Category: Azer News

As part of Azerbaijan’s national priority titled ‘The Great Return to the Liberated Territories’, outlined in the country’s 2022-2026 Social and Economic Development Strategy, the resettlement of 28 residential areas has already been achieved. Currently, around 55,000 people are living in the territories liberated after the 2020 Second Garabagh War.

Azernews reports that this was stated by Vusal Gasimli, Executive Director of the Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAECR), during the 30th Anniversary Caspian Construction Week.

He noted that approximately 20,000 of the returnees are former internally displaced persons (IDPs). ‘The remaining population consists of those employed in local government institutions, construction, and private companies operating in the region. By the end of next year, we expect this number to surpass 100,000, marking a significant milestone in the return process,’ Gasimli said.

He also highlighted major progress in infrastructure development in the liberated regions. ‘In a short period, over 500 kilometers of roads have been constructed, along with 120-130 kilometers of new railway lines. About 75% of the Horadiz-Aghbend railway project has been completed,’ he added.

The ‘Great Return’ initiative is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction efforts, aiming to restore normal life in the territories and facilitate the safe and dignified return of displaced citizens.

President Ilham Aliyev addressed participants at the 5th Azerbaijan International Exhibition on the Restoration, Reconstruction, and Development of Garabagh- ‘ Rebuild Garabagh.’

Azernews presents address:

”Dear exhibition participants,

It is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to the opening of the 5th Azerbaijan International Exhibition on the Restoration, Reconstruction, and Development of Garabagh- ‘Rebuild Garabagh.’

This year, within the framework of Caspian Construction Week, we are proud to host both the 5th ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ and the 30th Azerbaijan International Construction Exhibition ‘BakuBuild’ anniversary events.

The 5th ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ exhibition coincides with a landmark period in the history of statehood of the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking key anniversaries that embody our sovereignty and national unity. We proudly commemorate the 30th anniversary of the adoption of our Constitution and the fifth anniversary of our historic Victory in the Patriotic War. All these achievements not only attest to the unwavering will and solidarity of our people and their commitment to advancing toward strategic goals, but also mobilize us around a new mission – the restoration of Garabagh and East Zangezur.

Currently, within the framework of the ‘Great Return’ program, large-scale reconstruction and development projects are being successfully carried out in the liberated territories, fundamentally transforming the region’s landscape. Cities are being built in accordance with modern urban planning concepts; new schools and hospitals are being constructed; road, transport, and communications infrastructure is being developed; jobs are being created; and green energy zones and industrial parks are being established. Garabagh is evolving not only as a symbol of our national pride, but also as a 21st-century area of sustainable development.

It is gratifying to see the growing significance of the ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ exhibition for both local and international participants. The exhibition showcases cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, facilitates discussions on joint projects and partnership opportunities, and creates new prospects for the socio-economic development of the region. Held for the fifth time, this event not only demonstrates Azerbaijan’s achievements to the world but also strengthens our country’s position as a global hub for investment, technology, and innovation.

Held annually, this prestigious exhibition embodies the reality of sustainable construction, progress, and peace, while remaining a forward-looking, high-impact event. Partnerships forged here strengthen mutual trust among people and nations, build new bridges of cooperation, and place Garabagh at the heart of a sustainable development agenda.

I am confident that this exhibition will continue to play a crucial role in fostering partnerships among participants, identifying modern development and investment initiatives, and advancing the reconstruction of Garabagh and the entire region.

On this auspicious occasion, I once again warmly congratulate all organizers and participants on the 5th anniversary of the exhibition and wish ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ continued success and new achievements in the years to come.”

Ford Motor Co. has temporarily halted production of several vehicles following a fire that disabled a key aluminum supplier, The Wall Street Journal reported, citing an internal memo sent to employees, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Production of the Expedition and Lincoln Navigator SUVs at Ford’s Kentucky Truck Plant was paused this week, along with operations at the Dearborn, Michigan facility that manufactures the F-150 Lightning pickup. The shutdown is expected to last at least one week.

The disruption stems from a fire at Novelis’s aluminum plant in upstate New York, which supplies approximately 40% of the automotive industry’s aluminum sheet. The plant is not expected to resume normal operations until early next year.

This supply chain interruption highlights the vulnerability of the automotive sector to single-source dependencies for critical materials. Industry analysts warn that extended downtime could ripple through production schedules, potentially impacting vehicle availability and pricing throughout 2025. In response, Ford and other automakers are reportedly exploring ways to diversify their supply chains to reduce risks from such disruptions in the future.

During the working visit of Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Sahiba Gafarova to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, she met with Chairman of the Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Azernews reports, citing the Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis.

The Department noted that the sides expressed satisfaction with the successful development of relations between the two countries, which are based on the principles of friendship and brotherhood.

It was noted that reciprocal visits by the heads of state have played an important role in elevating bilateral ties to a high level. Emphasizing the special role of parliaments in the advancement of these relations, the speakers highly appreciated the cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries, both on a bilateral basis and within various international platforms.

During the meeting, the holding of the Third Trilateral Meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Trkiye was described as a contribution to the further expansion of relations. The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.

By 2028, South Korean authorities plan to construct the country’s first civilian bunker capable of withstanding a nuclear strike, located beneath a residential apartment complex in Seoul. The project was reported by The Korea Herald, Azernews reports.

The shelter will be built in the Garak-dong district, with support from local government and the Seoul Housing and Communities Corporation. It will be situated on the third basement level of the residential building, covering over 2,100 square meters and able to accommodate up to 1,020 people.

Designed to sustain life underground for up to two weeks, the bunker will be equipped with advanced air filtration, emergency power, and water purification systems, offering protection in the event of a nuclear, biological, or chemical (NBC) attack. Uniquely, in peacetime, the facility will serve as a fully functional fitness center, complete with exercise equipment, showers, and recreational space.

The move reflects growing concerns over global instability and ongoing military threats from North Korea. According to officials, this project may pave the way for a broader initiative to construct similar dual-purpose shelters across major urban areas in South Korea.

Architects are also exploring the integration of sustainable features, such as solar energy systems and smart ventilation technology, to allow the shelter to operate independently from external infrastructure during emergencies.

This innovative approach to civil defense may signal a shift in urban planning – where safety, practicality, and everyday use are combined in a single structure.

A written statement by Stephen Doughty the UK Secretary of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, on the lifting of the arms embargo on Azerbaijan and Armenia, has been published on the website of the British Parliament, Azernews reports via local media.

The statement reads:

‘I would like to inform you about the significant developments in the South Caucasus and the UK’s response to the progress in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

On August 8, US President Donald Trump held a trilateral summit in Washington with the participation of Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan. As a result, a peace agreement was initialed and a declaration was signed.

The documents include a call for the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group and a commitment to ensure communication between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, while respecting Armenia’s sovereignty.

The UK welcomes the progress achieved. This is an important step towards peace and stability.

In this regard, we are upgrading our relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan to a strategic partnership in the areas of trade, security and defence.

From August 24 to 26, I visited both countries to reaffirm our support and discuss practical steps forward.

We supported the dissolution of the Minsk Group. Given the progress achieved, we believe that the OSCE 1992 embargo is no longer relevant. The UK is lifting its arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan in full. This will help to develop security cooperation and help the countries protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity, including in responding to hybrid threats. Export licenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, according to strict criteria.

We will monitor the situation in the region. We hope that this will pave the way for peace, security and prosperity in the South Caucasus. The UK stands ready to work with both countries, the US, the EU and other partners to support these changes and regional stability.’

The UK’s decision marks a significant diplomatic shift, reflecting London’s recognition of the progress made in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and its readiness to strengthen regional cooperation in the fields of security and defence.

Kazakhstan is interested in signing long-term agreements with Azerbaijan for the supply of oil products, according to Kazakhstan’s Minister of Transport, Nurlan Sauranbayev, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the 21st meeting of the Azerbaijan-Kazakhstan Intergovernmental Commission on Trade and Economic Cooperation held in Baku, Sauranbayev emphasized the strategic nature of the two countries’ partnership in the energy sector.

‘We have a truly strategic partnership in energy. We highly value the cooperation between SOCAR and KazMunayGas in transporting oil via the Trans-Caspian route,’ he stated.

Sauranbayev also underlined the importance of developing green energy, noting that the transmission of renewable energy is a key priority. He recalled that in November 2024, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan, and Uzbekistan signed a trilateral agreement in Baku to advance strategic cooperation in the field of renewable energy.

Additionally, the Kazakh minister expressed his country’s readiness to collaborate with Azerbaijan on the peaceful use of nuclear energy and energy regulation, as well as to exchange expertise in these areas.

He also highlighted Kazakhstan’s interest in cooperating with Azerbaijan on establishing joint research and development centers focused on artificial intelligence.

Meanwhile, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov announced that oil transit between the two countries is set to increase through the Baku-Tbilisi-Ceyhan (BTC) pipeline.

‘Cooperation between SOCAR and KazMunayGas on Kazakh oil transit through Azerbaijan is progressing successfully. Since 2023, 3.4 million tons of Kazakh oil have been transported to global markets via the BTC pipeline,’ Shahbazov said.

He added that both sides are exploring the possibility of increasing annual oil volumes to 7 million tons by 2027 – a move that would significantly enhance their energy partnership and further diversify Kazakhstan’s export routes.

The 7th International Festival titled ‘Korkut and the Sounds of the Great Steppe,’ dedicated to the folk and musical art of Turkic peoples, has opened at the ‘Dede Korkut’ Memorial Complex located in the Karmakshy district of the Kyzylorda region, Republic of Kazakhstan. The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the Akim of the Kyzylorda region jointly organized the event, Azernews reports, citing local media.

According to the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, nearly 200 artists from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Trkiye, Uzbekistan, Tuva, and Altai are taking part in the festival. The event is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Kyzylorda’s designation as the capital of Kazakhstan (1925-1927).

The primary purpose of the international event is to promote the rich culture, national music, and spiritual values of the Turkic peoples, as well as to foster international cultural relations.

At the solemn opening ceremony, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Ms. Aktoty Raimkulova and Head of the Department of Culture, Archives, and Documentation of the Kyzylorda region Mr. Zhanmurat Seilov congratulated the festival participants and wished them success.

During the evening celebration, renowned performers of traditional music from various Turkic countries delighted the audience with their unique performances.

The following day, as part of the international festival ‘Korkut and the Sounds of the Great Steppe,’ a scientific and theoretical conference titled ‘The Heritage of Dede Korkut: Common Epic Values for the Turkic World’ was held.

The conference brought together the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Aktoty Raimkulova, Akim of the Kyzylorda region Nurlibek Nalibayev, as well as leading scholars and experts in culture, history, and literature from across the Turkic world.

The event aimed to comprehensively discuss the significance of Dede Korkut’s legacy and epic traditions in the spiritual and cultural life of Turkic nations, to promote scientific research, and to strengthen international cooperation.

During the conference, participants exchanged views on the historical roots of the Dede Korkut epic, its role in the Turkic world, and its reflection in contemporary culture and literature. Scholars presented the results of their recent research and shared modern theoretical approaches to studying the Dede Korkut heritage.

In her remarks, Aktoty Raimkulova welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Dede Korkut’s great legacy on a global scale.

The conference featured scientific presentations, panel discussions, and the launch of the first volume of the ‘Turkic Heroic Epic’ series within the framework of the ‘Turkic Folklore Heritage’ Anthology Project.

At the conclusion of the event, Honoured Artist of Kazakhstan, Associate Professor of the Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after T. Zhurgenov, Uljan Baybosynova, performed excerpts from the ‘Koroglu’ poem and several traditional pieces from the Syr Darya region.

The international conference was recognized as an important platform for strengthening the unity and interconnection of epic creative traditions in the Turkic world, as well as a significant step in preserving and promoting the spiritual heritage of the Turkic peoples.

From October 13 to 15, Turkmenistan Culture Days are being held in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports. Organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the cultural event features a rich program.

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.

In their speeches, Deputy Culture Minister Murad Hseynov, Deputy Minister of Culture of Turkmenistan Nursahat Shirimov, and President of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, Academician Isa Habibbayli, discussed the development of Azerbaijan-Turkmenistan relations.

It was emphasized that the Turkmenistan Culture Days would make a significant contribution to the development of cultural ties between the two countries.

Following the speeches, the attendees had the opportunity to explore the exhibition. It was noted that the exhibit presents 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).

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

Azerbaijani judokas have finished Lima Grand Prix 2025 with seven medals, Azernews reports.

On the final day of the competition, two more Azerbaijani judokas secured spots on the podium.

Murad Fatiyev (90 kg) marked his return after a five-month break with a silver medal.

In the heaviest category, Kanan Nasibov (+100 kg) won the bronze medal. This marked the 21-year-old judoka’s first medal on the World Tour Series, making it a significant achievement.

Earlier, Ahmad Yusifov (60 kg) won silver, while Rashad Yelkiyev, Ruslan Pashayev (both 66 kg), Omar Rajabli (81 kg), and Konul Aliyeva (48 kg) secured bronze medals.

Some 17 judokas, (4 men and 3 women), represented Azerbaijan at the tournament.

A total 293 athletes from 49 countries, including 172 men and 121 women,participated in Lima Grand Prix 2025.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art across the country. Since 2015, the Federation has been led by Rovnag Abdullayev.

The country’s modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The list of the country’s top judo fighters includes Rustam Orujov, Irina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.

At the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, judokas Hidayat Heydarov (73 kg) and Zelym Kotsoiev (100 kg) earned gold medals for Azerbaijan.