promoting international cooperation, mutual respect, and inter-civilizational understanding.

The ICAPP Asian Cultural Council serves as an important platform for highlighting the continent’s potential for intercultural dialogue. The central theme of this meeting aligns with humanity’s most pressing priorities, contributing to the establishment of a new global order based on humanist and inclusive principles.

Azerbaijan has historically been a unique space where various civilizations have converged, and cultures, religions, and traditions have formed through mutual influence. In our multi-ethnic and multi-confessional country, the peaceful coexistence of representatives of all religions and ethnic groups, grounded in mutual respect, trust, and harmony, has played an important role in socio-political development. The preservation of multiculturalism and traditions of tolerance is an integral part of the social-cultural foundations of Azerbaijani society and constitutes one of the main directions of state policy.

At the same time, Azerbaijan promotes harmonious relations among different cultures on the international stage and consistently advances a number of initiatives within the framework of inter-civilizational dialogue. The World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, traditionally hosted by Azerbaijan, has evolved into a key platform supporting international initiatives aimed at promoting peace through culture.

In the modern era, humanity is undergoing a profound transformation, with the existing global order being tested by multifaceted challenges such as armed conflicts, ecological crises, and socio-economic inequalities. In this context, culture serves as an invaluable factor that unites people and societies around universal human values and promotes social integration. Alongside the preservation of national traditions, openness to dialogue and mutual understanding shapes the collective formation of a shared future in contemporary international relations. Thus, culture emerges as a vital tool contributing to global stability.

Last November, Azerbaijan’s hosting of the prestigious COP29 international conference reaffirmed our country’s role as a hub for global dialogue, cooperation, and consensus. Just as combating climate change demands collective human effort, preserving international peace, cultural mutual understanding, and global solidarity requires an equally significant collective commitment. Both challenges compel nations to take action based on the principles of global responsibility and collective obligation.

I am confident that the 4th meeting of the Council, held in our country, will further strengthen the traditions of dialogue among peoples in Asia and beyond, while providing a fresh impetus to global cultural integration.

I believe that the discussions held and decisions adopted at this meeting will enrich global dialogue, convey a message of solidarity and unity to the international community, and further strengthen the bonds of friendship and cooperation among our peoples and countries.

During her official visit to the Holy See on October 16, First Vice-President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva met with Cardinal James Harvey, Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

Recalling that this was her sixth visit to the Vatican over the past 14 years, First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva noted that interstate relations between Azerbaijan and the Holy See have developed on a strong foundation of mutual respect and friendship. She highlighted the support provided by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in restoring several important heritage sites over the years and emphasized that this cooperation would continue in the future.

Referring to the joint participation in the opening ceremony of the Catacombs of Saint Commodilla earlier in the day, Mehriban Aliyeva said: ‘Rome is a city where both the underground and above ground can be described as an open-air museum under the sky. Our activities are structured in such a way that as soon as some projects are completed, we launch new ones. This is a very sustainable partnership, and I highly value it.’

Cardinal James Harvey expressed gratitude on behalf of the Holy See to the Azerbaijani state and the Heydar Aliyev Foundation for implementing such significant restoration projects.

He noted that St. Paul played a pivotal role in laying the foundations of Catholic and Christian communities, adding: ‘The noble work you are doing is a great opportunity to get to know your country better.’ The Cardinal emphasized that a series of events will be held at St. Paul’s Basilica both now and in the future.

Highlighting the Heydar Aliyev Foundation’s involvement in the restoration of the façades of the Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls, Cardinal Harvey underlined the substantial efforts made to complete this work. Considering the large number of visitors coming to Rome, he stressed that the restoration carried out with Azerbaijan’s support holds exceptional importance for ensuring safety at the site.

Following the meeting, a keepsake was presented to the Archpriest of the Papal Basilica of Saint Paul Outside the Walls.

Turkmenistan Culture Days have come to an end in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The closing ceremony took place in Ganja. The event was jointly organized by the Culture Ministries of Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan.

The final concert celebrated the long-standing cultural and friendly relations between the two nations, with the goal of further enhancing the bonds between their peoples.

The program included performances by artists from both Turkmenistan and Azerbaijan. People’s Artists of Turkmenistan, along with folklore and ethnographic groups, expressed the spirit of unity and camaraderie through their performances.

Azerbaijan was represented by People’s Artists Gulyanag and Gulyaz Mammadova, Honored Workers of Culture Mehpara Jafarova, Rustam Jafarov, Sahri Aliyeva, and the Goygol State Song and Dance Ensemble.

Turkmenistan’s contributions came from Jemal Saparova, Bahar Annayeva, Maya Orazberdiyeva, Kerven Yovbasarov, Rustam Hallyyev, and the “Dokmachylar” folklore and ethnographic ensemble, who delivered a memorable stage performance.

Through their collaborative performances, the artists from both nations symbolized the friendship and cultural connection between them.

The Turkmenistan Culture Days took place in Baku and Ganja. A large delegation of cultural figures and artists from the brotherly country visited Azerbaijan for the occasion.

The event featured a rich program including a broad presentation of Turkmen music, decorative and applied arts, museum exhibitions, culinary masterpieces, and literary presentations.

The opening of the exhibition titled “Arkhadag: The Pillar of Turkmen National Heritage” took place at the Heydar Aliyev Center.

The event was attended by Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Nursahat Shirimov, members of parliament, representatives of the diplomatic corps, cultural and scientific figures from both countries, and other guests.

The Turkmen national costumes for both men and women, as well as samples of weaving and decorative-applied arts such as carpets and palaz (traditional rugs), were showcased as part of the exhibition.

The exhibition also featured photographs depicting historical figures of the brotherly nation, as well as ancient cultural landmarks and images reflecting modern developments.

Moreover, the Turkmenistan Literature Corner opened at the Azerbaijan National Library.

During the event, the significance of literary ties between the two countries was emphasized. Topics such as translation and publication of literary works in Azerbaijani and Turkmen, as well as prospects for further cooperation in the humanitarian field, were discussed.

Furthermore, Turkmen national cuisine was presented at Seaside Boulevard, followed by a spectacular gala concert that featured breathtaking performances by both Turkmen and Azerbaijani artists.

bp is honoured to join the people of Azerbaijan in celebrating the 140th anniversary of the birth of Uzeyir bey Hajibeyli – a towering figure in the history of Azerbaijani culture, the founder of the nation’s classical music and professional school of composition, author of the first Azerbaijani opera, and a distinguished educator, playwright and publicist, Azernews reports.

To mark this remarkable occasion, bp has published a special set of books showcasing the great composer’s invaluable legacy.

The project reflects bp’s continual commitment to supporting efforts that promote Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage and celebrate the rich history and artistic achievements of the nation.

bp hosted an event yesterday to unveil the publications and present a concert programme featuring Hajibeyli’s masterpieces The new publications include:

A collection of Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s unpublished works, compiled in two separate books;

A photo album capturing moments from his life and creative journey;

A comprehensive guidebook to the Uzeyir Hajibeyli House Museum in Baku.

Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bp’s vice president for the Caspian region: ‘It is a great honour for us to present these books in tribute to Uzeyir Hajibeyli’s extraordinary legacy and his invaluable contribution to Azerbaijan’s national music. His compositions, infused with national rhythms and coloured with international tones, created with deep artistic mastery and emotional depth, continue to inspire audiences both in Azerbaijan and around the world.

‘We hope these publications serve as a lasting recognition of his contributions and his timeless influence – not only as a composer, but also as a scholar and publicist whose legacy will continue to shape generations.’

The project was implemented by Azernashr with a total cost of 127,560 AZN ($75,035). This covered both the development and printing of the new publications, as well as the organization of the concert event.

Ford Motor Company is recalling nearly 625,000 vehicles in the United States due to issues related to seatbelt functionality and rear-view camera displays, the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced on Friday, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

According to the NHTSA notice, approximately 332,778 Ford Mustang models are being recalled because of a potential seatbelt malfunction that could compromise passenger safety. Meanwhile, the rear-view camera display defect affects around 291,901 vehicles, including popular models such as the Ford F-250, F-350, and F-450 trucks.

The seatbelt issue reportedly involves a fault that may prevent the belt from properly securing occupants, increasing the risk of injury in the event of a collision. The camera display problem causes the rear-view image to intermittently fail, potentially reducing driver visibility when reversing.

Ford has stated it will notify affected owners and provide free repairs to address these safety concerns. This recall underscores ongoing challenges automakers face in ensuring vehicle safety while integrating increasingly complex electronic systems.

Experts note that as vehicles become more technologically advanced, the potential for software and hardware glitches grows, making timely recalls and robust quality control essential to maintaining consumer trust.

Baku and Tabriz are exploring the establishment of a sister city partnership aimed at strengthening cultural and economic ties between the two cities, Azernews reports.

Mayor of Tabriz Yaghoub Houshyar made the remarks while speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the 3rd National Urban Forum of Azerbaijan (NUFA3).

He noted that Baku has already been declared a sister city with many capitals and major urban centers around the world, adding that a similar partnership with Tabriz is also possible.

‘The idea of establishing a sister city relationship between Baku and Tabriz has been discussed before,’ Houshyar said. ‘We hope that concrete steps will be taken in this direction in the near future. Based on the agreement between our heads of state, cultural weeks will be organized in three cities – one in Tabriz and another in Baku.’

The mayor emphasized that organizing such cultural events will contribute to the expansion of social and cultural ties between the two cities. The first of these events is planned to be held next year.

Speaking further, Houshyar noted that entrepreneurs from Tabriz are showing strong interest in participating in the reconstruction and development efforts in Azerbaijan’s Garabagh region.

‘There is already coordination in this area, and broader participation is possible in the future,’ he said. ‘It is natural for Tabriz-based businesses to be involved in Garabagh’s rehabilitation, education, and infrastructure projects, and this initiative is supported at the state level.’

The mayor concluded that such cooperation would not only foster city-level partnerships but also deepen the friendship and understanding between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Iran.

Past misunderstandings between Azerbaijan and France have been resolved, said President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev as he received the credentials of the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of France to Azerbaijan, Sophie Lagoutte.

This announcement comes at a crucial moment. As we have highlighted during the EPC Summit earlier this month, the event served as a clear signal of a turning point in Azerbaijan-France relations. The developments we are now witnessing confirm that prediction: the prospects for bilateral cooperation are becoming clearer, and both sides appear ready to focus on pragmatic, mutually beneficial engagement.

Azerbaijan has long shaped its foreign relations based on international law and shared interests. Tensions with France had emerged in previous years, largely due to certain French politicians’ biased approach to the Armenia-Azerbaijan conflict, as well as France’s broader geopolitical posture. French officials, in turn, insisted their policy was ‘neutral.’ However, states do not have permanent friends or enemies-they have strategic partners and rivals with whom they interact according to interests. Today, France seems to have abandoned its previous destructive approach toward Azerbaijan, and Baku has responded in kind, signalling a new phase of constructive diplomacy.

Still, the economic ties between the two nations mostly held. Between January and August, Azerbaijan exported roughly $46.3 million in goods to France, while importing about $159.4 million in return. These figures closely mirror those of prior years, making clear that despite political disagreements, the practical trade relationship remained resilient. One clear indication that the previous tensions were largely political and somewhat superficial (without minimising their importance) is the continued ability of French companies and entrepreneurs to operate freely in Azerbaijan. Today, around 60 French companies are active in the country. Even a brief look back shows that France has played a pioneering role in Azerbaijan’s energy sector, most notably, the French company TotalEnergies was the first to develop offshore gas production in Azerbaijan.

France’s earlier support for Yerevan, however, had been driven primarily by its own interests, but it is increasingly evident that ignoring Baku would now be a missed opportunity. With regional dynamics shifting and the South Caucasus gaining geopolitical attention, renewed engagement offers tangible benefits for both sides.

The significance of this shift is also visible in the reactions of the Armenian diaspora, which has launched a series of envious and fear-driven campaigns online, some even targeting our own publications. Such reactions highlight how consequential this new dynamic has become. Azerbaijan’s growing role as an indispensable player in regional and Eurasian affairs is undeniable.

Now, France, under mounting domestic pressure, is itself at a crossroads. The country is experiencing what many observers call its most severe political crisis in seventy years. Soaring energy and food prices, slowing GDP, high debt, and rising social unrest have created broad public discontent and frequent strikes.

President Macron’s authority has been challenged from within and without. He recently reappointed Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, who had just resigned amid cabinet disputes-and yet even that change has done little to restore stability. The new cabinet faces the threat of a no-confidence vote, and critics from both opposition parties and internal circles have called for early presidential elections. Polls show that 68% of French citizens believe the government is out of touch with society, and 54% believe Macron has lost the ability to form a stable administration.

In this turbulent environment, Macron has sought to deflect blame. During a visit to Egypt for ceasefire negotiations in Gaza, he sharply criticised French opposition parties for intensifying the political crisis. The message was unmistakable: domestic dissent must not derail foreign policy.

Against that backdrop, Macron does not want to be left out of the South Caucasus. France has strategic interests in the region, especially regarding Armenia. Weakening his legitimacy at home could push him to secure influence abroad before his position weakens further. Engaging more constructively with Azerbaijan now is one such move.

While France may not be the ‘France of old,’ Paris still retains the capacity to influence complex regions through careful strategic and economic moves. The key question now is whether this engagement will be sustained, and what it could mean for the stability and prosperity of the South Caucasus. Thanks to the foresight signalled during the EPC Summit, we can already see that Azerbaijan-France relations are entering a promising new chapter.

From October 17 to November 30, Sea Breeze Circus will host the premiere of a show that blends art and technology in a unified space of light, music, and visual effects, Azernews reports.

This modern circus performance reinterprets traditional genres, giving them a fresh sound.

The program will feature performances by artists from various disciplines: jugglers, acrobats, equilibrists, and clowns. Each act is designed to convey the energy of movement and the harmony between humans and space. Among the performances are aerial acrobats on fabrics and rings, a technically complex chair act, a synchronized acrobatic quartet, roller show, and visually expressive transformations.

The evening will culminate in The Hologram Circus Show – a production where animals and fantastical images come to life through 7D graphics. This is the first show of its kind in Azerbaijan, allowing the audience to experience the blend of reality and illusion.

Music, vocal fragments, and lighting design create an atmosphere where all elements of the show complement each other harmoniously.

The Hologram Circus Show invites the audience to view circus art through the lens of modern technology and experience the magic born on the boundary of the possible.

For ticket purchase, please visit iTicket.Az.

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

The Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) and the World Bank have exchanged views on expanding long-term cooperation in support of sustainable development goals.

Azernews reports that the discussion took place during a working visit by CBA Chairman Taleh Kazimov to Washington, D.C., where he met with Antonella Bassani, Vice President of the World Bank for the Europe and Central Asia region.

During the meeting, both sides expressed satisfaction with ongoing collaboration, particularly in ensuring macroeconomic stability and enhancing financial inclusion in Azerbaijan. They also reviewed the initiatives and projects outlined in the new Country Partnership Framework for Azerbaijan.

Additionally, the two officials discussed prospects for broadening cooperation in the long-term to further support sustainable development objectives.

Luka Gabrilo has been appointed as the head coach of the Azerbaijan’s national swimming team, Azernews reports.

The Swiss coach with over 15 years of experience, has previously worked in Switzerland, the USA, Israel, Romania, the Czech Republic, the Philippines, and Australia.

Under his leadership, individual athletes and national teams have won medals at European and World Championships, and qualified for the finals of the Olympic Games.

The 44-year-old coach began his professional career in Switzerland, where he worked in various roles within the Swiss Swimming Federation system from 2010 to 2017, including team manager, head coach, and director of the High Performance Center.

Later, he became the head coach of the Israeli national team and one of the heads of the delegation at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.

Luka Gabrilo also worked in the International Swimming League (ISL), where he served as the head coach of the “Team Iron.”

Under his leadership, a team composed of 36 high-level athletes from various countries competed in the league and achieved significant success.

The new head coach was introduced to the national team members by Ogtay Atayev, the General Secretary of the Azerbaijan Swimming Federation.

It should be noted that yesterday, after 12 years of service, Rashad Abdurahmanov stepped down from his position as the head coach of the national team and was appointed as an advisor.