Category: Azer News

Iran and Turkiye share the view that recent developments in the region are the result of illegitimate interference by extra-regional powers.

Azernews reports that Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, speaking at a joint press conference with his Turkish counterpart Hakan Fidan in Istanbul, said that both countries are aligned in opposing external meddling in regional and domestic affairs.

Araghchi, who is visiting Turkiye, thanked Foreign Minister Fidan for expressing condolences to the Iranian people over the recent loss of life.

‘Iran and Turkiye are neighboring and friendly countries that have stood by each other in both difficult and easy times,’ Araghchi said. ‘Our relations have remained friendly throughout history.’

Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan said Ankara supports the resolution of Iran’s internal issues without outside interference, stressing respect for national sovereignty.

‘We are closely following the developments in Iran,’ Fidan said. ‘We deeply regret the loss of life during the protests and offer our condolences to the Iranian people. We are pleased that the situation has largely stabilized and hope that calm will be maintained.’

Fidan emphasized that Turkiye hopes Iran’s internal challenges will be resolved peacefully, without foreign interference, and by the Iranian people themselves.

Astronomers have discovered a new Earth-sized planet located 146 light-years from our solar system. The planet, named HD 137010 b, orbits a Sun-like star and could potentially be studied in detail by future space telescopes, Azernews reports.

The discovery was made using data collected in 2017 as part of NASA’s Kepler Space Telescope K2 mission and was analyzed by an international team of researchers led by Alexander Wenner of the University of Southern Queensland (USQ).

HD 137010 b is estimated to be about 6% larger than Earth and completes an orbit around its star in approximately 355 days. While its surface temperature may be closer to Mars, potentially dropping below -70°C, there is an estimated 50% chance that it lies within the habitable zone of its star, where liquid water could exist.

‘What’s particularly exciting about this Earth-sized planet is how close its star is-only 150 light-years away from our solar system,’ said study co-author Chelsea Huang. She noted that its proximity makes it a promising target for future telescopes designed to study exoplanets in detail. ‘The next closest Earth-like planet around a Sun-like star is about four times farther away and 20 times dimmer than Kepler-186f, which is also in the habitable zone,’ she added.

The initial faint signal suggesting the presence of the planet was detected by a team of scientists, including Wenner. ‘When I was in high school, I participated in a science project called Planet Hunters, and that experience shaped my path into research,’ he said.

Looking ahead, Wenner emphasized that future NASA missions capable of directly imaging Earth-like planets may be able to capture detailed images of HD 137010 b, potentially revealing its atmosphere, surface conditions, and even signs of habitability.

The European Union is closely monitoring the situation surrounding the Nipah virus outbreak reported in India, following the confirmation of two cases in the eastern state of West Bengal, Azernews reports.

According to the European Commission, health authorities across EU member states are tracking developments after Indian officials confirmed infections among healthcare workers late last December. So far, no Nipah cases have been detected within the EU, and there is no evidence of exposure in national health databases.

Nipah virus is a highly dangerous zoonotic disease that can spread from animals to humans and, in some cases, between people. While some infections remain asymptomatic, severe cases can cause high fever, respiratory distress, brain swelling, and death. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates the fatality rate at 40-75 percent and classifies Nipah as a priority public health threat, given the absence of an approved vaccine or specific treatment.

The European Commission stated that no travel restrictions or additional recommendations have been issued for EU citizens traveling to or from India at this stage. The situation is being monitored in coordination with EU delegations in New Delhi, with assurances that appropriate measures will be taken if the risk level changes.

Indian authorities report that around 200 contacts of the infected individuals have been identified, all of whom tested negative and remain symptom-free. Surveillance and containment measures are ongoing, and no new cases have been recorded so far.

Despite the limited scope of the outbreak, several Asian countries, including Singapore, Hong Kong, Thailand, and Malaysia, have introduced additional airport health screenings, such as temperature checks, amid concerns about potential spread.

Experts note that the Nipah virus is primarily transmitted from fruit bats to humans, either directly or through contaminated food, though human-to-human transmission is possible, particularly in healthcare settings. Symptoms typically appear within 4-14 days, but incubation periods of up to 45 days have been documented.

While no vaccine is currently available, preventive measures include avoiding fruit contaminated by bats, using protective equipment when handling animals, and maintaining strict hygiene when caring for patients. WHO data indicate that around 20 percent of survivors suffer long-term neurological complications.

It is also noted that in October last year, public consultations began in several EU countries on potential clinical trials of a genetically modified Nipah vaccine, though no trial start date has yet been announced.

The United Nations and the organizers of the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games have called for a seven-week pause in ongoing conflicts worldwide, one week ahead of the opening of the prestigious sporting event.

As reported by Azernews, citing foreign media, supporters of the initiative say the appeal – rooted in ancient Greek tradition – carries a strong moral imperative at a time when armed conflicts are increasing globally.

The proposed truce, backed by a UN General Assembly resolution, would cover the period of the Winter Olympic Games, scheduled for February 6-22, as well as the Paralympic Games, set to take place from March 6-15.

‘From an ethical perspective, we want to send a message that the Olympic Truce, the Sacred Olympic Truce, must be respected,’ said Konstantinos Filis, Director of the International Olympic Truce Centre based in Athens. ‘This may not always be possible in practice, but the message reaches every corner of the world: wherever possible, we should try to create space for peace, even if only a small one.’

The modern Olympic Games were revived in 1896, while the concept of an Olympic truce gained renewed attention nearly a century later, in the early 1990s, amid the outbreak of wars in the former Yugoslavia.

“The Action Plan on declaring 2026 as the “Year of Urban Planning and Architecture” in Azerbaijan” has been approved, Azernews reports.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev signed the relevant decree.

According to the decree, the Administration of the President of Azerbaijan must coordinate and monitor the implementation of the measures provided for in the Action Plan approved by Part 1 of this decree.

The Cabinet of Ministers of Azerbaijan must resolve the issues arising from this decree.

In Dubai, United Arab Emirates, a new street is set to make headlines by being literally paved with gold, Azernews reports.

According to reports, the street will be part of Dubai’s new Golden District and is described as being ‘built using gold.’ However, the developers have not provided detailed information on exactly how the precious metal will be incorporated into the street’s construction, and the official opening date has not yet been announced.

The Golden District is part of Dubai’s effort to rebrand and expand its famous Gold Market, also known as the Golden Quarter. Currently, the area hosts around 1,000 retailers specializing in gold and jewelry, making it one of the world’s most prominent destinations for luxury shopping.

According to the Dubai Media Office, the UAE is the second-largest physical gold trading hub in the world. In 2024-2025, the country exported gold worth approximately $53.41 billion, highlighting its central role in the global gold market.

A street literally paved with gold is more than just a luxury attraction-it reflects Dubai’s ambition to combine extravagance, tourism, and commerce in a single experience. Imagine walking down a street where every step glimmers in sunlight, while the surrounding area showcases the latest in high-end jewelry and luxury retail. This project could become a new iconic symbol of Dubai, rivaling landmarks like the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev recieved Berlian Helmy, the incoming Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Indonesia to Azerbaijan, on January 30, Azernews reports.

The Ambassador presented his credentials to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev conversed with the Ambassador. The head of state recalled his contacts with the President of Indonesia in Davos and Sharm El-Sheikh, and informed him that he had invited him to make an official visit to Azerbaijan.

President Ilham Aliyev stated that it is a great honor for Azerbaijan to be the first country admitted to the D-8 Organization for Economic Cooperation since its founding, and he expressed his gratitude to all member states, including Indonesia, for their support in this matter. The head of state characterized this milestone as an embodiment of the respect and brotherhood shown toward Azerbaijan.

Hailing the development of relations between the two countries, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the importance of further strengthening political, economic, mutual investment and business cooperation.

The Azerbaijani President wished the ambassador success in his future activities.

Expressing gratitude to the head of state for the reception, Berlian Helmy said that during his tenure, he would work diligently to strengthen friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between our states and peoples.

During the conversation, they had an exchange of views on the prospects of Azerbaijan-Indonesia bilateral relations.

On January 30, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Sally-Anne Vincent, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Commonwealth of Australia to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The ambassador presented her credentials to the head of state.

President Ilham Aliyev then held a conversation with the ambassador.

The head of state noted that, despite the geographical distance between the two countries, there are strong opportunities for cooperation in economic, trade, and investment spheres, and praised the development of political relations.

President Ilham Aliyev wished the ambassador success in her diplomatic activities.

Sally-Anne Vincent expressed her honor at being appointed ambassador to Azerbaijan, fondly recalled her recent visit to the country, and stated that she would spare no effort to expand bilateral ties.

She expressed gratitude for the letter sent by the head of state a few days earlier to Samantha Mostyn, Governor-General of Australia, on the occasion of Australia’s national holiday.

The ambassador highlighted cooperation established between Azerbaijan and Australia within the framework of COP29, recalling that her country was represented by a large delegation at the event. She also touched upon Australia and Trkiye’s hosting of COP31, noting Azerbaijan’s efforts in this regard are highly appreciated.

Sally-Anne Vincent emphasized that Azerbaijan will host the World Urban Forum – one of the United Nations’ most prestigious events – this year, and stated that Australia will be represented by a large delegation.

During the meeting, the sides discussed cooperation in political, economic, green energy, and other areas of mutual interest, noting that reciprocal visits at various levels play an important role in deepening relations. It was also noted that next year will mark the 35th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Australia.

Individuals currently serving as artistic directors of theatres may continue their professional activities within the framework of the new structural model, Azernews reports citing Azerbaijan Culture Ministry.

With the nomination and approval of theatre directors, they may be appointed to positions such as stage director, head of a creative department, or other relevant roles.

The reforms are not aimed at mechanically eliminating positions.

Rather, the main objective is to modernize management mechanisms that are ineffective or underperforming, bringing them in line with contemporary requirements.

It was emphasized that the new model is designed to enhance theatres’ creative potential. It is also intended to ensure creative freedom within a healthier institutional framework. In addition, it aims to clearly define the distribution of managerial responsibilities.

This approach is expected to lay the groundwork for more sustainable development of theatres, both creatively and administratively.

A high-level panel discussion on ‘Strengthening Environmental Governance and International Cooperation for the Protection of the Caspian Sea’ was held at the UN headquarters in Geneva, co-organized by the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan to the United Nations Office and other international organizations in Geneva, the Caspisnet Scientific Network and the Secretariat of the Tehran Convention.

Addressing the official part of the event, Leyla Aliyeva, highlighted the global significance of the Caspian Sea, the environmental threats it currently faces, and the importance of the science-based cooperation to preserve it for future generations. Leyla Aliyeva emphasized that the ongoing shrinking in sea levels and the loss of biodiversity could result in increasingly severe consequences unless timely, coordinated measures are implemented. She urged the event participants to maintain discussions on the Caspian Sea, pursuing concrete steps that yield tangible results.

Speaking at the event, Tatiana Valovaya, Director-General of the UN Office at Geneva, and Galib Israfilov, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the UN Office and other international organizations in Geneva, underlined the paramount importance of such discussions in fostering dialogue between government agencies, international organizations, and the expert community. The speakers underscored that enhancing institutional collaboration in environmental governance, alongside the active exchange of information and experience, will significantly bolster collective efforts to protect the Caspian Sea.

The discussions were followed by panel sessions featuring an exchange of views among key participants, including Arnold Kreilhuber, Regional Director of the UN Environment Programme’s Europe Office, and Francesca Racioppi, Head of Office at WHO European Centre for Environment and Health, who were joined by leaders and representatives from the University of Geneva, the Geneva Water Hub, and Caspisnet, as well as several other international organizations and think tanks. The discussions focused on environmental governance, the critical role of scientific research, and the significance of international collaboration and water diplomacy in protecting the Caspian Sea, resulting in the proposal of various strategic initiatives.