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President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev expressed gratitude to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin for personally overseeing the situation related to the AZAL plane crash, Azernews reports.

‘I would like to thank you for personally keeping this situation under controlYou are personally overseeing the course of the investigation, and we had no doubt that it would thoroughly and objectively determine all the circumstances. Therefore, I would like once again to express my gratitude that you deemed it important to address this issue during our meeting,’ the head of state said.

On December 25, 2024, an Embraer 190-100 IGW passenger aircraft, registered in the state register under number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), crashed in the Republic of Kazakhstan near Aktau Airport while performing regular flight J2-8243 from Baku (Republic of Azerbaijan) to Grozny (Russian Federation). Two crew members (the captain and co-pilot), the senior flight attendant, and 35 passengers were lost in the crash.

The preliminary report published by the Ministry of Transport of Kazakhstan confirms the following facts:

1. The Embraer 190-100 IGW passenger aircraft, registered under the number 4K-AZ65 and owned by Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC (AZAL), operating a regular flight J2-8243 from Baku, Republic of Azerbaijan to Grozny, Russian Federation, has been in a fully operational condition since the start of the flight on the route to Grozny. in good condition for flights. These data on the airworthiness of the aircraft, including the operation of its control systems, were confirmed using FDR data;

2. Both engines of the aircraft were operating without technical problems until the moment of the accident. This information is also confirmed by FDR data;

3. During the flight in the airspace of the Russian Federation, including over Grozny Airport, the aircraft lost GPS signals;

4. Due to adverse weather conditions over Grozny, the aircraft was unable to make a second approach for landing, after which the captain decided to return to Baku. After this decision was made over Grozny, two external sounds were recorded on the CVR at 24-second intervals;

5. A comparison of CVR and FDR data showed that 4 seconds after the first external sound, the third hydraulic system failed, 6 seconds later the first hydraulic system failed, and 21 seconds later the second hydraulic system failed;

6. Numerous blunt and penetrating damages to the fuselage were found and recorded in photographs and video recordings. This damage was found in the rear of the fuselage, the vast majority of which was on the vertical and horizontal stabilizers, as well as the left wing and left engine.

7. Information was provided that the damage found in the aircraft fuselage was caused by external objects. The preliminary report does not contain any information indicating that the aircraft collided with birds.

8. Foreign objects not belonging to the aircraft, found in the blind damage to the fuselage, were removed; their photographs are presented to the public in the preliminary report. To accurately determine the origin of the foreign objects found, additional examinations are planned in the future.

9. At 05:13:32, the aircraft’s main control systems failed; at 05:21:42, the liaison officer reported to Grozny that Operation Carpet was underway.

10. No information indicating an oxygen cylinder explosion has been provided.

Under the requirements of the ICAO Chicago Convention, a final report on the causes of the crash must be prepared within one year of the incident, following the preliminary report.

Trkiye is drawing attention by increasing energy production from waste management. Across the country, facilities generate approximately 3 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually from waste, meeting the energy needs of 1.2 million households. This successful application model is serving as an example for countries in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

At the 11th Energy Efficiency Forum and Fair held in Istanbul, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan highlighted landfill gas, stating: ‘We even convert gas coming from waste into electrical energy and supply it for residential and industrial use.’

Ali Riza Öner, President of the Waste Management and Energy Generation from Waste Producers Association (TAYED), explained that facilities generating electricity from landfill gas in Trkiye have a total installed capacity of 355 megawatts, producing 2.955 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually, which meets the electricity needs of approximately 1.2 million households.

Öner emphasized the significance of Trkiye’s progress in energy technologies, stating: ‘Today, waste is no longer merely material that must be disposed of; it has become a strategic resource that transforms into economic value and energy. Furthermore, the fact that energy delegations from Europe, the Middle East, and many African countries are flocking to Trkiye to use our landfill gas facilities as a model and establish similar plants in their own countries reinforces our pioneering role in this field.’

He reiterated that the electricity-generating landfill gas facilities in Trkiye have a 355-megawatt installed capacity, producing about 2.955 billion kilowatt-hours annually, enough to cover the annual electricity consumption of approximately 1.2 million households. Öner noted that almost all metropolitan municipalities in Trkiye convert gas emitted from solid waste sites into electricity, adding: ‘These facilities capture methane that could harm the environment, thereby reducing greenhouse gas emissions while generating economic benefits through electricity production.’

Öner also explained that Trkiye now produces not only electricity from waste but also biomethane (green natural gas), which is directly equivalent to natural gas. He elaborated: ‘This process is technically called biomethanization. The methane content of biogas obtained from waste or organic materials is around 55 percent on average, whereas the methane content of natural gas is about 95 percent. In biomethane facilities, this rate can be increased up to 99.5 percent. Consequently, the gas obtained can be directly injected into the BOTAS transmission system or city natural gas distribution networks. Through this method, Trkiye can both create a local and renewable natural gas source and significantly reduce its carbon footprint.’

Öner added that Trkiye’s technical biomethane potential corresponds to approximately 10 percent of the country’s current natural gas consumption, noting: ‘The European Union’s mandate to blend biomethane into natural gas networks by 2030 strengthens Trkiye’s need to adapt to this transformation.’

The Badminton World Federation (BWF) has released the latest team rankings, Azernews reports.

The Azerbaijani team has moved up 4 spots in the rankings, reaching 23rd place. The team has accumulated 2300 ranking points.

It is worth noting that in 2018, the Azerbaijani team was ranked 85th.

Over the past years, the team has climbed 39 places in the overall ranking, reaching 46th position at the start of 2025. In the last 9 months, the badminton team has advanced 22 positions in the rankings.

The Azerbaijan Badminton Federation is considered an active partner within the global and European badminton communities.

Founded in 1962, the federation has become one of the most active members of the world badminton family with international tournaments, development programs and strategic partnerships.

In 2023, Baku hosted the Congress of the Badminton Europe Confederation for the first time.

The large-scale event covered the issues on the agenda of badminton competitions during the preparation period for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.

The motto of the Congress was Inclusive Badminton, celebrating the accessibility of badminton for all.

A famous Azerbaijani proverb says that a close neighbor is better than a distant relative. This simple but profound wisdom has guided Azerbaijan’s foreign policy for decades. The country has always aimed to build stable, mutually respectful, and constructive relations with its neighbors. Azerbaijan understands that in a region as strategically complex as the South Caucasus, cooperation with neighboring states is not only a matter of diplomacy but also a matter of national security and economic growth. Unfortunately, there are always some forces than t attempt to create divisions between Azerbaijan and its neighbors, seeking to exploit tensions for their own agendas.

The recent cooling of relations between Azerbaijan and Russia can largely be traced to the activity of these disruptive actors. The downing of an Azerbaijani aircraft over Russian airspace triggered a wave of tension. Within Russia, public figures such as Margarita Simonyan, Konstantin Zatulin, and Vladimir Solovyov and others played active roles in inflaming the situation, pouring oil on the fire. Their rhetoric, often sensationalist and politically charged, aimed to push bilateral relations into a crisis, undermining the decades-long framework of cooperation that had been carefully cultivated.

However, the recent high-level meeting in Dushanbe has shown that Azerbaijan’s law-based and pragmatic foreign policy approach remains effective. The meeting between the presidents of Azerbaijan and Russia sent a clear signal to both domestic and international audiences: the period of tension and mutual suspicion is behind us. The careful diplomacy that Azerbaijan has pursued has borne tangible results, demonstrating that rational engagement and respect for international norms can overcome even the most challenging crises. The Russian president’s statements regarding the aircraft incident confirmed that these issues have been addressed and resolved, opening the way for a renewed chapter in bilateral relations.

The significance of these developments goes beyond the mere resolution of an isolated incident. They mark a clear defeat for those who attempt to interfere in Azerbaijan-Russia relations for ideological or geopolitical purposes. Figures such as Simonyan, Solovyov, and Zatulin, along with other Armenian-leaning or anti-Azerbaijani voices, failed in their efforts to destabilize the relationship. Their repeated attempts to provoke discord have been countered by rational, principle-based diplomacy. This outcome demonstrates an important lesson: neighborly cooperation, grounded in mutual understanding and respect, remains stronger than propaganda-driven attempts at division.

Moreover, President Putin’s media statements clarified another critical dimension: the deliberate efforts of anti-Azerbaijani, Armenian-leaning forces within Russia are acknowledged and countered at the highest levels. By addressing these issues publicly, both countries signal a commitment to constructive engagement that leaves little room for outside interference. This approach not only stabilizes bilateral relations but also contributes to broader regional stability.

As another Azerbaijani proverb emphasizes, a neighbor often depends on another neighbor’s ash. When viewed through a political and economic lens, this saying underscores a universal truth: the highest returns in diplomacy and commerce often come from relationships with neighboring countries. Proximity, shared history, cultural familiarity, and mutual understanding make cross-border cooperation more effective and resilient. Azerbaijan and Russia, despite occasional political turbulence, continue to exemplify this principle. Their ties extend across multiple dimensions: cultural, economic, and strategic.

Economically, the relationship between Azerbaijan and Russia is both deep and mutually beneficial. Russia holds a significant share in Azerbaijan’s non-oil exports, often ranking first among its destination countries. This highlights the diversification of Azerbaijan’s economy beyond the energy sector, a priority for Baku in recent years. Conversely, Azerbaijan plays an important role in supplying food products to Russia. While Azerbaijan’s contribution may be modest in the context of Russia’s vast market, it is strategically meaningful, fostering interdependence and stability.

Finally, the recent developments between Azerbaijan and Russia demonstrate that neighborly relations, when based on mutual respect, pragmatism, and legal norms, can overcome attempts at destabilization. The enduring message is clear: third-party efforts to sow discord between these two nations are not only futile but counterproductive. Azerbaijan’s foreign policy, grounded in rationality and foresight, has ensured that ties with its neighbors remain strong, productive, and mutually beneficial.

As part of an official business visit by an Azerbaijani delegation to Kuwait, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov held a high-level meeting with Subaih Abdul Aziz Abdul Muhsen Al-Mukhaizeem, Kuwait’s Minister of Finance, Minister of Electricity, Water and Renewable Energy, Acting Minister of Economic Affairs and Investment, and Chairman of the Board of the Kuwait Investment Authority.

Azernews reports that Minister Jabbarov shared details of the meeting via his official X (formerly Twitter) account.

‘We highlighted Azerbaijan’s favorable investment climate and the steady growth of economic ties between our two countries,’ Jabbarov noted in the post.

The ministers discussed potential areas for deepening cooperation, including trade, tourism, traditional and renewable energy, agriculture, transport, and transit logistics.

The meeting reflects ongoing efforts by both nations to strengthen bilateral economic relations and explore new avenues for investment and strategic partnership.

In the rapidly evolving digital era, cybersecurity has become not just a technological issue, but a vital component of economic security, sustainable development, and national competitiveness, said Elnur Aliyev, First Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the CIDC 2025 – Critical Infrastructure Defence Challenge cybersecurity festival, E. Aliyev emphasized the growing importance of robust cyber defense in protecting both public and private sectors.

‘In today’s digital world, success in any industry relies on three fundamental components: regulatory mechanisms, technological tools, and human capital,’ deputy minister stated.

He highlighted the government’s commitment to enhancing the country’s cyber resilience through the implementation of the National Strategy on Information and Cybersecurity for 2023-2027. The strategy outlines key priorities such as: Establishing a national cybersecurity ecosystem; Strengthening the protection of critical information infrastructure; Creating National Cyber Training Centers and specialized laboratories; Expanding public-private partnerships; Investing in cyber talent development.

Elnur Aliyev also pointed to broader national initiatives – including the Digital Development Concept and the forthcoming Artificial Intelligence Strategy (2025-2028) – as essential frameworks driving Azerbaijan’s digital transformation, development of intelligent technologies, and digital sovereignty.

A major component of Azerbaijan’s human capital strategy is the ‘Coursera National Academy’, a government-led project designed to upskill citizens in digital and cybersecurity fields.

According to Aliyev, nearly 40,000 citizens have enrolled in more than 187,000 online courses, with over 68,000 completions to date. The platform currently offers more than 600 cybersecurity-specific courses, and learners have spent a total of 276,000 hours engaging with the content.

‘These figures clearly demonstrate a growing national capacity in digital literacy, technology adoption, and cybersecurity expertise,’ he said. ‘Such projects play a crucial role in strengthening Azerbaijan’s workforce and digital infrastructure.’

Elnur Aliyev concluded by underscoring the need to expand these initiatives, highlighting their positive impact on building a secure and resilient digital future for Azerbaijan.

The new leader of the Catholics, Pope Leo, will visit Trkiye and Lebanon at the end of November, according to a statement from the Vatican.

This trip will be Pope Leo’s first official visit outside Italy.

The US-born Pope Leo will be in Trkiye from November 27 to 30, after which he will proceed to Lebanon from November 30 to December 2.

During the visit, the Pope is expected to highlight the challenges faced by Christians in the Middle East and make calls for peace in the region.

Pope Leo’s predecessor, Pope Francis, had announced a visit to Iznik months in advance, but passed away before coming to Trkiye. The Iznik trip had been one of Pope Francis’ last wishes.

Pope Leo’s journey is also linked to the anniversary of the Council of Nicaea in 1700, which resolved the long-debated question within the Catholic Church regarding the divinity of Jesus and his connection to God. By undertaking this trip, Pope Leo will fulfill the last wish of his predecessor.

Diplomatic relations between Trkiye and the Vatican were established on April 11, 1960, following President Celal Bayar’s visit to the Vatican in 1959 and his meeting with Pope John XXIII. Subsequently, embassies were mutually opened, with Trkiye’s embassy in the Vatican starting operations in 1962.

The first papal visit to Trkiye was made in 1967 by Pope Paul VI. Later visits included Pope John Paul II in 1979, Pope Benedict XVI in 2006, and, most recently, Pope Francis from November 28 to 30, 2014.

In the latest edition of its “Around Azerbaijan” series, Euronews has aired a report highlighting the transformation of Ismayilli district, Azerbaijan, as it embraces change while preserving its traditional charm, Azernews reports.

The district is embracing new residents and artisans while maintaining its traditional rural charm.

The segment, presented by reporter Anca Ulea, took viewers on a journey through Ismayilli to discover its tranquil lifestyle and enduring customs.

The reportage, titled ” Disconnect in Azerbaijan’s Ismayilli district, where farm-to-table is just standard living” states the following:

“Easily reached from Baku, Azerbaijan’s Ismayilli District has long been a pastoral getaway for city dwellers seeking a slower pace of life. Today, a rural renaissance is underway as newcomers bring new energy and skills, creating a charming cultural blend.

In Ivanovka village, formerly the last kolkhoz in the Caucasus, visitors can explore local history at the Molokan Cultural Centre and buy honey and cheese from farmers like Andrey Antifeev, whose honey is internationally recognised.

Damir Art Gallery showcases the village’s creative revival, welcoming artists from Baku, while guest houses like Ohio Inn and Café host international visitors.

Wine lovers can visit nearby Chabiant Winery, where Italian winemaker Marco Catelani uses his expertise to highlight the country’s heritage grape varieties like Madrasa and Bayan Shira.”

Turkish Transport and Infrastructure Minister Abdulkadir Uraloglu delivered a speech at the Financial Closing Ceremony of the Antalya-Alanya Motorway, held at the Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum.

Uraloglu noted that Antalya and Alanya are two major tourism centers hosting millions of domestic and foreign visitors every year, emphasizing that the increasing population and tourism activity have made new investments in transport infrastructure necessary.

‘At this point,’ said Uraloglu, ‘this project we have implemented is not only a transportation route but also a development initiative that will strengthen tourism, trade, and the regional economy.’

Sharing details about the project, Uraloglu stated that the motorway would have a total length of 122 kilometers, consisting of 84 kilometers of the main body and 38 kilometers of connection roads. He also said the project would feature seven grade-separated intersections, five tunnels with a total length of 4,365 meters, 16 viaducts with a total length of 5,966 meters, and four motorway service facilities, describing it as an example of modern engineering.

Uraloglu continued his remarks as follows:

‘With a design speed of 140 kilometers per hour, this motorway will safely and consistently reduce the current 2.5-hour journey – which can reach up to 4 hours during peak summer periods – to just 36 minutes. Thus, we will eliminate the traffic congestion experienced especially during the summer months. The road will make travel faster, safer, and more comfortable – from Kleopatra Beach to Kaleiçi, and from Aspendos to Manavgat Waterfall.

Moreover, the project will provide annual savings of approximately 17.7 billion Turkish lira – 16.9 billion lira from time savings and 800 million lira from fuel savings. In a short time, we as a country will recover the amount invested here. I would like to stress that this is a feasible project. By reducing carbon emissions by 47,000 tons, we will protect the pine forests of the Taurus Mountains and the clear waters of the Mediterranean.

In addition to enhancing tourism opportunities and activities, the project will also ensure that agricultural products reach markets more quickly, bringing prosperity to our farmers, villagers, and tradesmen.’

Uraloglu explained that the motorway was being constructed under the public-private partnership (PPP) model, emphasizing that this model allows investments to be realized much faster through private sector resources and financing, without using public funds.

He also noted that the international financing provided for the project reflects confidence in Trkiye’s economy.

Uraloglu announced that the financial closing ceremony for the Ankara-Kirikkale-Delice Motorway would take place on October 8, adding:

‘This project will further strengthen the industrial and commercial potential of Central Anatolia and once again feed the economic arteries of our country with the confidence of the international financial world. These projects are concrete proof of the belief in Trkiye’s stability and future.’

Uraloglu stated that the build-operate-transfer (BOT) projects implemented over the past 23 years had a total value of $51 billion at the time, which has now reached $91 billion in current terms.

Expressing satisfaction at having reached the final stage in securing financing for the Antalya-Alanya project, Uraloglu continued:

‘The total investment cost of the motorway is 2.429 billion euros, of which 729 million euros (30 percent) will be financed through equity capital, while 1.7 billion euros (70 percent) will be provided through bank loans.

The lenders include 14 financial institutions – eight international (three based in China, two in Saudi Arabia, one in Kuwait, one in Germany, and one in Greece) and six domestic. The financing received more than double the demand, which means that we will continue implementing such feasible projects, as we can attract funding from around the world. We will continue to meet our country’s infrastructure needs through proper channels and favorable credit terms.

The Antalya-Alanya Motorway will be integrated with the planned Denizli-Burdur and Burdur-Antalya motorways in the coming years, forming part of a continuous motorway network extending from Izmir to the European border. This project holds strategic importance not only for the region but also for Trkiye’s role in the global logistics network.’

Director General of Highways Ahmet Glsen stated that upon completion of the project, traffic congestion in the region would be significantly reduced, travel times would be shortened, and the quality of service would be elevated to a higher level.

He emphasized that the project would directly contribute to the development of strategic sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and trade, thereby strengthening the regional economy, and added:

‘It will launch a new wave of development in Antalya and across the Mediterranean region. Once the Denizli-Antalya section is also completed, a continuous motorway corridor will be established along the Izmir-Aydin-Denizli-Antalya route, creating another nationally and internationally significant transport corridor.’

Ebru Özdemir, Chairperson of the Limak Holding Board of Directors, said that they viewed the project as a strategic investment that would serve as a new driving force for regional development.

Özdemir noted that 87 percent of the total investment amount was provided by foreign-capital financial institutions within the framework of the PPP model, adding:

‘In addition to financing provided by 14 financial institutions, the strong 2.1-fold oversubscription during the financing process clearly demonstrates confidence in Trkiye’s future.’

She highlighted that the Silk Road Fund, established by the People’s Republic of China under the Belt and Road Initiative, had for the first time provided credit to a project in Trkiye, and stated:

‘With the completion of the project, there will be a significant reduction in travel times, increased economic activity, and life-saving speed improvements in emergency responses. During the investment phase, approximately 9,000 jobs will be created. This employment will provide direct vitality to the local population and economy, reinforcing regional development.’

Following the speeches, a signing ceremony was held to finalize the project’s financing, with the participation of representatives of the lending banks, Director General of Foreign Economic Relations at the Ministry of Treasury and Finance Kerem Dönmez, Director General of Highways Ahmet Glsen, and Limak Chairperson Ebru Özdemir.

Construction of two new data centers has officially begun in Azerbaijan this year, marking a significant step in the country’s digital infrastructure development.

Azernews reports that the announcement was made by Farrukh Farajullayev, Director of the Commercial Department at AzInTelecom, during the Baku Fintech Forum 2025.

Farajullayev noted that both facilities are expected to be completed by 2027. ‘These data centers will not only be the largest in Azerbaijan but also among the biggest in the region,’ he said.

One of the data centers is being built in the Hajigabul district, while the other will be located in the Absheron region.