http://www.today.az Covering Azerbaijan inside and outside http://www.today.az/images/logo_small.gif http://www.today.az http://www.today.az/news/society/263962.html Society Fri, 05 Dec 2025 19:08:00 +0400 The 11th Vugar Hashimov Memorial, dedicated to the memory of the late chess player and European champion Vugar Hashimov, will take place in Khankandi on December 9-11, Azernews reports.The tournament, organised by the Vugar Hashimov Chess Foundation, the Ministry of Youth and Sports, and the Azerbaijan Chess Federation, will feature six players competing in rapid and blitz events.The participants Ian Nepomniachtchi (FIDE), Amin Tabatabaei (Iran), Vladimir Fedoseev (Slovenia), Nodirbek Yakubboyev (Uzbekistan), Rauf Mammadov, and Aydin Suleymanli will face each other in two rounds.Vugar Hashimov Memorial was first held in 2014, and since 2023, the tournament has held the status of a FIDE World Championship qualifying event.In 2024, the Vugar Hashimov Memorial took place in the city of Shusha.Ian Nepomniachtchi, competing under the flag of the International Chess Federation (FIDE), outperformed all his rivals to take first place in the memorial tournament.In the rapid competition, the grandmaster scored 10 points and added 9 points in blitz, ultimately finishing with a total of 19 points to win the tournament.Uzbekistani player Nodirbek Abdusattorov (18 points) secured second place, while Azerbaijani representative Shakhriyar Mammadyarov (16 points) took third place.Vugar Hashimov (1986-2014) made a remarkable contribution to the chess history of Azerbaijan.He played for Azerbaijan's national team in the Chess Olympiads in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008.Hashimov won a bronze medal in the European Team Championship in 2007 and became the European Champion with the national team in 2009.He was the European vice champion of the national team in 2011 and the winner of the Reggio Emilia tournament in 2010–2011. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263961.html Arts & Entertainment Fri, 05 Dec 2025 18:05:00 +0400 By Laman IsmayilovaDirector-General of the Azerbaijan Film Agency, Rashad Azizov, has addressed a press conference devoted to the "OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025", Azernews reports.In his speech, Rashad Azizov underlined that the festival would feature an extensive program and encouraged companies and institutions in the cultural sphere to take an active part."The events held within the framework of the OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025 are being organized according to an extensive schedule. Companies and institutions working in this field are encouraged to be active. The formation of cultural and creative industries has become an important step as a result of President Ilham Aliyev's policies. Major reforms have been carried out in this area over the past two years. We also aim to share this experience with other countries. Special attention will be given to new innovations," he said.The Director-General of the Azerbaijan Film Agency emphasized that the main event will be the Forum on the Organization of Cultural and Creative Industries, along with a film exhibition and the "Creative Village" exhibition featuring OIC member countries. He also noted that the event has already attracted great interest, with visitors from other countries arriving in Baku.Rashad Azizov added that a very rich program is planned for the week. As part of the film festival, film exhibitions from several countries will be held.The Nizami Cinema Center will traditionally serve as the main venue. The main location of the event will be the Baku Convention Center.Throughout the week, various events will take place in different cinemas. The organization of new types of events is also planned. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263960.html Arts & Entertainment Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:54:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaAt a press conference dedicated to the "OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week 2025," the Director of the Department of Cultural Affairs at the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Hussein Ghazawi, stated that the event was not merely a program but a celebration, Azernews reports.He emphasised that it would be a celebration of cultural diversity, the richness of shared heritage, and solidarity within the Muslim world."The OIC Cultural Festival: Baku Creative Week 2025" is not just an event program, but also a celebration. It is a celebration of our cultural diversity, the richness of our shared heritage, and solidarity in the Muslim world," he said."Today, we are pleased to note the wide participation of OIC member states, as well as the gathering of representatives of OIC institutions and creative industries from various parts of the Muslim world. This broad representation once again proves the importance of cultural diplomacy and the strength of our common values," he added.According to him, through this festival, the mission of the OIC, bringing our peoples closer together, promoting mutual respect, common development, and sustainable progress, will be given real substance and form. These values form the foundation of the OIC Charter. http://www.today.az/news/politics/263959.html Politics Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:36:00 +0400 Nazrin AbdulEnsuring safe working conditions for citizens remains a key priority, said Kubanichbek Omuraliyev, Secretary-General of the Turkic States Organization (OTS), during the first meeting of OTS Ministers of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection held today in Baku, Azernews reports.Speaking at the event, Omuraliyev highlighted the significance of the meeting, which is hosted under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship:"The Turkic world, with a population of 175 million, possesses significant economic potential. In 2024, our combined GDP is expected to exceed $2.1 trillion. These figures reflect the dynamism of our region and the growing social activity."He added that fostering cooperation is essential to channel this economic dynamism for the benefit of the Turkic world:"Integrating the Turkic world across all sectors is a key priority. Sustainable economic growth is impossible without a strong labor market and systems that protect the welfare of our people." http://www.today.az/news/politics/263958.html Politics Fri, 05 Dec 2025 14:10:00 +0400 President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has sent a congratulatory letter to the King of Thailand, Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua, Azernews reports.The letter reads:"On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I extend to you, and through you to your entire people, my sincere congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the national holiday of the Kingdom of Thailand.Today, there is great potential for the development of relations between Azerbaijan and Thailand. I am confident that by seizing these opportunities, we will continue our joint efforts to strengthen our friendly ties and expand our fruitful cooperation both bilaterally and on multilateral platforms, for the well-being of our peoples.On this festive occasion, I wish you good health, happiness, and success in your endeavors, as well as lasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of the Kingdom of Thailand." http://www.today.az/news/business/263957.html Business Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:58:00 +0400 Nazrin AbdulThe Southern Gas Corridor CJSC (SGC) will begin channeling most of its annual cash flow to SOCAR and the Azerbaijani government in the form of dividends starting in 2026, Azernews reports, citing Fitch Ratings.According to the agency, SGC’s net leverage ratio (EBITDA-based) is projected to average around 0.5x between 2025–2028, compared to 0.3x in 2024, supported by continued strong cash flows and low capital expenditures. Fitch’s assessment is based on the company’s consolidated profile, which includes full consolidation of TANAP (including dividends to minority shareholders), proportional consolidation of its share in the Shah Deniz production-sharing agreement, and dividend income from the South Caucasus Pipeline and TAP.Fitch analysts also expect no changes to SGC’s rating structure even if SOCAR sells its stake in XRG, the investment platform of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC).“We believe Azerbaijan will retain control and decision-making authority over the Southern Gas Corridor CJSC,” the report states. “If the parties decide to expand project capacity, this would positively influence corporate governance and technological support, while also improving access to financing.” http://www.today.az/news/society/263956.html Society Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:49:00 +0400 Qabil AshirovAs part of the First State Program on the Great Return to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, the next wave of resettlement has taken place in Horovlu village, Jabrayil district. Families, who were sent off earlier in the morning, have now reached their ancestral homes.According to Azernews, Horovlu welcomed 18 families today, totaling 66 people. Residents stepped into the rebuilt village with tears of joy, witnessing firsthand the restoration and beauty of their homeland.The village covers a total area of 248 hectares. In the first phase, 334 individual houses were constructed on 94 hectares. The homes, featuring 2 to 5 rooms, are equipped with modern utilities including water, electricity, gas, solar panels, and high-speed internet. Roads within the village have been asphalted. Key infrastructure has also been established, including a school for 624 students, a 220-seat kindergarten, a two-story administrative building, a market complex, multi-purpose catering facilities, a medical station, and a sports and wellness center.Traditional water channels (“?sg?r”, “????”, “Orta”, “Gülqas?m”, and “X?lif?”) that were destroyed during the occupation have been restored. A 4.4-hectare park complex has been built, with walking paths laid from the Flag Square to the market area. Additionally, 3.1 hectares of green space have been planted with olive, plane, and Eldar pine trees.Returning residents expressed heartfelt gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva for the comprehensive state support. They also thanked the heroic Azerbaijani Army, its soldiers and officers, and paid tribute to the martyrs who gave their lives to liberate the homeland, extending condolences and strength to their families. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263955.html Arts & Entertainment Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:17:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaThe Azerbaijan Open Dance Cup has brought together the strongest dance ensembles from across the country, Azernews reports.Led by the President of the Azerbaijan Dance Association and the Azerbaijan Youth Union, Aziz Azizov, the tournament became a true celebration of choreography and national art.The main sensation of the Cup was the "Grasiya Dance Club" (Baku), led by Nigar Aliyeva.The team claimed nine victories, impressing the jury with their mastery, originality, and highly professional choreography. Their performances were truly captivating, combining dynamism, synchronization, and emotional expression, which deservedly earned them the Champion's Cup for the highest number of awards.Other groups also delivered remarkable performances. "Khamsa" (Ganja), with seven victories, charmed the audience with their choreography; "Inci Ensemble" (Baku), also with seven victories, demonstrated impeccable skill and artistry; while "Qaval" and "Nur Dance" impressed with their variety and stage expressiveness, winning the hearts of both the audience and the jury.The Cup's finale turned into a spectacular display of national and contemporary dance styles. Vibrant costumes and emotional performances received rounds of applause, and despite the competitive nature of the event, the atmosphere on stage was one of mutual support.Aziz Azizov congratulated the participants and coaches on their outstanding results, expressing hope for new creative achievements in the coming year.The next gathering of Azerbaijani dance ensembles will take place at the Kapaz Cup in Ganja on the last weekend of January next year.Audiences can expect an equally impressive event, where folklore traditions will seamlessly blend with modern choreographic solutions, creating an unforgettable celebration of dance.Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. http://www.today.az/news/society/263954.html Society Fri, 05 Dec 2025 13:04:00 +0400 By Akbar NovruzAzerbaijan Railways (ADY) has completed design work for the reconstruction and modernization of railway infrastructure in the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, marking a significant step toward strengthening regional transport links, Azernews reports via local media.ADY Deputy Chairman Arif Aghayev confirmed that construction has already begun on the border with Armenia, in the Sallammelik station area of Ordubad district. “The construction process covers a total of 188 km of railway line and the goal is to build a new railway network in accordance with modern requirements,” he said.According to Aghayev, once the overhaul and reconstruction works are completed, the annual freight capacity of the Nakhchivan railway will reach 15 million tons.He also highlighted the strategic importance of recent international agreements, noting that the signing of the “Trump Roadmap for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) by President Ilham Aliyev on August 8 in Washington represents “another historic achievement in this area.”“This agreement envisages the restoration of railway connectivity along the corridor. The Zangezur corridor, as an important part of the Middle Corridor, is considered a strategic route for freight transportation between Europe and Asia and will also form one of the main links of the North-South transport corridor,” Aghayev added. http://www.today.az/news/society/263953.html Society Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:56:00 +0400 Nazrin AbdulThe first meeting of the Ministers of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection of the Turkic States Organization (OTS) is underway in Baku, Azernews reports.The meeting, held under the theme “Cooperation in the Field of Labor for Shared Prosperity in Turkic States,” brings together officials from member states — Azerbaijan, Türkiye, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Kyrgyzstan — as well as representatives from observer countries, including the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus, Hungary, and Turkmenistan. Senior leaders from the OTS are also in attendance.Key speakers at the event include Azerbaijan’s Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Anar Aliyev; OTS Secretary-General Kubanichbek Omuraliyev; First Deputy Minister of Labor, Social Security and Migration of Kyrgyzstan, Kamchybek Dosmatov; Uzbekistan’s Deputy Minister of Employment and Poverty Reduction, Sirojiddin Bobokulov; Kazakhstan’s Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Viktoriya Shegai; Northern Cyprus Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Oguzhan Hasipoglu; Hungary’s State Secretary for Employment Policy at the Ministry of National Economy, Sándor Czomba; and Turkmenistan’s Deputy Minister of Labor and Social Protection, Halbibi Tachjanova.The meeting will conclude with the signing of the Declaration of the First Meeting of OTS Ministers of Labor, Employment, and Social Protection. http://www.today.az/news/society/263952.html Society Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:43:00 +0400 Qabil AshirovStrengthening the Turkic world is among Azerbaijan’s top priorities, the country’s Minister of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, Anar Aliyev, said at the first meeting of labor, employment, and social protection ministers of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) in Baku, Azernews reports.Aliyev highlighted that the OTS already plays a special role on the global stage, deepening political, economic, social, and cultural ties among its member countries.“Our meeting today marks a historic event aimed at advancing significant goals for social development in our countries. Expanding these connections and strengthening the Turkic world remains one of Azerbaijan’s priorities. Azerbaijan has always contributed to the close unity of the Turkic world and will continue to uphold the ideals of solidarity in the future,” Aliyev stated. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263951.html Arts & Entertainment Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:39:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaThe Azerbaijani delegation's stunning cultural performance has received widespread acclaim at the grand ceremony dedicated to the 54th anniversary of the United Arab Emirates, Azernews reports.At the invitation of the UAE, the joint performance of the Azerbaijani State Border Service's cavalry unit, national dance ensemble, and orchestra showcased the richness of Azerbaijan's cultural heritage and the ancient traditions of its people to the world. The noble presence of Garabagh horses, the harmonious choreography of the dance group, and the live performance of the orchestra added unforgettable color to the event's atmosphere.The presentation by the Azerbaijani delegation was met with great interest at the ceremony and was accompanied by thunderous applause from the audience.One particularly noteworthy moment was the personal attendance of UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan. His presence, attention to the performance, and high appreciation of Azerbaijani culture and the program made the occasion even more remarkable. The joint performance of the State Border Service's cavalry unit, dance ensemble, and orchestra became one of the most memorable parts of the event.This brilliant presentation reaffirmed the grandeur and uniqueness of Azerbaijani culture, our national identity, and the international value of our traditions that preserve heritage in horse riding, music, and dance.This magnificent performance in Abu Dhabi served as a cultural window for our country to the world, adding a new chapter to the international recognition of Garabagh horses, Azerbaijani music, and dance art. http://www.today.az/news/politics/263948.html Politics Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:12:00 +0400 Nikol Pashinyan did it. He has long promised his "former" opponents to publish documents on the so-called peace process for the settlement of the Karabakh conflict. And finally, he fulfilled his promise.   By publishing these documents, the Armenian Prime Minister wanted to destroy the myths created by Kocharyan and Sargsyan that they had been fighting to the death for the principle of "not an inch of land" all the years of negotiations, but Pashinyan surrendered the lands that the Armenians had so hard won after the First Karabakh War. Pashinyan, responding to the accusations, threatened to publish documents that clearly show that all the years Ter-Petrosyan, Kocharyan, and then Sargsyan discussed at the table the principles that prescribed the return of territories to Azerbaijan and other conditions that appeared in the Trilateral Statement of November 10, 2020, signed by Nikol Pashinyan.   The Armenian prime minister wanted to show that nothing new had happened, and he did what any of the "former" ones would have done if Baku had been satisfied with the terms of those previous agreements. But Baku was not satisfied with them, and in the end, the burden of responsibility was shifted by the "exes" to Pashinyan, who simply had no way out after losing the war.   Let's say right away that there is nothing unexpected in these publications for us. The texts of the settlement principles developed have never been a secret in Azerbaijan. Except that it's a slander put up by Putin. Everything contained in these documents has been known for all the years of negotiations. We knew perfectly well that the Armenian side wanted to keep Kalbajar and Lachin, that it was fighting for an illegal referendum, demanding guarantees and other pleasures. And the Armenian society, apparently, has always been deceived by its leaders, so the "revelations" that were published became a sensation for our neighbors.   So, among the documents, Pashinyan issued the text of the well-known UN Security Council resolution, which recognizes the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan and requires the withdrawal of Armenian forces from all occupied territories. For what? Firstly, to show that Ter-Petrosyan failed diplomacy by allowing the adoption of such resolutions. And secondly, so that former presidents would not have the opportunity to create illusions among the Armenian society regarding the recognition of the status quo by the world following the results of the first war. In fact, the whole world recognized (or was forced to recognize) the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan. And Kocharyan and Sargsyan, I remember, convinced their flock that the world recognizes the integrity of Azerbaijan without Karabakh. Unfortunately, those Security Council resolutions remained the only documents of this level where the occupier was called an occupier.   The settlement principles developed by the Minsk Group Co-Chairs have never served Azerbaijan's interests. The purpose of the peace process itself was to persuade Baku to accept the loss of territories. But according to the published texts, one can see how the Armenian side maneuvered, trying to wrest the notorious status for the separatists, from which it will be possible to dance later.   Once again, we were well aware of the principles of the settlement proposed to Azerbaijan. It doesn't matter what has been discussed for a quarter of a century. The main thing is that all this has remained on paper and in Armenian dreams. Otherwise, you and I wouldn't be sitting here writing all this right now. History would have flowed in a completely different direction.   Baku could not refuse meetings and discussions, although they did not give a fair result. Failure to negotiate would be ambiguously perceived by the international community. This would worsen the situation of the country, which is already surrounded by Armenia's allies and other interested parties. In such a situation, Baku chose the most correct tactics. He did not reject the formula proposed to him for renouncing territories, but he did not agree to it either. Let's recall the conversations about the exchange of territories that took place in the 90s. Yes, national leader Heydar Aliyev had these discussions with Kocharyan. But not because he was going to give up Karabakh. It was a very clever maneuver that led the middlemen into a maze. While they were looking for a way out of it, the topic of exchanging Karabakh for Meghri disappeared by itself. Karabakh criminal Robert Kocharyan still recalls that situation in his interviews, but he cannot explain why the discussions stopped. And they stopped because Baku no longer needed it. Azerbaijan was already starting to get back on its feet, and the issue of the return of all territories was firmly on the state's agenda. This is called proper diplomacy, if anything.  The formula 5+2 did not suit Azerbaijan from the very beginning. But, again, according to a well-thought-out tactic, he did not reject her, but he did not accept her either. Baku was not going to leave anything to the enemy and was aimed at liberating all territories. He was stalling for time, allowing the enemy to entertain empty hopes, and the intermediaries to think that they would succeed.   Pashinyan posted documents stating in black and white that his opponents, who accuse the prime minister of "surrendering" territories, have been discussing this "surrender" themselves for many years. Kocharyan and Sargsyan were ready to return five districts and gradually withdraw troops from the remaining two, with the exception of the Lachin road. Azerbaijan liberated four of the seven occupied regions around Karabakh itself, while Pashinyan pledged to return the remaining three as soon as possible. And returned it. What choice did he have?   The only thing that Pashinyan could not convince his opponents of was that his predecessors had been discussing all the years about leaving Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan. The documents he published did not confirm this. And they couldn't confirm it. Everyone knew that the negotiation process did not consider such a prospect at all. Only at the very beginning it was about self-determination within Azerbaijan, and later, at the request of the Armenian side, there was talk of a "transitional status" and a "referendum."   What do we learn from Serzh Sargsyan's slander to Vladimir Putin, sent in August 2016? We learn that Baku has abandoned the Madrid principles, which have been worked on for almost ten years. There is even fear in the text of the slur. The April fighting scared Yerevan very much, who expected that the mediators would put the squeeze on Baku and force him to sign the document needed by the occupier. The Karabakh criminal, pityingly addressing Putin, calls him to witness some agreements, asks him to threaten recognition of Karabakh from neighboring countries if Azerbaijan does not fulfill any obligations there, and tries to demonstrate its loyalty in this way.   It's very funny. Especially, let's repeat, in the light of the April fighting that shocked Armenia, and not only it. After 2016, few people had any doubts about the inevitability of war. In the following years, the mediators continued to portray vigorous activity, but the same principles were on the table that were unacceptable to Azerbaijan. With minor edits and some comments. There was no point in those papers anymore.   To be honest, it is surprising that for someone in Azerbaijan, what they saw in the files published by Pashinyan was a revelation. Apparently, these bloggers and users did not follow the process due to their age or for other reasons. People always try to look for some kind of second bottom, to look behind the scenes, hoping to see what they haven't been shown. In politics, a lot of things are hidden from view. But in terms of the peace process around the Karabakh conflict as a whole, there is nothing that could be striking. In this case, it's about us, not our neighbors.   The summit in Kazan, which Sargsyan mentioned in the slur, took place in June 2011, and international mediators and Armenia were very actively preparing for it, hoping to put the squeeze on the situation and force Baku to sign up to serious concessions to the Armenian side and the actual loss of Karabakh. But President Ilham Aliyev disappointed everyone by making ten amendments to the text. The document from 2011 was also published by Pashinyan. The Kazan Principles were not signed. The Armenian authorities and diplomats lied to their already deceived people. It seems that Pashinyan himself did not know that no agreements had been concluded, which is clear from his previous statements. Apparently, the Armenian prime minister believed that if there is a text printed on paper, there must be a signature under it, even if it is not there.   By the way, after the Kazan meeting, Baku hosted a large-scale military parade in honor of the 20th anniversary of the restoration of Azerbaijan's independence. Speaking before the start of the parade, the President stated that the Armenian occupation is a temporary phenomenon and the territorial integrity of the country will be restored by any means. This is how he "signed" a toxic document proposed to the country affected by the occupation.   The Armenian leaders often deceived the Armenians. After the April battles, there were also a lot of things at the meetings in Vienna and St. Petersburg, and the then Foreign Minister Nalbandian assured that the Azerbaijani President had signed the agreements. But then he still had to admit that in fact, Ilham Aliyev had not signed anything.   We do not know what lesson our neighbors will learn from the documents thrown out by Pashinyan into the public space. By and large, it doesn't matter. History does not know the subjunctive mood. All these "if's" don't make sense. But it will be useful for the Armenian society to find out who is who. So that the past decades become a lesson for the neighbors. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263950.html Arts & Entertainment Fri, 05 Dec 2025 12:00:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaThe OIC Culture Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025, set to take place in the capital from December 5 to 11 and jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), Azernews reports.This was noted by Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister Saadat Yusifova during a press conference dedicated to the festival, held on December 5 at the International Mugham Center."The OIC Culture Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025 will be held in our capital from December 5 to 11, jointly organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). These events are not only a celebration of culture but also an important platform for the development of creative industries, the expansion of cooperation opportunities, and the establishment of new partnerships," she said.She underlined that the festival is a significant example of presenting our country's multicultural values, cultural diversity, and traditions of tolerance to the world."Nearly 5,000 visitors are expected to participate in the festival. This demonstrates the event’s strong public interest, as well as Azerbaijan's potential to become a regional hub for creative industries," the Deputy Minister emphasized. http://www.today.az/news/politics/263949.html Politics Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:51:00 +0400 Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev has addressed the participants of the third international conference on “Cultural Heritage and the Right of Return: Restoring the Cultural Heritage of Azerbaijanis Displaced from Armenia – as a Path to Justice, Reconciliation, and Peace”, Azernews reports."Dear conference participants!I warmly welcome you to the 3rd international conference on “Cultural Heritage and the Right of Return: Restoring the Cultural Heritage of Azerbaijanis Displaced from Armenia – as a Path to Justice, Reconciliation, and Peace.”Possessing an ancient history of statehood and culture, the Azerbaijani people have repeatedly been subjected to deprivation, deportation, and genocide over the past two centuries. After the relocation of Armenians to the ancestral Azerbaijani lands, and in the aftermath of massacres and illegal resettlements committed against Azerbaijanis in 1905–1907, 1918–1921, 1948–1953, and 1987–1991, hundreds of thousands of our compatriots were forced to leave their homeland and seek refuge in Azerbaijan.The forced deportation of Azerbaijanis from mountainous regions in the territory of Armenia to places with a warmer climate, the embezzlement of the property they had built and created over the years, and the seizure, destruction, and alienation of material and cultural artifacts are historical facts proven by reliable documents.Time and time again, Armenia destroyed the rich material and intangible cultural heritage of the Azerbaijanis who lived in Western Azerbaijan, including their shrines and cemeteries, in an attempt to erase the traces of the Azerbaijani people from its territory. It is extremely important to take the necessary steps to assess, within an international legal framework, the crimes against humanity Armenia has committed against Azerbaijanis and to secure the support of the international community in this matter.Today, it is essential to intensify efforts to ensure the return of Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenia within the framework of the right of return enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Status of Refugees, and other important international instruments. It is also important to initiate a process, with the participation of the international community - including specialized UN agencies - on the restoration and protection of cultural heritage. The right of return is one of the fundamental principles of human rights. Securing this right is not only about the physical return to one’s homeland; it is also about restoring the spiritual integrity, cultural heritage, and historical memory of society.The restoration and protection of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in Armenia, in addition to being a legitimate demand of the Azerbaijani people, is necessary in the context of respect for universal human values, closing the page of hostility, and fostering mutual understanding between peoples.The Western Azerbaijan Community, which includes individuals directly affected by deportations and massacres, should be commended for its discreet and constructive approach, openness to reconciliation and dialogue, adherence to international law, and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.The fact that Azerbaijan and Armenia came together in Washington on August 8, 2025, with the mediation of the United States of America, the signing of the Joint Declaration, and the initialing of the draft peace agreement creates hope and confidence for the future coexistence of both peoples.We believe that the peace-loving members of the Western Azerbaijan Community will return to their ancestral lands and that good-neighborly relations will be established between our peoples.I wish every success to this traditional international conference, which has already evolved into a global platform. I reiterate my confidence that the discussions to be held will contribute to the protection of cultural heritage, the understanding of the right of return, and the safe, dignified, and peaceful return of our compatriots to their native lands, and will be an important step on the path to reconciliation and peace.Ilham AliyevPresident of the Republic of AzerbaijanBaku, 5 December 2025" the address reads. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263947.html Arts & Entertainment Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:43:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaThe production of the new crime drama series "Mikrorayon", set to premiere on Public Television and Radio Broadcasting Company (?TV) in 2026, is currently underway, Azernews reports.The series will consist of 12 episodes, each with a runtime of 50 minutes.The project's executive producer is Sevinj Aliyeva, the director is Gulu Asgarov, and the scriptwriter is Geray Hasan.The visual design of the series is overseen by director of photography Vasif Valizade, while the set and overall artistic direction are managed by production designer Vugar Gurbanov.The series, which follows the different fates of five childhood friends in the criminal world, features many well-known actors.The cast includes Eltakin Khan, Ulvi Hashim, Orkhan Iskandarli, Elshan Asgarov, Gudrat Fatulla, Masma Aslangizi, Elshan Rustamov, Tarana Ojagverdiyeva, Oktay Mehtiyev, Natavan Qeybani, Zulfiyya Gurbanova, Shovgi Huseynov, Zemfira Abdulsamadova, Abbas Gahraman, Fidan Bayram, and other actors. http://www.today.az/news/politics/263946.html Politics Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:38:00 +0400 “Today, it is essential to intensify efforts to ensure the return of Azerbaijanis forcibly expelled from Armenia within the framework of the right of return enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention on the Status of Refugees, and other important international instruments. It is also important to initiate a process, with the participation of the international community - including specialized UN agencies - on the restoration and protection of cultural heritage. The right of return is one of the fundamental principles of human rights. Securing this right is not only about the physical return to one’s homeland; it is also about restoring the spiritual integrity, cultural heritage, and historical memory of society,” said President Ilham Aliyev in his address to the participants of the international conference on “Cultural Heritage and the Right of Return” held in Baku.“The restoration and protection of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in Armenia, in addition to being a legitimate demand of the Azerbaijani people, is necessary in the context of respect for universal human values, closing the page of hostility, and fostering mutual understanding between peoples.The Western Azerbaijan Community, which includes individuals directly affected by deportations and massacres, should be commended for its discreet and constructive approach, openness to reconciliation and dialogue, adherence to international law, and respect for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of states.The fact that Azerbaijan and Armenia came together in Washington on August 8, 2025, with the mediation of the United States of America, the signing of the Joint Declaration, and the initialing of the draft peace agreement creates hope and confidence for the future coexistence of both peoples,” President Ilham Aliyev added. http://www.today.az/news/business/263945.html Business Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:23:00 +0400 Nazrin AbdulThe international rating agency Fitch Ratings has assigned a long-term Issuer Default Rating (IDR) of “BBB-” with a Stable outlook to the Southern Gas Corridor Closed Joint-Stock Company (SGC CJSC), Azernews reports.According to Fitch, the company’s rating is aligned with that of its sole shareholder, the Republic of Azerbaijan (BBB- / Stable). This reflects the fact that all of SGC’s debt obligations are backed by state guarantees, and Fitch expects this practice to continue throughout the forecast period.The company’s stand-alone credit profile (SCP) is assessed at ‘bbb-’, supported by strong cash-flow generation, a highly predictable business model based on long-term gas transportation contracts, large-scale operations, and very solid financial metrics. Constraining factors include price volatility in the upstream segment, natural depletion at the Shah Deniz gas-condensate field, as well as counterparty risks and operational challenges in Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye.“As of end-August 2025, all of SGC’s debt remained fully guaranteed by the state, and we expect this to continue,” Fitch stated.The agency notes that SGC operates with extensive scale, geographic diversification, and vertical integration. Specifically, the company is involved in:Upstream: 16.02% stake in the Shah Deniz gas-condensate fieldMidstream: Gas transportation to Southern Europe via Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Türkiye, including:51% in TANAP21.02% in the South Caucasus Pipeline (SCP)20% in the Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP)Downstream: Sales of natural gas to end consumers. http://www.today.az/news/politics/263944.html Politics Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:11:00 +0400 The 6th meeting of the Armenia-EU Partnership Council was held in Brussels on Tuesday. The priorities of this partnership were discussed and approved.   Armenia's partnership with various countries and organizations is its internal affair. From this position, Baku approaches all countries on this issue. But only to the extent that it does not concern us. Unfortunately, the priorities of the EU-Armenia partnership in the field of foreign and security policy affect the interests of Azerbaijan in a number of ways. And no matter how well the peace process is going, you can't turn a blind eye to it.   It is commendable that the European Union is committed to continuing efforts to "ensure a long-term and dignified peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan." But there will be no decent and long-term peace if European structures do not understand that there are borders beyond which Azerbaijan will not allow anyone to enter, and by making promises to Yerevan, the European Union is actually promising something it cannot fulfill. Brussels is encouraging the Armenian side, and it will think that by signing some kind of document, it will be able to count on active EU intervention in issues where Yerevan lacks its own resources.   For example, according to the priorities announced by the Armenian Foreign Ministry, the European Union has pledged to promote "the full, immediate and effective implementation of the decisions of the International Court of Justice." The publication does not specify what it is about. But the same point is widely represented in the same priorities adopted at the 5th meeting in February last year. At that time, the Foreign Ministry reported that "the parties stressed the need for full, immediate and effective implementation of all decisions of the International Court of Justice within the framework of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination (Armenia v. Azerbaijan)." The shortening of the wording does not give much, because it is clear that we are talking about claims (which is not surprising) Armenia's claims against Azerbaijan and those satisfied by international judicial authorities against our country. The EU promises Yerevan assistance in ensuring compliance with the requirements contained in the court decisions.   This is not the first time such formulations have been heard in the statements of the EU-Armenia format. The European Union has always assumed too much, and Baku has more than once had to be besieged by its zeal to demonstrate extreme affection for our neighbor. During the years of the Armenian occupation, this had a negative impact on the EU's relations with Baku. Now that Azerbaijan has solved the problem of its territorial integrity, the excess of European feelings towards Yerevan and the double standards of European structures no longer threaten Azerbaijan's interests. However, EU officials, who seek to eliminate Moscow's influence on Yerevan at any cost, may spoil the positive trends that have emerged in relations between regional states with their excessive zeal.   The EU's promise to facilitate the immediate and continued implementation of the resolutions of international courts against Azerbaijan, adopted on the basis of Armenia's claims, became especially unacceptable after the initialing of the text of the peace treaty by the two countries. That is, after August 8, 2025. Apparently, the Armenian Foreign Ministry is aware of this, which is why this item on the Armenian-European agenda was left without details this time. But it did not save the situation.   The fact is that Article XV of the initialed text of the peace agreement contains the obligation of the parties to withdraw, terminate or otherwise settle all lawsuits, complaints, protests, objections, proceedings and disputes between them in all legal instances, and will not initiate new ones.   This is a very important commitment made by Nikol Pashinyan. For this, he was fiercely criticized by the revanchists, who hoped to resolve all issues at the expense of international courts loyal to the Armenians. If Pashinyan is really ready to withdraw the lawsuits, why oblige the European Union to help secure them? The "provision" obviously involves pressure on Baku, as the Azerbaijani side does not accept the decisions of these authorities, justifiably considering them biased and unfair. Azerbaijan has already made it clear that they mean nothing to it. How is the EU going to force him to change his approach?   The European Union also promises to interfere in the affairs of the judicial authorities of Azerbaijan. Namely, to seek the release of Armenian war criminals, saboteurs and terrorists. Neither the EU nor anyone else has any rights to fulfill such a promise. This is an exclusively internal matter of Azerbaijan. All those who are already in prison, who are awaiting sentencing or completion of the case, have committed specific crimes on the territory of Azerbaijan and will be held accountable according to the laws of this country. All possible exchanges have already taken place, moreover, hundreds of prisoners were unilaterally transferred to the Armenian side. The fact that there are no Azerbaijani prisoners in Armenia does not speak to Yerevan's humanity, but to the fact that Azerbaijani soldiers did not surrender en masse. And also that the war was not fought on the territory of Armenia. What questions can there be? The separatist leaders, the perpetrators of war crimes, are not even worth mentioning. The European Union will not be able to help the Armenian side in their release in any way.   In general, judging by the Armenian Foreign Ministry, the EU has a very strange vision of promoting peace in the region. The "hard disk" of Brussels seems to completely lack information about the prehistory of the Second Karabakh War. It is clear that this is more convenient for Europe. Meanwhile, there are many things that she will have to take into account, because Azerbaijan is not going to forget about the thirty years of occupation, ethnic cleansing and genocide committed by the country with which we are moving towards peace today. Let Baku's peaceful rhetoric today not give anyone the impression that we are also ready to pretend that nothing happened. Therefore, the assistance promised by the European Union to Armenia in strengthening trust between Baku and Yerevan must necessarily take into account the realities.   Azerbaijan stands for peace and good neighborliness. He does not mind if the European Union undertakes to finance the construction of roads in Armenia, if it wants to reach the green energy of Central Asia at its own expense. But we have many questions about the EU's financing of arms purchases for Yerevan. And these issues remain on the agenda.   Azerbaijan and Armenia cannot restore trust by moving from equivalent "points".  There will be fewer obstacles in the peace process when everyone finally understands this. http://www.today.az/news/politics/263943.html Politics Fri, 05 Dec 2025 11:02:00 +0400 Nazrin AbdulThe Azerbaijan–Georgia Media Forum, held in Baku under the theme “The Role of Media in Building Public Trust and Ensuring Information Security,” has officially opened, Azernews reports.The forum’s opening ceremony featured remarks by Ahmad Ismayilov, Executive Director of the Media Development Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan.The first panel session of the event is dedicated to “Strengthening the Media Ecosystem to Ensure Information Security.”A second panel session, titled “Joint Efforts to Enhance Journalistic Professionalism and Improve Media Literacy in Society,” is also scheduled to take place as part of the forum’s programme. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263942.html Arts & Entertainment Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:42:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaThe Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) will jointly organize the "OIC Culture Festival: Baku Creative Week – 2025" in Baku on December 5-11, Azernews reports. The festival is expected to attract over 5,000 visitors.Since 2019, the OIC has been organizing this festival in various member countries with the aim of deepening cooperation in the fields of culture and creative industries, and promoting mutual understanding and friendship among peoples.Being hosted for the first time in Azerbaijan, the event will further demonstrate the growing role of our country on the international cultural platform and its contribution to promoting multiculturalism, dialogue, and cooperation traditions in the region.The festival will focus on the development of intercultural dialogue and the promotion of Islamic values—tolerance, peace, and respect for diversity. The promotion of joint projects in the fields of economy, education, science, and tourism, as well as the establishment of sustainable partnerships between member states and the strengthening of the integration of creative industries into the global economy, are also among the main goals.The event will bring together over 300 official representatives, experts in science, culture, and creative industries from around 50 countries. This, in turn, will showcase the unity of the OIC family and its solidarity around common values.The festival will feature high-level meetings of OIC member states’ ministers of culture, the "Cultural and Creative Industries Forum" (MYFORUM), the "Creative Village: Cultural and Creative Industries Exhibition" (MYEXPO), the "Baku Cinema Breeze – 2025" international film program, the "Eastern Fashion Show" – presentations by young and renowned designers from OIC countries, the International Summit on Gaming Technologies (G-HUB), as well as various cultural projects related to theater, music, dance, and animation. http://www.today.az/news/society/263941.html Society Fri, 05 Dec 2025 10:00:00 +0400 Qabil AshirovThe Western Azerbaijan Community is holding the 3rd International Conference titled “The Right to Culture and Return: Restoring the Cultural Heritage of Azerbaijanis Expelled from Armenia as a Path to Justice, Reconciliation, and Peace,” Azernews reports.The conference aims to discuss the protection and revitalization of cultural heritage as a guarantee for dignified return, as well as a pathway toward justice, reconciliation, and lasting peace.The event seeks to reaffirm the right of return as a fundamental framework for safeguarding and restoring cultural heritage, assess the current state of Azerbaijani cultural heritage in the territory of Armenia, identify legal, diplomatic, and technical tools necessary for its protection and revival, and promote heritage restoration as a means of fostering justice, reconciliation, and peaceful coexistence.The conference features panel discussions titled “Right of Return and Cultural Heritage: Legal and Moral Foundations,” “Tangible Heritage: Preserving the Physical Foundations of Return,” “Intangible Heritage: Revitalizing the Living Pillars of Return,” and “International Cooperation: Mobilizing Global Support.” More than 100 foreign guests and local participants from over 60 countries are expected to take part in the discussions. http://www.today.az/news/regions/263940.html World news Fri, 05 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0400 By Alimat AliyevaFacebook, Instagram, and Threads are preparing to block hundreds of thousands of accounts ahead of next week’s deadline, as Australia’s internet regulator moves to enforce new rules restricting social media use by teenagers. Authorities have described the ban as potentially the “first domino” in a global effort to hold tech giants accountable for the safety of young users, Azernews reports.Australian eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman Grant emphasized that data is the currency powering these platforms, and that social media apps contain powerful, manipulative, and sometimes deceptive features that even adults struggle to resist. “What chance do our children really have?” the commissioner asked, highlighting the risks posed by these platforms.According to eSafety, around 96% of Australians under 16—over a million young people in a country of 27 million—have social media accounts, Reuters reports. Facebook, Instagram, and Threads began proactively blocking underage accounts on Thursday, ahead of the official ban, which takes effect on December 10. Companies that fail to comply could face fines of up to AUD 49.5 million (USD 33 million).Most other social media platforms have also begun contacting users under 16, encouraging them to verify their age, upload parental consent information, or choose to delete or temporarily freeze their accounts until they reach the minimum age requirement. Observers note that the move could have far-reaching effects, potentially influencing global standards for youth online safety and reshaping how teenagers interact with social media worldwide. http://www.today.az/news/regions/263939.html World news Fri, 05 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0400 By Alimat AliyevaGoogle has begun testing a new feature in its Phone by Google app ("Calls") that allows users to mark outgoing calls as urgent. The feature, called Call Reason, is designed to help ensure important calls are not ignored due to a lack of context, Azernews reports.Users can activate a special toggle before calling a saved contact, and the recipient will see the call marked as "Urgent" on their incoming call screen. Even if the call is missed, the urgency indicator remains in the call history, signaling that a prompt response may be required. Currently, the feature only works for contacts saved in the address book, which helps prevent potential abuse by spammers.Call Reason is just one of several innovations Google is testing. Earlier, references to a more advanced system called Expressive Calling were discovered in the APK files of the Calls app. This system allows users to send animated effects and emojis along with their calls, adding a playful, visual layer to voice communication that can make calls more engaging and expressive.Google has not yet disclosed when Call Reason or Expressive Calling will be fully rolled out, but the introduction of these features suggests a broader effort to make phone calls more informative and interactive in an era dominated by messaging apps. http://www.today.az/news/regions/263938.html World news Thu, 04 Dec 2025 23:50:00 +0400 By Alimat AliyevaStarting from the next academic year, state universities in Georgia will be banned from admitting foreign students, Azernews reports.However, according to Education Minister Givi Mikanadze, the ban does not apply to private universities, which will retain the ability to accept international students at their discretion.“State universities should prioritize national interests. Private universities will continue to operate as usual and can admit international students. Starting next academic year, state universities will no longer have the option to enroll foreign students,” Mikanadze said.In the 2024/25 academic year, the total number of students enrolled in Georgian universities reached a record high of 187,800, of which 37,100 were international students—an increase of 21% compared to the previous year.Observers note that the move could have significant implications for Georgia’s higher education sector. While private universities may benefit from attracting international students, state institutions could face challenges in maintaining diversity and global collaboration. Experts also suggest that the decision may reflect a broader trend of prioritizing domestic education and aligning higher education with national strategic goals. http://www.today.az/news/regions/263937.html World news Thu, 04 Dec 2025 23:23:00 +0400 By News CentreMinister of Health Kemal Memi?o?lu attended the Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Dissemination Program. Speaking there, Minister Memi?o?lu stated that the AED device is a portable medical device that automatically analyzes the heart rhythm of people experiencing sudden cardiac arrest and, when necessary, delivers a life-saving electric shock, emphasizing that this device is technologically of vital importance.Minister Memi?o?lu explained that the AED guides users with voice and visual instructions and stressed that with the “Portable Automatic Shock Device Regulation,” which will come into effect on January 1, 2026, it is aimed to expand the presence of AEDs in public spaces nationwide.Referring to Turkiye’s progress in health management over the last 20 years, Minister Memi?o?lu said:“Today, Turkiye is among the countries capable of rapid and effective intervention in the most challenging situations, from disasters to epidemics. Turkiye is no longer following the world in health but is a country that is taken as an example with its experience. Today, on top of this solid infrastructure, we are adding a technological leap. For those critical moments where seconds are vital, we are implementing the AED project developed in collaboration with ASELSAN and our domestic engineering expertise. This project represents a historic threshold in Turkiye’s health vision.As representatives of the principle ‘Keep the human alive so that the state survives,’ we consider it our greatest duty to put technology at the service of human life. The silent revolution we achieved in health over the last quarter-century is now crowned with digitalization and domestic production. Our ‘Healthy Turkiye Century’ vision represents an approach that transforms data into knowledge, knowledge into wisdom, and wisdom into service. The Automatic Shock Devices we are introducing today act as a bridge to life, ensuring that citizens survive until our ambulance teams arrive in moments like cardiac arrest, where intervention is measured in seconds. Our domestically produced ASELSAN devices, with a user-friendly interface, Turkish voice guidance system, and ‘smart technology that directs you,’ equip citizens to become heroes of the moment. The device analyzes the rhythm and decides whether a shock is needed.With the ‘AED Regulation’ we have prepared, within the framework of our strategic plan for 2026-2028, we will gradually increase the presence of these devices in areas with high human density, such as airports, shopping malls, and stations.”Minister Memi?o?lu emphasized that AEDs will play a life-saving role in cases such as heart attacks and cardiac arrest, highlighting that society should be capable of using these devices. He added:“Our goal is as follows: just as our ambulances operate in strong cooperation with the public in traffic, this application strengthens the first link of the emergency health chain. We tell every citizen, ‘When the heart stops, you don’t stop.’ This is also a call for social solidarity. Our aim is to strengthen first aid awareness among citizens and turn everyone into a potential life-saver. I invite everyone to be ready to save lives and become a volunteer member of our health army. The understanding that ‘first aid saves lives’ should no longer be just a motto but a common reflex of our society.”Minister Memi?o?lu also highlighted that Turkiye’s health organization now has the capacity to reach not only its own citizens but anyone in need. “Our structure, which rapidly acts in emergencies and organizes the field, demonstrates Turkiye’s capability in this area. Especially during the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza, while the world remained silent, watching events as if in a film, Turkiye, under the decisive leadership of our President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an, took a historic stance. Over the last 20 years, we have written a global success story in emergency health services. The number of stations, which was 480, has now exceeded 3,500. We increased our ambulance fleet 40-fold to over 6,300. In the first 10 months of 2025, we reached 6 million citizens. Our teams, using helicopters and airplane ambulances, have intervened with more than 5,500 patients. The spirit behind all these technologies, buildings, and devices is you.” http://www.today.az/news/regions/263936.html World news Thu, 04 Dec 2025 22:23:00 +0400 By News CentreMinister of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change Murat Kurum went to Kahramanmara? to inspect the newly constructed disaster housing. Speaking at the Emlak Konut Do?ukent construction site, where 770 houses and workplaces have been built, Minister Kurum stated that 52,000 homes and workplaces have already been delivered in the city, and by the end of the year, this number will rise to 74,000.Minister Kurum explained that at the Do?ukent site, the homes were brought to completion within 10 months. He also noted that work is rapidly continuing in the city center at locations where commerce will thrive, such as Demirciler Bazaar, the Historical Covered Bazaar, Kasaplar Bazaar, and the Wholesale Market. He added that construction of a 17,500-seat stadium is ongoing.As part of the century’s construction mobilization, a satellite city project in Alt?nova is being carried out, consisting of 11,000 homes across 550 blocks. Minister Kurum said:“When all these works are completed, our Kahramanmara? will rise again as a modern, climate-resilient, and environmentally friendly city representing the urbanization vision of the Turkiye Century. It will move toward the future with much more confident steps.”Recalling that work is being carried out across 3,481 construction sites in 174 different areas of the earthquake zone with a workforce of 200,000 people, Minister Kurum said:“We continue this struggle 24/7 without interruption. Thank God, thanks to the determination, effort, and sacrifice we showed from the first minutes of the earthquake disaster, today in all 11 of our provinces, the last bricks are being placed, the last nails are being hammered. On November 15, with the presence of our President in Ad?yaman, we proudly and joyfully shared the keys to the 350,000th home built in the earthquake zone with our people. As promised, we have now completed 80% of the 453,000 homes and workplaces we committed to. This month, as promised, we will deliver even more than the 453,000 homes to their rightful owners.”Minister Kurum emphasized that Turkiye is successfully carrying out an unprecedented reconstruction process with the century’s construction mobilization:“The point we have reached today is very clear, and I say it frankly—it is a complete state-and-nation success story. Here, under the leadership of our President, the Republic of Turkiye has demonstrated an unprecedented struggle in the world. As promised, we have delivered homes and workplaces to our people. The Republic of Turkiye is a state capable of producing 23 homes per hour, 550 homes per day, with the knowledge, experience, and merit necessary. This is a very important experience. The fastest housing mobilization in the world is being implemented here. We visit many countries. Leaders from many countries visit our country, and all of them describe this success of the Republic of Turkiye with admiration. This success belongs to our nation. This success belongs to our state. This speed and determination is the clearest demonstration of the Republic of Turkiye’s strength. It is the magnificent result achieved through the leadership of our President and the unity of our nation.”Minister Kurum stressed that this success in the earthquake zone offers hope for all of Turkiye:“It must be emphasized in bold letters: the massive step taken in the disaster zone is not just for one region or one city, but it is a step for the Turkiye Century. It is the step toward safe, resilient cities of the Turkiye Century. Every social facility produced here with earthquake-resistant, modern urban planning is being implemented alongside infrastructure works as long as Turkiye’s total 11,000-kilometer urban environment.”Expressing pride in fulfilling the promises in the earthquake zone, Minister Kurum said:“Thank God, we are now delivering the last homes both in Kahramanmara? and in other earthquake-affected provinces. This brings us immense joy. By extending the strength and power of our state to 11 provinces, we have demonstrated this effort and have now reached the stage of completing our earthquake homes where the last bricks are laid, the last nails are hammered. We are turning on the lights of the last shops. We are experiencing the heartfelt satisfaction of keeping our promise that not a single citizen will be left homeless.”Minister Kurum also mentioned the 500,000 social housing project to be built in 81 provinces:“With 500,000 social homes, including neighborhood mansions and family health centers, our project represents the pinnacle of a social-state understanding, being both earthquake-resistant and meeting all needs. Within this scope, we allocated a separate quota for the earthquake zone, to ensure citizens without homes could gain ownership. In Kahramanmara?, this includes 4,800 homes in the city center, 1,500 in Elbistan, 600 in Af?in, 400 in Pazarc?k, 350 in Türko?lu, 250 in Nurhak, 180 in Göksu, 50 in And?r?n, 35 in Ekinözü, and 30 in Ça?layancerit—a total of 8,195 homes that we will provide to our fellow citizens in Kahramanmara?. The construction of these homes is carried out simultaneously with our earthquake housing. Hopefully, next year, as part of the 500,000 social housing project, we will begin delivering the first social homes in Kahramanmara? and our 11 provinces. We are very pleased to give this good news and to complete these works rapidly.” http://www.today.az/news/regions/263935.html World news Thu, 04 Dec 2025 21:22:00 +0400 By News CentreMinister of Energy and Natural Resources Alparslan Bayraktar met with Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif at the Prime Minister’s Residence. Bayraktar also held meetings with Pakistan’s Minister of Petroleum Ali Pervaiz Malik and Pakistan’s Minister of Energy responsible for Electricity, Sardar Awais Ahmad Khan Leghari.Following the meetings, hydrocarbon exploration and production agreements were signed between Turkiye’s national company, Türkiye Petrolleri Anonim Ortakl??? (TPAO), and Pakistan’s oil companies Mari Energies, Fatima, OGDCL, PPL, Prime, and GHPL for three offshore and two onshore fields in Pakistan.After the ceremony, Minister Bayraktar told Anadolu Agency (AA) that they continue to work to enhance cooperation between Turkiye and Pakistan in the energy and mining sectors and emphasized that they had carried out an important initiative yielding tangible results for Turkiye-Pakistan cooperation.Minister Bayraktar recalled that there had been several visits to Pakistan this year and said:“This is actually our third visit to Pakistan within a few months. In February, our President visited. After that visit, we came here and participated in an important mining conference. With the capabilities we have especially developed in recent years in oil and natural gas exploration in Turkiye, we have started activities related to exploration in both the seas and lands of Pakistan. As of today, as the first result of these efforts, TPAO acquires licenses for three offshore and two onshore fields through partnerships. For one of these, we will operate in the offshore fields. Our seismic research vessels will be here very soon, hopefully within 2026. We are extremely hopeful about the work here. Hopefully, these activities will yield results, and indeed, we will sign an important initiative that produces concrete outcomes for Turkiye-Pakistan cooperation. Our goal is to start work on these fields in 2026. In some, we will conduct seismic studies; in others, direct drilling operations to carry out these activities.”Bayraktar stated that the first step of Turkiye-Pakistan cooperation was formed through oil and natural gas activities and that important decisions were also made in the mining sector.He added that Pakistan is an important country in terms of the diversity and richness of its minerals and has strong potential. He said:“Similar to the activities we have conducted in Africa and Central Asia, here too, especially through our state companies and through partnerships, we will carry out significant initiatives in the mining sector in the upcoming period. We made our decisions about this today. Rapidly, together with our national mining companies MTAIC and Eti Maden, we will also be more active in the mining sector in Pakistan.”Bayraktar highlighted that President Recep Tayyip Erdo?an’s visit to Pakistan gave momentum to bilateral relations and stated:“Regarding the target set by our President to increase the trade volume between the two countries to 5 billion dollars, we see energy and mining as very important sectors. To reach this target, concrete cooperation in this field is crucial. Especially, Pakistan and Turkiye are both important energy importers, importers of petroleum products, and LNG. Our project for joint procurement and creating synergy between Turkiye and Pakistan is also on our agenda. By implementing these, we will reach the 5 billion dollar target and perhaps even exceed it. Pakistan is an important country with great potential, with which we have heartfelt ties and excellent reciprocal relations. We held very important meetings here. We were welcomed and hosted at the highest level with great hospitality. Therefore, hopefully, we will continue to visit Pakistan more frequently in the future.” http://www.today.az/news/analytics/263934.html Analytics Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:43:00 +0400 By Akbar NovruzArmenian parliamentary speaker Alen Simonyan has once again presented Yerevan’s familiar narrative: that the government is “doing everything” to secure the return of Armenians held in Azerbaijan. With confident language, he claimed that all detainees will eventually be brought home, pointing to the decrease in numbers since 2020 as proof that the government’s efforts are working. Simonyan even suggested that former separatist figures, including those who once held leadership roles in the self-proclaimed structure in Khankandi, would eventually return to Armenia.This message is crafted to instill hope, yet it relies on a terminology that fundamentally distorts reality. Armenian officials and media insist on calling these individuals “prisoners of war,” even though none of them were captured on the battlefield. They were not soldiers detained with weapons in their hands. They were the political and military elite of a separatist entity that operated illegally within Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territory and were detained after the region was restored to Azerbaijani jurisdiction.Despite this, the Armenian government continues to frame their detention as a humanitarian crisis, echoing claims made by figures like Siranush Sahakyan, who argued that individuals such as Ruben Vardanyan were held “only because they were Armenians.” This narrative travels easily through Armenian diaspora organizations and lobbying structures that need symbolic causes to rally around.The real question, however, is not whether these individuals will be released tomorrow. The real question is what their political value is, and for whom.Inside Armenia, the detainees have become a domestic pressure tool. They provide emotional fuel for revanchist groups that accuse the government of surrendering national interests.For Prime Minister Pashinyan’s administration, presenting periodic statements about “ongoing efforts” helps absorb public frustration without committing to any real diplomatic strategy. Yerevan knows that a large-scale campaign for the release of these former separatist leaders could strengthen its internal opposition more than the government itself. This explains why its “appeals” are largely rhetorical rather than practical.On the Azerbaijani side, the legal process is clear. These individuals were charged with crimes that fall under serious articles of national legislation. Their trials and detention conditions follow the same rules applied to Azerbaijani citizens held on similar charges. For Baku, there is a categorical distinction between wartime prisoners of war and those imprisoned for political, military, or financial participation in a separatist regime. The former has been resolved. The latter cannot be equated with POWs, regardless of how forcefully Armenia insists on using that term.What remains uncertain is the long-term trajectory. Will Baku ever consider releasing some of these detainees on humanitarian grounds or within a larger political package? Possibly, but not as a unilateral gesture and certainly not under external pressure. Any discussion on this issue will likely emerge only after a formal peace treaty is signed and regional relations enter a stable phase. Even then, any transfer would be gradual and symbolic, not sweeping.For now, the Armenian government’s discourse on the detainees serves more as political theatre than policy. Yerevan raises the issue periodically to satisfy domestic expectations, knowing that the international negotiation track has placed it far down the agenda.Neither the Washington draft nor current talks include this matter as a priority. The gap between rhetoric and action is intentional, and perhaps necessary, for the Armenian leadership to navigate its own political reality.Until a peace agreement is finalized and the region enters a new stage, the detainees will remain where they are. Their fate will be decided not by emotional statements or media campaigns, but by the strategic logic of post-conflict diplomacy and the balance of interests between Baku and Yerevan. http://www.today.az/news/regions/263933.html World news Thu, 04 Dec 2025 20:21:00 +0400 By Alimat AliyevaGermany's Defense Ministry announced on Wednesday that the country’s armed forces have achieved initial operational capability with the Arrow-3 air defense system at Holzdorf Air Base in eastern Germany, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.“With the new Arrow system, we are strengthening our air defense by adding a crucial outer layer,” said German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius in a statement.The deployment at Holzdorf marks the first time Germany has acquired the ability to provide early warning and protection for its population and critical infrastructure against long-range ballistic missiles, the ministry added.The Arrow-3 system, developed by Israel in collaboration with the United States, was acquired by Germany under a 2023 procurement contract. The missile defense system is capable of intercepting threats at high altitudes and long ranges, significantly enhancing Germany’s strategic defensive posture. Experts note that this move positions Germany alongside a select group of nations with advanced ballistic missile interception capabilities, reinforcing NATO’s broader missile defense network. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263932.html Arts & Entertainment Thu, 04 Dec 2025 19:27:00 +0400 By Laman IsmayilzadeCadenza Contemporary Orchestra and musicians from the Baku Contemporary Music Society have performed a spectacular concert at the International Mugham Center, Azernews reports.The concert program "Con moto" stood out for its exceptional musical program: the stage resounded with works by outstanding contemporary and classical composers.The audience enjoyed "Sounds of Echo" by Volodymyr Runchak, the poignant quartet by Chary Nurymov "In Memory of Indira Gandhi", as well as Gara Garayev's "Preludes No. 2 and No. 7" in an exquisite arrangement by Lala Pirieva. Special attention was drawn to Benjamin Yusupov's composition "Con moto" and John Tavener's "The Lamb" arranged by Ayaz Gambarli.All these music compositions were performed in Azerbaijan for the first time, making the evening a truly significant event for the country's musical scene.Each piece unfolded gradually, creating an impressive contrast between different styles and eras: from Runchak's emotional drama to Tavener's spiritual depth, from the chamber intimacy of Nurymov's quartet to Garayev's expressive virtuosity.The musicians of the Cadenza Contemporary Orchestra demonstrated virtuosity, while their joint performance with the Baku Contemporary Music Society added special dynamism and expressiveness to the interpretation.The evening concluded with thunderous applause, as the audience emphasized the rare opportunity to hear such important works of contemporary and classical music in Azerbaijan.Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263931.html Arts & Entertainment Thu, 04 Dec 2025 18:40:00 +0400 From December 5 to 9, Baku will host the 16th International Film Festival – Baku International Film Festival, organized by the Young Filmmakers Center, Azernews reports.This year, the festival is held within the framework of the Baku Cinema Breeze 25 festival, organized by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Azerbaijan Cinema Agency.The opening ceremony of the festival will take place on December 5 at 19:00 at the Nizami Cinema Center. The event will be attended by representatives of the Culture Ministry, diplomatic missions of foreign states, members of the international jury, as well as prominent figures of culture and art.Over the course of five days, 78 films from 34 countries will be screened at the Nizami Cinema Center. Screenings are open to all. Since last year, the festival has included a feature film competition and offers four competitive programs, each evaluated by a separate jury.The international program of debut feature films includes 10 works, which will be judged by renowned film critic and screenwriter Nadir Badalov (Azerbaijan), director and screenwriter Niki Karimi (Iran), European Film Academy Award winner for Best Producer Zeynep Atakan (Turkiye), and film expert Igor Sukman (Belarus).The national competition features 16 short fiction and documentary films, as well as 5 student works. Among these 21 entries, the best will be determined by a jury consisting of director and producer Fariz Ahmadov, winner of awards at festivals in Serbia, Russia, and Poland; Iranian director and producer Reza Siami, who works on promoting Azerbaijani films abroad; and film critics Farida Jalilova and Sevda Sultanova, known for their publications in the fields of art, cinema, and television.The international short film jury will be chaired by Faruk Güven, head of the film department at Turkish TV channel TRT and producer; director Rufat Asadov, whose documentaries have won awards at international festivals; and New Zealand critic Carmen Gray.The jury of the Asian Talents competition will include producer Ali-Sattar Guliyev, laureate of awards at Cannes, Tampere, Kazan, Tashkent, and Dushanbe festivals; Roman Dorofeev (Russia), program director of the international film festival "East–West. Classics and Avant-garde"; and international award-winning director and cinematographer Daniel Guliyev.The festival's main prize is the "Golden Pomegranate" (Q?z?l Nar). In addition, winners in several categories will receive special prizes and diplomas.In addition to the competition program, audiences will be offered non-competition screenings. For example, within the program "Our Language," films shot in Azerbaijani by compatriots living in different countries will be presented. Cooperation with the British Council allows the festival to annually organize special screenings of films nominated for the BAFTA Awards.The closing ceremony and awards presentation will take place on December 9 at 19:00 at the Nizami Cinema Center.The festival is supported by the Azerbaijan Filmmakers Union, Nizami Cinema Center, British Council, ?ahda?film studio, Azerbaijan National Council of Youth Organizations, Cinelab, DOST TV, and the Yunus Emre Institute.Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263930.html Arts & Entertainment Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:49:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaA performance of "Sleeping Beauty and the Dwarfs" has been showcased at the Azerbaijan State Academic Musical Theatre, Azernews reports.The play was directed by Anar Babali and inspired by Charles Perrault's well-known fairy tale "Sleeping Beauty."This time, the audience included children from an orphanage, who belong to vulnerable social groups.The young theatre lovers watched the colourful and entertaining production with great interest. They later shared their positive impressions.According to the staff, Tahira Mammadova, a speech therapist at the orphanage, noted that the fairy-tale performance with its happy ending had a positive effect on the children’s worldview and mood.Such visits are part of the Musical Theatre's ongoing social projects. These initiatives will continue regularly. http://www.today.az/news/society/263929.html Society Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:44:00 +0400 A change has been made in the composition of the Supervisory Board of AzerGold Closed Joint Stock Company (CJSC), Azernews reports.This was reflected in the amendment made by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev to the decree "On approval of the composition of the Supervisory Board of AzerGold Closed Joint Stock Company".According to the amendment, a member of the Supervisory Board - Head of the Department of Finance of Economic Sectors of the Ministry of Finance's Office, Vugar Majidli, was replaced by Head of the Department of Finance of Investment Projects and Infrastructure Mehman Ismayilov, and Head of the Department of Extractive Industries and Energy of the Asset Management Department of the Azerbaijan Investment Holding Rashad Ismayilov was replaced by Deputy Chief Executive Director of the Holding Ali Jafarov. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263928.html Arts & Entertainment Thu, 04 Dec 2025 15:13:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaThe closing ceremony of the "Gilavar Photo School" course, organized by the Gilavar Photo Club Public Union, has taken place at the Baku Youth Center, Azernews reports.The project was supported financially by the Azerbaijan Ministry of Science and Education as part of the "Organization of Volunteer Activities in Education" grant competition.As part of the "Professional YOU" awareness program, the main goal of the photography school was to enhance the knowledge and skills of young people and students interested in photography.The course aimed to help participants master essential photography skills, such as proper camera use, composition, lighting techniques, and developing a professional approach. The project also aimed to teach the theoretical foundations of photography, improve practical shooting skills, and support the integration of young people into the professional photography environment.Rashad Mehdiyev, Chairman of the Gilavar Photo Club Public Union, noted that the club was celebrating its 8th anniversary. The club was established on December 1, 2017:"Our goal is to teach young photographers and those interested in the field the basic principles of photography, develop proper habits for using photography equipment, and guide them to become professional photographers," he stated.Dilavar Najafov, Vice-Chairman of the Gilavar Photo Club Public Union and project manager, as well as a well-known photographer, mentioned that when the project was launched, nearly 150 applications were received.After a selection process, 50 students were enrolled in the course. Of these, 33 completed the training program and were awarded certificates. The free training course primarily targeted young people aged 16-30, including students from vocational and higher educational institutions, particularly those from lower socio-economic backgrounds and with an interest in photography.Ayla Hasanova-Mammadova, Deputy Head of the Public Relations and Communication Department at the Ministry of Science and Education, stressing the importance of such projects in revealing the creative potential of children and young people, fostering their overall development, and shaping the intellectual and cultural environment of the country's future. She also pointed out that the Ministry regularly organizes various projects, programs, and competitions that bring together creative young people, and these initiatives are ongoing.The training was conducted by professional Azerbaijani photographers Rauf Umudov and Tofig Babayev, based on a pre-prepared program and in line with the teaching system.Throughout the course, participants were given in-depth instruction on the secrets of photography, composition, lighting, various photographic genres, shooting techniques, technical parameters, and camera operation.In addition, practical lessons based on real shooting processes and master classes with professional photographers were organized. One of the key components of the training was lessons on photo editing. Participants learned the basics of color correction, retouching, framing, composition adjustments, and professional post-processing in photo editing software.As part of the project, opportunities for collaboration with international platforms were created to support the development of young people. Many course participants took part in international photography competitions, achieving high results and winning awards and certificates.At the end of the program, certificates were awarded to the graduates who successfully completed the five-month photography course, presented by the Gilavar Photo Club Public Union.Moreover, an exhibition featuring photos taken by the course participants was opened as part of the event.Gilavar Photo Club has been a member of the International Association of Art Photographers (IAAP) since 2017. In 2020, the club was officially designated as Azerbaijan's representative to the IAAP.The club comprises over 40 members, including professional photographers, media correspondents, and individuals with significant contributions to the field of photography.The club's participants are actively engaged in local and international photo contests.Gilavar Photo Club maintains an active online presence through its official website, which features sections on news, projects, exhibitions, and member activities.In 2025, the club launched a mobile application and a digital platform dedicated to the cultural heritage of Garabagh and East Zangazur, reflecting its commitment to technological integration and cultural preservation. http://www.today.az/news/society/263927.html Society Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:37:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzOn December 4, Abdullah Bin Ali Al-Amri, President of the 7th session of the UN Environment Assembly (UNEA7) and Minister of Environment of the Sultanate of Oman, visited the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Kenya, Azernews reprots.The visit was accompanied by Omani Ambassador to Kenya Nasra Salem Al-Hashmi and a delegation.During the visit, the delegation toured the memorial room and statehood corner dedicated to National Leader Heydar Aliyev at the embassy, paying tribute to his legacy. Ambassador Sultan Hajiyev briefed the guests on Azerbaijan’s statehood history, the political achievements of Heydar Aliyev, and the progress made under President Ilham Aliyev, including rehabilitation, reconstruction, and humanitarian demining in liberated territories, as well as the country’s ongoing peace agenda efforts.Abdullah Bin Ali Al-Amri, as Chairman of the Committee of Permanent Representatives of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), expressed satisfaction with Azerbaijan’s cooperation with the UNEA7 chairmanship in preparations for the upcoming 7th session of UNEA and thanked the Azerbaijani side for the productive work of the open-ended meeting of the Permanent Representatives Committee, which began under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship.Ambassador Hajiyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s active role in UNEP and the successful outcomes of previous UNEA sessions, noting the country’s hosting of COP29 in November 2024. He also commended Oman’s active involvement in UNEA7 preparations.The ambassador further informed the delegation about the 13th session of the UN World Urban Forum (WUF13), which Azerbaijan will host from May 17-22, 2026, noting that the forum will focus on the interplay between climate change and sustainable urban development. http://www.today.az/news/business/263926.html Business Thu, 04 Dec 2025 14:19:00 +0400 By Nazrin AbdulThe Asian Development Bank (ADB), with Azerbaijan among its participants, is reviewing a regional technical assistance project aimed at enhancing economic knowledge and developing potential in Central and West Asian countries, Azernews reports, citing the bank.The project, titled “Supporting Economic Knowledge and Developing Potential in Central and West Asia,” will cover multiple countries, including Azerbaijan, Georgia, Armenia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.A total of USD 750,000 will be allocated for the initiative from the Special Technical Assistance Fund.The project aims to strengthen ADB’s economic operations and ensure the systematic use of knowledge in its banking activities. This approach will enable the region’s developing countries to make informed, data-driven decisions. The initiative aligns with the bank’s strategic vision through 2030, particularly supporting private sector development.Additionally, the project is coordinated with the knowledge development plans of partner countries in Central and West Asia and aligns with broader regional partnership strategies. Its implementation will be closely managed in collaboration with the respective country directors, the Department of Economic Research and Development Evaluation, and other ADB units. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263925.html Arts & Entertainment Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:35:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaThe Azerbaijan State Song Theatre in Azerbaijan has presented a striking performance, "One Sea Story", in a neon aesthetic, Azernews reports.Designed to appeal to a broad audience, the production aims to offer a fresh, innovative perspective on the evolving practices of theatrical art."One Sea Story" is distinguished by its visually poetic approach, blending rhythm, dance, and narrative into a cohesive experience.The musical production seamlessly merges neon lighting, dynamic stage imagery, and a vivid maritime atmosphere.The stage came alive with vibrant colours that intertwined to create a unique visual effect, enhancing the overall sensory experience.The project was led by Ulviya Babirli, with Tahmina Humbatova as the director.The creative team included artists Elmira Fariz and Ryavan Karimi, while the musical editing was overseen by Ali Jafarzadeh.The cast featured prominent performers such as Zaur Aliyev, Diana Khozino, Samira Alakbarova, and Ilaha Alizade.The audience was immersed in the rhythm of the waves, the fluidity of the water, and the palpable energy of the actors' movements, evoking an enthusiastic and positive response from those in attendance. http://www.today.az/news/sports/263924.html Sports Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:56:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaThe Azerbaijan Ministry of Youth and Sports has announced the ranking table for athletes of the national teams in Olympic sports as of December 1, 2025, Azernews reports.Hasrat Jafarov, a Greco-Roman wrestler, leads the list with 480 points. Giorgi Meshvildishvili, Azerbaijan's freestyle wrestler, ranks second with 460 points, while judoka Zelym Kotsoiev is in third place with 430 points.The ranking also includes Ulvu Ganizade (Greco-Roman wrestling, 400 points), Eljan Hac?yev (judo, 370 points), Osman Nurmaqomedov and Arseniy Djioyev (both freestyle wrestling, 340 points), Zelim Tckaev (judo, 330 points), Murad Ahmadiyev (Greco-Roman wrestling, 330 points), and Eldaniz Azizli (Greco-Roman wrestling, 320 points).Recall that Ulvu Ganizade was in first place in the ranking list as of November 1, 2025.Hasrat Jafarov (both Greco-Roman wrestling) ranked second place, while Giorgi Meshvildishvili (freestyle wrestling) placed third. All three athletes scored 400 points.Olympic judo champion Zelym Kotsoiev ranked with 350 points. Meanwhile, freestyle wrestler Osman Nurmagomedov was in fifth place, earning 340 points.The list also included Zelim Tckaev (judo, 330 points), Eldeniz Azizli (Greco-Roman wrestling, 320 points), Eljan Hajiyev (judo, 310 points), Murad Ahmadiev (Greco-Roman wrestling, 250 points), and Arseniy Djioyev (freestyle wrestling, 250 points). http://www.today.az/news/business/263923.html Business Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:37:00 +0400 Nazrin AbdulThe first solar panel has been installed as part of Azerbaijan’s first renewable-energy auction project, the construction of the 100 MW Gobustan Solar Power Plant, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry of Energy.According to the information, construction of the project—implemented in partnership with China’s Universal International Holdings Limited—began in May this year. Most of the construction work is being carried out by local companies.The plant is expected to be commissioned in 2027, with an estimated annual generation capacity of around 260 million kilowatt-hours. This output will save approximately 57 million cubic meters of natural gas each year and reduce carbon emissions by 124,000 tons.It should be noted that Universal International Holdings Limited won the auction held last year by the Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) within the framework of COP29. http://www.today.az/news/politics/263922.html Politics Thu, 04 Dec 2025 12:14:00 +0400 President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Minister of State for Defence of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Lord Vernon Coaker, Azernews reports.Expressing his satisfaction with the meeting with the President of Azerbaijan, Lord Vernon Coaker first conveyed the greetings of Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Keir Starmer to the head of state.Noting the friendly and trust-based relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom, Lord Vernon Coaker stressed their interest in developing relations between the two countries at the level of strategic partnership.President Ilham Aliyev expressed his gratitude for the greetings and asked that his own greetings be conveyed to the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. President Ilham Aliyev fondly recalled Keir Starmer's participation in COP29 and his meeting with him.Saying that bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and the United Kingdom have a rich history, the head of state underscored that cooperation between the two countries began with the energy sector and later covered many areas. President Ilham Aliyev noted that there are ample opportunities for further expanding cooperation in trade, investment and other areas. Touching upon the opening of a new chapter in cooperation between the two countries in the field of defense industry, the President of Azerbaijan assessed this as a sign of mutual trust.Lord Vernon Coaker congratulated President Ilham Aliyev on the results achieved in Washington in August of this year regarding the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, and the advancement of the peace agenda.Expressing gratitude for the congratulations, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted the historical significance of all this and the special role of U.S. President Donald Trump in this issue. The head of state noted that it was Azerbaijan that initiated the peace agenda, emphasizing that the country would continue its efforts to advance it.During the conversation, the sides exchanged views on issues of mutual concern. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/263920.html Arts & Entertainment Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:44:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaThe 16th Baku International Film Festival (BIFF) will take place this year as part of the Baku Cinema Breeze 2025 Festival, co-organised by the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Cinema Agency, Azernews reports.The opening ceremony is scheduled for December 5 at the Nizami Cinema Centre.This year, the festival will showcase 78 films from 34 countries. Following the introduction of a feature film competition last year, BIFF includes four competition categories, each to be judged by a separate jury.The festival's closing and awards ceremony will occur on December 9.BIFF has grown into an important platform for both local and international directors, producers, and screenwriters to connect.Admission to all screenings during the festival is free.Founded in 2004 by the Young Filmmakers Centre, the festival previously operated under the name "Start."The Baku International Film Festival is the longest-running festival in the country and, over the years, has become a venue for films that have received awards and acclaim at the Cannes, Venice, and Berlin Film Festivals, as well as at the Oscars.The festival aims to bring together filmmakers and expand its audience in the coming years. It is conducted with the support of the Nizami Cinema Centre, the Azerbaijanfilm Studio, the State Film Fund, the British Council, and the Azerbaijan Producers Guild. http://www.today.az/news/society/263921.html Society Thu, 04 Dec 2025 11:33:00 +0400 Nazrin AbdulThe State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR) will host the Asset Integrity Corrosion and Coatings Conference and Showcase (AICC CASPIAN 2025) from December 9–11, 2025, at the Fairmont Baku – Flame Towers, Azernews reports.Set to be one of the region’s most influential gatherings for asset integrity, corrosion control, and protective coatings, the event will bring together more than 500 delegates, 50+ expert speakers, and 25+ exhibiting companies from around the world. AICC CASPIAN 2025 will feature two parallel technical halls—one focused on Asset Integrity and the other on Corrosion and Coatings—creating a comprehensive platform for sharing best practices, exploring new technologies, and addressing the operational challenges shaping the future of the oil and gas sector.A standout feature of this year’s conference is the strong technical leadership from SOCAR. Mr. Polad Rustamov, Deputy Vice President at SOCAR and Executive Director of SOCAR Midstream Gas Operations (SOCAR MGO) LLC, will serve as Conference Executive Chairman, supported by Mr. Nariman Mehdiyev, Chief Technical Officer of SOCAR MGO LLC, as Technical Committee Chairman, and Mr. Murad Mehdiyev, Chief Legal and Compliance Officer at SOCAR MGO LLC, as Organizing Committee Chairman. Their involvement ensures the program delivers practical, field-driven insights and real-world solutions that directly support the industry’s commitment to safety, reliability, and long-term asset performance.Tap the link to register now:[https://www.aicccaspian.com/registrations/] http://www.today.az/news/business/263919.html Business Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:42:00 +0400 Qabil AshirovThe Central Banks of Azerbaijan and South Korea have discussed opportunities to expand bilateral cooperation, Azernews reports, citing a post shared by the Governor of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA), Taleh Kaz?mov, on his X account.Kaz?mov said he held a meeting with Chang Yong Ri, Governor of the Bank of Korea, during his business trip to the Republic of Korea.“We discussed monetary policy and financial stability, payment systems, and issues related to sustainable finance. We also reviewed technological solutions and approaches being applied in the sector,” he noted.According to Kaz?mov, the meeting also involved an exchange of views on expanding institutional cooperation between the two central banks, including the sharing of expertise and knowledge in the field of central banking. http://www.today.az/news/politics/263918.html Politics Thu, 04 Dec 2025 10:10:00 +0400 A lawsuit filed by separatist Samvel Shahramanyan against the Armenian Ministry of Education and the author of a 9th grade history textbook, Nzhdeh Hovsepyan, began in Yerevan on Tuesday.   Surely, after reading the news, everyone will wonder why the separatist decided to sue the Ministry of Education and the textbook. The answer to it may surprise you - it is so unexpected. The reason for the claim was the indication in the history textbook of the fact that Shahramanyan, when he was the head of the separatist regime, signed a decree on the termination of the existence of the so-called "NKR". That is, the separatist is suing the department and the author of the textbook for not hiding what he really did.   Armenian logic, especially the logic of nationalists and separatists, is very ornate and confusing. It is based on the cunning of criminals trying to pass off lies as the truth. And these manipulations are so blatant that the audience begins to take them at face value. The audience thinks, as it was said in the famous comedy, "well, he can't lie every minute." Well, a man can't so blatantly deceive his fellow tribesmen. So he's telling the truth?   Shahramanian resorted to the same method of persuading society that was used by all adherents of Armenian Nazism and separatism before him. He began to deny the obvious.   Before the meeting, the separatist announced to the assembled journalists that he had "come in expectation of justice." According to media reports, "justice" has not taken place.   The 9th grade Armenian history textbook states that "the President signed a decree on the dissolution of the Nagorno-Karabakh Republic." According to Roman Yeritsyan, the lawyer of the "president", the plaintiff demands to ban the teaching of several sections of this textbook in Armenian schools, which undermine his reputation. Shahramanyan claims in the lawsuit that he did not sign the decree, but only made a statement about the dissolution. And his intentions were the most sacred - to save the separatist masses from a "massacre."   Well, why romanticize it so much. Shahramanyan was not saving the Armenians, but his own skin. The Armenians of Karabakh were not in danger, but he would not have been released from Karabakh without signing such a decree. The Azerbaijani side has never considered the separatist regime legitimate, nor its "decrees" legally binding. For Baku, not a single piece of paper signed by the "president", "Minister of state", "speaker" and other representatives of the regime has ever had any significance. An unrecognized education played these games with itself, creating the appearance of institutionalization that had no legal force. The so-called decree on the dissolution of the self-proclaimed entity was necessary so that those who believed they lived in an "independent state" would understand that the curtain had closed. What happens on the theater stage is also just a game, but the performance always has an end and a final bow. Shahramanyan committed it by signing a paper on the self-destruction of the "age-old Armenian dream", and thereby bought his freedom.   The only mistake of the Azerbaijani side was that the separatists were given three months until complete self-destruction. It was necessary to determine the self-dissolution on the day of signing the paper - not from January 1, 2024, but from September 28, 2023. Armenians have once again proved that they do not appreciate a humane approach.   There can be no doubt that the last head of the Karabakh regime did sign such a document. Now he claims that he just made a statement that the document was not published, and so on. Then why all the excuses? Over the past two years, he has repeatedly convinced the audience that he signed the document for the sake of "saving" the Armenians. There was no talk about the statement, it was about signing the so-called decree. The "statement" appeared later, apparently at the prompting of the lawyers.   Once out of reach of Azerbaijan, Shahramanyan remained silent and hid for a couple of weeks, expecting to be beaten. But the tribesmen had no time for him. They didn't beat him, and the separatist fluffed up his feathers again. While in Armenia, he managed to sign a couple more "decrees". With one of them, he cancelled the dissolution of the self-proclaimed "NKR". This piece of paper made even less sense than the one signed to save his skin in Khankendi, but it was signed again to save his beloved. The anger of the Armenians, who succumbed to the regime's propaganda and voluntarily left Karabakh, could overtake him at any moment. The Armenians were promised that they were leaving temporarily and would soon return on French or Russian tanks, accompanied by UN, OSCE and other missions, after which they would become the complete masters of Karabakh forever and ever. When there was no immediate triumphant return, Samvelka began to give up everything he had done. It is clear that in his place, every "president" who does not want to go to jail for a long time would do this, but can you explain it to people? Why are the officers of the Armenian army allowed to flee from the battlefield, but the "president of Artsakh" is not allowed to take care of himself?   Shahramanyan was very unlucky to be the last one. There was no need to win the "election." He would have stepped aside and given in to Samvel Babayan, who was so eager for power. The latter was lucky not to become the "last president" and escape to Armenia after the collapse of the separatist regime, while Shahramanyan had to take his breath away. He was only the leader of the regime for a couple of weeks.   Baku warned the separatists not to make a show, but they did not listen. The consequences were not long in coming.   Roman Yeritsyan, Shahramanyan's lawyer, gives Shahramanyan the wrong advice. He proceeds from the illegitimate laws and constitution of "Artsakh". From the point of view of international law, these acts have never had and have no legal force. Therefore, it is ridiculous to appeal to them. Lawyer Yeritsyan tells the journalists not to consider the page of the Karabakh conflict closed due to territorial losses. "We will get what we have back," the separatist says.   All this is being said and done today, against the background of the peace process between Baku and Yerevan. Azerbaijan is closely watching what is happening. And the official statements of the Armenian government alone are not enough. Official Yerevan should take the problem of Armenian separatism more seriously, which, with the support of external players, is trying to get back into the game.   To be fair, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinan has repeatedly stated that there cannot be a "government in exile" in Armenia. Parliament Speaker Alen Simonyan spoke even more harshly. Earlier, he stated that the Republic of Armenia does not have any "Artsakh issue." Armenia fully supports the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, which includes Karabakh. Simonyan recently told reporters that there is no Karabakh structure in Armenia. No structure can have a higher status than an NGO. Otherwise, the relevant authorities should deal with this issue, because "the Republic of Armenia is a state, and no other structure exists, cannot exist, and is not recognized within the state."   The words are correct, but they are just words. The Armenian government should seriously address the elimination of illegal separatist circles and underground cells. Their presence not only destabilizes the domestic political field of the country, but also affects the interests of peace in the region. Can Azerbaijan sign a peace treaty with a state with a separatist "government" and "parliament" operating on its territory? Article VIII of the text of the peace treaty, initialed in Washington on August 8, states that "the parties condemn and will fight intolerance, racial hatred and discrimination, separatism, violent extremism and terrorism in all their manifestations within their jurisdiction and will comply with their respective international obligations." If Yerevan is going to start fighting the separatists only after peace is signed, then this is the wrong approach. Separatist figures are messing with Armenian society, and the masses deceived by the separatists make up a significant part of the opposition electorate. The continuation of the activities of Shahramanyan and his gang also harms the sovereignty of Armenia, as these circles are supported from abroad and actually promote foreign interests in the country. One can understand Pashinyan's fears of losing votes on the eve of the elections as a result of such measures, but the agitation conducted by the separatist "underground" can harm his interests much more.   And yet, Shahramanyan will probably have to think about his priceless skin again, because the organs are interested in him. Immediately after the court session and stormy communication with journalists, the "president" was summoned to the Investigative Committee for questioning in the case of Bagrat Galstanyan... http://www.today.az/news/regions/263917.html World news Thu, 04 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0400 By Alimat AliyevaRivian Automotive Inc.'s subsidiary, Rivian Automotive LLC, is recalling 34,824 vehicles in the United States due to a potential seat belt malfunction, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced Wednesday, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.The recall affects certain 2022–2025 electric delivery van (EDV) models. According to NHTSA, a damaged seat belt pretensioner cable may fail to restrain occupants properly, increasing the risk of injury in a crash.In response, Rivian has issued an over-the-air (OTA) software update to address related safety concerns. Vehicle owners will receive notification by mail starting January 19, and the company will inspect and replace the driver’s seat belt pretensioner if necessary, free of charge.Rivian emphasized that the recall is a precautionary measure, and no injuries have been reported so far. This step reflects the company’s ongoing commitment to safety and proactive vehicle monitoring, leveraging both hardware checks and software updates to ensure driver protection.The recall highlights how modern EV manufacturers like Rivian are increasingly using OTA updates not just for infotainment or performance tweaks, but as a tool to enhance safety — a trend that could reshape how automakers handle recalls in the future. http://www.today.az/news/analytics/263916.html Analytics Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:30:00 +0400 Nazrin AbdulIt is no secret that digitalization has become an inseparable part of modern life. We are entering an era in which digital power and technological capacity increasingly define global influence. In this environment, states that strategically invest in digital transformation and artificial intelligence (AI) are positioning themselves at the forefront of economic and geopolitical competition. Azerbaijan is among those nations actively shaping this transition.The government’s commitment to comprehensive digital development was reaffirmed in January, when President Ilham Aliyev approved the Digital Development Concept of the Republic of Azerbaijan. The concept aims to modernize public administration, accelerate economic growth, and significantly improve the quality of life through advanced digital solutions. Importantly, it emphasizes a balanced approach by addressing the needs and interests of citizens, businesses, and the state.At the core of this vision is a model of public services built around “life events,” ensuring accessibility, personalization, and proactive delivery. Reducing the human factor in service provision is expected to increase efficiency and transparency, while offering citizens a smoother and more convenient experience.As a continuation of these digitalization efforts, ASAN Service introduced the ASAN Artificial Intelligence Platform this week — a major milestone in the country’s technological trajectory. Initiated by the State Agency for Public Service and Social Innovations under the President of Azerbaijan, the platform is designed to unite AI researchers, government institutions, private companies, startups, and individual users on a single digital ecosystem.By bringing together these different actors, the platform is expected to promote open innovation and act as a bridge between the public and private sectors, as well as academia. Publicly announced technological challenges will allow students, researchers, entrepreneurs, and public institutions to submit solutions and compete for dedicated prize funds. This model not only incentivizes innovation but also builds a pipeline of local talent capable of addressing real-world digital challenges.To ensure international connectivity, ASAN AI Hub has already signed memorandums of understanding with “Apolitical,” “Breakthrough Social Enterprise,” and “GenAI Works.” Such partnerships are essential for integrating Azerbaijan into global AI ecosystems and accessing best practices, expertise, and global networks.Strategy, covering the years 2025–2028. The strategy outlines clear priorities: establishing strong AI governance mechanisms, building robust data infrastructure, cultivating local talent and technical expertise, and creating a business-friendly environment that attracts investment and fosters innovation.The adoption of a centralized AI strategy marks an important step in aligning the country’s digital initiatives with international standards, while also preparing for the social and economic transformations triggered by emerging technologies.As Azerbaijan accelerates its digital progress, one critical challenge comes to the forefront: how can the country ensure that its rapid innovation is supported—rather than constrained—by its legal and regulatory environment?As Azerbaijan accelerates its digital transformation, the development of an effective legal and regulatory framework for AI becomes crucial. However, one of the biggest global challenges is finding the right balance: regulation must protect citizens and ensure ethical, transparent use of AI — but it must not restrict innovation or slow technological advancement. To achieve this balance, experts generally recommend several principles:Adopt a risk-based regulatory model - Instead of applying blanket restrictions, Azerbaijan can follow the EU’s and OECD’s example by regulating AI systems according to their level of risk. Low-risk applications (chatbots, AI assistants, productivity tools) should be encouraged and lightly regulated. High-risk systems (healthcare diagnostics, biometric identification, automated decision-making in public services) should undergo strong oversight. This approach protects citizens without discouraging developers from experimenting and creating new solutions.Ensure clear but flexible legal definitions - AI evolves rapidly, and overly rigid definitions can quickly become outdated. Laws should provide clarity on key concepts — such as “automated decision-making,” “algorithmic accountability,” and “data governance” — while allowing the government to update regulations as technologies change.Promote innovation sandboxes - Regulatory sandboxes allow startups, researchers, and companies to test new AI products in a supervised environment without facing immediate regulatory barriers. This attracts investment, encourages local entrepreneurship, and positions Azerbaijan as a hub for responsible experimentation.Strengthen data ethics, privacy, and transparency - Citizens must trust digital systems for them to function effectively. Clear rules on data protection, algorithmic transparency, and accountability will help ensure ethical use of AI. At the same time, rules should not be so restrictive that they prevent access to anonymized data needed for AI training and research.Encourage public-private partnerships - AI development thrives where government, academia, and the private sector work together. Joint projects, shared data centers, and open innovation platforms such as ASAN AI Hub can accelerate adoption while maintaining strong oversight.International collaboration — already initiated by ASAN AI Hub — is essential. By aligning with leading global frameworks on AI ethics, cybersecurity, and governance, Azerbaijan can ensure compatibility with global markets and attract foreign investment.Azerbaijan is at a critical point in its digital transformation. The launch of the ASAN AI platform, the adoption of the National AI Strategy, and the broader digitalization agenda demonstrate a clear national ambition: to become a regional leader in artificial intelligence and digital governance.However, the success of this vision will depend not only on technological investments but also on the country’s ability to craft modern, flexible, innovation-friendly regulations. A legal framework that both safeguards society and empowers creators will be essential for ensuring that AI becomes a driving force for economic growth, public sector transformation, and improved quality of life in Azerbaijan. http://www.today.az/news/regions/263915.html World news Thu, 04 Dec 2025 08:00:00 +0400 By Alimat AliyevaGoogle has updated its Circle to Search visual search feature, which can now help detect digital fraud using the AI Overview tool to analyze suspicious messages and online content, Azernews reports.According to Google, one common tactic used by attackers is sending fraudulent messages via SMS, messaging apps, and social networks. These messages often include requests for money or links to malicious websites.Such messages are frequently hard to identify, as they can look almost identical to legitimate communications. Now, if a user suspects a message is fraudulent, they can simply circle the relevant text using Circle to Search, and Google will provide an AI-powered review. The tool analyzes information from the web to determine whether the message is malicious and, if so, offers practical recommendations on how to proceed safely.This feature is also available through Google Lens: users can take a screenshot of the suspicious text and upload it to the app for analysis.This AI-powered approach marks a significant step toward real-time personal cybersecurity, giving users the ability to verify messages instantly without relying solely on antivirus software or external warnings. It’s like having a mini digital detective right on your phone. http://www.today.az/news/regions/263914.html World news Wed, 03 Dec 2025 23:55:00 +0400 Krakow has been named the cleanest city in the world, making it one of the most comfortable destinations for travelers, Azernews reports.The ranking comes from a study conducted by Radical Storage, a company specializing in secure luggage storage services. According to the report, 98.5% of tourist reviews mentioning cleanliness in this Polish city were positive — an exceptionally high score that reflects Krakow’s long-standing efforts to maintain tidy streets, efficient waste management and well-preserved historical areas.Sharjah in the UAE ranked second with 98% positive comments, while Singapore, known globally for its strict cleanliness rules, came in third with 97.9%.Other cities that made it into the top 10 include Warsaw (Poland), Doha (Qatar), Riyadh (Saudi Arabia), Prague (Czech Republic), Muscat (Oman), Dubai (UAE) and Fukuoka (Japan).Study also noted that travelers increasingly associate cleanliness not only with hygiene but also with overall safety and quality of public spaces — factors that significantly influence their choice of travel destinations. Krakow’s appearance at the top suggests that well-maintained historic cities can successfully compete with ultra-modern global hubs when it comes to traveler satisfaction. http://www.today.az/news/regions/263913.html World news Wed, 03 Dec 2025 22:25:00 +0400 By Alimat AliyevaA groundbreaking study has revealed a new understanding of how cancer cells maintain their integrity to become effectively “immortal,” potentially paving the way for more effective chemotherapy and new treatment options, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.The research, published in Nature Communications and highlighted in a media release by the Children's Medical Research Institute (CMRI) in Australia on Tuesday, focuses on how cancer cells protect their chromosomes to keep dividing relentlessly.Normally, every time a cell divides, the ends of its chromosomes, called telomeres, shorten. When telomeres become too short, healthy cells stop dividing. But cancer cells have developed mechanisms to maintain their telomeres, allowing them to evade this natural limit and continue proliferating.Most cancer cells rely on an enzyme called telomerase to rebuild their telomeres. The new study shows that a network of tiny fibres inside the cell nucleus, made from the protein actin, helps telomerase reach the telomeres that need repair.“This is an exciting new role for actin,” said Professor Tracy Bryan, head of the CMRI Cell Biology Unit. “While actin is well known outside the nucleus for helping muscles contract and enabling cell movement, this newly discovered function occurs inside the nucleus.”According to the study, when telomeres are damaged, they normally move around extensively. “But they get caught on this actin network, like an insect trapped in a spider web,” Bryan explained. “This makes it easier for telomerase to locate and repair them, allowing the cancer cell to survive.”The findings suggest that cancer cells can use telomerase in combination with the actin network to repair some of the DNA damage caused by chemotherapy, enabling them to continue multiplying.Bryan emphasized that targeting telomerase or disrupting the actin network could enhance the effectiveness of chemotherapy, potentially allowing for lower drug doses and reducing harmful side effects.This discovery also highlights the growing understanding of the nucleus as a dynamic environment, where structural proteins like actin play unexpected roles in disease progression — opening new avenues for cancer research beyond traditional drug targets.