Category: Azer News

The ‘Lerik’ Power Plant has generated a total of 207.5 million kilowatt-hours (kWh) of electricity from the date it was commissioned until October 1 of this year, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Energy.

The modular-type ‘Lerik’ Power Plant, with an installed capacity of 16.5 MW, began operations on October 15, 2018, in the village of C?ngimeran, Lerik district.

Meanwhile, according to the State Statistical Committee, Azerbaijan produced 20.5 billion kWh of electricity from January to September 2025.

This represents an increase of 13.9 thousand kWh, or 0.1%, compared to the same period last year.

Apple CEO Tim Cook pledged on Wednesday that the company will continue to increase its investment in China and deepen cooperation to achieve mutually beneficial, win-win development, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Cook made these remarks during a meeting with China’s Minister of Industry and Information Technology, Li Lecheng, in Beijing.

Li highlighted that China’s vast market and well-established industrial system offer enormous potential for investment and consumption. He emphasized that China will steadfastly promote high-standard opening-up policies, accelerate the adoption of smart technologies in industrialization, and drive the intelligent transformation of industries. Additionally, Li reaffirmed the government’s commitment to fostering a favorable business environment for foreign companies, including Apple.

‘We hope Apple will continue to explore the Chinese market, actively participate in China’s new wave of industrialization, and collaborate closely with Chinese companies across the industrial chain to pursue innovation-driven development,’ Li said.

This commitment from Apple comes amid ongoing global economic uncertainties and geopolitical tensions, signaling the importance of China as a key market and innovation partner. Apple’s increasing investment could involve expanding manufacturing capabilities, boosting research and development efforts, and integrating advanced technologies such as AI and 5G in their product lines.

As China accelerates its shift toward a technology-driven economy, collaborations with global tech giants like Apple are expected to play a pivotal role in shaping the future of smart manufacturing and digital transformation.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Elina Valtonen, Finland’s Foreign Minister and OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Azernews reports citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The meeting addressed Azerbaijan-Finland bilateral relations, Finland’s OSCE chairmanship priorities, challenges within the organization, and the current state and future prospects of Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the OSCE. Discussions also covered the post-conflict regional situation and the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process.

Both sides expressed satisfaction with the outcomes of previous meetings between the leaders of Azerbaijan and Finland – held in Baku during COP29 and in New York during the UN General Assembly’s high-level week – noting their positive contribution to strengthening bilateral relations.

Bayramov highlighted that Finland’s OSCE chairmanship coincides with a period of complex security challenges in Europe, emphasizing the importance of maintaining the OSCE’s relevance and adaptability as a multilateral platform for dialogue.

He also briefed Valtonen on reconstruction efforts in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, the return of internally displaced persons, and the ongoing mine threat.

The ministers discussed progress in the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, with Bayramov stressing the significance of the August 8, 2025, Washington meeting between the leaders of Azerbaijan, the US, and Armenia, and the joint declaration signed there. He reiterated the need to remove territorial claims against Azerbaijan from the Armenian constitution as a prerequisite for a lasting peace.

The sides also discussed the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity (TRIPP) project, emphasizing its role in restoring regional transport and economic ties.

Both parties positively assessed the decision to suspend outdated OSCE institutions, including the Minsk Process, the Special Representative of the Chairperson-in-Office, and the High-Level Planning Group, considering them no longer relevant in the post-conflict context.

Bayramov emphasized the need to advance the Azerbaijan Cooperation Program and underscored the importance of practical cooperation in mine clearance, environmental assessment, and cybersecurity.

He also welcomed OSCE initiatives in the economic and environmental spheres, noting the success of the ‘Promoting Green Ports and Connectivity in the Caspian Sea Region’ project initiated by Azerbaijan, which has now entered its third phase.

Concluding the meeting, Bayramov conveyed his best wishes for Finland’s OSCE chairmanship, expressing hope that it will contribute to revitalizing multilateral dialogue and strengthening cooperative mechanisms within the organization.

The meeting concluded with a comprehensive exchange on a wide range of bilateral and multilateral issues of mutual interest.

During joint operational-search measures conducted by the State Security Service (SSS) and the State Border Service (SBS) as part of efforts to combat large-scale drug smuggling and illegal trafficking, Azerbaijani citizen Asif Vagif oglu Huseynov, born in 1989, was detained while attempting to retrieve a concealed cache of narcotics along the Azerbaijan-Iran border in the Beylagan district, Azernews reports.

During the inspection of three packages recovered by Huseynov, authorities discovered and seized approximately 26 kilograms of dried marijuana and 2,520 M40 ‘Methadone’ pills containing narcotics.

The State Security Service confirmed that operational-search measures are ongoing to identify and detain other individuals involved in the illegal trafficking network.

Azerbaijan’s international referees, Ernest and Emil Agakishi, have received a new appointment from the European Handball Federation, Azernews reports.

The referees will officiate the Serbia-Lithuania match in the second group stage of the European Women’s Handball Championship.

The match will take place on October 16 at the “Vojdovats” Sports Center in Belgrade.

The European Women’s Handball Championship is the premier competition for senior women’s national handball teams in Europe, held every two years. Besides determining the European champions, the tournament also serves as a qualifier for both the Olympic Games and the World Championship.

As of December 2024, the only teams to have won the championship are Norway (with ten titles), Denmark (three titles), and Hungary, Montenegro, and France (each with one title).

The European Women’s Handball Championship is the premier competition for senior women’s national handball teams in Europe, held every two years. Besides determining the European champions, the tournament also serves as a qualifier for both the Olympic Games and the World Championship.

The 2025-26 Women’s EHF Champions League is the 33rd edition of Europe’s premier club handball tournament, running from 6 September 2025 to 7 June 2026.

The Azerbaijan National Art Museum has hosted the opening ceremony of the exhibition “Diego Rivera: The Promise of a Better Future” organized by Mexico’s Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum, Azernews reports.

The exhibition is jointly organized by the Embassy of Mexico in Azerbaijan, the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the Anahuacalli Museum, and the Azerbaijan National Art Museum. Dedicated to the world-renowned Mexican artist Diego Rivera (1886-1957), the exhibition marks the Anahuacalli Museum’s first project presented on an international scale.

The exhibition features nearly 100 photographic reproductions covering Rivera’s artistic legacy – including murals, paintings, sketches, as well as archival photographs and documents. These materials provide visitors with the opportunity to closely explore the unique creativity of one of the greatest artists of the 20th century.

At the opening ceremony, Director of the Azerbaijan National Art Museum Shirin Malikova, Ambassador of Mexico to Azerbaijan Victoria Romero, PhD in Arts Telman Ibrahimov, and Director of the Diego Rivera Anahuacalli Museum Teresa Moya delivered speeches highlighting the significance of the exhibition. They emphasized that Diego Rivera’s art reflects universal values and constitutes an integral part of Mexico’s cultural heritage. The speakers also underlined that the exhibition contributes to strengthening cultural ties between Azerbaijan and Mexico, expressing gratitude to the organizers.

The exhibition consists of five main thematic sections that outline Rivera’s key role in Mexico’s social transformation. They cover the artist’s reflections on art, his position in the muralist movement, the synthesis of painting and architecture, and the social role of art in post-revolutionary Mexico. The displays reflect Rivera’s deep engagement in the Mexican Revolution, public education, and the role of art as a tool for civil society. Visitors will witness how Rivera emerged as a leading figure in Mexican muralism, valuing art not only as an aesthetic medium but also as an instrument for education and the formation of public consciousness.

Photographic reproductions of Rivera’s mural “Creation” (1922), painted at the National Preparatory School in Mexico, hold a special place in the exhibition. This monumental work is regarded as the beginning of Mexican muralism and demonstrates a synthesis of Renaissance style with local motifs. His later monumental projects, including murals at Chapingo and the Ministry of Public Education in Mexico, are also represented.

In addition, reproductions of murals at the National Palace in Mexico City and the Palace of Cortés in Cuernavaca showcase Rivera’s ability to present history as a social struggle and highlight the importance he placed on indigenous culture. Rivera’s international activities are also thoroughly represented in the exhibition. His mural “Man at the Crossroads,” created in 1933 at Rockefeller Center in New York, caused great controversy and was destroyed. However, Rivera recreated this work in Mexico at the Palace of Fine Arts under the title “Man, Controller of the Universe.” Documentary footage of this work is among the exhibition’s most notable highlights.

A central section of the exhibition is dedicated to the Anahuacalli Museum, created on Rivera’s own initiative. Designed by the artist himself and located in Mexico city, this unique space was built from volcanic stone. The museum aimed to serve as a bridge between ancient heritage, modernity, and the future. Architectural plans, sketches, and photographs presented in the exhibition vividly demonstrate Rivera’s idea of preserving cultural roots while inspiring future generations.

It should be noted that this exhibition project was realized through the initiative of Ambassador Victoria Romero and the joint efforts of the Embassy of Mexico in Azerbaijan, the Mexican Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the General Directorate of Cultural Diplomacy, and the Anahuacalli Museum.

This initiative showcases the role of art as an instrument of cultural diplomacy, presenting to the international community Rivera’s artistic vision rooted in the social struggles of the Mexican people.

The exhibition will remain open to visitors until December 30, 2025.

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

On October 15, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a delegation led by Elina Valtonen, OSCE Chairperson-in-Office and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Finland, Azernews reports.

Expressing gratitude for the reception, Elina Valtonen first conveyed the greetings of President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev thanked for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to Alexander Stubb.

During the conversation, the sides fondly recalled the meetings between the Presidents of Azerbaijan and Finland, as well as Finland’s high-level participation in the COP29 event held in Baku.

Elina Valtonen congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the progress achieved between Azerbaijan and Armenia in Washington, emphasizing its significance for restoring peace and stability across the OSCE area and for fostering regional cooperation.

She announced that, at the request of Azerbaijan and Armenia, the activities of the OSCE Minsk Process and its related structures would be terminated by December 1, 2025.

The head of state underlined that the agreements reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia, in the presence of U.S. President Donald Trump in Washington, had created favorable conditions for advancing the peace agenda.

President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the importance of the TRIPP project, for which Armenia assumed responsibility in Washington, noting its benefits for regional cooperation and its positive impact on the wider region.

During the conversation, the sides also discussed cooperation between Azerbaijan and the OSCE and exchanged views on the prospects for Azerbaijan-Finland bilateral relations.

An exhibition titled “Xatir? olacaq s?hn?l?r” (Scenes to Remember) has opened at the Khatai Arts Center, with the aim of promoting collective socialization of children and encouraging parents to visit galleries and museums with their children, Azernews reports.

At the opening, speeches were made by the director of the Khatai Arts Center, Zahid Avazov, the representative of the Khatai District Executive Power, Turan Karimzade, the head of the department at the Azerbaijan State Art Elchin Hussein, and the artistic director of the Khatai Children’s Arts Gallery, artist Gunduz Ghabibov, who shared their thoughts.

The project aims to encourage adults to involve children more actively in the cultural environment, develop their taste, artistic perception, and emotional sensitivity.

Special attention is given to making parents realize the importance of regularly visiting museums, galleries, and other cultural and educational institutions with their children. This not only contributes to the aesthetic and intellectual development of the child but also strengthens the emotional bond within the family, creating shared cultural experiences and memories.

Thus, the exhibition serves not just as a showcase of children’s creativity but also as a tool that encourages society – primarily parents – to have a more conscious approach to the cultural education of the younger generation.

Over 100 works were presented at the exhibition – images that are a product of the imagination of young children. Works in line with the exhibition’s concept will be displayed at the Khatai Children’s Art Gallery for several weeks.

The event continued with the presentation of certificates. An online catalog of the exhibited works is available at the following link.

The project was implemented with the support of the Azerbaijan State Academy of Fine Arts, Azerbaijan Television and Radio Broadcasting Closed Joint-Stock Company, Khatai District Executive Power, Azerbaijan Artists’ Union, Azerbaijan State Art Gallery, Khatai Children’s Arts Gallery, and Khatai Arts Center.

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

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the 3rd National Urban Development Forum in Khankendi.

Azernews presents the address:

”Dear Forum participants!

I welcome you on the occasion of the opening of the Third National Urban Forum of Azerbaijan. Welcome to the city of Khankendi.

I welcome you to the city of Khankendi for the Third National Urban Forum of Azerbaijan. This event, held in Azerbaijan for the third time and already a growing tradition, brings together national, regional, and international partners in urban planning and serves as a vital platform for exchanging experiences, fostering new initiatives, and enhancing cooperation.

The National Urban Forums, organized in cooperation with UN-Habitat, are another vivid manifestation of Azerbaijan’s successful collaboration with international partners in this field. The participation of more than 200 foreign guests from over 60 countries, a total of about 400 representatives, signifies both the trust and friendship extended toward our country, as well as solidarity in pursuing common goals in urban planning.

Urban planning is a priority area in Azerbaijan’s national development strategy. The approaches adopted in urban planning and urbanization have contributed to economic sustainability, socioeconomic well-being, and adaptation to climate change. The large-scale restoration and construction underway, particularly in the Garabagh and East Zangazur economic regions, demonstrate the government’s strategic vision and capabilities in urban development.

Following three decades of occupation, Azerbaijani territories were left devasted, with historical and cultural heritage destroyed, lands contaminated with mines, and more than a million Azerbaijanis displaced from their homes. The victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020 ushered in a period of restoration, reconstruction, and revival.

Today, Azerbaijan is implementing large-scale construction and reconstruction projects in Garabagh and East Zangazur. The comprehensive regional planning, covering 13,600 square kilometers, guides efforts to resettle more than 1.1 million people to their native cities and villages. Master plans for eight cities and 90 villages – home to more than 300,000 people – have been approved, and people have begun returning to six liberated cities, two settlements, and 20 villages.

By applying advanced urban-planning principles, systematic and coherent measures have been put in place to build sustainable infrastructure, rebuild settlements, and create conditions for the return of the population. Over the past four years, three new international airports have been built, along with modern roads and highways, new railway infrastructure, and ongoing construction of residential buildings, healthcare facilities, educational institutions, and other social infrastructure.

Special importance is attached to the reconstruction of energy infrastructure and the strengthening of energy security. Solar and wind energy projects are well underway in Garabagh and East Zangazur, designated as a ‘green energy’ zone, with a capacity of up to 10,000 megawatts. Innovative approaches such as ‘smart city’ and ‘smart village’ are being applied, and ecosystem restoration is in progress.

The establishment of industrial parks and economic zones is underway to promote economic development and employment in the region. This contributes to the sustainable development of settlements by expanding local production opportunities and creating new jobs. With enhanced road connectivity, Garabagh and East Zangazur are now directly linked to Baku and other regions, accelerating their economic and social development. Today, about 60,000 people live, work and study in these areas under the ‘Great Return’ program.

The decision to hold the Third National Urban Forum of Azerbaijan in Khankendi is especially significant. The city that endured occupation for many years is now a symbol of peace, restoration, and revival. The infrastructure projects currently underway in Khankendi support development aligned with the vision of a modern, smart, and innovative city.

The ongoing reconstruction in Garabagh and East Zangazur is important not only for urban and infrastructural development but also for establishing long-term peace and regional cooperation. Targeted projects, new partnerships, and a favorable economic environment are creating sustainable livelihoods for the local population and contributing to regional urban development.

Azerbaijan’s advanced experience in urban planning has attracted tremendous international interest. Our country is viewed as a reliable partner in addressing global challenges in climate change and urban planning, as well as in developing innovative approaches. International cooperation in this area, particularly through initiatives with the UN Human Settlements Programme, is of great importance.

The decision to hold the 13th World Urban Forum in Baku in 2026 stands as clear evidence of Azerbaijan’s contribution to international urbanization processes and the trust it has earned as a reliable partner. This prestigious event will further enhance Azerbaijan’s role in global urbanization and contribute to the achievement of regional and global sustainable development goals.

Today’s Forum marks an important milestone on the path to the 13th World Urban Forum. I am confident that the discussions here will be instrumental in implementing strategic initiatives for urban planning, restoration, and sustainable city development, and will help create a greener, more inclusive, and prosperous living environment for future generations.

The court proceedings in the criminal case against Armenian citizen Ruben Vardanyan, charged under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan with crimes against peace and humanity, war crimes, terrorism, financing of terrorism, and other serious offenses, continued on October 14.

The open court session, held at the Baku Military Court under the chairmanship of Judge Zeynal Agayev, with a panel consisting of Anar Rzayev and Jamal Ramazanov (reserve judge Gunel Samadova), ensured that the accused was provided with an interpreter in his native language, Russian, as well as defense lawyers of his choice.

Judge Zeynal Agayev introduced the court panel, the prosecutors representing the state, the interpreters, and others to the victims and their legal heirs attending the trial for the first time, while also explaining their rights and obligations as stipulated by law.

The legal heir of victim Khayal Janbakhishov, his father Kheyrulla Janbakhishov, stated that his son was killed in Aghdara due to the explosion of a mortar shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Responding to questions from state prosecutor Tarana Mammadova, victim Elshad Sheydayev reported sustaining injuries to his arm and leg in Kalbajar as a result of enemy provocations.

Victim Kamiz Ibayev recounted being taken captive in Kalbajar after getting lost in fog, by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups. Answering questions from Nasir Bayramov, Head of the Department for Defense of State Prosecution at the Prosecutor General’s Office, Ibayev stated that he was blindfolded and taken to an unknown location, subjected to various forms of torture, mistreatment, and beatings during his captivity. In response to questions from Ruben Vardanyan’s lawyer, Avraam Berman, Ibayev clarified that he was held by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups and did not see Vardanyan during his captivity.

Answering questions from the Prosecutor General’s senior assistant Vusal Aliyev, victim Taleh Rzayev reported being wounded in Aghdara due to the explosion of a mortar shell fired by the enemy.

Responding to questions from the Prosecutor General’s special assignments assistant Tugay Rahimli, victim Zaur Alakbarov stated he was injured in Khojavend due to the explosion of an artillery shell fired by the enemy, noting that several others were also injured in the incident.

Victim Gismatpasha Abbaszade, answering questions from state prosecutor Fuad Musayev, reported sustaining injuries in Aghdam as a result of enemy fire, adding that another person was also wounded during the incident.

Victim Telman Adigozalov, responding to questions from state prosecutor Vusal Abdullayev, stated he was injured in Khojavend due to artillery fire from the enemy.

Victim Elvin Mammadov reported receiving severe injuries in Aghdam due to fire opened by remnants of the Armenian armed forces and illegal Armenian armed groups, stating he was in a coma for 23 days and is currently classified as a second-degree disabled person.

Rovshan Hajibalayev reported sustaining injuries in the Sirkhavand village of Aghdara district due to the explosion of an artillery shell fired by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Teymur Jafarov stated he was wounded in Lachin due to enemy fire, noting that one person was killed and several others injured in the incident.

Agil Guliyev reported being wounded in Aghdam as a result of enemy fire.

Khaqani Guliyev stated in his testimony that he sustained a bullet wound in Aghdam due to enemy fire.

Dayanat Mardani reported being wounded in Aghdam due to enemy provocations.

Victim Sarkhan Rahimov stated that while heading to evacuate wounded individuals in a medical service vehicle in Aghdam, he was injured due to fire opened by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups. He noted that despite the medical vehicle being clearly marked, it was targeted, resulting in injuries to himself and others, while the wounded individuals they were meant to evacuate died due to lack of timely medical assistance.

Anar Seyidov, Turkan Jafarov, and Parviz Adigozalov reported sustaining various injuries in different locations due to fire opened by remnants of the Armenian army and illegal Armenian armed groups.

Victim Maharram Karimli stated in his testimony that he was wounded in the arm in the Aghdam-Aghdara direction due to sniper fire from the enemy. Responding to a question from Ruben Vardanyan, Karimli said he recognized Vardanyan through social media.

Subsequently, the forensic medical examination reports regarding the victims were presented.

The next court session is scheduled for October 21.

Ruben Vardanyan faces multiple charges under the Criminal Code of the Republic of Azerbaijan, including Articles 100.1, 100.2 (planning, preparing, initiating, and waging a war of aggression), 107 (deportation and forced displacement of the population), 109 (persecution), 110 (forcible disappearance of persons), 112 (deprivation of liberty contrary to international law), 113 (torture), 114.1 (mercenary activity), 115.2 (violation of the laws and customs of warfare), 116.0.1, 116.0.2, 116.0.10, 116.0.11, 116.0.16, 116.0.18 (violation of international humanitarian law norms during an armed conflict), 120.2.1, 120.2.3, 120.2.4, 120.2.7, 120.2.11, 120.2.12 (intentional murder), 29.120.2.1, 29.120.2.3, 29.120.2.4, 29.120.2.7, 29.120.2.11, 29.120.2.12 (attempted intentional murder), 192.3.1 (illegal entrepreneurship), 214.2.1, 214.2.3, 214.2.4 (terrorism), 214-1 (financing of terrorism), 218.1, 218.2 (creation of a criminal group), 228.3 (illegal acquisition, transfer, sale, storage, transportation, and possession of firearms, ammunition, explosives, and devices), 270-1.2, 270-1.4 (acts threatening aviation safety), 278.1 (forcible seizure or retention of power, forcible change of the constitutional structure of the state), 279.1, 279.2, 279.3 (creation of armed formations not provided for by law), and 318.2 (illegal crossing of the state border of the Republic of Azerbaijan).