Asianet Pakistan Private Limited

Azerbaijan’s Defense Ministry hosted the First Staff Talks between the defense ministries of Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry.

The meeting, held at the International Military Cooperation Department of the Azerbaijani Defence Ministry, brought together representatives from various divisions of both countries’ defense institutions.

During the talks, the two sides reviewed the current state of bilateral military relations and identified new areas of cooperation. As a result, a draft plan for bilateral military cooperation for 2026 was prepared.

Both delegations delivered presentations outlining the organizational structures of their respective defense ministries and the ongoing reforms being implemented within them.

The sides expressed confidence that continued military collaboration between Azerbaijan and Bosnia and Herzegovina will serve the mutual interests of both countries and contribute to the further strengthening of their partnership.

The 11th Baku International Book Fair, organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, has officially wrapped up, Azernews reports.

The large-scale event, held at the Baku Expo Center, was organized under the theme “Techno-human: A Legend of Yesterday, A Phenomenon of Today.”

The book fair drew a diverse crowd, featuring over 41 international organizations from 18 countries, as well as more than 100 local publishing houses, printing companies, and other industry-related institutions.

The event offered a great platform for writers, publishers, and readers to engage in meaningful dialogue about the future of books in an increasingly digital age.

Over the span of seven days, the 11th Baku International Book Fair hosted more than 250 events, including master classes aimed at both children and adults, presentations on inclusive literature, book signings, conferences, symposiums, and competitions.

There were also special sessions devoted to reading and music, adding a rich cultural layer to the event. Industry professionals had the opportunity to exchange ideas, discuss trends, and collaborate on future projects.

One of the highlights of the fair was the opportunity for visitors to explore the latest publications in the book market and engage directly with authors and publishers.

From books on inclusion to the latest works of fiction, attendees were able to immerse themselves in a wealth of literary experiences. In addition, the fair served as an important space for networking and collaboration, providing a valuable platform for the international book industry.

Among the participants were not only Azerbaijan’s prominent writers and poets, including several People’s Writers, but also esteemed foreign authors from countries such as Turkiye, Argentina, the United Kingdom, Lithuania, and Qatar.

The event featured a mix of well-known literary figures and emerging voices, offering something for every type of reader.

A particularly poignant moment came during the awards ceremony, where several individuals and organizations were recognized for their contributions to the book industry.

The Most Creative Stand Award was given to the Mayak Publishing House, while Chingiz Abdullayev received the Most Read Writer Award. The Honorary Writer Award was bestowed upon Rustam Behrudi, in recognition of his outstanding work in literature.

Reflecting the book fair’s broader theme, “Techno-human: A Legend of Yesterday, A Phenomenon of Today,” many discussions centered around how technology has transformed the way we read, write, and engage with stories.

As literature continues to adapt to the digital age, the book fair provided a valuable opportunity for creators and audiences alike to consider the intersection of technology and culture.

The 11th Baku International Book Fair, with its diverse events, global representation, and stimulating discussions, has reaffirmed its status as a premier cultural event in Azerbaijan.

A Flagship Climate Dialogue entitled ‘Sea Level Fluctuations and Unequal Consequences: Case Studies from the Caspian Sea and Small Island Developing States (SIDS)’ was held at the historic Marlborough Palace in London, UK, Azernews reports.

The event, hosted in partnership with the Commonwealth of Nations, which unites 56 countries, was attended by representatives of the diplomatic corps in London, as well as the Marshal of the Diplomatic Corps, representatives of the British Foreign Office and other state agencies, small island states, climate organizations and media representatives, employees of the Commonwealth Secretariat, young leaders and other guests.

Addressing the event, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, founder and head of IDEA Public Union, drew the participants’ attention to the decline in the Caspian Sea’s water level. She noted that the loss of water in the world’s largest lakes and pollution with plastic waste over the past 30 years have further aggravated the situation. Recalling that COP29 was successfully hosted by Azerbaijan, Leyla Aliyeva emphasized the importance of taking practical steps rather than ideas on the path to COP30. Leyla Aliyeva also highlighted the activities of IDEA Public Association to protect nature and involve young people in this process. Concluding her speech, Leyla Aliyeva stated that the attitude toward nature indicates the attitude toward humanity, adding that protecting the Caspian Sea creates hope for its vibrant future.

Speaking at the event, Mukhtar Babayev, COP29 President, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Climate Issues, called on the international community to show solidarity for the Caspian Sea, like the Amazon and other tropical forests. He further noted that for this purpose, Azerbaijan is working together with the UN Environment Program on the development of “Action Plan for the Reduction of the Level of the Caspian Sea” covering the years 2025-2035. He recalled that, at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, the Caspian littoral states adopted a joint declaration within COP29, thus enhancing cooperation.

The COP29 President emphasized the importance of the IDEA campaign for protecting the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea and affirmed Azerbaijan’s solidarity with small island states by supporting climate change adaptation sustainable development and adaptation projects in these countries. Following his remarks, Mukhtar Babayev noted that fulfilling the promises made at COP29 and increasing climate finance are important for restoring international trust, and Azerbaijan will continue to play an active role in global climate solidarity.

Suddhoo Arjoon, the Commonwealth Deputy Secretary-General, highlighted the negative impacts of climate change on the majority of countries that are members of the Commonwealth. He said that it is highly commendable that Azerbaijan’s COP29 Presidency is sensitive to the challenges faced by small island states in particular, and takes concrete steps to address these challenges. In this regard, he pointed out the cooperation project aimed at contributing to climate action in small island states that are members of the Commonwealth of Nations, based on the Memorandum of Understanding signed in 2024 between the COP29 Presidency and the Commonwealth of Nations.

In his remarks, Tim Hemmings, Special Envoy for Small Island States of the British Foreign Office, reviewed the progress achieved by COP29 last year and noted that given the scale of the problems caused by changing sea levels, the British Foreign Office, had implemented a number of projects to support issues in this direction. He said that it is commendable that the COP29 Presidency and the Commonwealth of Nations had organized an event on this topic in London.

Michael Fishbeck, co-founder and executive director of the ‘Whale Guardians’ organization, drew attention to the biodiversity of the Caspian Sea and noting that the Caspian Sea’s falling level is a harbinger of larger-scale processes that may occur in the global oceans. He therefore called for urgent steps to be taken to protect the Caspian.

Fishbeck highly appreciated the leadership shown by Azerbaijan during COP29 under the guidance of the country’s President and its plans for green energy. He added that the goal is not only to protect whales and other marine life, but also to safeguard and help revive vital marine ecosystems like the Caspian Sea.

Speaking at the event, the ambassadors of small island states in London-including the Bahamas, Maldives, Antigua and Barbuda-stated that rising sea levels pose a direct existential threat to their countries, expressing gratitude to the COP29 Presidency for highlighting such an important issue.

The event participants also viewed an exhibition dedicated to the Azerbaijani nature, followed by an official reception.

The second day of the “Halal Business Forum” has officially begun in Baku, Azernews reports.

The forum features a lineup of prominent speakers, including Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, Head of the Asian Development Bank’s Azerbaijan Resident Mission; Dinh Viet Hoa, Founder and Chairperson of the Vietnam National Entrepreneurship Association; Rizvan Huseynov, Director of the Caucasus History Center (Azerbaijan); as well as other government officials and company representatives.

Key topics under discussion at the forum include: Enhancing the role of SMEs in the global green transition discourse; A joint declaration on the Baku Climate Coalition for SMEs’ green transition; The role of historical heritage in the development of halal tourism in the Caucasus and Central Asia; The role of women in the growth of the halal industry.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) continues to support Azerbaijan in its ‘green’ transition and the development of small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs), Sunniya Durrani-Jamal, Director of the ADB Office in Azerbaijan, stated at the Halal Business Forum, Azernews reports.

Founded 58 years ago with 69 member states, the ADB promotes SME development across Asia, recognizing them as the backbone of national economies. ‘This is equally true for Azerbaijan. I lead a team of 30 specialists here, working to expand the private sector and support SMEs,’ Durrani-Jamal noted.

She highlighted close cooperation with the Ministry of Economy, the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SMBDA), and other partners to ensure entrepreneurs have access to resources, innovations, and sustainable development opportunities.

Durrani-Jamal emphasized that the ADB’s role goes beyond financing. ‘Our goal is to develop business potential, promote sustainable practices, and create an environment in which SMEs can flourish. Working with partners, we contribute to job creation, inclusive economic growth, and the long-term well-being of communities,’ she said.

She added that SMEs are essential not only for economic activity but also for environmental sustainability. International and national partners, including Azerbaijani government agencies, are introducing incentive measures, tax breaks, and financing instruments to support the ecological transformation of businesses.

‘One key initiative at COP29 was the Baku Climate Coalition dedicated to the green transition of SMEs. In the adopted declaration, parties agreed on two priorities: strengthening SME potential and stimulating business demand for environmental solutions,’ Durrani-Jamal noted.

On October 8, 2025, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received Diego Martinez-Belio, Secretary of State for Foreign and Global Affairs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation of the Kingdom of Spain, who was on an official visit to Baku, Azernews reports.

According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, the meeting focused on the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of political dialogue, and cooperation in economic, energy, tourism, transport, humanitarian, and cultural fields, as well as discussions on regional developments.

Minister Bayramov highlighted that ties between Azerbaijan and Spain are based on principles of friendship and mutual respect, and underlined the importance of strengthening dialogue and collaboration within international organizations. He noted the significance of recent meetings between the leaders of both countries – held during COP29 in Baku and later in Tirana – as milestones in expanding cooperation.

Both sides also discussed the outcomes of the first meeting of the Strategic Economic Dialogue, held in Baku in March 2025, describing it as an important platform for boosting economic interaction. The talks additionally touched upon Azerbaijan-EU partnership, energy security, green energy initiatives, and cooperation in transport and communication projects.

Minister Bayramov briefed the Spanish delegation on the new realities in the post-conflict period, the ongoing peace process, the results of the historic Washington meeting, and Azerbaijan’s consistent efforts toward sustainable development and stability in the region.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on international and regional issues of mutual interest.

On the same day, the next round of political consultations between the two foreign ministries was held. The Azerbaijani delegation was led by Deputy Foreign Minister Fariz Rzayev, while the Spanish side was represented by State Secretary Diego Martinez-Belio.

The state has ensured comprehensive conditions for the free and safe activity of all religious confessions, including Christian communities, in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

This was stated by Ramin Mammadov, Chairman of the State Committee for Work with Religious Organizations, during his visit to the United States at a meeting with Utah Senate President Adam Stewart.

During the meeting, it was noted that Azerbaijan-US relations have entered a new and promising stage. Confidence was expressed that the Joint Declaration signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan, the United States, and Armenia in Washington on August 8 represents a historic milestone in the peace process, contributing to interfaith harmony and coexistence.

Ramin Mammadov emphasized that promoting an environment of tolerance and ensuring peaceful coexistence among people of different faiths is a key direction of Azerbaijan’s state policy.

‘As a clear example, the official registration of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Azerbaijan demonstrates the state’s commitment to interfaith tolerance and equal treatment,’ he noted.

The Committee Chairman also invited the President of the Utah Senate to visit Azerbaijan, which Adam Stewart gratefully accepted. Stewart praised Azerbaijan’s multicultural values and interfaith harmony, acknowledging President Ilham Aliyev’s contribution to preserving religious tolerance and cultural diversity.

Utah Senators Kirk Collymore and Mike McKell also participated in the meeting, where both sides exchanged views on strengthening cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United States in promoting dialogue among religions and cultures.

The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) will establish a mobile base in the Hadrut settlement of the Khojavand district, Azernews reports.

Expansion work will also be carried out at ANAMA’s existing bases.

The agency has already completed the necessary preparatory work for these projects and has awarded the contract to Shamkir Tikinti-18 Open Joint Stock Company (OJSC). Under the agreement, the company will receive 1.9 million manats for the implementation of the assigned tasks.

It should be noted that Shamkir Tikinti-18 OJSC was registered in 2011. The company’s authorized capital amounts to 64,458 manats, and its legal representative is Vagif Chingiz oglu Abdullayev.

Initiated by the Azerbaijan Professional Film Directors Guild, with the support of the Azerbaijan Guild of Actors and the Azerbaijan Producers Guild, the Azerbaijan Film Academy has completed the acceptance of applications for the 2025 Qizil P?ri (Golden Fairy) professional film and television award competition, Azernews reports.

The application period ended on October 1. This year, 420 applications were submitted in 25 nominations, covering all categories outlined in the competition’s regulations.

The competition features leading figures of the Azerbaijani film industry, film studios, and television channels in the country.

The next stage will be the work of the selection committee, which will begin its activities on October 13, 2025.

Based on the review of the materials, a maximum of 5 nominees will be determined in each category.

The Qizil P?ri Award was established with the aim of encouraging professional achievements in the fields of cinema and television, supporting talented artists, and promoting the development of the national film industry.

On October 8, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received a Croatian delegation led by Gordan Jandrokovic, Speaker of the Parliament, Azernews reports.

Noting that this was his first visit to Azerbaijan, the Speaker of the Croatian Parliament stated that the beauty of the capital Baku had made a deep impression on him.

Gordan Jandrokovic congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on his contributions and service to the Azerbaijani state and people. He also extended his congratulations regarding the outcomes achieved in Washington toward advancing the peace agenda between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Stating that relations between Azerbaijan and Croatia are at a high level, Jandrokovic emphasized the existing opportunities for further expanding interparliamentary ties. He noted the activities of interparliamentary friendship groups in both countries and underlined the importance of strengthening cooperation between various parliamentary committees.

Expressing gratitude for the congratulations, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the historic significance of the agreements reached between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

The head of state praised the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Croatia. He underscored that Croatia has consistently supported the development of Azerbaijan’s relations with the European Union and NATO.

During the meeting, they stated that bilateral relations are developing based on principles of friendship and partnership with ample opportunities existing for cooperation in energy, investments, tourism, and other fields. They also discussed the prospects for advancing relations within international parliamentary organizations.