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‘This is the second visit of Italian President Sergio Mattarella to Azerbaijan. His first official visit took place seven years ago,’ President Ilham Aliyev said during a joint press statement with Italian President Sergio Mattarella.

The head of state noted: ‘Today’s visit demonstrates that Italy-Azerbaijan relations are developing very successfully, and we are true strategic partners.’

Masdar, the UAE’s leading renewable energy company, plans to introduce its experience in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production to Azerbaijan.

Azernews reports, the announcement was made by Murad Sadiqov, Head of Masdar’s Azerbaijan office, during his speech at the Baku Climate Action Week 2025.

According to Sadiqov, Azerbaijan’s renewable energy development strategy extends beyond export-oriented projects – it is also aimed at enhancing the reliability and resilience of the national energy system.

‘Our main goal is not just to fix current gaps in the energy grid but to build a more sustainable and dependable system,’ he said, adding: ‘Unstable energy holds no value – stability is everything.’

He emphasized the importance of energy storage systems, grid balancing mechanisms, and a diversified mix of renewable sources. Sadiqov also highlighted the growing significance of offshore wind and green hydrogen, noting that Masdar is actively investing in green hydrogen production and has already launched a pilot project for sustainable aviation fuel in the UAE. The company now aims to replicate that success in Azerbaijan.

He also pointed out that the Azerbaijani government is investing heavily in modernizing the national grid. Recently, two major energy storage systems were announced to help manage energy flow and frequency, which are expected to significantly boost the grid’s stability and performance.

Sadiqov underscored that Azerbaijan’s green energy ambitions are not limited to Europe-bound exports.

‘We’ve also witnessed agreements being signed with Central Asian countries. This marks a step toward building a large, stable energy network across the region,’ he said. ‘Azerbaijan is becoming the heart of an emerging energy hub – one that will play a critical role in the energy transition not only for the Caucasus but for the entire Eurasian region.’

The President of the Republic of Italy, Sergio Mattarella, arrived in Azerbaijan on an official visit on September 30, Azernews reports.

Azernews reports that upon arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport, a guard of honor was lined up in his honor, with the national flags of both countries displayed.

President Mattarella was welcomed at the airport by First Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Yagub Eyyubov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Fariz Rzayev, and other senior officials.

Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic, delivered press statements on September 30, Azernews reports.

First, the President of Azerbaijan made his statement.

Statement

by President Ilham Aliyev

– Dear Mr. President.

Dear guests.

I once again sincerely welcome you to Azerbaijan.

This is President of Italy Mr. Mattarella’s second visit to Azerbaijan. The first official visit took place seven years ago. Today’s visit shows that Italian-Azerbaijani relations are developing very successfully and that we are true strategic partners.

Our meetings are frequent in nature. Last year, I was a guest of President Mattarella, and during the meeting, I invited him to pay another official visit to Azerbaijan. I am glad that he has accepted my invitation and is with us today.

There are two strategic partnership documents between us. The first document was signed in 2015. The second document – the Joint Declaration on Comprehensive Strategic Partnership – was signed five years ago. Over the years, our relations have developed very rapidly and cover various directions. Political relations are at the highest level. As I mentioned, we meet often. In the economic sphere, Italy is our top trade partner and our trade turnover is increasing by the year. Many important projects have been implemented in the energy sector. In particular, by exporting Azerbaijani oil and gas to Italy, we have been able to send a large amount of natural resources to world markets. At the same time, we have also contributed to the energy security of many countries.

Today, during our conversation with President Mattarella, we recalled his previous visit. At that time, the implementation of the TAP project was on the agenda. There were various problematic issues, and President Mattarella’s personal intervention in this issue after the visit as well as his efforts in regulating these issues, allowed the TAP project to be successfully implemented. Starting from 2020, Azerbaijani gas has been exported to Italy through this project. Today, Azerbaijan exports natural gas to 14 countries through the Southern Gas Corridor. Our scope is increasing year after year, and today Azerbaijan ranks first in the world in terms of the geographical scope of natural gas exported through pipelines. Azerbaijani oil ranks first in Italy’s energy balance and Azerbaijani gas ranks second. In other words, this cooperation is a sign of a strong partnership, and we have supported each other as reliable partners for many years. If it were not for these sincere relations, if it were not for mutual trust, the implementation of these projects would not have been possible.

I informed President Mattarella today that we are currently working with the European Union on the export of electricity. The preparation of a feasibility study for the construction of power lines is underway. It will probably be ready soon. Thus, the path opened by TAP and the Southern Gas Corridor today paves the way for larger projects. Electricity, including that to be transmitted from Central Asia to Azerbaijan and then to Europe across the Caspian Sea, will further enhance the scope of our cooperation.

Last time, when President Mattarella was on a visit to Azerbaijan, we jointly attended the opening of a large industrial enterprise built by Italian companies in Sumgayit. During this visit, tomorrow, we will celebrate the opening of the Italian-Azerbaijani University. In other words, this momentum, the expansion of these cooperation frameworks is primarily evidence of sincere relations. In other words, cooperation in the energy and industrial sectors has also paved the way for cooperation in the humanitarian sector. Hundreds of students are already studying at the Italian-Azerbaijani University, and this will be a new educational institution for us. Those already studying here will not only have good knowledge, but also, naturally, become ambassadors of Italy in Azerbaijan and of Azerbaijan in Italy. So this will further strengthen our friendship.

During today’s talks, we also discussed European Union-Azerbaijan relations. Italy has always supported the development of Azerbaijan’s relations with the European Union, and today we feel this. Positive steps have been taken in European Union-Azerbaijan relations recently. This naturally pleases us.

In short, our strategic partnership is manifested both in official documents and in life. I do believe that our experience can serve as an example for building relations between countries located far from each other.

Dear Mr. President, welcome to Azerbaijan once again.

x x x

Then, the Italian President spoke.

Statement

by President Sergio Mattarella

– I am grateful to Mr. President Ilham Aliyev for the invitation to visit Azerbaijan again. I am also grateful for the hospitality extended to me and to our delegation. There is great friendship, mutual and a well-established understanding between us, and the relations between Italy and Azerbaijan are developing. Thank you very much for reminding me again of my visit seven years ago. This was, in fact, very symbolic, and Mr. President, thank you for inviting me to your country this time. Of course, tomorrow we will inaugurate the student campus of the Italy-Azerbaijan University. This also means that Italian universities, on the one hand, and Azerbaijani universities, on the other, will cooperate.

Mr. President told me that seven years ago we were at the inauguration of a large industrial facility. He also noted that this has a very symbolic significance. This has already opened a new path for our energy and industrial cooperation in the future. Italy and Azerbaijan have already started cooperating in the cultural, humanitarian and educational sectors. This actually means the full and effective implementation of our strategic partnership and the agreement signed 10 years ago. This develops the relations between our countries. It is also evidence of cooperation not only in the industrial and energy sectors, but also in the cultural sector.

Mr. President noted here that the numerous students who will go to the university that we will inaugurate tomorrow will further strengthen the friendship between our countries. Of course, when it comes to these relations, the relations between our countries are very good, and as you can see, we are organizing several events. Now we will have yet another event. Of course, we value this very highly. Our cooperation, Azerbaijan’s openness to us, the work it has done with us and our cooperation are obvious.

I told President Aliyev that when it comes to your cooperation with the European Union, Italy will take steps on its side. I would like to specifically note that Azerbaijan is a very influential partner in a broad sense. The European Union sees this and, of course, our cooperation with you will be very important in this context. We will do our very best to ensure that these relations grow, develop and always cover more and more new areas, serving the well-being of our countries and peoples. For this purpose, I have come to Baku on this visit. I am grateful to Mr. President for inviting me to your country for the second time. Of course, you also mentioned the role of Italy here. I express my gratitude to you. I am also grateful for your hospitality.

Let me note that tomorrow will be an important day in the field of culture and education between Italy and Azerbaijan, and we will participate in a joint event tomorrow morning.

The step we have taken with President Aliyev will be one that serves our mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation. Italy is very pleased with this friendship and cooperation and intends to raise it to the highest level.

Azerbaijan is set to significantly boost electricity production from renewable energy sources in the coming years, according to Rana Humbatova, Deputy Director of the State Agency on Renewable Energy Sources under the Ministry of Energy, Azernews reports.

Speaking at Baku Climate Action Week 2025, she highlighted that as of the end of 2024, the share of ‘green energy’ in the country’s energy mix has already reached 13.5% and is expected to grow further with the implementation of new projects.

Humbatova explained that Azerbaijan offers investors two main mechanisms for participation in the renewable sector: public auctions and direct negotiations. The first auction was held within the framework of COP29, where the Chinese company Universal won the rights to develop a 400 MW solar power plant at a competitive rate of just 3.54 cents per kilowatt-hour.

Strategic partners in Azerbaijan’s green energy drive include major international companies such as Masdar (UAE), ACWA Power (Saudi Arabia), and bp (UK). Notably, in 2023, a 230 MW solar power plant developed in partnership with Masdar was successfully commissioned, and another 240 MW wind power project with ACWA Power is scheduled to be launched in the near future.

Humbatova also emphasized that increasing the share of renewables will contribute not only to higher installed capacity but also to greater actual volumes of clean energy production across the country.

A large-scale transformation of the global energy system is essential if the world is to keep global warming within the 1.5°C target by 2030, said Azerbaijani Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov during the Baku Climate Action Week, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the event, Shahbazov outlined the scale of change required to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

‘To stay on track with the Paris Agreement, the world must increase its renewable energy capacity to 11,000 gigawatts by 2030, expand energy storage to 1,500 gigawatts, build or upgrade 25 million kilometers of power grids, and develop new energy corridors connecting generation and consumption centers,’ the minister stated.

He noted that while 582 gigawatts of new renewable energy capacity – referred to as “green power” – was added globally in the past year alone, this is not enough to meet the required pace of change.

‘According to IRENA, a 16.6% annual growth rate in renewable capacity is needed to achieve these targets,’ Shahbazov emphasized.

The minister also pointed out that a sustainable energy transition cannot succeed without significant investment in modern grids, storage systems, and efficient transmission infrastructure.

‘Advancing clean energy requires more than just increasing capacity – it demands smarter, more resilient systems to store and transmit energy reliably,’ he said.

The Baku Climate Action Week brings together policymakers, industry leaders, and climate experts to discuss concrete steps toward achieving global climate and energy goals. Azerbaijan is set to host the 2025 UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), further positioning itself as a key player in the global energy and climate dialogue.

A conference dedicated to Azerbaijan’s contribution to Ukraine’s energy security and the joint development of renewable energy projects between the two countries was held in Kiev, Azernews reports.

The event, hosted at the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, focused on shaping the future of bilateral energy cooperation. Organized by the Azerbaijan-Ukraine Energy Association, the conference discussed the integration of renewable sources such as solar, wind, and small hydropower, the use of modern energy storage technologies, and new avenues for scientific, technical, and investment collaboration.

Among the speakers were Ukraine’s Deputy Minister of Energy Nikolay Kolesnik, Ukrainian Ambassador to Azerbaijan Yuri Gusev, Counselor of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Kiev Rovshan Huseynzade, Deputy of the Verkhovna Rada Sergey Nagornyak, and co-chairs of the Azerbaijan-Ukraine Energy Association Pyotr Romanov and Shahin Yusifov. They praised the progress made in bilateral cooperation, while underscoring Azerbaijan’s vital support in helping Ukraine restore energy facilities damaged during wartime strikes.

It was noted that both countries share a common interest in strengthening regional energy security and advancing green energy initiatives. During discussions, particular attention was given to Azerbaijan’s planned supply of natural gas to Ukraine via the Trans-Balkan route through Bulgaria and Romania starting in July 2025 – an important step in diversifying Ukraine’s energy imports.

At the close of the event, participants adopted a resolution that will serve as a roadmap for future joint projects.

The mobile operator continues to empower young women in the IT and ICT

Azercell Telecom continues its commitment to support the professional development of young women in the IT and ICT fields. As part of the ‘Ugur qizlarimizindir’ (‘Success for Girls’) initiative, launched last year, a special meeting was held with female students who achieved the highest entrance scores in Computer Science and Information Security programs.

Congratulating the students, Azercell’s Chief Legal and Data Strategy Officer, Shirin Aliyeva, said: ‘The achievements of young women in IT are both their personal success and valuable contribution to the country’s digital future. At Azercell, we remain committed to creating new opportunities to help them advance further on this path and fully realize their potential.’

Director of the Corporate and Marketing Communications Department at Azercell, Sona Abbasova, highlighted the company’s corporate responsibility strategy, particularly its focus on women’s empowerment and development: ‘Supporting education, as well as the continuous enhancement of knowledge and skills, are among Azercell’s key priorities. We strongly believe that such initiatives help to unlock the potential of young people and foster their growth in the IT field.’

Azercell’s Talent Management and Business Partnering section manager, Vusala Hasanova, in turn underlined that the company remains committed to maintaining strong connections with students, providing them with new opportunities, guidance, and continuous support for their future professional development.

The students were presented with special gifts along with a complimentary one-year subscription to the ‘Digimax 10GB’ tariff package.

Azercell has consistently been supporting youth development through scholarship programs, internship opportunities, and a wide range of social initiatives, contributing to the formation of highly qualified professionals.

The company congratulates all students admitted to higher education institutions this year and wishes them continued success!

The list of students was provided by the State Examination Center of the Republic of Azerbaijan, based on the results of the academic program selection process.

The exchange of experience between media representatives and government communication officials, as well as the networking of influential figures shaping public opinion in both countries, highlights the growing significance of the joint Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan media platform.

Azernews reports that this message was delivered by Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, during his speech at the 2nd Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan Media Forum held under the theme “Digital Transformation and Media.”

Ismayilov recalled that the first media forum, held in Tashkent last year, was themed “In Search of Truth in the Digital Age: Combating Disinformation.” He emphasized that while technological advancement brings innovation, it also presents cross-border challenges that pollute the information environment.

‘Combating disinformation remains a top priority for both our countries. Last year’s discussions yielded practical recommendations, and this year’s forum continues in the same spirit by addressing one of the most pressing topics on the media agenda – digital transformation,’ he noted.

Ismayilov stressed that digital transformation is not limited to technological upgrades; it is a profound shift that redefines how societies consume information, interpret media content, and envision the future of journalism.

‘Today, news is no longer confined to traditional newspapers or television screens – it’s being shaped on smartphone displays, social media feeds, and AI-powered analytical platforms,’ he said.

He also highlighted a critical shift in media values:

‘While speed of information delivery was once the main priority, today, credibility, fact-checking, and public trust have become the most important values. The future of media depends not only on journalists but on the collaborative efforts of all public institutions.’

Concluding his remarks, Ismayilov emphasized that digital transformation is inevitable and requires active engagement:

‘We have no choice but to be active participants in this process. Through collaboration and shared expertise, we can turn technological progress into a powerful tool for national development and higher-quality information access for our citizens.’

The forum serves as a platform for strengthening media ties between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan and underscores the shared commitment to responsible, forward-looking journalism in the digital age.

On September 30, an official reception was hosted by Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in honor of Sergio Mattarella, President of the Italian Republic.