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The Alat Free Economic Zone (AFEZ) provides significant opportunities for the establishment of modern manufacturing facilities in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

This was stated by Samad Bashirli, Deputy Minister of Economy of Azerbaijan, at the opening ceremony of the 7th Sustainable Development Goals Dialogue on the topic ‘Investing in Education for Azerbaijan’s Sustainable Development.’

He noted that increasing the complexity of the economy is a key aspect of Azerbaijan’s development strategy.

“What distinguishes economies from one another is their complexity. Complexity involves the production of goods that require a wide range of knowledge and skills.

Industrial parks established in Azerbaijan serve as essential institutions to attract highly qualified specialists, particularly in the non-oil sector.

At the Vocational Education School operating within the Sumgait Industrial Park, skilled personnel are trained in industrial specialties to meet the needs of enterprises operating in the country.

I would also like to highlight the role of the Alat Free Economic Zone in this area. As a country without direct access to the ocean, Azerbaijan’s AFEZ creates a favorable environment for establishing modern manufacturing enterprises,” he added.

The 30th Anniversary Caspian Construction Week has kicked off in Baku.

Azernews reports that the event features several major exhibitions, including the 5th International Rebuild Garabagh Exhibition on the Restoration, Reconstruction, and Development of Garabagh; the 30th Anniversary Azerbaijan International Construction Exhibition BakuBuild; the 17th International Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Water Supply, Sanitary and Swimming Pool Exhibition Aquatherm Baku; and the 4th Caspian International Plastics and Polymers Industry Exhibition Plastex Caspian.

Additionally, the 13th Caspian International Road and Traffic Exhibition on Road Infrastructure and Public Transport is being held alongside these events.

The three-day exhibition, attended by representatives of government agencies, brings together industry leaders, experts, and companies from various countries to showcase innovations and discuss future opportunities in the construction and infrastructure sectors.

Construction of the Shafag (Jabrayil) solar power project, developed jointly by bp, SOCAR Green, and the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund, is advancing according to schedule in Azerbaijan’s Jabrayil district, Azernews reports.

According to the project investors, following the final investment decision made in June 2025, two major contracts have been awarded to support the project’s timely implementation.

The Engineering, Procurement and Construction (EPC) contract, valued at approximately $117 million, was awarded to Intec and Complant. The contract covers the complete range of engineering, procurement, and construction services, as well as operation and maintenance for the first two years of the plant’s operation. Construction activities have already commenced, with site mobilization completed and earthworks and internal road construction underway.

The module supply contract, valued at over $29 million, was awarded to Trina Solar (Schweiz) AG for the provision of solar panels. The first shipment of panels was successfully delivered to the project site in August 2025.

Colin Allan, director of Shafag (Jabrayil) Solar Limited (SJSL), noted that the project is making solid progress:

‘We are pleased to see strong progress on the Shafag solar project, which we are delivering together with SOCAR Green and the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund, the co-venturers in the project, and in collaboration with many other stakeholders.

We are also excited to share that during earthworks, a historic archaeological site was discovered in the northern part of the project area. This open settlement, potentially dating back to the Bronze to Early Iron Ages, includes surface materials such as grinding stone fragments, clay pottery shards, and structural patterns of arranged river stones. We are working closely with experts from Azerbaijan’s Institute of Archaeology and Anthropology to assess the historical value and significance of these findings.’

Construction of the Shafag solar project is expected to continue through mid-2027, with a focus on maximizing local content and workforce participation. At its peak, the project is anticipated to generate up to 400 jobs, contributing both to Azerbaijan’s green energy transition and the socioeconomic development of the liberated Jabrayil district.

Azerbaijani judokas have finished Lima Grand Prix 2025 with seven medals, Azernews reports.

On the final day of the competition, two more Azerbaijani judokas secured spots on the podium.

Murad Fatiyev (90 kg) marked his return after a five-month break with a silver medal.

In the heaviest category, Kanan Nasibov (+100 kg) won the bronze medal. This marked the 21-year-old judoka’s first medal on the World Tour Series, making it a significant achievement.

Earlier, Ahmad Yusifov (60 kg) won silver, while Rashad Yelkiyev, Ruslan Pashayev (both 66 kg), Omar Rajabli (81 kg), and Konul Aliyeva (48 kg) secured bronze medals.

Some 17 judokas, (4 men and 3 women), represented Azerbaijan at the tournament.

A total 293 athletes from 49 countries, including 172 men and 121 women,participated in Lima Grand Prix 2025.

Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art across the country. Since 2015, the Federation has been led by Rovnag Abdullayev.

The country’s modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.

A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.

However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.

The list of the country’s top judo fighters includes Rustam Orujov, Irina Kindzerskaya, Mammadali Mehdiyev, Elmar Gasimov, Hidayat Heydarov, Zelim Kotsoev, Ushangi Kokauri, and Nijat Shikhalizada.

At the Paris 2024 Summer Olympic Games, judokas Hidayat Heydarov (73 kg) and Zelym Kotsoiev (100 kg) earned gold medals for Azerbaijan.

The 7th International Festival titled ‘Korkut and the Sounds of the Great Steppe,’ dedicated to the folk and musical art of Turkic peoples, has opened at the ‘Dede Korkut’ Memorial Complex located in the Karmakshy district of the Kyzylorda region, Republic of Kazakhstan. The Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation and the Akim of the Kyzylorda region jointly organized the event, Azernews reports, citing local media.

According to the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, nearly 200 artists from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Trkiye, Uzbekistan, Tuva, and Altai are taking part in the festival. The event is dedicated to the 100th anniversary of Kyzylorda’s designation as the capital of Kazakhstan (1925-1927).

The primary purpose of the international event is to promote the rich culture, national music, and spiritual values of the Turkic peoples, as well as to foster international cultural relations.

At the solemn opening ceremony, President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Ms. Aktoty Raimkulova and Head of the Department of Culture, Archives, and Documentation of the Kyzylorda region Mr. Zhanmurat Seilov congratulated the festival participants and wished them success.

During the evening celebration, renowned performers of traditional music from various Turkic countries delighted the audience with their unique performances.

The following day, as part of the international festival ‘Korkut and the Sounds of the Great Steppe,’ a scientific and theoretical conference titled ‘The Heritage of Dede Korkut: Common Epic Values for the Turkic World’ was held.

The conference brought together the President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation, Aktoty Raimkulova, Akim of the Kyzylorda region Nurlibek Nalibayev, as well as leading scholars and experts in culture, history, and literature from across the Turkic world.

The event aimed to comprehensively discuss the significance of Dede Korkut’s legacy and epic traditions in the spiritual and cultural life of Turkic nations, to promote scientific research, and to strengthen international cooperation.

During the conference, participants exchanged views on the historical roots of the Dede Korkut epic, its role in the Turkic world, and its reflection in contemporary culture and literature. Scholars presented the results of their recent research and shared modern theoretical approaches to studying the Dede Korkut heritage.

In her remarks, Aktoty Raimkulova welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of preserving and promoting Dede Korkut’s great legacy on a global scale.

The conference featured scientific presentations, panel discussions, and the launch of the first volume of the ‘Turkic Heroic Epic’ series within the framework of the ‘Turkic Folklore Heritage’ Anthology Project.

At the conclusion of the event, Honoured Artist of Kazakhstan, Associate Professor of the Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after T. Zhurgenov, Uljan Baybosynova, performed excerpts from the ‘Koroglu’ poem and several traditional pieces from the Syr Darya region.

The international conference was recognized as an important platform for strengthening the unity and interconnection of epic creative traditions in the Turkic world, as well as a significant step in preserving and promoting the spiritual heritage of the Turkic peoples.

A written statement by Stephen Doughty the UK Secretary of State for Europe, North America and Overseas Territories, on the lifting of the arms embargo on Azerbaijan and Armenia, has been published on the website of the British Parliament, Azernews reports via local media.

The statement reads:

‘I would like to inform you about the significant developments in the South Caucasus and the UK’s response to the progress in the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

On August 8, US President Donald Trump held a trilateral summit in Washington with the participation of Ilham Aliyev and Nikol Pashinyan. As a result, a peace agreement was initialed and a declaration was signed.

The documents include a call for the dissolution of the OSCE Minsk Group and a commitment to ensure communication between Azerbaijan and Nakhchivan, while respecting Armenia’s sovereignty.

The UK welcomes the progress achieved. This is an important step towards peace and stability.

In this regard, we are upgrading our relations with Armenia and Azerbaijan to a strategic partnership in the areas of trade, security and defence.

From August 24 to 26, I visited both countries to reaffirm our support and discuss practical steps forward.

We supported the dissolution of the Minsk Group. Given the progress achieved, we believe that the OSCE 1992 embargo is no longer relevant. The UK is lifting its arms embargo on Armenia and Azerbaijan in full. This will help to develop security cooperation and help the countries protect their sovereignty and territorial integrity, including in responding to hybrid threats. Export licenses will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis, according to strict criteria.

We will monitor the situation in the region. We hope that this will pave the way for peace, security and prosperity in the South Caucasus. The UK stands ready to work with both countries, the US, the EU and other partners to support these changes and regional stability.’

The UK’s decision marks a significant diplomatic shift, reflecting London’s recognition of the progress made in the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace process and its readiness to strengthen regional cooperation in the fields of security and defence.

During the working visit of Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) Sahiba Gafarova to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, she met with Chairman of the Senate Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani, Azernews reports, citing the Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis.

The Department noted that the sides expressed satisfaction with the successful development of relations between the two countries, which are based on the principles of friendship and brotherhood.

It was noted that reciprocal visits by the heads of state have played an important role in elevating bilateral ties to a high level. Emphasizing the special role of parliaments in the advancement of these relations, the speakers highly appreciated the cooperation between the legislative bodies of the two countries, both on a bilateral basis and within various international platforms.

During the meeting, the holding of the Third Trilateral Meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of Azerbaijan, Pakistan, and Trkiye was described as a contribution to the further expansion of relations. The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual interest.

President Ilham Aliyev addressed participants at the 5th Azerbaijan International Exhibition on the Restoration, Reconstruction, and Development of Garabagh- ‘ Rebuild Garabagh.’

Azernews presents address:

”Dear exhibition participants,

It is my sincere pleasure to welcome you to the opening of the 5th Azerbaijan International Exhibition on the Restoration, Reconstruction, and Development of Garabagh- ‘Rebuild Garabagh.’

This year, within the framework of Caspian Construction Week, we are proud to host both the 5th ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ and the 30th Azerbaijan International Construction Exhibition ‘BakuBuild’ anniversary events.

The 5th ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ exhibition coincides with a landmark period in the history of statehood of the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking key anniversaries that embody our sovereignty and national unity. We proudly commemorate the 30th anniversary of the adoption of our Constitution and the fifth anniversary of our historic Victory in the Patriotic War. All these achievements not only attest to the unwavering will and solidarity of our people and their commitment to advancing toward strategic goals, but also mobilize us around a new mission – the restoration of Garabagh and East Zangezur.

Currently, within the framework of the ‘Great Return’ program, large-scale reconstruction and development projects are being successfully carried out in the liberated territories, fundamentally transforming the region’s landscape. Cities are being built in accordance with modern urban planning concepts; new schools and hospitals are being constructed; road, transport, and communications infrastructure is being developed; jobs are being created; and green energy zones and industrial parks are being established. Garabagh is evolving not only as a symbol of our national pride, but also as a 21st-century area of sustainable development.

It is gratifying to see the growing significance of the ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ exhibition for both local and international participants. The exhibition showcases cutting-edge technologies and innovative solutions, facilitates discussions on joint projects and partnership opportunities, and creates new prospects for the socio-economic development of the region. Held for the fifth time, this event not only demonstrates Azerbaijan’s achievements to the world but also strengthens our country’s position as a global hub for investment, technology, and innovation.

Held annually, this prestigious exhibition embodies the reality of sustainable construction, progress, and peace, while remaining a forward-looking, high-impact event. Partnerships forged here strengthen mutual trust among people and nations, build new bridges of cooperation, and place Garabagh at the heart of a sustainable development agenda.

I am confident that this exhibition will continue to play a crucial role in fostering partnerships among participants, identifying modern development and investment initiatives, and advancing the reconstruction of Garabagh and the entire region.

On this auspicious occasion, I once again warmly congratulate all organizers and participants on the 5th anniversary of the exhibition and wish ‘Rebuild Garabagh’ continued success and new achievements in the years to come.”

A trilateral meeting between Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia was held in Baku on October 13, 2025, bringing together Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Shahin Mustafayev, Deputy Chairman of the Government of the Russian Federation Alexey Overchuk, and Iran’s Minister of Roads and Urban Development Mehrdad Bazrpash, Azernews reports.

The sides discussed prospects for expanding cooperation in the fields of transport, energy, and customs. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a joint Communiqué outlining key directions for strengthening regional connectivity and advancing shared infrastructure projects.

The communiqué reaffirmed satisfaction with ongoing trilateral cooperation and highlighted the guiding role of the 2016 Declaration and the 2017 Joint Statement of the presidents of the three countries in promoting mutually beneficial economic, trade, and transport ties. The sides emphasized the importance of enhancing the region’s transit potential, accelerating infrastructure projects, and coordinating efforts to expand the ‘North-South’ international transport corridor.

The participants underscored the goal of increasing freight volumes along the corridor to 15 million tons and agreed to establish a Working Group to prepare an Action Plan for implementation within three months. Additionally, a special Working Group on automobile transportation, including representatives of customs, border, and transport agencies, will be formed.

The signing of the charter of the trilateral working group on customs cooperation was also welcomed, aimed at facilitating transit transportation between Azerbaijan, Iran, and Russia. The sides stressed the importance of completing major infrastructure components of the corridor, such as the Rasht-Astara railway line, the Agband-Kalala highway bridge over the Araz River, and new border checkpoints.

Efforts to simplify border crossing procedures and digitalize customs and transport operations were also discussed. Furthermore, the parties agreed to continue technical consultations on the project to interconnect their electricity networks and to conduct a joint on-site inspection of key infrastructure projects of the North-South corridor on October 14, 2025.

The Communiqué was formally adopted in Baku on October 13, 2025.

The Azerbaijani men’s chess team has played their latest match at the European Team Chess Championship, held in Batumi, Georgia, Azernews reports.

In the 8th round, the team faced Ukraine. The national team won 2.5:1.5, bringing their total points to 13 and rising to the top of the standings. The victory for the team was secured by Shakhriyar Mammadyarov.

Rauf Mammadov, Aydin Suleymanli, Mahammad Muradli, and Eltaj Safarli all ended their matches in a draw.

If the Azerbaijani team wins the final round, they will become European champions for the fourth time, regardless of the results in other matches. The Azerbaijani women’s team is currently facing Romania.

The European Team Chess Championship features separate Open and Women’s sections, with each competition consisting of 9 rounds played under a Swiss system.

The chess tournament showcases 75 teams, including 39 in the Open tournament and 36 in the Women’s Championship.

Chess, for centuries, has been a popular game in Azerbaijan with ancient roots closely related to traditions. The country could preserve these traditions as chess remains a crucially popular sport for now.

To popularise this original game, Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, who is also the chairman of the National Olympic Committee, signed in 2009 an executive order initiating a state-supported chess development program, covering the years 2009-2014.

The 42nd Chess Olympiad, held in Baku, is indeed an excellent example of great attention paid to the development of chess games in the country.

The large-scale event attracted a total of 1,587 participants, including 894 in the Open category and 693 in the Women’s event, making the Baku Chess Olympiad a significant event.

Similarly, the FIDE World Chess Cup 2023 in Baku captivated chess fans with its high-calibre competition and exhilarating matches.

Featuring a highly competitive lineup, the World Cup provided an exciting venue to display the remarkable skill and strategic finesse of elite chess players.

Approximately 206 competitors participated in the open section, along with 103 players in the women’s competition.

The national chess players have always been taking high places at top-ranked tournaments.