Category: Azer News

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Prime Minister of the Czech Republic Andrej Babiš in Davos on 21 January, Azernews reports.

During the conversation, they emphasized that there are excellent opportunities to expand cooperation between the two countries across a wide range of areas, including political, economic, energy, mechanical engineering, transport, and other fields. The importance of mutual visits at various levels in deepening bilateral relations was also highlighted.

The President of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic exchanged views on the prospects of their relations, future contacts, and other issues of mutual interest.

Prime Minister Andrej Babiš invited President Ilham Aliyev to an official visit to the Czech Republic. In response, the head of state invited the Prime Minister of the Czech Republic to pay an official visit to Azerbaijan.

Both leaders accepted the invitations.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has made a post on his social media accounts on the occasion of the 20 January tragedy.

Azerbaijan Composers’ Union has hosted a commemorative event dedicated to the anniversary of the January 20 tragedy, Azernews reports.

The event featured a speech by the Chairperson of the Azerbaijan Composers’ Union, Corresponding Member of the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS), People’s Artist, and Professor Firangiz Alizadeh.

In her remarks, she spoke about the horrific tragedy committed against the civilian population in Baku on January 20, 1990. She particularly emphasized the fact that National Leader Heydar Aliyev was the first to give a political assessment of these events and to bring them to the attention of the international community. Firangiz Alizadeh also presented a list of numerous works composed by Azerbaijani composers in connection with this tragedy and shared her reflections on these compositions.

At the event, presentations were delivered by Jala Gulamova, PhD in Art Studies and Professor at the Azerbaijan National Conservatory, on the topic “The Artistic and Aesthetic Representation of the January 20 Tragedy in Azerbaijani Musical Culture,” and by Leyla Guliyeva, PhD in Art Studies and Associate Professor, titled “The Theme of January 20 in Symphonic Music.”

In addition, Leyla Zohrabova, Secretary of the Azerbaijan Composers’ Union, Doctor of Art Studies, and Associate Professor, spoke about the creative legacy of the renowned composer, Honored Art Worker Tahir Akbar, who was born on January 20, 1946.

Following the presentations, speeches were delivered by Elnara Dadashova, Secretary of the Azerbaijan Composers’ Union, Honored Art Worker and Professor; members of the Board including Honored Art Worker Mammadaga Umudov, composer Rana Gadimova, Doctor of Philosophy and Professor Mina Hajiyeva, and others.

The artistic segment of the event featured an audio recording of Tahir Akbar’s poem-composition ‘Ya Rabb.’ Young composer Kamran Nasirov also shared his thoughts on his work “January Elegy” for oboe and piano. The piece was performed by international competition laureates Murad Taghiyev (oboe) and Emil Ahmadzadeh (piano).

The announcement that President Ilham Aliyev has been awarded the Human Fraternity Award by the Sheikh Zayed Foundation of the United Arab Emirates has drawn international attention and rightly so. This recognition underscores Azerbaijan’s dedication to peace, stability, and constructive diplomacy in a region that has witnessed decades of conflict. The Sheikh Zayed Foundation, established to honor the legacy of the United Arab Emirates’ founding father, Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is widely regarded as a prestigious institution promoting humanity, coexistence, and the principles of brotherhood. Its Human Fraternity Award celebrates individuals and leaders whose actions advance harmony and global dialogue.

Founded to foster intercultural understanding and support efforts that transcend borders, the Sheikh Zayed Foundation has long been a beacon for initiatives promoting tolerance, collaboration, and constructive international engagement. By awarding President Aliyev, the Foundation not only acknowledges his personal leadership but also signals the international community’s appreciation of Azerbaijan’s responsible and principled approach to regional diplomacy. This recognition highlights how proactive, visionary leadership can shape both national destiny and regional stability.

President Aliyev’s receipt of this award can be seen as an affirmation of Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace following the recent conflicts in the South Caucasus. In the aftermath of military success, he has demonstrated that victory on the battlefield must be accompanied by a dedication to lasting peace. The recognition from the Sheikh Zayed Foundation emphasizes that a leader who secures their nation’s interests while promoting regional stability is not only a victor in war but also a pioneer of peace.

The road to peace, however, has not been without obstacles. Efforts by Armenia to pursue revanchist agendas threatened to destabilize the fragile post-conflict environment and risked plunging the region into renewed confrontation. Throughout these challenges, President Ilham Aliyev has maintained a firm and principled stance, consistently advocating for solutions that respect Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and the realities established by recent agreements. His approach has exemplified the careful balance between asserting national will and encouraging dialogue, ensuring that the peace process does not falter under external pressures or unilateral provocations.

A defining moment came in August 2025 in Washington, when Azerbaijan decisively set the terms for conflict resolution. This milestone reflected not only the country’s military and political success but also the ability to translate that victory into a sustainable framework for peace. By reaching this agreement on the international stage, Azerbaijan provided a model for how post-conflict leadership can combine assertiveness with diplomacy, demonstrating that responsible governance in the aftermath of war is essential to long-term stability.

The Sheikh Zayed Foundation’s award serves as a global endorsement of this approach. It signals that Azerbaijan’s model – grounded in both firm sovereignty and forward-looking diplomacy – is worthy of recognition and emulation. More broadly, it reinforces the principle that leadership is measured not solely by military achievements but also by the ability to secure a stable, peaceful environment for one’s citizens and neighbors. By championing dialogue and setting a precedent for constructive engagement, President Ilham Aliyev has placed Azerbaijan at the forefront of nations demonstrating how victories can translate into enduring progress.

This recognition also provides a broader lesson for international observers: post-conflict peacebuilding requires clear vision, steadfast principles, and the courage to confront challenges directly. Azerbaijan’s experience exemplifies how national determination, aligned with thoughtful diplomacy, can prevent renewed confrontations and foster regional security. The Sheikh Zayed Foundation’s acknowledgment of President Aliyev reflects an appreciation for these qualities and underscores the broader international community’s interest in supporting leaders who pursue both national and regional stability.

In awarding President Aliyev the Human Fraternity Award, the Sheikh Zayed Foundation highlights not only his personal achievements but also the broader success of Azerbaijan in achieving a comprehensive and sustainable resolution of regional disputes. The award celebrates the example set by Azerbaijan: that military success, when complemented by principled and decisive diplomacy, can establish a lasting foundation for peace, stability, and constructive international engagement.

Indeed, Azerbaijan’s absolute victory and the exemplary conduct in conflict resolution now stand as a benchmark for others navigating post-conflict challenges. The award is a testament to a leadership that has skillfully combined courage, foresight, and a commitment to humanity. Through this recognition, the world is reminded that true leadership lies in ensuring that the aftermath of conflict produces lasting security, prosperity, and mutual respect among nations.

On January 20, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with Jamie Dimon, Chairman and CEO of J.P. Morgan, one of the world’s leading financial institutions, in Davos, Azernews reports.

Greenland Prime Minister Jens-Frederik Nielsen said during a press conference on Tuesday that the population and the local authorities should be ready for a possible invasion, although he still considered it an unlikely scenario. His comments comeamid repeated requests by the United States to acquire sovereignty of the Arctic island from Denmark, Azernews reports.

“It’s not likely there will be a military conflict, but it can’t be ruled out,” Nielsen stressed as US President Donald Trump insisted on owning the territory. Furthermore, the prime minister promised that the authorities would form a task force to help the local population prepare for the possibility of disruptions to civilian life resulting from a hypothetical military intervention. The government will also recommend that people have a five-day supply of food reserves in their homes.

Denmark has repeatedly resisted Trump’s push to take control of Greenland, while European leaders mulled their response to Washington’s threat of imposing tariffs if no solution is reached.

Schools under the Baku City Education Department have organized a series of in-class activities and visits to the Martyrs’ Alley in honor of January 20 – National Day of Mourning, Azernews reports.

Both students and teaching staff participated in these commemorative events, reflecting on the sacrifices made for Azerbaijan’s independence.

The anniversary events began with the performance of the Azerbaijan State Anthem followed by a moment of silence in memory of the country’s martyrs. Students were then given detailed insights into the historical context of the tragic events of January 20, 1990, emphasizing the bravery and struggle of the Azerbaijani people in their fight for freedom and independence.

Speakers highlighted that January 20 marks the beginning of Azerbaijan’s path to independence and a day of national awakening.

Even 36 years later, this date is remembered as a moment when the Azerbaijani people stood united, demonstrating their willingness to sacrifice for freedom and national ideals. Students were encouraged to preserve and honor the memory of this defining chapter of their nation’s history.

During the events, students recited poems dedicated to the January 20 tragedy and performed literary and artistic compositions, paying tribute to the courage and resilience of those who gave their lives for the country.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it is ‘premature’ to talk about Russia’s participation in US President Donald Trump’s ‘Board of Peace’ on Gaza, Azernews reports, citing Anadolu Agency.

In remarks to journalists at a press briefing, spokesman Dmitry Peskov said Russia does not yet know ‘all the details’ of the US-led initiative, and whether it concerns only Gaza or a broader context.

‘There are still many questions, and we hope to receive answers during our contacts with the Americans,’ Peskov said.

Responding to a question on whether Russia will be represented in the board, Peskov said: ‘It’s premature to say so.”

Peskov’s recent remarks come a day after he announced President Vladimir Putin has been invited to join the international body, saying Moscow is currently examining ‘all the details of this proposal, including hoping for contacts with the American side to clarify all the nuances.’ The development was confirmed by Trump on Tuesday.

Last week, the White House announced the formation of the Board of Peace to “play an essential role in fulfilling” 20 points of Trump’s plan to permanently end Israel’s war on Gaza and rebuild the enclave, as well as “providing strategic oversight, mobilizing international resources, and ensuring accountability as Gaza transitions from conflict to peace and development.”

The US also formed the National Committee for the Administration of Gaza to implement phase two of Trump’s “Comprehensive Plan to End the Gaza Conflict,” a founding Executive Board, and a Gaza Executive Board to support the transitional framework.

The First Division of the Azerbaijan Chess Championship has come to a close, Azernews reports.

The results of the competition held at the Republican Chess Center have determined the players who will qualify for the national championship.

In the men’s competition, which saw the participation of 36 players, Umid Aslanov finished at the top with 7 points.

Alongside him, Ravan ?liyev, Farid Orujov, Kanan Garayev, Shamsi Garakhanov, Ravan Uguzov, Kanan Isbatov, Pasham Alizade, and Suat Ibrahimli secured spots in the Azerbaijan Championship by placing in the top nine.

As Namiq Guliyev declined to participate in the championship, Allahverdi Hamidov, who finished 10th, will also be granted entry to the national competition.

In the women’s event, which had 18 participants, Lala Huseynov claimed first place with 8 points. Alongside her, Zahra Allahverdi also earned a spot in the Azerbaijan Championship.

The tournament was held under FIDE’s rules and played using the Swiss system over 9 rounds.

As a result, the top 10 men and the top 2 women from the First Division have officially qualified for the national championship.

The Azerbaijan Chess Championship will take place from February 6 to 22.

Founded in 1926, the Azerbaijan Chess Federation (ACF) has played a pivotal role in shaping the country’s strong chess tradition.

The ACF organizes national and international tournaments, provides training programs, and supports the growth of chess at all levels, from school children to grandmasters.

The Federation is also responsible for the success of its national teams, which have consistently performed well in prestigious competitions such as the Chess Olympiad and the World Chess Championship.

Armenia is discussing the possibility of transporting liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Russia to its territory by rail through Azerbaijan, the Armenian Ministry of Economy said, seeking to ensure reliable energy supplies after disruptions on traditional routes, Azernews reports.

According to the ministry’s statement, Armenia currently imports gas mainly from Russia and Iran, but ‘problems have arisen’ with both sources. Difficulties on the Iranian route are tied to broader regional issues, while complications with Russia relate to congestion and logistical challenges at the Verkhny (Upper) Lars border crossing on the Russia-Georgia frontier. The ministry emphasized that these problems are expected to be resolved soon and that LNG deliveries by rail via Azerbaijan could begin in the near future.

Officials have called the alternative route an urgent measure to safeguard energy resources and ensure uninterrupted gas supplies for domestic needs. Delivering Russian gas through Azerbaijani territory would mark a significant shift in Armenia’s energy logistics and reflects evolving cooperation between Yerevan and Baku following recent diplomatic breakthroughs.

Historical and regional background

The idea of using Azerbaijani transit routes for Armenian energy and commodity supplies has gained momentum as Armenia seeks to diversify transit corridors and reduce dependence on traditional transit bottlenecks:

Upper Lars checkpoint has long been a critical point for Armenia’s land access to Russia and beyond. Seasonal weather-related closures and logistical issues at this crossing have frequently disrupted freight traffic, including fuel and gas deliveries, making Armenia vulnerable to supply interruptions.

Iranian supply challenges stem from broader regional complications, including economic sanctions impacts and transportation bottlenecks, which have at times limited the volume of gas Iran can export to Armenia.

Since late 2025, Armenia and Azerbaijan have also begun moving key commodities through Azerbaijan’s territory – including Russian grain and Azerbaijani petroleum products – after years of closed borders following conflict in the region. This reflects a renewed period of economic and logistical cooperation that has opened up new supply options for Armenia.

Locally, some analysts and commentators link recent price spikes in LNG in Armenia to these supply disruptions and transit challenges, while noting that increased deliveries through Azerbaijan could help stabilize energy costs.