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Relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan have entered a new stage of dynamic development, according to German Ambassador to Azerbaijan Ralf Horlemann, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the High-Level German-Azerbaijani Conference on Export Financing titled ‘Innovations and Technologies at the Financial Crossroads’, Horlemann noted that there has been a noticeable intensification of political dialogue and mutual engagement between Brussels and Baku.

‘Currently, numerous reciprocal visits are being made from Brussels to Baku and from Baku to Brussels. This is a positive development, as the European Union is Azerbaijan’s largest trade and investment partner and demonstrates its readiness to actively participate in the development of the region,’ the ambassador stated.

He highlighted that German-Azerbaijani economic and trade ties have also strengthened, particularly following the visit of German President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to Azerbaijan in April.

‘A roadmap defining the perspective directions of cooperation was recently signed, and we already see German companies taking concrete steps. For instance, the agreement reached between SEFE and SOCAR in the gas sector, or the interest of German manufacturer MAN in assembling electric buses in Azerbaijan, clearly illustrate this growing partnership,’ Horlemann emphasized.

The ambassador underlined that such initiatives demonstrate both countries’ commitment to innovation, sustainable development, and deeper economic collaboration within the broader EU-Azerbaijan partnership framework.

During the plenary session of the 222nd meeting of UNESCO’s Executive Board at the organization’s headquarters, Elman Abdullayev, Azerbaijan’s Permanent Representative to UNESCO, presented the country’s statement, Azernews reports.

The statement provided information on Azerbaijan’s active participation during its four-year membership on the Executive Board. It was emphasized that Azerbaijan would continue to engage actively within the UNESCO platform and contribute to the organization’s mandate.

Elman Abdullayev stressed the significance of international solidarity and multilateral cooperation on the 80th anniversary of the adoption of the UN Charter and the UNESCO Constitution. In this context, he drew attention to Azerbaijan’s efforts for peace, security, and cooperation in the region, as well as the steps taken to advance the peace process with Armenia. He particularly noted the historic meeting held on August 8, 2025, in Washington between the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States, and Armenia, which led to the initial signing of the peace agreement text.

Referring to Azerbaijan-UNESCO cooperation, the Permanent Representative underscored the importance of projects in quality education, initiatives in science and artificial intelligence, strengthening the role of women and youth in science, and promoting intercultural dialogue within the framework of the “Baku Process.”

He also expressed the necessity of joint efforts under UNESCO to combat all forms and manifestations of racism.

It was declared that Azerbaijan, in full alignment with UNESCO’s values, would resolutely continue its work to strengthen international peace.

Since its inception, the Azerbaijan National Committee? t? UNESCO has made significant contributions? t? various UNESCO programs and projects.

These include efforts? t? safeguard and promote Azerbaijan’s cultural sites, support educational initiatives, and foster international cooperation? ?n the fields? ?f science and technology.

Azerbaijan National Committee? t? UNESCO continues? t?? be committed? t? its mission? ?f promoting peace and cooperation through education, culture, and science.

In 2003, the parties signed a framework agreement on cooperation in the areas of culture, science, education, and communication, which allowed Azerbaijan to become one of the donors of UNESCO.

Many Azerbaijani cultural sites have been included? in UNESCO’s World Heritage List, including Icherisheher (Old City) with Maiden Tower, Shirvanshah’s Palace, Gobustan National Historical-Artistic Reserve, etc. In 2021, Lankaran District was included? ?n the UNESCO list “Network? ?f Creative Cities”.

UNESCO also honors Azerbaijan’s outstanding personalities like the poet and thinker Imadaddin Nasimi, Fikrat Amirov, great philanthropist and oil magnate Haji Zeynalabdin Taghiyev, etc.

12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), held in GabalaThe meeting underscored the evolution of the OTS from a platform for cultural collaboration into a significant geopolitical and economic actor. Leaders emphasized that shared historical roots, languages, and cultural values provide a strong foundation for coordinated action, fostering stability and growth across member states.

During his opening remarks, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted Gabala’s historical significance, noting that it served as the capital of Caucasian Albania from the 4th century BC to the 8th century AD. Aliyev also expressed gratitude to the Kyrgyz Republic for its leadership in presiding over the OTS and acknowledged Azerbaijan’s contribution of 2 million U.S. dollars to the OTS Secretariat to support its initiatives.

The President underscored the Organization’s transformation from a cultural platform into a geopolitical center of influence, emphasizing that shared history, language, and values unite the member states as a regional family. He stressed that peace and security are the foundations of development, recalling the Nakhchivan Agreement and the recent Garabagh Declaration as key instruments guiding the Organization’s mission.

Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s military and defense cooperation within the OTS, including over 25 bilateral and multinational exercises with Trkiye in the past year. He proposed hosting joint military exercises in Azerbaijan in 2026 for member states, emphasizing that military strength safeguards independence and territorial integrity.

Reflecting on Azerbaijan’s recent historical achievements, Aliyev reiterated the significance of the 44-day Patriotic War of 2020 and the 2023 counter-terrorism operations that ended decades of occupation, restoring the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. He also highlighted the peace agreement with Armenia, initialed in Washington, framing it as a turning point for the South Caucasus toward lasting stability.

Discussions at the summit highlighted regional connectivity and transport projects as central to the OTS’s agenda. Azerbaijan’s strategic location, along with infrastructure such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, the International Trade Port of Alat, and the Middle Corridor, positions the Turkic states to strengthen trade links between Central Asia, Trkiye, and Europe. The opening of the Zangazur Corridor further enhances this regional connectivity, serving as a second artery within both the North-South and East-West transport corridors. Since 2022, cargo traffic along the Middle Corridor has risen significantly, and the recent opening of the Zangazur Corridor adds a new artery for regional trade.

In addition to logistics, energy security remains a cornerstone of Azerbaijan’s regional strategy. The President outlined the country’s role in supplying natural gas to 14 countries, its position as a strategic link between the Caspian region and international markets, and ongoing investments in renewable energy, aiming for around 40% of energy production from renewables by 2030. Azerbaijan has also established joint investment funds with Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan, collectively facilitating projects across the Turkic world totaling over 20 billion U.S. dollars.

Beyond politics and economics, the summit emphasized cultural and educational cooperation. Aliyev proposed marking the 100th anniversary of the First Turkological Congress in 1926, highlighting the historical continuity and identity shared across Turkic nations. He also acknowledged the contributions of member states to the reconstruction of liberated territories in Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur, citing schools, mosques, and infrastructure projects built with the support of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Hungary, Turkmenistan, and Trkiye.

In a broader perspective, the OTS is evolving as a model of regional integration. From coordinated infrastructure projects to joint diplomatic initiatives, the Organization is steadily asserting its presence on the global stage, leveraging the diverse strengths of its member states: Kazakhstan’s energy resources, Uzbekistan’s industrial potential, Trkiye’s geopolitical influence, and Azerbaijan’s strategic location and economic dynamism. The Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor, in particular, exemplifies the OTS’s commitment to economic sovereignty and logistical independence, reducing reliance on external powers.

The summit reaffirmed that the strength of the Turkic States Organization lies in unity, shared identity, and actionable cooperation. Under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, the focus has been on economic integration, security collaboration, cultural exchange, and sustainable development, highlighting the country’s leadership role in shaping the organization’s trajectory.

In conclusion, the 12th OTS Summit showcased the Organization as a dynamic regional force, strengthening bonds among Turkic nations, promoting peace and security, and advancing initiatives that have both local and global impact. United, the Turkic world rises!

Azerbaijan’s trade turnover with the member countries of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) approached 6 billion US dollars in the first eight months of 2025, Azernews reports.

This was stated by First Deputy Minister of Economy Elnur Aliyev during his speech at the Azerbaijan Halal Business (AZHAB) Forum held in Baku.

Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan is one of the most active members of the OIC, giving priority to political, economic, and cultural relations with its member states.

‘Azerbaijan has made great contributions to the establishment of multiculturalism, intercultural and intercivilizational dialogue, and the promotion of Islamic values in the world,’ he said. ‘The prestige gained by our country in the Islamic world was reflected in the declaration of Baku in 2009 and Nakhchivan in 2018 as the capitals of Islamic culture. The events held in 2017 within the framework of the Year of Islamic Solidarity also contributed to strengthening cooperation between Muslim countries.’

Speaking about the growing scope of economic ties, Aliyev noted that Azerbaijan’s trade and investment cooperation with OIC countries aims to further facilitate trade, strengthen customs cooperation, and encourage mutual investments.

‘In January-August 2025, the trade turnover between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the OIC countries amounted to about 6 billion US dollars. Moreover, around 11,000 companies from OIC member states operate in our country. This demonstrates the depth of economic relations and mutual interest, reaffirming Azerbaijan’s role as an important and proactive economic partner in the OIC space,’ he added.

The AZHAB Forum gathered representatives of government bodies, business circles, and international organizations to discuss halal industry standards, export potential, and Azerbaijan’s position as a growing hub for Islamic business and sustainable trade.

In the first three quarters of the year, the State Service for Special Communications and Information Security of Azerbaijan identified 650 cyberattack indicators as a result of its cyber threat analysis activities.

Azernews reports, according to a statement released by the Service, the identified indicators were used to detect and block targeted Advanced Persistent Threats (APT) aimed at Azerbaijani government institutions. These preemptive measures successfully prevented the attacks before they could cause damage.

Out of the 650 cyber threat indicators:

216 were identified through internal investigations

434 were detected in response to requests from government agencies

The State Service continues its efforts to enhance cybersecurity resilience and protect the nation’s critical information infrastructure against evolving cyber threats.

‘The initialing of the peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia two months ago at the White House in Washington is set to transform the South Caucasus into a region of peace,’ said President Ilham Aliyev during his address at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, Azernews reports.

The head of state noted that, following the joint call to dissolve the OSCE Minsk Group and related structures during the Washington summit, the decision made by the OSCE on 1 September also ended these remnants of the former conflict.

Competitions in four sports will take place on October 7 as part of the CIS Games in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The national teams of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan will face off for the gold medal in chovqan in Shaki. Rhythmic gymnastics competitions are also scheduled for today.

The winners in fencing as well as medalists in Greco-Roman wrestling will be announced in Ganja Sports Palace.

Azerbaijan is hosting the third Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) Games from September 28 to October 8, 2025, marking a significant event in the region’s sports calendar.

This multi-sport competition brings together athletes from CIS member states and invited countries, aiming to promote friendship, cooperation, and athletic excellence.

For the first time in the history of the CIS Games, competitions are being held across seven cities in Azerbaijan: Ganja, Mingachevir, Gabala, Shaki, Goygol, Yevlakh, and Khankandi.

Each city hosts events in different sports, with the second-largest city, Ganja, serving as the main hub and officially designated the CIS Sports Capital for 2025.

Around 23 sports are being contested across 12 venues, highlighting a broad and inclusive athletic program.

A total of 1,624 athletes from 13 countries are participating in the third CIS Games. Event mascots Babir and Leyla are helping to generate enthusiasm among young fans.

On October 7, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS), Azernews reports.

A guard of honor was lined up for the Turkmen leader at Gabala International Airport.

At the airport, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov was welcomed by Azerbaijani Minister of Culture Adil Karimli and other officials.

On October 7, the 65th meeting of the Committee on Social and Humanitarian Policy of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC) began its work in Baku, Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

The session is being attended by parliamentary representatives from Azerbaijan and several other member states.

The committee is expected to discuss key issues related to social development, cultural cooperation, humanitarian challenges, and strategies for enhancing regional collaboration in these areas.

It should be noted that the Organization of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) is a regional international organization founded in 1992 to foster economic collaboration and political dialogue among countries in the wider Black Sea region.

Member States include: Azerbaijan, Albania, Armenia, Bulgaria, Georgia, Greece, Moldova, North Macedonia, Romania, Russia, Serbia, Turkiye, and Ukraine.

Its Parliamentary Assembly (PABSEC), established in 1993, serves as a platform for national parliaments to contribute to the organization’s goals by promoting democratic values, parliamentary dialogue, and cooperation on economic, environmental, social, and humanitarian issues.

Azerbaijan is an active member of the organization and has hosted several BSEC events, reaffirming its commitment to regional cooperation.

‘Today, the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) has evolved from merely a platform for cooperation into one of the significant geopolitical centers,’ said President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev during his address at the 12th Summit of the Council of Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States, Azernews reports.

The head of state expressed his satisfaction with the growing prestige of the Organization on the international stage, saying: ‘Our shared historical and ethnic roots, along with common national and spiritual values, bring us together as a family.’