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United States President Donald Trump on Sunday sharply criticized his Colombian counterpart, Gustavo Petro, calling him an ‘illegal drug leader strongly encouraging the massive production of drugs’ and warning that Washington would halt all subsidies to Colombia, Azernews reports, citing a post by US President on Truth Social.

In a post, Trump accused Petro of ‘doing nothing’ to curb narcotics production in the South American nation. ‘The purpose of this drug production is the sale of massive amounts of product into the United States, causing death, destruction, and havoc. Petro, a low-rated and very unpopular leader, with a fresh mouth toward America, better close up these killing fields immediately, or the United States will close them up for him, and it won’t be done nicely,’ Trump said.

The comments came after Petro accused the United States of killing a Colombian fisherman in Colombia’s territorial waters and violating the country’s sovereignty. The exchange occurs amid rising regional tensions, coinciding with increased US naval deployments in the Caribbean.

A delegation from the Azerbaijan Scientific Research Institute of Cardiology has visited the First Hospital of Tsinghua University – one of China’s most prestigious medical institutions, Azernews reports.

The hospital’s president, Professor Zhang Mingkui, highlighted Tsinghua University’s strong position among the world’s top 20 universities, its leading role in medical education, advanced technological capabilities, and international academic cooperation platforms.

Director of the hospital’s Heart Center, Professor Wang Lianyi, delivered a presentation on the center’s clinical focus areas, scientific priorities, and international research programs. He spoke about the latest achievements in cardiac surgery, cardiovascular imaging technologies, and translational research, emphasizing real opportunities for joint scientific projects.

Professor Gulnaz Dadashova, Director of the Azerbaijan Scientific Research Institute of Cardiology, and the institute’s senior researcher, PhD in Medicine Vusal Hajiyev, gave detailed presentations on the current state of cardiology in Azerbaijan, the scientific and practical outcomes of recent healthcare reforms, and the country’s ongoing innovative medical initiatives.

Professor Dadashova outlined the institute’s activities, scientific departments, research directions, and international cooperation priorities. She emphasized that joint projects with advanced countries like China could make a significant contribution to the training of young cardiologists and surgeons, as well as to translational science and technological knowledge exchange.

Vusal Hajiyev shared Azerbaijan’s experience in developing national programs for cardiac surgery and heart failure, highlighting the implementation of advanced procedures such as TAVI (Transcatheter Aortic Valve Implantation), ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation), and hybrid revascularization surgeries.

The Azerbaijani delegation also discussed recent changes in the national healthcare system, including the introduction of mandatory health insurance and the expansion of cardiology services in regional hospitals. Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan aims to become a regional hub in this field and an active partner in international scientific collaboration.

During the meeting, both sides exchanged views on potential joint research in areas such as heart failure, revascularization technologies, regenerative therapies, and the use of artificial intelligence in cardiology. They also discussed opportunities for clinical training exchanges, joint PhD programs, scientific conferences, and collaborative publications.

Concluding with a Q and A session, the meeting reaffirmed both sides’ commitment to long-term cooperation. The parties agreed to plan joint research projects, researcher exchanges, and mutual participation in international initiatives in the near future.

The visit marks an important step toward deepening cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the fields of cardiology research and clinical medical education.

The Georgian Ministry of Internal Affairs has detained 14 participants of a protest held in Tbilisi yesterday for obstructing traffic, Azernews reports.

Among those detained are Vakho Sanaya, a journalist from the opposition ‘Formula’ TV channel, and Lasha Chkhartishvili, a member of the Labour Party. Administrative proceedings are underway against the remaining 13 individuals.

The ministry stated that although the number of protesters was small, they blocked Rustaveli Avenue, one of Tbilisi’s main thoroughfares.

China’s Ministry of State Security has accused US intelligence agencies of stealing classified information and attempting to breach the networks of the National Time Service Center (NTSC), Azernews reports, citing the South China Morning Post (SCMP).

According to the report, the cyberattacks could have disrupted the normal operations of the center. Located in Xi’an, Shaanxi Province, and affiliated with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, the NTSC is responsible for transmitting the country’s official time standards.

China’s counterintelligence agency stated that the US National Security Agency began stealing sensitive information in March 2022. In April 2023, US intelligence reportedly used stolen passwords to access the center’s computer systems and study its networks.

The attacks allegedly involved virtual servers located in the US, Europe, and Asia. Chinese state security authorities have gathered evidence and instructed the NTSC to investigate the breaches, halt the attacks, and strengthen its cybersecurity protocols.

A drone attack on Russia’s Orenburg gas processing plant, which receives gas from Kazakhstan, has not impacted fuel supplies within Kazakhstan, Azernews reports, citing Kazinform.

According to information, Kazakhstan’s Ministry of Energy has confirmed that the situation remains under control.

The ministry stated that the plant has temporarily halted the reception of raw gas from the Karachaganak field. ‘This incident has not affected Kazakhstan’s gas supplies. The nature of the damage to the plant and the timeline for restoring its operations have not yet been provided by Russia. Gas deliveries to domestic consumers continue normally, without restrictions,’ said Asel Serikpayeva, advisor to the Energy Minister.

The ministry added that investigations are ongoing regarding potential impacts on the processing and production of Karachaganak gas. Further updates on possible losses and next steps will be provided. Kazakhstan’s Energy Ministry maintains constant communication with Russian authorities and the operators of the field.

According to Russian sources, the gas processing plant in Orenburg was attacked by drones overnight. Witnesses reported a fire, several explosions, and smoke rising into the sky.

Azerbaijan’s national amputee football team has claimed another victory in the UEFA Nations League C Group matches held in Baku, Azernews reports.

The team led by head coach Ramil Habibov defeated the Netherlands 1-0. The only goal of the match was scored by Senan Hajiyev in the 50th minute.

Earlier, the Azerbaijani side beat Belgium 3-0 and drew 0-0 with Israel. The team will play its next match today against Ukraine, with kickoff scheduled for 17:00.

In the heart of the South Caucasus, a new chapter is being written, one not of conflict, but of construction, cooperation, and collective hope. Garabagh, once the epicenter of geopolitical tension, is now emerging as a symbol of resilience and rebirth. Azerbaijan’s unwavering commitment to rebuilding its liberated territories has not only inspired its own citizens but has also captured the attention of the international community. From Tehran to Tokyo, from Ankara to Berlin, nations and investors are looking toward Garabagh with renewed interest and purpose.

At the III Azerbaijan National Urban Planning Forum (NUFA3), held in October 2025, a powerful message echoed through the halls: Garabagh is open for partnership. Among the most notable voices was that of Yaghoub Houshyar, the mayor of Iran’s historic city of Tabriz. His statement was clear and confident – Tabrizi businessmen are eager to participate in the reconstruction and development of Garabagh. ‘Coordination is already underway,’ he said, ‘and future involvement will only expand. It is natural for Tabrizi entrepreneurs to engage in Garabagh’s revitalization, especially in education and infrastructure projects, and this is supported at the state level.’

This declaration is more than a diplomatic gesture. It is a reflection of the deep cultural and historical ties between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Iran, particularly the Azerbaijani population of Tabriz. But more importantly, it signals a broader trend: Garabagh is becoming a magnet for international investment and collaboration.

Since the liberation of Garabagh and surrounding districts in 2020, Azerbaijan has embarked on one of the most ambitious reconstruction efforts in modern history. Roads, schools, hospitals, and smart villages are being built from the ground up. The government has prioritized sustainability, innovation, and inclusivity – ensuring that the region not only recovers but thrives. This vision has resonated globally.

Countries across Europe, Asia, and the Middle East have expressed interest in contributing to Garabagh’s development. Turkish companies have already played a leading role in infrastructure projects. From Far East to America firms are offering expertise in cultural restoration, exploring smart city solutions, and eyeing opportunities in agriculture, tourism, and energy.

Why this surge of interest? Because Garabagh represents more than just a reconstruction zone – it is a gateway to regional stability and economic integration. Investors see a rare opportunity to be part of a transformative journey, one that blends profit with purpose. Governments recognize that supporting Garabagh’s revival is a pathway to deeper diplomatic ties with Azerbaijan, a country that has proven itself as a reliable partner and rising regional power.

Moreover, Azerbaijan’s transparent and investor-friendly policies have made engagement in Garabagh both feasible and attractive. The state offers guarantees, incentives, and streamlined procedures for foreign entities. The emphasis on public-private partnerships ensures that development is not only state-driven but also market-responsive.

The involvement of Tabrizi businessmen is particularly symbolic. It reflects a grassroots desire for cross-border cooperation and people-to-people connectivity. As Mayor Houshyar rightly noted, this collaboration will bring cities and nations closer together. It is a model of how economic engagement can foster cultural understanding and mutual respect.

But the story does not end with Iran. Delegations from Central Asia, the Balkans, and even Latin America have visited Garabagh in recent months. They come not just to observe, but to explore, to propose, and to commit. The region’s potential – in agriculture, mining, renewable energy, and tourism – is vast and largely untapped. With peace restored and infrastructure expanding, Garabagh is poised to become a hub of innovation and prosperity.

Azerbaijan’s leadership deserves credit for turning a post-conflict landscape into a canvas of opportunity. The strategic vision laid out by President Ilham Aliyev has guided this transformation with clarity and conviction. By prioritizing reconstruction, inclusivity, and international cooperation, Azerbaijan has sent a powerful message: Garabagh is not a closed chapter, but an open invitation.

In a world often divided by borders and ideologies, Garabagh stands as a testament to what unity and vision can achieve. It is a place where history meets hope, where nations converge not to compete, but to collaborate. And as more countries and investors join this journey, the region’s future grows brighter.

Garabagh is rising – not just from the ashes of war, but into the light of global partnership. The world is watching, and more importantly, the world is participating.

Local elections have officially begun in North Macedonia, with voters heading to the polls to elect mayors and municipal council members across the country, Azernews reports.

A total of 3,480 polling stations have been set up to serve the electorate across 81 municipalities. There are 1,832,415 registered voters eligible to participate in the elections.

A total of 10,490 candidates are contesting various local positions, including 309 candidates running for mayoral posts. The elections are being monitored by 1,451 observers, including 644 international and 807 local monitors.

If no mayoral candidate secures more than 50% of the vote, a second round of voting will be held on November 2.

Local elections in North Macedonia are held every four years, and this is the eighth such election since the process began. Previous local elections took place in 1996, 2000, 2005, 2009, 2013, 2017, and 2021.

These elections play a key role in shaping governance at the municipal level and are seen as a barometer of public sentiment ahead of national elections.

The Louvre Museum in Paris, one of the world’s most iconic cultural institutions, has reportedly been the target of a robbery, Azernews reports, citing statements from French Culture Minister Rachida Dati and the museum’s press office.

The incident occurred during the museum’s opening hours, prompting an immediate investigation. While the exact details of the theft and the list of stolen items have not yet been disclosed, the museum was closed for one day following the break-in. No injuries have been reported.

Preliminary reports suggest that the stolen items may be part of the jewelry collection of Napoleon and the Empress. According to sources, a group of unidentified individuals allegedly stole gold and precious jewelry from the collection.

The suspects reportedly entered a building under renovation along the Seine River, gaining access to the Apollo Gallery by using a freight elevator to reach a restricted room. After smashing windows, two individuals, followed by an accomplice, stole nine items from the collection. The Gendarmerie is currently securing the museum and conducting an active investigation.

The Louvre, home to priceless artworks including the Mona Lisa and Venus de Milo, has previously faced threats of theft but is equipped with some of the highest levels of museum security in the world. This latest incident raises serious concerns over the safety of heritage items, particularly during renovation periods or moments of lowered surveillance.

Pakistan and Afghanistan have reached an agreement to implement an immediate ceasefire following diplomatic talks held in Doha, Qatar, Azernews reports, citing the official X (formerly Twitter) account of the Qatari Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

‘During the negotiations, both sides agreed to an immediate ceasefire,’ the official statement read.

The agreement was signed by the defense ministers of both countries – Mohammad Yaqoob Mujahid of Afghanistan and Khawaja Asif of Pakistan – along with representatives from Qatar and Turkiye, who acted as mediators.

The delegations from both Pakistan and Afghanistan also agreed to hold further consultations in the coming days to ensure the full implementation and maintenance of the ceasefire.

Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have escalated in recent months, particularly along the border regions, prompting concerns over security, migration, and cross-border militant activity. The involvement of Qatar and Turkiye reflects increasing regional efforts to de-escalate and stabilize the situation through diplomatic channels.