Category: Azer News

Azerbaijani boxers have reached the finals of the European Boxing U19 Championship in Ostrava, Czech Republic, Azernews reports.

On the first day of the semi-finals, two Azerbaijani athletes advanced to the final.

Banuchichak Nasirli (48 kg) defeated Amelja Sula(Italy) in the semi-final with a score of 5:0 (29:26, 29:27, 29:27, 30:25, 30:25). She will face Mathilda Fragnieres (France) in the final.

Bilalhabasi Nazarov (50 kg) tested Razvan Ionut Panaite (Romania).

The Azerbaijani boxer won all three rounds, securing a 5:0 victory (30:27, 30:26, 30:25, 30:25, 30:26). He will meet Tommaso Orlando (Italy) in the final.

Another Azerbaijani boxer, Subkhan Babayev (60 kg), faced Luka Chkhikvadze (Georgia).

As his opponent advanced to the next stage, Subkhan Babayev earned the bronze medal.

The final bouts of the European Championship will take place on October 10.

Approximately 105 female and 189 male boxers from 33 countries are participating in the tournament.

Boxing is recognized as one of the oldest sports in human history, with the earliest records of the sport dating back to ancient Egypt around 3,000 BC.

The Greeks introduced boxing to the ancient Olympic Games in the late 7th century BC.

In 1924, the International Amateur Boxing Federation (FIBA) was founded, and in 1946, it was renamed the International Boxing Association (AIBA). Boxing made its Olympic debut at the 1904 Games in St. Louis.

Azerbaijan hosted its first boxing championship in 1926, with national boxers claiming first place. Since 1992, the Azerbaijani Boxing Federation has been a full member of AIBA.

Azerbaijani boxers have earned numerous prestigious accolades in international competitions. Aghasi Mammadov made history by becoming Azerbaijan’s first gold medalist at the World Championships. Fuad Asadov also earned a spot on the podium at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Azerbaijan has been selected several times to host major boxing events.

The country previously hosted the 2011 AIBA World Boxing Championships, which served as the main qualification tournament for the London 2012 Olympics.

In 2019, Baku hosted the AIBA Youth World Championships, marking the first youth competition to act as a qualifier for the 2010 Singapore Olympics.

The 11th Baku International Book Fair, organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, has officially wrapped up, Azernews reports.

The large-scale event, held at the Baku Expo Center, was organized under the theme “Techno-human: A Legend of Yesterday, A Phenomenon of Today.”

The book fair drew a diverse crowd, featuring over 41 international organizations from 18 countries, as well as more than 100 local publishing houses, printing companies, and other industry-related institutions.

The event offered a great platform for writers, publishers, and readers to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of books in an increasingly digital age.

Over the span of seven days, the 11th Baku International Book Fair hosted more than 250 events, including master classes aimed at both children and adults, presentations on inclusive literature, book signings, conferences, symposiums, and competitions.

There were also special sessions devoted to reading and music, adding a rich cultural layer to the event. Industry professionals had the opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss trends, and collaborate on future projects.

One of the highlights of the fair was the opportunity for visitors to explore the latest publications in the book market and engage directly with authors and publishers.

From books on inclusion to the latest works of fiction, attendees were able to immerse themselves in a wealth of literary experiences. In addition, the fair served as an important space for networking and collaboration, providing a valuable platform for the international book industry.

Among the participants were not only Azerbaijan’s prominent writers and poets, including several People’s Writers, but also esteemed foreign authors from countries such as Turkiye, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and Qatar.

The event featured a mix of well-known literary figures and emerging voices, offering something for every type of reader.

A particularly poignant moment came during the awards ceremony, where several individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to the book industry.

The Most Creative Stand Award was given to the Mayak Publishing House, while Chingiz Abdullayev received the Most Read Writer Award. The Honorary Writer Award was bestowed upon Rustam Behrudi, in recognition of his outstanding work in literature.

Reflecting the book fair’s broader theme, “Techno-human: A Legend of Yesterday, A Phenomenon of Today,” many discussions centered around how technology has transformed the way we read, write, and engage with stories.

As literature continues to adapt to the digital age, the book fair provided a valuable opportunity for creators and audiences alike to consider the intersection of technology and culture.

The 11th Baku International Book Fair, with its diverse events, global representation, and stimulating discussions, has reaffirmed its status as a premier cultural event in Azerbaijan.

On October 7, 2025, the Azerbaijani Embassy in Jordan, in collaboration with the Azerbaijan National Commission for UNESCO and under the patronage of Princess Dana Firas, President of the Petra National Trust and UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador, hosted the opening of the exhibition “Echoes of the Centuries: Azerbaijani Musical Instruments” in Amman, the capital of Jordan, Azernews reports.

The ceremony was attended by representatives from Jordan’s governmental and cultural institutions, members of the diplomatic corps accredited in the Kingdom, as well as notable figures from the academic and artistic communities, and local public representatives.

In his speech at the opening, Eldar Salimov, the Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, emphasized that the exhibition was not only an art display but also a reflection of the Azerbaijani people’s spirit, their centuries-old history, and rich cultural heritage. He noted that Azerbaijan’s musical traditions date back to ancient times, including the musical and dance scenes depicted in the rock carvings of Gobustan and Gamygaya.

The Ambassador Salimov further pointed out that Azerbaijani music has always held an important place in the spiritual life of the people, and it is widely reflected in the works of great classical poets such as Nizami Ganjavi and Mohammad Fuzuli, as well as in “Book of Dede Qorqud” epic

He also mentioned prominent figures like Uzeyir Hajibayli, Fikrat Amirov, Gara Garayev, Muslum Magomayev, and other distinguished artists, whose work has played a key role in bridging Eastern and Western cultures.

The Ambassador said that each musical instrument on display-tar, kamancha, nagara, saz, qaval, qanun, oud, tutak, and zurna serves as a living carrier of national memory and is a manifestation of Azerbaijan’s historical and spiritual identity.

Ambassador Salimov also noted that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijani music culture has entered a new phase of development. He highlighted the restoration of the Kharibulbul Festival in the city of Shusha as a prime example of national cultural revival.

In conclusion, the Ambassador presented the musical instruments and Azerbaijani carpets, which represent the country’s ancient craftsmanship, to the Petra National Trust as an official gift on behalf of the Azerbaijan National Commission for UNESCO.

He described this symbolic gesture as a reflection of Azerbaijan’s contribution to the preservation and promotion of humanity’s shared cultural heritage.

During the event, participants were treated to a performance by Jordan’s “Duroob” group, featuring classical Azerbaijani musical pieces.

Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry hosted the First Staff Talks between the defense ministries of Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry.

The meeting, held at the International Military Cooperation Department of the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, brought together representatives from various divisions of both countries’ defense institutions.

During the talks, the two sides reviewed the current state of bilateral military relations and identified new areas of cooperation. As a result, a draft plan for bilateral military cooperation for 2026 was prepared.

Both delegations delivered presentations outlining the organizational structures of their respective defense ministries and the ongoing reforms being implemented within them.

The sides expressed confidence that continued military collaboration between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina will serve the mutual interests of both countries and contribute to the further strengthening of their partnership.

The Draconid meteor shower will be active on October 8-9, Azernews reports.

Department of Astrophysics at Baku State University (BSU) informs that the source of this meteor shower is the 21P/Giacobini-Zinner comet.

Discovered in 1900 by French astronomer Michel Giacobini and re-observed in 1913 by German astronomer Ernst Zinner, this comet orbits the Sun every 6.6 years.

As the comet releases dust and gas during each orbit, which intersects Earth’s orbit, we observe it as a meteor shower.

Unlike other meteor showers, Draconids move very slowly and leave bright, long-lasting trails across the sky. Typically, their activity is low, with around five meteors visible per hour.

The speed of Draconid meteors is quite slow, approximately 20 kilometers per hour.

However, throughout history, the Draconids have occasionally been marked by surprise bursts: for instance, observers recorded thousands of meteors per hour in 1926, 1933, 1946, and 2011.

This year, the peak activity of the Draconid meteor shower is expected to occur on the evening of October 8-9, particularly between 19:30 and 23:00.

A delegation led by Speaker of the Croatian Parliament Gordan Jandrokovic, who is on an official visit to Azerbaijan, paid tribute to National Leader Heydar Aliyev at the Alley of Honor in Baku, Azernews reports.

The delegation laid a wreath at Heydar Aliyev’s grave in memory of the architect and founder of the modern independent Azerbaijani state.

Later, the Croatian delegation visited the Alley of Martyrs, where they honored the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for Azerbaijan’s independence and territorial integrity and laid a wreath at the ‘Eternal Torch’ monument.

During the visit, the guests also viewed the panorama of Baku from its highest point and were briefed on the history of the Alley of Martyrs, as well as the city’s ongoing development and reconstruction efforts.

Azerbaijan is demonstrating significant progress on both economic and geopolitical fronts. This advancement has attracted the attention of major global financial institutions. Among them, the Dutch financial giant ING Group has recently published a detailed report outlining Azerbaijan’s economic outlook, offering valuable insights into the country’s growth prospects and challenges ahead.

The Dutch financial institution ING Group projects a moderate but stable growth trajectory for Azerbaijan over the next two years. While the forecasts point to a slight deceleration in economic momentum compared to 2024, the overall outlook underscores macroeconomic resilience, fiscal discipline, and positive structural trends in key non-oil sectors.

According to ING’s projections, real GDP growth in Azerbaijan is expected to reach 1.5% in 2025, recovering to 2.8% in 2026, following a robust 4.1% expansion in 2024. While the slowdown may appear pronounced at first glance, ING analysts stress that such a trend was anticipated as a natural correction after a strong rebound year.

‘After 4.1 percent GDP growth in 2024, the slowdown this year was not unexpected,’ the ING report notes, ‘but the magnitude of the slowdown exceeded previous forecasts, with pressures observed in both the oil and non-oil sectors, including transport and construction.’

Despite this temporary cooling, Azerbaijan’s nominal GDP is projected to continue its upward trajectory, increasing from $74.3 billion in 2024 to $79.6 billion in 2025, and further to $81.3 billion in 2026. This reflects sustained economic expansion, especially in a challenging global environment marked by oil price volatility and weakening external demand.

In per capita terms, GDP is expected to rise from $7,284 in 2024 to $7,631 in 2025, and $7,720 in 2026-a positive indicator of improving living standards and economic productivity.

ING’s forecast also emphasizes Azerbaijan’s relatively stable external position, even as global commodity markets remain uncertain. The country’s current account surplus is expected to moderate-from 6.3% of GDP in 2024 to 2% in 2025, eventually shifting to a 3.3% deficit by 2026. This adjustment reflects lower oil export revenues and rising import demand, particularly in the wake of large-scale infrastructure development and consumer spending growth.

A similar trend is forecasted in the trade balance, which is projected to shrink from 11.9% of GDP in 2024 to 6.3% in 2025, and down to 1.2% in 2026. However, the gradual nature of this decline highlights Azerbaijan’s ability to manage external vulnerabilities, especially as it continues to diversify away from oil and gas dependence.

Importantly, external debt levels remain low and stable, forecasted at 19.5% of GDP in 2025 and 19.7% in 2026, down slightly from 20.2% in 2024. This reflects strong debt management policies and enhances Azerbaijan’s creditworthiness on international markets.

Inflation remains within manageable bounds, even as ING predicts a modest increase in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) over the forecast horizon. CPI is expected to reach 5.1% by the end of 2025, up slightly from 4.9% in 2024, and rise to 5.8% in 2026. ING attributes this to persisting pressure in food prices, despite a slowdown in broader demand-side inflationary factors.

‘The decline in mainly demand-side inflation factors allowed CPI to slow to 4.9% in August, despite food price pressures continuing after the April-May peak of 6.3%,’ the report explains.

Encouragingly, the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) remains committed to price stability. The CBA expects inflation to remain below 5% in the medium term, in line with its target range of 4±2%. Its decision to cut the key policy rate by 25 basis points to 7% in July 2025 signals confidence in easing inflationary dynamics and a more stable external environment.

Outlook: Stability, diversification, and policy resilience

While external factors such as oil prices and global trade conditions continue to influence Azerbaijan’s economic indicators, ING’s report paints a picture of a resilient, strategically navigating economy.

The non-oil sectors -especially construction, transport, and services-are showing increased adaptability, despite some pressure. These sectors are expected to play a more prominent role in future growth, supported by ongoing public investment, digitalization, and regional connectivity projects like the Middle Corridor initiative.

In summary, Azerbaijan’s economic outlook remains fundamentally positive, with stable macroeconomic indicators, prudent monetary policy, and growing momentum in non-oil industries positioning the country for sustainable growth in the medium to long term.

The 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) got underway in Gabala, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev delivered a speech at the event.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

Distinguished heads of state and government,

Dear friends,

Welcome to Gabala, the ancient city of Azerbaijan. Gabala served as the capital of Caucasian Albania, spanning a vast geographical area, which was established in the 4th century BC and thrived until the 8th century AD.

At the outset, I extend my gratitude to the Kyrgyz Republic for its successful leadership in presiding over the Organization of Turkic States (OTS).

Today, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has evolved from merely a platform for cooperation into one of the significant geopolitical centers. It is gratifying to see our Organization’s prestige grow on the international stage. Our shared historical and ethnic roots, along with common national and spiritual values, bring us together as a family.

To support the work of the Organization, our country has contributed 2 million U.S. dollars to the account of the OTS Secretariat.

Internal political and economic stability, a strategic geographical location, positive demographics with a young population, vast potential in transport and logistics, rich natural resources, and growing capabilities in the military and defense technology sectors position the OTS as a significant actor on the global stage.

It is gratifying that the Organization of Turkic States has established the practice of holding informal summits alongside official ones. Last year’s inaugural informal summit in Shusha, as well as our meeting in Budapest this year, are both remembered for the significant decisions.

Dear colleagues,

Today, peace and security are essential foundations for the development of any country.

The Nakhchivan Agreement, the founding document of our Organization, highlights the safeguarding of peace and security as primary goals. Given the current geopolitical and security challenges worldwide, it is crucial that the Turkic states unite as a single center of power, in line with the Garabagh Declaration adopted at last year’s informal summit in Shusha and following the ‘Regional peace and security’ theme of today’s summit.

It is well understood that development cannot be achieved without ensuring security. In a time when the norms and principles of international law are being gravely violated, cooperation among our countries in military and defense-technical fields becomes one of the crucial factors. In this regard, we maintain strong cooperation with our ally, Trkiye. Just in the past year, over 25 bilateral and multinational military exercises have been carried out jointly with Trkiye.

Considering the extensive cooperation between our countries in military, defense, and security areas, we propose holding joint military exercises for the member states of the Organization of Turkic States in Azerbaijan in 2026.

In today’s world, military strength is a crucial element in safeguarding the independence and territorial integrity of any country.

Our historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020, along with resolute counter-terrorism measures in 2023, ended the 30-year occupation of Azerbaijan’s territories. This restored our country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty over our ancient lands. This historical achievement represents not only the triumph of Azerbaijan’s national will and determined struggle but also a vital contribution to the establishment of justice, peace, and stability in the region.

The initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia two months ago at the White House in Washington is set to transform the South Caucasus into a region of peace. Following the joint call to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group and related structures during the Washington summit, the decision made by the OSCE on 1 September also ended these remnants of the former conflict.

Accordingly, these steps have reconfirmed the peace agenda championed by Azerbaijan.

We will never forget the occupation by Armenia. We will forever hold the memory of our Martyrs close to our hearts. We avenged their blood on the battlefield. We expelled the occupiers from our ancestral lands, achieved a brilliant victory, and secured a just peace.

Dear friends!

Transport and communication links hold strategic significance within the Organization of Turkic States. Efforts to harness the potential of the Turkic world in transport, communication, transit, and related fields have resulted in the realization of projects with global impact.

Azerbaijan is an active player in the East-West and North-South transport corridors, serving as a vital bridge between Trkiye and Central Asia across geographic, economic, transport, and other domains.

Since 2022, cargo traffic through the Middle Corridor has increased by approximately 90%. Transit time along the route has significantly decreased. Assets such as the Caspian Sea’s largest trade fleet, the International Trade Port of Alat, which is expected to reach a capacity of 25 million tons per year in the coming years, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, 9 international airports, the region’s largest cargo airline, and other factors have contributed to establishing Azerbaijan as a major international transport hub.

In this context, one of the key outcomes of the Washington summit was the opening of the Zangazur Corridor. This corridor is significant as a new transport artery and serves as a second route within both the Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor.

Another key area closely tied to peace, regional connectivity, and economic development is energy security. Our country plays an active and strategic role in advancing these objectives on a global scale. Azerbaijan has proven itself as a reliable and indispensable partner in ensuring the energy security of many countries.

We serve as a strategic link between the Caspian region and international markets through a network of diversified oil and gas pipelines. At present, Azerbaijan exports natural gas to 14 countries. In terms of geographic coverage, Azerbaijan ranks first among nations exporting natural gas via pipeline.

Azerbaijan is also attracting significant investments in renewable energy sources, including solar, wind, and hydropower. By 2030, approximately 40% of our energy production is expected to come from renewables.

Currently, we are developing a green energy corridor connecting Central Asia, Azerbaijan, Trkiye, and Europe.

Azerbaijan and the member states of the OTS have carried out numerous significant investment projects. To date, over 20 billion U.S. dollars have been invested in the economies of our fraternal countries. The majority of these investments have been made in the Turkish economy. Additionally, Azerbaijan has established joint investment funds with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan. Through these funds, many future projects will be realized.

Overall, these initiatives serve to deepen economic integration within the Turkic world, strengthening cooperation among our friendly and brotherly nations in energy and transport, and sustainable development of our region.

As I mentioned, our common history and ethnic roots, our languages unite us like one family. Hereby, I would like to emphasize the historic significance of the First Turkological Congress organized in Baku in 1926.

I propose that the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress next year be solemnly organized within the framework of the Organization of Turkic States.

I am confident that our Summit will further strengthen the position of the Organization of Turkic States through the decisions we make, contributing even more to the well-being and security of our peoples.

At the end of my speech, I would like to once again express my gratitude to our fraternal countries for their support in the restoration of Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur. School named after Mirzo Ulugbek, the Kurmangazy Children’s Creativity Center in Fuzuli, and the school named after Manas in Aghdam are already operational. These are gifts from our Uzbek, Kazakh, and Kyrgyz brothers. A school built in Jabrayil is a gift of our Hungarian brothers. Fuzuli Mosque, the foundation of which is laid today, is a gift from our Turkmen brothers. Brotherly Turkish companies are constructing numerous tunnels, bridges, and roads. Azerbaijanis will never forget this brotherly support.

By the end of 2024, Malta, Taiwan, South Korea, and Spain have emerged as the countries with the lowest fertility rates globally, Azernews reports.

Malta tops the list, with an average of just 1.06 children born per woman over her lifetime. Taiwan follows closely with 1.11, while South Korea and Spain share third place at 1.12 each. Singapore rounds out the top five, registering a fertility rate of 1.17.

Other countries in the bottom ten include Lithuania (1.18), Poland (1.20), Italy (1.21), Ukraine (1.22), and both Macau and Hong Kong at 1.24.

Russia finds itself within the top 30 of this ‘anti-ranking,’ with a fertility rate of 1.4, alongside nations like Japan, Cyprus, and Norway.

In stark contrast, the highest fertility rates continue to be recorded in African countries. Niger leads globally with an average of 6.64 children per woman. The rest of the top five includes Angola (5.7), the Democratic Republic of the Congo (5.49), Mali (5.35), and Benin (5.34).

Addressing concerns over declining birth rates, Russian State Duma deputy Tatyana Butskaya announced in May that from 2026, birth rate indicators will be incorporated into the key performance metrics (KPIs) for regional governors. She emphasized that every working day for governors will begin with a review of demographic data. Moreover, not only regional authorities but also educational institutions and employers will be involved in monitoring and addressing birth rate trends.

This move reflects growing recognition worldwide of the demographic challenges posed by declining fertility rates-issues that have profound implications for economic growth, social welfare, and long-term national development.

On October 7, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev called President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin, Azernews reports.