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/sports/269820.html Sports Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:36:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreAzerbaijan will be represented by 14 judokas across nine weight categories at the Lausanne Judo Grand Slam 2026, Switzerland, from August 28 to 30.The competition will award qualification points for the Los Angeles 2028 Summer Olympic Games.The Azerbaijani team consists of 10 men and four women. A total of 518 judokas from 78 countries, including 309 men and 209 women, will compete in the three-day tournament.In the women's events, Gultaj Mammadaliyeva and Leyla Aliyeva will compete in the 52kg category, Sudaba Agayeva in the 70kg category and Madina Kaisinova in the +78kg category.Among the men, Ahmad Yusifov will compete in the 60kg category, while Turan Bayramov and Ruslan Pashayev will compete in the 66kg division. Kamran Suleymanov and Rashid Mammadaliyev will contest the 73kg category, with Omar Rajabli and Vusal Galandarzade competing at 81kg.Vugar Talibov will represent Azerbaijan in the 90kg category, while Kenan Nasibov and Ushangi Kokauri will compete in the +100kg division.The tournament is part of the World Judo Tour. Nazim Umbayev, a member of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation's Refereeing Committee and an international referee with an A-category licence, will also serve among the officials.Founded in 1972, the Azerbaijan Judo Federation actively promotes this martial art worldwide.The President of the Azerbaijan Judo Federation is Rashad Nabiyev, who also serves as the Minister of Digital Development and Transportation.The country's modern judo history was laid by Mehman Azizov, who won a silver medal at the Old World Championship in 1998.A year later, the winner of the World Youth Games in Moscow, Rasul Salimov, grabbed the bronze medal at the European Championship in Slovakia. Another national judoka, Elchin Ismayilov, became the European champion in 2000 in Wroclaw.However, the achievements of Azerbaijani judo fighters did not stop there. Elnur Mammadli was named the best at the 2008 Beijing Olympics in the 73 kg division.The list of the country's top judo fighters includes Hidayat Heydarov, Zelym Kotsoiev, Zelim Tckaev, Balabay Aghayev, Ushangi Kokauri, Gultaj Mammadaliyeva, Leyla Aliyeva, Fidan Alizade, Aisha Gurbanli, etc. http://www.today.az/news/business/269819.html Business Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:24:00 +0400 By Emin Aliyev | TRENDThe claim that Azerbaijan is being used as a route for Russian gold to reach Western markets, based solely on a comparison between gold production and export volumes, fails to take into account the structure of the country’s state reserves and requires additional evidence.Russian political commentator Vyacheslav Shiryaev told Deutsche Welle that, amid sanctions, Russian gold is reaching Western markets through intermediary countries and that Azerbaijan has allegedly recently been used for this purpose.As his main argument, Shiryaev cited the discrepancy between Azerbaijan’s gold production and export volumes. According to him, the country produces around three tonnes of gold a year, while it exported around 24 tonnes in six months.However, the fact that exports exceed current domestic production does not, in itself, indicate the re-export of Russian gold. Such a conclusion requires an analysis of the origin of the exported metal, the structure of reserves and transactions involving gold assets.In Azerbaijan’s case, one of the key factors is the State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ), which has built up a gold portfolio over many years as part of its investment strategy. As of 30 September 2025, SOFAZ’s gold sub-portfolio stood at around 184.8 tonnes. This means that the amount of gold held by Azerbaijan’s state institutions is significantly greater than the country’s annual domestic production.This is crucial when assessing export statistics. Gold exported by a country during a particular period does not necessarily have to have been mined in the same year. It may represent an investment asset acquired previously. The sale of part of such reserves is also a normal asset-management operation. State funds and central banks around the world purchase gold when prices are relatively low and may sell part of their accumulated holdings when the market value of the asset rises substantially.Azerbaijan has publicly outlined such a strategy. President Ilham Aliyev said at the beginning of 2025 that the country had taken a strategic decision to increase its gold reserves.“Last year, we also took a strategic decision to increase the country’s gold reserves. We clearly saw geopolitical developments, and I was absolutely certain that the price of gold would rise. And it has skyrocketed,” the Azerbaijani President said on 5 January in an interview with local television channels.Emphasising that the decision had generated significant returns for Azerbaijan, he said: “Thanks to increasing our gold reserves, our State Oil Fund earned more than US$10 billion from this alone. But if the price falls, of course, our reserves will decrease. So our reserves are changing every day now. Today, they are probably US$84 billion or US$83 billion. Tomorrow, they will be US$85 billion. Nevertheless, these are among the highest reserves per capita in the world.”SOFAZ has previously purchased gold on international markets, including in London, when prices were significantly lower than current levels. As prices subsequently rose, selling part of the accumulated portfolio became one of the instruments available for managing state assets.This practice is not unique to Azerbaijan. State funds and central banks in various countries regularly adjust their gold holdings depending on investment strategies, market conditions and reserve-management requirements. In recent years, gold transactions, including sales of accumulated holdings, have been carried out by countries including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, the Philippines and Singapore. International statistics from the World Gold Council show that gold holdings in these countries can change substantially from year to year: central banks can be major buyers or sellers depending on market conditions.The experience of Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan is particularly illustrative, as both are major gold producers while also actively managing their official gold reserves. Therefore, comparing domestic gold production with exports, without taking into account transactions by central banks and state funds, does not automatically establish the origin of the exported metal. The same approach should therefore be applied to Azerbaijan.Another issue is the selective approach to assessing such trade flows. Since 2022, Armenia’s trade turnover with Russia has exceeded US$10 billion, while Armenia’s exports of precious metals, which had remained at minimal levels before 2022, increased sharply. International trade statistics show that exports of precious and base metals from Armenia recorded multiple increases during certain periods in 2023–2024. At the beginning of 2024, monthly exports of precious metals exceeded US$1.1 billion. Such a sharp increase formed part of the broader expansion of Armenia’s trade with Russia after 2022 and has repeatedly been examined by international analysts in the context of changing trade flows.Against this backdrop, claims that Azerbaijan is allegedly being used to re-export Russian gold require particularly careful scrutiny. If a specific scheme is being alleged, evidence should be provided regarding the origin of the metal, its suppliers, routes, ultimate buyers and the relevant customs transactions.A difference between production and exports alone is insufficient to support such a conclusion. Professional analysis of international gold trade must take into account not only production, but also accumulated reserves, transactions by state funds, imports and exports, changes in the value of holdings and the structure of buyers.In Azerbaijan’s case, the existence of a substantial SOFAZ gold portfolio is a publicly known fact. Therefore, export volumes exceeding current domestic production do not, by themselves, constitute evidence that the country is being used as an intermediary.Former Iranian ambassador to Azerbaijan Mohsen Pakayin previously told Trend that the economic and trade relations between countries in the region should be considered in a broader context. However, such links must be assessed on the basis of verifiable data.For Azerbaijan, the issue also has a broader economic dimension. The state’s reserve-management strategy provides for asset diversification, while gold has remained one of the instruments of that diversification in recent years. The sharp rise in global gold prices has increased the value of the state’s accumulated assets. Gold-portfolio transactions may therefore reflect normal investment management and do not require an explanation based on unsubstantiated intermediary schemes.In this context, Vyacheslav Shiryaev and Deutsche Welle should clarify the specific data on which the claim that Azerbaijan is being used to channel Russian gold to Western markets is based. In particular, it would be relevant to know whether the author has data on the origin of the gold exported by Azerbaijan, its suppliers and ultimate recipients, and whether SOFAZ’s transactions involving its gold portfolio were taken into account when preparing the material.Until such clarification is provided, the claim that Azerbaijan is being used as a channel for the re-export of Russian gold remains an allegation rather than an established fact. Amid changing global trade flows and the growing role of gold as a reserve asset, it is particularly important to distinguish statistically verifiable facts from interpretations. In Azerbaijan’s case, the publicly available data point to the existence of a substantial state gold portfolio and a long-term investment strategy, both of which must be taken into account when analysing export figures.Emin Aliyev is the Editor-in-Chief of TREND News Agency in Azerbaijan http://www.today.az/news/regions/269818.html World news Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:10:00 +0400 Ulviyya PoladovaRead moreAibek Dadebay has been elected Chairman of the Kurultai of the first convocation. This was announced in a statement by the press service of the Kurultai.The election was conducted through a direct secret ballot in line with Article 11 of the Constitutional Law "On the Kurultai of the Republic of Kazakhstan and the Status of Its Deputies." A special counting commission comprising members of the Kurultai was established to supervise the voting and tally the ballots.Opening the first session of the Kurultai of the first convocation, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev congratulated the newly elected deputies and wished them success in their work.In his address, Tokayev said Kazakhstan was entering a particularly important stage of its development, describing the launch of the country’s new unicameral legislative body as a landmark event of historic significance.According to the President, the beginning of the Kurultai’s work marks a new phase in the modernization of Kazakhstan’s political system. He noted that historically, kurultais served as platforms where major issues concerning the life of the state were openly discussed and collective decisions were reached.Tokayev stressed that the institution is expected to play an equally important role in the modern political system. He said the Kurultai would fundamentally transform the country’s governance framework, strengthen the efficiency of the state apparatus and contribute to improving the quality of national legislation.The President also described serving as a member of the first convocation of the Kurultai as a unique and particularly significant opportunity, calling it, in his words, a "special and, without exaggeration, happy moment." http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/269817.html Arts & Entertainment Fri, 28 Aug 2026 15:00:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreThe Culture Ministry's Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center for Culture (MEM?M) has developed curricula for five new creative disciplines planned to be taught at arts schools.The curricula cover specialisations in artistic ceramics, fashion design, digital music, 3D character animation and photography.The main aim of the programmes is to create opportunities for teenagers interested in modern areas of the creative industries and showing potential in these fields to develop their talents and skills.The programmes are also intended to expand access to training in new disciplines and support preparation for future creative professions.Previously, MEM?M developed curricula for disciplines and subjects already taught at arts schools, including piano, violin, tar, kamancha, qanun, accordion, balaban, saxophone, choral and vocal arts, choral conducting, as well as elementary music theory.The Scientific, Methodological and Qualification Center for Culture (MEM?M) is a specialised institution under Azerbaijan's Ministry of Culture responsible for methodological support and professional development in the cultural and arts education sector.It works with music and arts schools, develops educational programmes and provides training and qualification improvement opportunities for teachers and other cultural-sector specialists. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269816.html World news Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:41:00 +0400 Ulviyya PoladovaRead moreUkrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed that Ukrainian forces had carried out strikes against an oil refinery in Russia’s Yaroslavl Region and a Tu-95MS strategic bomber in Engels."Over the past 24 hours, our Defense Forces struck an oil refinery in the Yaroslavl region, 1,000 kilometers from the front line. Retaliatory strikes were also carried out against Russia in the Black Sea. In Engels, an Alpha unit of Ukraine’s Security Service struck a Tu-95MS missile carrier," Zelensky wrote on social media X.Earlier, the governor of the region, Mikhail Evraev, announced the temporary closure of traffic at the exit from Yaroslavl towards Moscow. Due to security measures, vehicles are not allowed to pass on the section from the intersection of Moskovsky Prospekt with South-Western Okruzhnaya.The Yaroslavl Oil Refinery (Slavneft-YANOS) is one of the largest oil refineries in Russia with a capacity of about 15 million tons of oil per year.The company produces gasoline, diesel, aviation fuel and other petroleum products. According to the network, a large-scale fire started on the territory of the refinery after drone strikes. http://www.today.az/news/society/269815.html Society Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:31:00 +0400 AzerNEWS StaffRead moreKairat Sarybay, Secretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia congratulated Azerbaijan's First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva on the occasion of her birthday.According to AzerNEWS, the letter reads:Your Excellency, dear Mehriban khanum,Please accept my warmest congratulations on your birthday, together with my sincere wishes for good health, happiness and well-being.Throughout your many years of public service, you have devoted particular attention to initiatives that touch upon the lives of people, foster mutual understanding and bring societies closer together. This enduring commitment resonates with CICA’s aspirations to nurture dialogue, confidence and a stronger sense of community across Asia.It is in this spirit that I warmly welcome the Azerbaijani Chairmanship’s initiative to establish and organize the First Meeting the CICA Women Council in Baku this year, further enriching our common efforts and opening new avenues in this direction.On this special day, may the years ahead bring you continued inspiration and fulfilment in all your endeavors, surrounded by the warmth and support of your family and loved ones.Yours sincerely,Kairat SarybaySecretary General of the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/269814.html Arts & Entertainment Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:23:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreAzerbaijan and Uzbekistan have signed a document aimed at expanding cooperation in the film industry as part of the Lachin International Film Festival (LIFF 2026).The document was signed by Amil Amal, director of the festival and head of the Hoçazfilm Creative Studio in Lachin, and Uzbek producer Eldar Yuldashev. Under the agreement, films produced by Hoçazfilm are planned to be screened in cinemas across Uzbekistan.The agreement is expected to strengthen professional ties between the two countries' film industries, broaden film exchanges and create new opportunities for creative cooperation between Azerbaijani and Uzbek filmmakers.The signing took place during LIFF 2026, the first international film festival held in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur.The festival took place in Lachin from August 24 to 27. Azerbaijani and international cinema professionals participated in screenings, discussions and other industry events.This year's festival received nearly 300 film submissions from 47 countries, with 38 films — 20 international and 18 Azerbaijani productions selected for the official programme.The festival welcomed participants from Turkiye, Uzbekistan, Iran, Russia, Kyrgyzstan, Greece, Norway, France, Ukraine, Pakistan, Germany, Poland, Spain, Indonesia, Moldova, Serbia and India.The new Azerbaijan-Uzbekistan agreement adds a practical dimension to the festival's international programme, creating a direct route for Azerbaijani productions to reach Uzbek audiences and strengthening links between filmmakers from the two countries. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269813.html World news Fri, 28 Aug 2026 14:08:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzRead moreUS President Donald Trump has suggested that the Atlantic and Pacific oceans could be renamed after his administration moved to change the name of Lake Ontario to “Lake America.”“We have a gulf and we have a lake. Now all we need is an ocean,” Trump told reporters in the Oval Office on Thursday, August 27. “Maybe we’ll have to change the name of the Atlantic and/or the Pacific. Maybe we’ll change them both.”Trump made the remarks during a ceremony at which he signed an executive order concerning the way another major geographical feature would appear on US maps.A day earlier, Trump had previewed the proposed renaming of Lake Ontario in a video posted to TikTok. Holding a Sharpie, he crossed out the lake’s existing name and wrote “LAKE AMERICA” above it.“We’re gonna make a little change, we’re gonna call it something different than Lake Ontario,” Trump said in the video, adding that “all it takes is a good pen and some intelligence.”During Thursday’s remarks, Trump also linked the move to his criticism of Canada’s trade relationship with the United States.“Canada has been ripping us off for a long time on trade,” Trump said.“They want to be treated like they’re a state and we just can’t do that anymore,” he added, saying the issue was something he had been considering for a long time. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269812.html World news Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:34:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzRead moreIsrael is considering expelling British officials from the US-led International Gaza Support Center (IGSC), which was established to monitor the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, according to the Financial Times.The move is reportedly being considered in response to British Prime Minister Andy Burnham’s plans to introduce stronger measures against Israeli settlements in the occupied Palestinian territories.Israeli authorities are also considering removing officials from Italy and Germany from the centre, the report said.The IGSC is led by US military personnel who coordinate with the Israeli military and officials from dozens of countries involved in monitoring and supporting the ceasefire arrangements.The reported move follows Israel’s decision earlier this week to expel Dutch representatives from the centre after the Netherlands adopted legislation banning trade in goods originating from Israeli settlements in the occupied territories.Israel also removed Spain from the IGSC earlier this year, accusing Madrid of what it described as an “obsessive anti-Israel bias.”The developments come amid growing disagreements between Israel and several European governments over the war in Gaza and Israeli settlement policy.Shortly before succeeding Keir Starmer as prime minister in July, Burnham apologised for the Labour Party’s initial support for Israel’s war in Gaza and its refusal to back a ceasefire during 2023 and early 2024. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269811.html World news Fri, 28 Aug 2026 13:03:00 +0400 Qabil AshirovRead moreThe death toll has risen to five in the Gyirong area of China’s Tibet Autonomous Region following severe flooding in neighboring Nepal.According to a statement from the Chinese side, 558 people are currently reported missing as a result of the natural disaster. Search-and-rescue operations and efforts to deal with the aftermath of the disaster are continuing in the affected area.A meeting on disaster relief and recovery was held under the chairmanship of Chinese President Xi Jinping, during which relevant instructions were issued to the authorities.The flooding occurred on August 26 in a region of Nepal bordering China. As a result, a border crossing between the two countries was inundated by floodwaters.On the Chinese side, the road leading to the border crossing was also blocked, while communication and electricity lines were damaged.According to the latest information, 475 people have died and 667 remain missing on the Nepalese side, while 1,545 people have been rescued. More than 13,000 security personnel have been deployed to search-and-rescue operations.Authorities on both sides continue to assess the damage and carry out emergency response efforts as search operations remain underway. http://www.today.az/news/business/269810.html Business Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:58:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzRead moreAzerbaijan participated in the fifth substantive session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee tasked with preparing the UN Framework Convention on International Tax Cooperation, the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy reported.Azerbaijan was represented at the session by Jeyhun Ismayilov, a member of the OECD expert group and Deputy Head of the General Department for International Taxation and Tax Monitoring of the State Tax Service.The negotiations focused on the fair distribution of taxing rights among countries, combating illicit financial flows and harmful tax practices, and strengthening the institutional capacity of developing countries.Participants also reviewed preliminary draft protocols concerning the taxation of income from cross-border transactions, including digital services, as well as the prevention and resolution of tax disputes.During the discussions, Ismayilov emphasized the importance of developing practical and applicable international tax rules, preventing double taxation and ensuring effective technical support for developing countries.According to the State Tax Service, the development of a new international framework would allow developing countries to play a greater role in shaping global tax rules, protect their taxing rights, reduce the risks of double taxation, improve the application of transfer pricing rules and strengthen tax administration. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/269809.html Arts & Entertainment Fri, 28 Aug 2026 12:21:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreThe highest rate of filled university admission places for the 2026/2027 academic year was recorded in Group III.Azerbaijan's State Examination Center (SEC) reported that some 99.84 percent of the available places in Group III were filled. All places in the TC sub-group were also filled, leaving no vacancies.The SEC said the ratio between the number of applicants and available places had indicated strong competition in Group III. As a result, sub-bachelor graduates were expected to have fewer opportunities for admission in this group. Following the competition, only applicants who took the entrance examination were admitted to Group III programmes.Group II recorded the second-highest rate, with 97.52 percent of available places filled. Sub-bachelor graduates also had opportunities to enter universities through this group. A total of 2,319 sub-bachelors gained admission to Group II programmes, the highest figure among all five groups.In Group I, 96.64 percent of places were filled, with 1,197 sub-bachelor graduates admitted.The occupancy rate stood at 91.91 percent in Group IV and 93.71 percent in Group V. A total of 627 sub-bachelors were admitted through Group IV, while 72 entered universities through Group V.Overall, the figures show that Group III was the most competitive category for university admission in Azerbaijan for the 2026/2027 academic year, while Group II provided the largest number of admission opportunities for sub-bachelor graduates. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269808.html World news Fri, 28 Aug 2026 11:54:00 +0400 Ulviyya PoladovaRead moreThe Royal Palace has announced the death of King Harald V at the age of 89. He had reigned since 1991. While the king was on medical leave, his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, served as regent. He will now succeed him to the throne as the next king.Haakon's eldest child, Crown Princess Ingrid Alexandra, is now the heir to the throne.Haakon knows the ropes. As his father aged and his health began to fail in recent years, the prince stepped in as the country’s regent on several occasions.He earned a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Berkeley, followed by a master’s in development studies from the London School of Economics and Political Science, where he focused on international trade and Africa. He graduated from the Royal Norwegian Naval Academy in 1995 and later completed the Foreign Ministry’s diplomatic trainee program.Norway’s monarchy dates back centuries, with its roots traditionally traced to King Harald Fairhair in the ninth century. When Norway regained independence in 1905, around three-quarters of voters supported the restoration of the monarchy in a national referendum. Although the monarchy is largely ceremonial today, with political authority resting in the elected parliament, the royal family remains highly visible and continues to play a prominent role in representing Norway and promoting the country internationally.Recall that Crown Prince Haakon previously visited Azerbaijan in 2011, where he held meetings with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, as well as representatives from the business community and civil society. During his visit, the heir to the throne of Norway is accompanied by Deputy Foreign Minister Eespen Eide, Norwegian Minister of Petroleum and Energy Ola Borten Moe, as well as a number of government and business representatives.Image: Christine Olsson / TT news agency http://www.today.az/news/regions/269807.html World news Fri, 28 Aug 2026 11:38:00 +0400 Ulviyya PoladovaRead moreVenezuela is considering whether to withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Bloomberg wrote citing sources.Venezuela tries to take a significant step for the global oil market following U.S. intervention. Sources say the idea of leaving OPEC emerged during discussions with U.S. officials, but no final decision has been made.If implemented, the move would deal another blow to the oil cartel that Venezuela helped establish more than 60 years ago. It could also trigger a broader political restructuring in Caracas following U.S. President Donald Trump’s removal of long-time Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro and Washington’s takeover of control over the country’s oil sales.Washington’s growing influence is also reflected in negotiations between U.S. officials and Venezuelan leaders over gaining access to a large share of the country’s oil fields. According to sources, representatives of both countries are discussing the proposal. One of the possible arrangements reportedly under consideration is the leasing of several oil fields for a period of 100 years.It is worth recalling that the United Arab Emirates withdrew from OPEC membership and the OPEC+ coalition effective May 1. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269806.html World news Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:52:00 +0400 Ulviyya PoladovaRead moreNorway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89 after being hospitalized for treatment of a rare blood condition.The Royal Palace in Oslo said he died peacefully at 6:35 a.m. local time (4:35 a.m. GMT) on Friday at the National Hospital in Oslo.He is survived by his wife of almost 58 years, Queen Sonja, their daughter Princess Märtha Louise, their son, the new King Haakon, and six grandchildren.Harald V was born on February 21, 1937, and was 89 years old. He ascended to the throne following the death of his father, King Olav V, in 1991. He is succeeded by his 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon.Harald V was hospitalized on August 17 after developing fluid retention linked to corticosteroid treatment for hemolytic anemia. During his hospitalization, Crown Prince Haakon assumed the king’s official duties.The king’s condition later deteriorated after he developed a bacterial bloodstream infection. He received antibiotics and continued treatment at Oslo University Hospital.Harald V had experienced several health problems in recent years. In February, he was hospitalized while on holiday in Tenerife, where he was treated for an infection and dehydration.Credit : Jørgen Gomnæs, the Royal Court via Getty http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/269805.html Arts & Entertainment Fri, 28 Aug 2026 10:47:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreAzerbaijani professionals have been contributing to some of the world's biggest video game projects for years.Developers from Azerbaijan have worked on globally recognized titles and brands such as Call of Duty, Assassin's Creed, FIFA, Chess.com, and many others, taking on roles as programmers, artists, designers, and managers.Far less common, however, is the story of an Azerbaijani developer directly leading an international game studio developing its own ambitious AA/AAA-scale project.One of the most notable examples today is Guns of Eschaton, an upcoming title developed by international studio Eschatology Entertainment under the leadership of Azerbaijani developer Fuad Guliyev.The project has attracted approximately $13 million in investment, while its publisher, 4Divinity, has previously been involved with major titles including S.T.A.L.K.E.R. 2: Heart of Chornobyl and Black Myth: Wukong.The development team also includes renowned art director Viktor Antonov, who gained worldwide recognition for shaping the visual identity of Half-Life 2 and Dishonored.Another particularly significant development for Azerbaijani players is the possibility of official localization. In a personal conversation, Fuad Guliyev said that Guns of Eschaton is highly likely to receive official Azerbaijani language support following its release.The project has now received another major international recognition: Guns of Eschaton has been nominated for the Gamescom Awards 2026 in the Best PC Game category.This means that a game led by an Azerbaijani developer is now competing for one of the awards at one of the world's largest and most influential gaming events.Public voting for the Gamescom Awards 2026 is currently underway, giving players the opportunity to support Guns of Eschaton and vote for it in the Best PC Game category.You can cast your vote for Guns of Eschaton on the official Gamescom Awards 2026 voting page. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269804.html World news Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:37:00 +0400 AzerNEWS StaffRead moreRussia has stepped up pressure on Armenia over its growing ties with the European Union, with Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov arguing that Yerevan cannot indefinitely avoid choosing between the EU and the Russia-led Eurasian Economic Union.Lavrov said the issue had become urgent after Armenia adopted legislation to begin the process of joining the European Union. Moscow, he argued, needs to know where Armenia ultimately intends to stand because the rules governing the two blocs are incompatible.The Russian foreign minister pointed to calls from the Eurasian Economic Union for Armenia to hold a referendum on whether it wants to remain in the Russian-led bloc or move towards the European Union.“The issue is urgent,” Lavrov said, arguing that Armenia's existing EAEU membership cannot simply coexist indefinitely with a process aimed at EU accession. He stressed that Moscow was not questioning the Armenian people's right to decide, but wanted that choice to be made clear.The remarks add another layer to an increasingly strained relationship between Moscow and Yerevan.Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has repeatedly rejected calls for an immediate referendum. His position is that Armenia will make the choice when the two integration tracks become incompatible, rather than holding a vote before the country's potential EU accession has taken a concrete form.That argument has done little to ease tensions with Moscow.Russia sees Armenia's continued membership of the EAEU alongside an increasingly formal EU accession process as an emerging contradiction. Pashinyan's government, however, has insisted that Armenia is not currently leaving the EAEU and that any eventual decision will be made by Armenian citizens.The dispute is therefore no longer simply about Armenia's relationship with Brussels. It is becoming a direct test of how far Yerevan can move towards the EU while retaining its place in Russia's economic orbit.Lavrov's intervention comes against the backdrop of a broader deterioration in Russia-Armenia relations. Moscow has repeatedly warned that closer Armenian integration with European institutions could undermine existing ties with Russia and the wider Eurasian integration system. Earlier in May, Lavrov also criticised Pashinyan's absence from an upcoming EAEU summit, describing it as regrettable and arguing that the meeting would have provided an opportunity to address growing disagreements.For Pashinyan, the dilemma is becoming increasingly difficult to manage. His government wants to deepen relations with the EU while avoiding an immediate rupture with Moscow. Russia, meanwhile, is demanding greater clarity over Armenia's strategic direction.The result is a widening political gap between the two countries.Pashinyan says Armenia will decide when the moment comes. Lavrov's message is that the moment may already have arrived.The dispute over a referendum has therefore become a proxy for a much larger question: how long can Armenia pursue European integration while remaining inside Russia's economic bloc? http://www.today.az/news/regions/269803.html World news Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:00:00 +0400 by Alimat AliyevaThe U.S. Army has signed agreements with five companies to develop, build, and operate compact nuclear power plants as part of the Janus program.The total value of the contracts could reach $2.2 billion. The initiative calls for the deployment of more than 20 nuclear microreactors at U.S. military facilities by 2028.The first reactors are expected to be installed at five military bases in different states. Antares Nuclear will provide a reactor for Fort Bragg in North Carolina, while BWXT Advanced Technologies will supply one for Fort Campbell in Kentucky. General Atomics Electromagnetic Systems is responsible for a reactor at Fort Hood in Texas. Two additional bases will receive systems developed by Radiant Industries and Westinghouse Government Services.The Janus program was launched by the U.S. Army in 2025. Its main goal is to create a network of small nuclear power plants capable of providing reliable and uninterrupted electricity to military bases and other critical defense facilities.Unlike traditional large nuclear power plants, microreactors are designed to be much smaller and potentially easier to deploy in remote locations. They could provide electricity for years without requiring frequent fuel deliveries, which could be particularly valuable for military installations that need to remain operational during emergencies or disruptions to the power grid.The project is also part of a broader effort by the U.S. government to strengthen the energy security of critical infrastructure. Reliable on-site power could reduce military bases’ dependence on civilian electricity networks and conventional fuel supplies.Interestingly, the Janus program could also become an important test for the wider commercial use of nuclear microreactors. If the technology proves safe, reliable, and economically viable at military facilities, similar systems could eventually be considered for remote industrial sites, research centers, and other locations where a stable power supply is essential. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269802.html World news Fri, 28 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0400 by Alimat AliyevaChina’s BYD has once again become the world’s largest seller of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), overtaking American rival Tesla in the second quarter of 2026.Tesla’s sales increased by 25% year on year, but the growth was not enough to retain the top position. In the first quarter, Tesla was ahead of BYD, but the two companies switched places again in the second quarter.At the same time, BYD’s BEV sales remained below the level recorded a year earlier, although the decline slowed. One of the most important factors behind the company’s growth strategy is its rapid international expansion. In the first half of 2026, overseas sales accounted for 44% of BYD’s total production volume, highlighting the company’s growing dependence on international markets.China remains the world’s largest market for new energy vehicles (NEVs), but demand there is showing signs of slowing. In the second quarter, China accounted for 56% of global sales of battery electric vehicles, plug-in hybrids, and hydrogen fuel-cell vehicles, down from 66% a year earlier. According to TrendForce, this trend is making international expansion increasingly important for Chinese automakers.Another notable development is the rise of Chinese manufacturer Leapmotor, which entered third place in the global ranking of electric vehicle manufacturers for the first time. Toyota climbed to seventh place after increasing its EV sales by 143% year on year. Meanwhile, Volkswagen dropped out of the global top 10 electric vehicle sellers for the first time.BYD has also retained its leadership in the plug-in hybrid (PHEV) segment. Chinese automakers are expanding particularly rapidly in Europe. In the second quarter, Chinese brands, excluding Volvo Cars, which is owned by Geely, accounted for almost 30% of the PHEV market in Western Europe.Overall, global sales of new energy vehicles reached 5.37 million units in the second quarter of 2026, representing a 10.4% increase compared with the same period a year earlier. When conventional hybrids (HEVs) are included, electrified vehicles accounted for a record 33.2% of global vehicle sales.The latest figures show how quickly the global automotive industry is changing. What makes the competition especially interesting is that BYD is no longer relying solely on its enormous home market. The company is increasingly competing with established Western and Japanese automakers on their own territory, particularly in Europe and other international markets.Interestingly, BYD’s rise also illustrates how the electric vehicle race has evolved. A few years ago, Tesla was widely viewed as the undisputed leader of the global EV market. Today, Chinese manufacturers are challenging that position not only through lower prices, but also through a wider range of models and rapid expansion into overseas markets. http://www.today.az/news/society/269801.html Society Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:43:00 +0400 Qabil AshirovRead moreAzerbaijan has strongly condemned a provocation involving the placement of images targeting the country outside the Guest House of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Russia, calling on Moscow to investigate the incident and take measures to prevent similar acts in the future."We strongly condemn the placement of provocative images targeting Azerbaijan by unidentified individuals in front of the Guest House of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Russian Federation around midday on 27 August," Azerbaijan's Foreign Ministry said.The Ministry added that It is not excluded that this unacceptable provocation, in addition to serving to artificially strain Azerbaijan-Russia relations, is part of the ugly and biased campaign against Azerbaijan being conducted by a number of Russian media outlets in recent times."The Azerbaijani side calls on the relevant authorities of the Russian Federation to provide an appropriate legal assessment of such provocative acts, ensure a comprehensive investigation into the incident, and take the necessary measures to prevent the recurrence of such acts.We expect the Russian side, in accordance with the 1961 Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, to fully comply with its obligations to ensure the safety and security of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan and its personnel, as well as to prevent any provocative actions that may interfere with the normal functioning of the diplomatic mission," MFA concluded. http://www.today.az/news/society/269800.html Society Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:21:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreAisha Allahverdiyeva’s journey is a story of how education, curiosity, and the courage to go beyond the boundaries of a single profession can lead to the creation of a technology venture of one’s own. Born in Turkey and raised in Azerbaijan, Aisha left for the United States at the age of 18 to pursue her education and build her professional career in an international environment.In 2019, she moved to Rhode Island, and four years later, graduated from Brown University with a bachelor’s degree in Cognitive Neuroscience and a certificate in Data Fluency. Her academic interests extended well beyond a single discipline: alongside her main field of study, she explored computer science, anthropology, and English literature. She then continued her education at NYU Courant, where she earned a master’s degree in Biomedical Data.From studying the human brain to exploring artificial intelligence and medical technologies, Aisha’s professional journey gradually led her to launch her own startup, Paxis. Today, she is developing the project in the United States, working at the intersection of science, technology, and healthcare.Aisha’s story is not only an example of individual professional achievement, but also a story of the connection between Azerbaijan and the United States. Maintaining her ties to her home country while developing her career in one of the world’s most competitive technology ecosystems, she represents a new generation of Azerbaijani professionals and entrepreneurs stepping onto the international stage and creating solutions with global potential.Azernews.az presents its readers with an interview with this young Azerbaijani talent.Could you tell us about your education and its role in your professional development?My interest in how people think led me to study Cognitive Neuroscience at Brown University. At Brown’s Carney Institute for Brain Science and the Serre Lab, I conducted research on how the brain processes information and makes decisions.As artificial intelligence became increasingly relevant, I saw the value of understanding both biological and artificial “brains.” I deepened this focus by earning a master’s degree in Biomedical Data Science at NYU.My research experience also includes substance-use risk modelling projects with RAND and NYU, as well as cardiovascular research at Methodist Hospital. These projects resulted in peer-reviewed publications. In addition, Brown University awarded me the Undergraduate Teaching and Research Award for creating a national database of long-term care facilities.In the future, I plan to continue my academic path through a PhD in Human-Computer Interaction.What shaped your path to entrepreneurship?After graduation, I developed machine-learning models at CVS Health/Aetna, one of the leading healthcare and insurance companies in the United States. I also built fraud-detection systems for government agencies, including the FDA and CDC, while volunteering with healthcare coalitions and various startups.Later, I built an oncology AI platform for use in clinical practice together with practising oncologists. That experience and decision shaped my entrepreneurial path and laid the foundation for Paxis, the startup I am now developing with my co-founder.How did the Paxis idea emerge?The idea emerged from my experience at NYU Langone. Discussions with oncologists showed that one of their biggest challenges was the time required to search medical literature for a single patient. To address this, we built and launched an oncology platform that searches more than 116,000 clinical sources.Through close collaboration with physicians, we clearly saw the gap on both sides of the system: patients were looking for inaccurate information online without fully understanding their treatment plans, while oncologists were spending time answering the same questions at every appointment instead of keeping up with new research.Seeing this problem in real time through the system we had developed motivated us to create an independent and more comprehensive solution.What problem does Paxis solve, and what makes it different from existing solutions?Paxis addresses the imbalance between oncologists’ limited time and patients’ need for clear information. Doctors often have only 15 minutes per appointment and may not have time to provide detailed explanations. Paxis gives patients answers to questions about treatment, symptoms and medical reports based on their own verified medical information.Questions that require medical judgment are sent directly to the oncologist, while patient information is automatically matched with the latest relevant clinical trials.A key feature that ensures the platform’s reliability is that patients can join only through an invitation from their own oncologist. While many existing applications focus only on patients and services such as OpenEvidence focus only on physicians, Paxis is designed to meet the needs of both sides at the same time.What steps did you take to validate market demand, and what results have you achieved so far?Before Paxis, we created an early version of the technology in partnership with NYU Langone physicians. This proved that the idea could work in a real clinical setting. Based on positive feedback from physicians, we added the missing element: a direct connection with patients, creating a complete experience for both sides.Doctors now have a tool that helps match patients with relevant clinical trials, while patients have an application that explains their reports. The product has been tested directly by physicians and is continuously improved based on their feedback. Before the official beta release, we are further refining the system and expanding our network of medical advisers.What stage is Paxis at today?Paxis is currently at the pre-seed stage. Our fully functional product is live, and we have developed a unique algorithm that matches clinical literature with individual patients. We plan to pursue patent protection for this technology.Early testing has developed into partnerships with physicians from institutions including NYU Langone, Baptist Health and Memorial Hermann. During the beta stage, we are launching a 90-day pilot with three to five oncologists and 20 to 50 patients per physician. We will monitor safety, answer quality and time savings throughout the pilot.We are raising pre-seed funding for the next 12 months to expand the team, address regulatory requirements and attract paying customers.What has been the biggest challenge, and what has it taught you?The biggest challenge has been ensuring that AI is used intentionally, rather than simply because it is popular. In particular, it was critical to determine when the model should not answer a question and should instead direct it to a physician. This is essential for protecting the safety and accuracy of medical information.We also spent weeks developing a feature that users ultimately did not need. That experience taught us to listen closely to physicians and patients and to build only solutions that address their real needs.What does working internationally as a young Azerbaijani woman founder mean to you?I am grateful to my parents, who always prioritised my education and gave me the confidence to believe that I could achieve my goals. Although women are still underrepresented in this field, my strong support system in Baku and the foundation provided by my family have given me confidence in presentations and difficult negotiations.For me, the main principle is the quality of the work we produce. The functional product I built from the ground up and my research experience at respected institutions help shift the focus from who I am to what we have created.How do you assess Azerbaijan’s startup and innovation ecosystem?Azerbaijan has a strong talent base that is becoming increasingly international. To help this potential compete globally, the country needs stronger infrastructure, including early-stage capital, mentors with global experience and close-knit founder communities.It is particularly important to establish incubation programmes in artificial intelligence and data science and to strengthen links between universities and the broader ecosystem. With greater global visibility for Azerbaijani founders, the country can develop strong companies capable of competing internationally.What are Paxis’s next goals?Over the next 12 months, our main priorities are to complete closed beta testing, strengthen regulatory readiness and privacy safeguards, and verify the accuracy of responses through human oversight. We then plan to expand the product to cover more cancer types and community features while broadening partnerships with major healthcare institutions.Although we are starting with oncology because of the complexity of patient cases, we aim to integrate the platform into other medical specialties and hospital systems in the future. Our main goal is to build a trusted bridge between patients and doctors on a global scale.What would you like to say to young people, especially young Azerbaijani women?Do not wait for every detail to be fully ready before you start creating. My own path has taken me from neuroscience to machine learning and then to a healthcare startup through practical work at every stage.My advice to young Azerbaijani women is not to be afraid of exploring different fields. Every experience is valuable; the key is to combine those experiences in the right way and present your ideas with confidence.The support and sense of home offered by the Azerbaijani community abroad are invaluable. Rely on one another, and feel free to reach out to me when needed. I hope that more young women from Azerbaijan will feel this support as they build their own projects and take the first step forward. http://www.today.az/news/sports/269799.html Sports Thu, 27 Aug 2026 15:04:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreA Summer Sports Festival will be held on August 27-28 at the Sea Breeze complex in Baku. The event will take place in the square opposite Shore House and is organized by the Ministry of Youth and Sports.The festival will run from 16:00 to 19:00 each day. It will feature demonstrations and various activities across 16 sports.The programme will include 3x3 basketball, rugby, table tennis, badminton, volleyball, tug of war, wrestling, judo, taekwondo, capoeira, sumo, aikido, jiu-jitsu, karate, mas-wrestling and rowing.The festival's open sports zone will be accessible to everyone.Visitors will have the opportunity to try different sports free of charge. They will also be able to test their skills and learn more about the various disciplines. http://www.today.az/news/society/269798.html Society Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:48:00 +0400 Ulviyya PoladovaRead moreAzerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov received Etienne Berchtold, Austria’s newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan.According to the press service of Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Berchtold presented Bayramov with a copy of his credentials. The minister congratulated the ambassador on his appointment and wished him success in his diplomatic mission in Azerbaijan.During the meeting, the sides discussed prospects for developing cooperation between Azerbaijan and Austria in political, economic, energy, transport, tourism, humanitarian and other fields.The importance of political dialogue between the two countries was emphasized, along with the role of mutual visits and contacts, political consultations and interparliamentary relations in strengthening bilateral ties.The sides also discussed cooperation on multilateral platforms, particularly within the United Nations, OSCE and European Union, stressing the importance of further coordination.Bayramov once again congratulated Austria on its election as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for 2027–2028 and expressed hope for continued cooperation.The meeting also covered economic, energy and transport cooperation, including strategic energy and transport projects involving Azerbaijan. The sides noted Azerbaijan’s role in Europe’s energy security and welcomed the start of Azerbaijani natural gas supplies to Austria in January this year.The sides also discussed regional developments, the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalisation process, efforts to ensure lasting peace and stability, and large-scale reconstruction projects in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories.Berchtold said Austria considers Azerbaijan an important and reliable partner and pledged to contribute to further expanding bilateral cooperation in all areas during his tenure.The sides also exchanged views on other regional and international issues of mutual interest. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269797.html World news Thu, 27 Aug 2026 14:13:00 +0400 Qabil AshirovRead moreRussia has declared an employee of the Romanian Embassy in Moscow persona non grata, in a move described as a retaliatory measure following a similar decision by Bucharest against a Russian diplomat.Russia’s Foreign Ministry announced the decision on August 27.The ministry said Romanian Chargé d’Affaires Liliana Burda was summoned to the Russian Foreign Ministry’s Department of State Protocol on August 27, where she was handed a formal diplomatic note informing her of the decision.Russia said the move was made in response to Romania’s earlier decision to declare an employee of the Russian Embassy in Bucharest persona non grata.Romanian authorities had previously issued a verbal note to Russia’s ambassador, informing him that one of the employees of Russia’s diplomatic mission in Bucharest had been declared an undesirable person. The diplomat was ordered to leave Romanian territory within five days.During the meeting, the Romanian side also presented fragments of a drone that had been destroyed in Romania. According to an investigation conducted by the Romanian Prosecutor’s Office, the components of the drone were of Russian origin. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269796.html World news Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:39:00 +0400 Qabil AshirovRead moreRussian drones reportedly struck Moldovan territory again during Russia’s latest aerial assault on Ukraine on August 27.According to international media outlets, five drones struck areas of Moldova during the overnight attacks.The incidents were reported in the Palanca and Belyaevca areas near Moldova’s border with Ukraine. The strikes caused damage, but no casualties were reported.The incidents came as Russia launched a large-scale aerial attack against Ukraine involving hundreds of drones and missiles. According to Ukrainian authorities, five drones crossed into Moldovan airspace during the attack. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/269795.html Arts & Entertainment Thu, 27 Aug 2026 13:05:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreThe Uzbek historical film "Rise of the Conqueror," about Amir Temur, has been screened at the Lachin International Film Festival (LIFF 2026), marking its first screening in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur.The film, dubbed into Azerbaijani, has been shown at LaCinema, the festival's main cinema venue in Lachin.Produced by Eldar Yuldashev, the historical drama "Rise of the Conqueror" brought an Uzbek production to Azerbaijani audiences as part of the festival's international programme.The screening offered festivalgoers an opportunity to experience the story of one of Central Asia's most prominent historical figures through Uzbek cinema and in the Azerbaijani language.Running through August 27, LIFF 2026 features films from a range of countries, alongside meetings, panel discussions and other events bringing together Azerbaijani and international cinema professionals.The festival programme includes films from Germany, Poland, Uzbekistan, Spain, Turkiye, Indonesia, Moldova, Greece, Serbia, Ukraine, India and several other countries.The inclusion of "Rise of the Conqueror" adds a Central Asian historical perspective to the festival's international programme while further enriching the cultural exchange between filmmakers and audiences in Lachin. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/269794.html Arts & Entertainment Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:21:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreThe second day of the 5th SALAM International Youth Film Festival was held at Nizami Cinema Center in Baku.The programme gave young participants an opportunity not only to watch films but also to create their own short movies and discuss one of the most pressing issues of adolescence — bullying.The festival day opened with a screening of the Chinese film "The Answer to Forever", directed by Zheng Yunchang. The story left a strong impression on the young audience. After the final credits, the discussion continued in the cinema hall, with participants sharing their impressions and views on the characters' actions.Baku Turns into Film SetFollowing the screening, participants of CINEMARATHON began filming their own short movies. This year's theme is "A Stranger Among Your Own, One of Your Own Among Strangers."The teams worked at different locations. Some filmed at Nizami Cinema Center, while others headed to Vapiano and the streets of Baku. For several hours, cameras, scripts, rehearsals and the search for the right shot turned the festival into a real film laboratory.For the CINEMARATHON participants, the project is more than a creative assignment. They develop their own stories, distribute roles, operate cameras and learn how to turn their ideas into complete screen productions.When Conversation Becomes PersonalOne of the most powerful moments of the second day was a meeting with actor, director, theatre educator and producer Leonid Klets. The event was organized with the cultural support of Nine Senses Art Center.Klets has worked for many years on social and theatre projects addressing teenagers and bullying. He is one of the authors of the "I'm Not a Scarecrow!" project and a producer and co-writer of the short film Igor-Chair.Before the meeting, participants watched the social drama Igor-Chair, directed by Konstantin Soldatov. The film centres on what initially appears to be an innocent joke directed at a classmate but gradually develops into serious bullying with significant consequences.Following the screening, the discussion went far beyond a traditional film review. The participants spoke about teenage cruelty, the indifference of those who witness bullying and the personal responsibility of each individual.Leonid Klets then led an interactive master class and social experiment, encouraging the young participants to engage in an open dialogue. The atmosphere in the hall gradually changed as some participants found the courage to share personal experiences of bullying or situations they had witnessed.The conversation became particularly emotional after the official programme. Several young participants approached Klets individually to ask questions and share stories that they had found difficult to discuss in front of the entire audience.Cinema as Way to Be HeardAfter the meeting, the participants returned to work on their films as part of CINEMARATHON.The second day of SALAM highlighted that, for young people, cinema is not simply about screens, cameras and stories. It can also be a way to speak about issues that genuinely matter, ask difficult questions and be heard.This is perhaps what gives the festival its distinctive atmosphere. Young people are not simply watching films; they are learning to tell their own stories, listen to others, work together and find words for subjects that can sometimes be difficult to discuss openly.The 5th International SALAM Youth Film Festival is taking place in Baku from August 24 to 27. The festival is organized by Narimanfilm.PASHA Holding is the general sponsor. The festival is held with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Azerbaijan Film Agency (ARKA). Nizami Cinema Center is the venue partner, while Nine Senses Art Center is the special partner for the cultural and educational programme.Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. http://www.today.az/news/politics/269792.html Politics Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:12:00 +0400 The National Statistics Service of Georgia has published data confirming the country’s refusal to import Russian oil.   In July 2026, Georgia imported crude oil from Kazakhstan for the first time. The supply volume amounted to 5,500 tons, worth 1.2 million dollars. This is the first time Kazakh oil has appeared in Georgian statistics data. It was purchased for the oil refinery (OR) in Kulevi.   The Kulevi Oil Refinery (Kulevi Oil Refinery) of Black Sea Petroleum (BSP) is the only operating oil refinery in Georgia. Previously, the plant operated on Russian raw materials, but now it will have to stop using them due to sanctions. Moreover, we are talking about sanctions imposed by the European Union on the refinery itself. The sanctions will come into force in January of next year if the Kulevi refinery does not stop processing Russian oil. This is very disadvantageous for the plant. Firstly, Russian oil costs him less than Kazakh oil. Secondly, from the point of view of logistics, purchases from Russia are much easier than from Kazakhstan.   A Georgian company cannot disobey instructions from Brussels. To be on the EU sanctions list would be a disaster for an enterprise that was only put into operation at the end of last year. Moreover, the company plans to enter the European market, and it will not be possible to do so with fuel produced from Russian oil, even if we ignore the sanctions — which, in fact, should not be ignored.   The EU had planned to include the Kulevi refinery in the 20th package of sanctions, but after consultations with the Georgian authorities, it removed the plant from the sanctions package. However, this time the diplomatic efforts did not yield results. The only concession the EU granted to the Georgian side was a six?month delay until January?25,?2027, so that the refinery could diversify its raw material sources.   The Kulevi refinery is the first of its kind in Georgia. The first phase, with a capacity of 1.2?million tons per year, was launched at the end of 2025. The project cost 150?million dollars. Today, the enterprise produces naphtha, fuel oil, and high?sulfur diesel fuel. After the launch of the second line and the corresponding technological equipment of the plant, the plant will produce Euro?5 standard gasoline, aviation fuel, Euro?diesel, and bitumen. To this end, in early 2026, BSP signed a licensing agreement with the American company Honeywell.   The company has big plans. They have been somewhat complicated by the requirements of the European Union, but there is still a way out — oil from Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. And first and foremost, we are talking about Kazakh oil. Kazakhstan, due to the risks that have emerged for its oil exports via the Russian pipeline infrastructure, is gradually increasing supplies through the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan system. Georgia expects an increase in the export of Kazakh oil through Georgian territory. Ekaterina Sisauri, General Director of the Oil and Gas Corporation of Georgia, told journalists that the country is fully prepared to ensure the transit of increased volumes of Kazakh oil via the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan and Baku–Supsa routes. According to her, the Baku–Supsa oil pipeline has not been operating in recent years, but thanks to agreements with Azerbaijan, its operation will be resumed, which will make it possible to use the route for the transit of Kazakh oil to world markets.   It should be noted that in July, KazTransOil (KTO) shipped 155,000 tons of oil to the Baku–Tbilisi–Ceyhan oil pipeline, which is 11.5 percent more than in July 2025. Overall, last year 1.2 million tons of Kazakh oil were transported via the BTD. In 2026, it is planned to pump 2.2 million tons.Problems with the CPC pipeline (Caspian Pipeline Consortium) began long before Ukrainian drones started disabling its infrastructure. The Russian side did not fulfill its obligations conscientiously enough, sometimes creating problems for Kazakhstan when it did not like Astana’s behavior. The first serious warning sign was the suspension of oil pumping for thirty days in August 2022 due to “damage to the environment.” This was not the first time that CPC’s operations had been hampered by Russian environmentalists. Astana drew the right conclusions and seriously considered the need for an alternative, and the issue of the inactive Baku–Supsa oil pipeline was raised. Kazakh President Kassym?Jomart Tokayev called for diversifying the routes for the supply of Kazakh oil. As a priority goal, he proposed working out the optimal options for using the Trans?Caspian route and instructed KazMunayGas to work out the optimal way to implement it, including the possibility of attracting investors from the Tengiz project.   In March 2023, SOCAR announced the start of the transit of Kazakh oil via the Baku?Tbilisi?Ceyhan pipeline. The first batch of Kazakh oil from the Tengiz field was delivered to the Sangachal terminal from the port of Aktau. In March 2024, an agreement was concluded between KazMunayGas and SOCAR on a phased increase in oil transit through the territory of Azerbaijan to 2.2 million tons per year. At the same time, the first test shipment of oil from the Kashagan field via the Caspian Sea to Azerbaijan took place. And in January 2025, Kazakhstan sent the first tanker with oil from the Kashagan field to Azerbaijan for transportation via the BTD.   This August, Georgia expects an increase in the supply of Kazakh oil via Georgian territory and by rail. It is planned that Tengizchevroil will export 100,000 tons of raw materials via this route. The transit will be carried out in cooperation with JSC “Georgian Railway” and the Batumi Oil Terminal. This volume will be five times greater than the amount of oil transported by this route in July.   However, the Baku–Supsa pipeline is the most promising. In June 2016, BP transferred the operational functions of the Western Route Export Pipeline (WREP, Baku–Supsa) to the state structures of Azerbaijan and Georgia. The British company retained only the facilities located on the territory of the Sangachal terminal.   The Baku–Supsa oil pipeline originates in Sangachal and extends to the tanker loading facility in the Black Sea, which connects to the Georgian Supsa terminal. The pipeline is 836 kilometres long. The pipeline was launched in 1999 and became the first one to bypass Russia, depriving it of its monopoly on the transit of Azerbaijani oil. In addition, high?quality Azeri Light began to enter world markets in its pure form for the first time.   Despite the fact that oil pumping via the Baku–Supsa pipeline was suspended in March 2022 by BP and physical transportation of the raw material through the pipeline is not taking place, the facility, according to experts, is in working order and is technically ready to resume supplies at any time if necessary.   This necessity became relevant after the start of pumping Kazakh oil through the South Caucasus. And now, with the EU tightening sanctions against Russian hydrocarbons, Kazakh oil has acquired extraordinary importance for Georgia. http://www.today.az/news/politics/269793.html Politics Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:04:00 +0400 President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has sent a congratulatory letter to Maia Sandu, President of the Republic of Moldova.This was reported by the press service of the President of Azerbaijan."Dear Madame President,On my own behalf and on behalf of the people of Azerbaijan, I cordially congratulate you and, through you, all your people on the occasion of the 35th anniversary of the declaration of independence of the Republic of Moldova and convey my best wishes.Today, the development of traditional ties of friendship and cooperation between Azerbaijan and Moldova along an upward trajectory is gratifying.I am confident that we will continue to make consistent efforts to comprehensively develop relations between our countries and further enhance our cooperation in line with the will of our peoples, who are bound together by the bonds of friendship.On such a remarkable day, I wish you robust health, happiness, success in your high state activities, and everlasting peace and prosperity to the friendly people of Moldova," the letter reads. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269791.html World news Thu, 27 Aug 2026 12:02:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzRead moreThe Israeli youth movement Hamahanot Haolim, which describes itself as a pioneering socialist-Zionist organization, is exploring the establishment of a new kibbutz in the occupied West Bank, arguing that the area should be populated by left-wing Israelis rather than far-right settlers, Haaretz reported.Organization director Ilan Gazit acknowledged that Israeli settlements can cause harm to Palestinians but argued that since new settlements are likely to be established regardless, they should be populated by people from the Israeli left.“The Israeli left needs to be in the Jordan Valley; otherwise, other people will be there,” Gazit said.“We aren't ashamed of this and we aren't hiding it,” he added. “This is in line with our worldview: A strong security border is needed in the east that will be defensible and create a necessary condition for peace.”Gazit maintained that the movement remains committed to its left-wing ideology.“We are leftists who believe in equality between people and are guided by a humanistic, socialist, democratic worldview,” he said.Hamahanot Haolim has established 41 kibbutzim since its founding. However, its activities in Israeli settlements have previously drawn criticism from international socialist organizations.The movement was expelled from the International Falcon Movement – Socialist Educational International in 2012 after the organization said it had failed to end its activities in settlements in occupied Palestinian territory. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269790.html World news Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:45:00 +0400 Qabil AshirovRead moreSingapore and Kazakhstan will strengthen cooperation in digital trade and logistics along the Middle Corridor, according to the Singapore Ministry of Foreign Affairs.The ministry said a Memorandum of Understanding on digital trade integration was signed between the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (SCE) and Middle Corridor Multimodal Ltd. (MCM) during Singaporean Prime Minister Lawrence Wong’s official visit to Kazakhstan.“The document provides for the development of technical cooperation and joint initiatives in digital trade and logistics along the Middle Corridor. The goal is to strengthen connectivity and the resilience of supply chains along the route,” the ministry said.During his visit, Wong also met with Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov. The discussions focused on expanding cooperation in the economy, connectivity, artificial intelligence and digitalization, as well as strengthening ties between Southeast Asia and Central Asia, according to the statement.The Middle Corridor is a transportation and trade route connecting Asia and Europe through several countries in the region. It serves as an alternative to the traditional Northern and Southern corridors.The route begins in China and passes through Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, before crossing the Caspian Sea and continuing through Azerbaijan, Georgia and Türkiye to Europe.The Middle Corridor provides a land-based connection between eastern parts of Asia, including China, and Europe, offering an alternative to longer maritime routes. http://www.today.az/news/society/269789.html Society Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:36:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzRead moreThe number of children born in Azerbaijan has fallen by more than 70,000 over the past decade, with the country’s annual number of births dropping below 100,000 for the first time in the period under review.In 2015, 166,210 children were born in Azerbaijan. By 2025, the figure had declined to 95,875, representing a decrease of 70,335 births, or 42.3%, over 10 years.The decline is also reflected in the number of children aged zero. At the beginning of 2016, Azerbaijan had approximately 166,200 children aged under one year, compared with 95,100 at the beginning of 2026. This represents a 42.8% decline over the decade.Official statistics show that annual births remained in the range of roughly 160,000–176,000 during 2010–2015, before entering a sustained downward trend in subsequent years.The demographic shift could have significant long-term economic implications. A smaller number of newborns means slower growth in the potential customer base for sectors whose demand is closely linked to the number of children, including children’s clothing, baby food, personal care products, education and pediatric healthcare. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/269788.html Arts & Entertainment Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:24:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreThe main stage at Sea Breeze became a major attraction for electronic music fans. It hosted a large-scale concert by Haitian-American DJ and producer Francis Mercier, one of the prominent names in the global Afro House and melodic house scene.Known for his energetic sets and atmospheric performances, Francis Mercier has already captivated audiences at some of the world's leading music venues and festivals. These include Zamna Tulum, Burning Man and Coachella, as well as club scenes in New York, Paris, Dubai, Ibiza and Tulum. His performances regularly draw packed crowds. His signature blend of Afro House, melodic house and contemporary electronic rhythms turns each set into a captivating musical journey.The evening's musical programme began with performances by Aryme, Ciza and Nicolas Mun. Their sets established the mood for the evening. They gradually prepared the audience for the arrival of the headline artist. The performers' diverse styles and sounds came together in a dynamic programme filled with dance rhythms and the atmosphere of a major summer celebration.The highlight of the evening was Francis Mercier's performance. It transformed the final musical night of the season into a vibrant closing event. The evening concluded with a spectacular fireworks show, providing a symbolic finale to Sea Breeze's 2026 summer music programme.The concert was organised by Star Breeze with the partnership support of Dream Group International. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269787.html World news Thu, 27 Aug 2026 11:02:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzRead morePetro has accused Colombia’s government of misleading the public over the causes of the wildfires in Tolima, rejecting claims that left-wing militants were responsible. In a post on X, the former president instead pointed to what he described as foreign interests seeking access to land and natural resources in Colombia.Petro claimed that the fires form part of a wider geopolitical strategy involving Israel and foreign companies. Referring to billionaire Peter Thiel and his technology company Palantir, he alleged that the use of Colombian territory and its resources was linked to efforts aimed at expanding foreign influence.The former president also tied these claims to what he called the “Greater Israel Project,” alleging that Israel is seeking land and natural resources beyond its borders. These statements were presented by Petro as an explanation for developments surrounding the fires, although the allegations have not been independently established.Petro further alleged that Israel exercises extensive influence over the administration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella. He claimed that Israel’s military presence in Colombia was connected to intelligence activities and a broader search for territory and natural resources.According to Petro, local authorities were attempting to shift responsibility for the fires onto young people involved in firefighting efforts rather than addressing what he described as cooperation between the Colombian government and Israel. His accusations come amid an ongoing dispute over who is responsible for the destruction in Tolima.The wildfire crisis has affected several municipalities in Tolima, a central Colombian region, since August 11. San Luis, Guamo, Coyaima, Chaparral and Coello are among the areas reported to have suffered significant damage, with more than 25,000 hectares burned. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269786.html World news Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:45:00 +0400 Qabil AshirovRead moreEvents surrounding Armenia’s possible withdrawal from the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) should not be anticipated, as the position of the country’s leadership may differ from that of the Armenian people, CSTO Secretary General Taalatbek Masadykov said in an interview with TASS.Asked what decision could be expected regarding Armenia’s membership in the organization at the upcoming meeting of the CSTO Collective Security Council (CSC), scheduled to be held in Moscow in November, Masadykov said that the decision on whether Armenia should leave the organization or remain a member is made by the heads of CSTO member states.“As the Secretariat, we cannot make a decision on behalf of one side or the other, so there is still a lot ahead. Whether this issue will be seriously discussed at the next CSC meeting in Moscow this November is also a question. The heads of state themselves make such decisions. Let us not anticipate events,” the secretary general said.He added that the CSTO is aware of statements by Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan regarding the country’s possible withdrawal from the organization. http://www.today.az/news/sports/269785.html Sports Thu, 27 Aug 2026 10:00:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreAzerbaijan Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov met with Roko Sikiri?, President of the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV).The meeting discussed the development of volleyball in Azerbaijan, international competitions held in the country, and prospects for cooperation between the Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation and CEV.The sides exchanged views on these areas of cooperation.The Azerbaijan Volleyball Federation (AVF) is the governing body of volleyball and beach volleyball in Azerbaijan.The federation was founded in 1991, and became a member of the International Volleyball Federation (FIVB) and the European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) in 1992.The European Volleyball Confederation (CEV) was formed on 21 October 1963, in Bucharest, Romania.CEV is the continental governing body for the sports of indoor volleyball, beach volleyball and snow volleyball in Europe. Its headquarters is in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.As the presiding entity over European volleyball federations, the CEV organizes continental competitions such as the prestigious European Championship, the CEV Cup and the European League.It participates in the organization of qualification tournaments for major events such as the Olympic Games, men's and women's world championships and international competitions of its affiliated federations. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269784.html World news Thu, 27 Aug 2026 09:17:00 +0400 AzerNEWS StaffRead moreMeta has agreed to pay up to $17.1 billion and overhaul how Facebook and Instagram operate for young users, bringing a landmark US legal battle over social media addiction to an abrupt end and opening a new front in the fight over Big Tech’s influence on children.The settlement, announced Wednesday, resolves claims brought by a coalition representing 47 states, the District of Columbia and several US territories. The agreement cuts short a closely watched federal trial in California in which Meta had faced allegations that it deliberately designed its platforms to keep young users engaged while concealing the potential harms.California, Colorado, Kentucky and New Jersey were among the 29 states that initially sued Meta in 2023. The case had threatened to put the company’s youth-focused product strategy under intense courtroom scrutiny and potentially bring senior executives, including CEO Mark Zuckerberg, to the witness stand.Instead, the settlement shifts the battle from the courtroom to the platforms themselves.Under the agreement, Meta will impose a combined two-hour daily limit on Instagram and Facebook use for children, introduce mandatory pauses designed to interrupt extended scrolling, block access overnight and suspend push notifications during school hours. The company will also strengthen age verification, parental controls and safeguards against bullying, eating-disorder content and material involving suicide and self-harm.The settlement also targets some of the features critics say turn social media into a constant competition for attention. Meta will restrict visible “like” counts and certain beauty filters for young users, while an independent auditor will assess the implementation and effectiveness of the new measures.For state attorneys general, the agreement represents something larger than a financial penalty. They are presenting it as a blueprint for forcing technology companies to change the way they design products for children.“This is a landmark agreement that sets the standard for future cases,” Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr said, while calling on other major platforms to follow Meta’s lead.Meta, meanwhile, has denied wrongdoing and framed the settlement as an effort to establish common industry standards. The company has urged rivals including TikTok and YouTube to adopt comparable protections, arguing that youth safety measures will be more effective if they apply across competing platforms.The financial figure is enormous by ordinary corporate standards but relatively small for Meta. The company generated about $201 billion in revenue in 2025, meaning the $17.1 billion multistate settlement represents only a fraction of its annual business.The agreement could nevertheless prove more consequential than the cheque.The central issue is whether governments can force social media companies to redesign products whose commercial success depends heavily on keeping users engaged for as long as possible. By imposing time limits, nighttime restrictions, age-assurance requirements and limits on engagement features, the settlement reaches directly into the architecture of Meta’s platforms.That could make the case a potential turning point for the wider technology industry.The settlement also does not end Meta’s legal exposure over youth safety. Separate cases and regulatory battles remain, while the states’ push for similar restrictions on other platforms could turn the agreement into the beginning of a broader regulatory campaign rather than the end of one.For Meta, the immediate threat of a potentially damaging trial has disappeared. For Silicon Valley, the more important question may be what comes next: whether the rules negotiated with one of the world’s largest social media companies become the template for an entirely new set of expectations around children, algorithms and the economics of online attention. http://www.today.az/news/analytics/269783.html Analytics Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:30:00 +0400 Qabil AshirovRead moreThe recent financial figures released by the Central Bank of Azerbaijan for the first seven months of 2026 present a compelling narrative of resilience, expansion, and structural vitality within the domestic banking sector. Over this period, commercial banks generated ?1.307 billion ($0.76 billion) in operating profit, registering a robust 25.8% increase compared to the corresponding period in 2025. Net profit similarly expanded by 20.4%, climbing from ?682.8 million ($401.65 million) to ?858.7 million ($505.12 million). Behind these impressive indicators lies a broader story about the evolution of the national economy. Far from being a simple statistical highlight for financial executives, this surge in profitability offers a promising sign of macro-financial health, expanding fiscal capacity, and growing systemic stability across the country.At the core of this financial trajectory is the clear acceleration of economic activity across both consumer and corporate channels. A commercial bank does not thrive in isolation; its balance sheet mirrors the vitality of the marketplace it serves. The sharp rise in operating profits indicates that credit creation, digital payment velocity, trade financing, and general transaction volumes have expanded considerably over the past year. Businesses are borrowing to scale operations, consumers are actively participating in the formal credit economy, and the adoption of digital financial services continues to yield operational efficiencies for financial institutions. This expansion demonstrates that the non-oil segment of the national economy is maintaining a healthy rhythm, generating consistent transactional demand that fuels bank revenues.From a fiscal perspective, the ripple effects of this corporate performance extend directly into the public domain. During the January to July window of 2026, Azerbaijani banks contributed ?213.4 million ($125.53 million) in corporate income tax to the state budget, marking a nearly 29% increase over the ?165.7 million ($97.47 million) remitted during the same span in 2025. This ?47.7 million ($28.06 million) increment carries significant structural value. As Azerbaijan actively pursues long-term economic diversification, building reliable, high-yield non-oil tax streams is essential for long-term stability. The financial sector has cemented its status as one of the most reliable anchors of non-hydrocarbon budget revenues, helping fund critical infrastructure projects, public sector commitments, and social welfare programs without swelling national debt.Equally vital is what this profitability means for the structural resilience of the banking system itself. In an era marked by global macroeconomic shifts, volatile commodity markets, and complex monetary environments, financial solvency is non-negotiable. Net profits retained within the sector fortify capital adequacy ratios and expand regulatory capital buffers. A well-capitalized banking system is significantly more capable of absorbing unexpected shocks, managing non-performing loan risks, and maintaining lending continuity during downturns. For depositors, small business owners, and institutional investors, these record figures serve as a reassuring indicator that their assets reside within a stable, highly liquid financial infrastructure.Furthermore, a profitable, expanding financial domain enhances the nation’s international profile. Global rating agencies, foreign institutional investors, and international finance organizations routinely scrutinize financial sector performance when assessing sovereign creditworthiness. A banking sector that demonstrates consistent double-digit growth, robust earnings quality, and rising tax compliance signals a mature and well-regulated business environment. This positive perception reduces borrowing costs for domestic institutions seeking foreign capital and encourages direct investment into non-energy segments of the domestic economy.The broader institutional impact of these earnings also manifests in accelerated modernization. Higher profit margins empower banks to reinvest aggressively in technology, cybersecurity, data analytics, and digital service infrastructure. This ongoing transformation not only lowers transactional costs for consumers but also broadens financial inclusion by making modern banking tools accessible across regional centers beyond the capital. As banks scale their digital operations, they create high-skilled employment opportunities in information technology, risk management, and financial analysis, fostering a more sophisticated labor market.Ultimately, the performance of Azerbaijan's banking sector through the first seven months of 2026 reflects a healthy synergy between financial intermediation and economic expansion. By turning transactional growth into solid capital reserves and substantial fiscal contributions, commercial banks are doing more than just delivering returns for shareholders. They are consolidating financial stability, strengthening state resources, and positioning the national economy for sustained, resilient growth in the years ahead. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269782.html World news Thu, 27 Aug 2026 08:00:00 +0400 By Nedret ErsanelI place considerable emphasis on the geopolitics of the triangle because it is the most concrete indication that the theoretical framework concerning the region’s future and scope has moved beyond theory and been translated into practice.The Türkiye-Pakistan-Saudi Arabia alliance is a step that goes beyond the policies of its current and prospective members and opens a broader channel extending from West Asia and the Caspian to Central Asia and, ultimately, the wider world. We first demonstrated the extent of its reach by examining its implications for India (“Why Did the US Call India the Day After the Mecca Agreement?”, 19/08).Now let us take this a step further.There are now many views that one dimension of the US-China rivalry, which has been brought into the ring for the final reckoning over the emerging order, is this pact. If that is the case, then the question must be asked: “What does China have to say about this pact?”It would hardly be possible to argue that Beijing has failed to notice such a development. China has extensive regional interests in the Gulf and Iran, considers countries such as Afghanistan and India strategic priorities, attaches enormous importance to Pakistan, and has made massive economic and political investments through initiatives such as the Belt and Road Initiative. Even where energy resources are concerned, Beijing considers it vital not necessarily to own them, but to control who controls the routes and access to them. Of course, the Chinese have noticed. They have even taken a position.China’s perception of the Mecca Agreement may surprise you. Put in the simplest terms, they see it as a clear manifestation of the growing weakness of US power. And they support it.How can a pact supported by the West, described as a “good thing” by the US president himself, and one whose ultimate target is said to be China, while also extending into areas where Beijing has clear strategic interests, be viewed positively by China?First, let us understand this issue of “weakness” that the Chinese are talking about.The Iran war could serve as an example in itself, and a sufficient one at that, because, as we have repeatedly argued, the United States has been defeated and has become entangled in trying to figure out how to extricate itself from the situation. But we now have an example from the front line itself: North Korea and South Korea.US initiatives to reduce its military presence in South Korea, cut defense spending there, suspend joint military exercises, and demand $10 billion annually to cover the costs of its presence had such an impact in Seoul that South Korean officials hurriedly held talks with China. This does not, of course, mean that Seoul’s policies have undergone a dramatic transformation. But it is clear that Washington’s unexpected moves have caught South Korea off guard.The American steps did not stop there. Washington extended a kind of olive branch to North Korea. Trump announced that he wanted to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un sometime this year. The situation has reached a point where, and please pay attention to this, it has even been suggested that the United States could offer to withdraw from South Korea in exchange for North Korea ending the deployment of troops to the war in Ukraine.All of this created a second shock in South Korea, but the impact was felt even more strongly in countries such as Japan and India. Where this will ultimately lead and how it will unfold is a separate question, but these are by no means insignificant developments.These are the developments behind China’s definition of “weakness.” The weakening of US global hegemony is not new information. You have already read extensively here about its causes, including the most recent ones. The United States remains a military power and will remain one for some time — provided, of course, that its economy does not collapse in the meantime.However, this new geopolitical moment represents a unique period for middle-sized countries seeking to protect and advance their own particular interests. This, too, is an issue we have discussed extensively in earlier debates.Ankara has repeatedly explained that it views regional issues, including the Mecca Pact, precisely from this perspective. Türkiye has argued that if countries do not address the problems of their own regions themselves, outside powers will create even more serious problems. Therefore, it maintains that “regional ownership” must now become the guiding principle.China has interpreted the Mecca Pact in exactly this way and has consequently viewed it positively. From Beijing’s perspective, the global significance of the initiative is the transition from an order imposed by a single superpower to a multipolar system.The Mecca Pact is, of course, also a demonstration of power. From Ankara’s perspective, it represents an advanced stage of efforts to establish deeper relations with the Muslim and Arab worlds. It provides greater diversity and freedom of maneuver.At the same time, a legitimate debate will continue, and it deserves maximum attention: If the West, the United States, and Britain support this initiative, is its ultimate destination really safe? Is every stage of the process necessarily in Türkiye’s interests?But this time, we are approaching the issue from China’s perspective.The Global Times, a newspaper close to the Chinese Communist Party, wrote that the initiative would inevitably redraw the regional map. It argued that the pact would push Gulf countries away from dependence on a unipolar system and toward a balancing policy within a multipolar order. It also described the initiative as a rapid step toward transforming Türkiye from a peripheral member of NATO into a central security architect of the Muslim world.China, however, does not appear particularly receptive to the notion that the agreement constitutes a NATO-style security framework. Beijing does not believe that the countries involved would necessarily intervene directly in a future crisis.Ultimately, the Chinese also agree with the assessment made by regional countries and international analysts that although the possibility of alliances with the United States collapsing remains low, perhaps even premature to discuss, these countries have nevertheless been forced to confront the reality that they can no longer fully rely on Washington’s security guarantees.This parallels the processes now being experienced by countries such as South Korea, Japan, and India, and the argument that similar developments are taking place in the Middle East. Countries are spreading their risks and diversifying their sources of security.Time will tell how accurate these assessments prove to be and whether they are intended, at least in part, to conceal other strategic calculations or expectations. But what will happen to the United States amid its current predicament, with increasingly difficult dilemmas closing in around it?If America is unable to provide reliable security guarantees either here or to its partners in the Chinese sphere, and if its policies increasingly involve some form of withdrawal, how will it maintain the balance? http://www.today.az/news/business/269781.html Business Wed, 26 Aug 2026 15:45:00 +0400 Ulviyya PoladovaRead morebp as operator of the Azeri-Chirag-Deepwater Gunashli (ACG) field development project advises that the planned maintenance programme (turnaround - TAR) on the Central Azeri platform, which started on 19 August and was planned for 11 days, has now been fully completed ahead of schedule.All of the programme scope has been delivered safely. Production is currently being ramped up to its pre-programme level.The programme scope included various projects including critical integrity and maintenance works, flare system upgrades, reliability improvement initiatives, and anomaly elimination activities.The maintenance programme also involved activities supporting the delivery of the Central Azeri Gas Expansion (CAGE) project, designed to increase gas reinjection capacity on the platform to help maximize recovery from the existing wells.These planned events are a necessary part of the long-term reliability, integrity and production performance and are regularly performed in all bp-operated facilities in the region. http://www.today.az/news/business/269780.html Business Wed, 26 Aug 2026 15:38:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzRead moreAzerbaijan exported more than 69.1 thousand tons of copper ores and concentrates worth $151.9 million in January-July 2026, according to statistics on exports of non-oil products of Azerbaijani origin.According to the State Customs Committee, the value of copper ore and concentrate exports increased 9.5-fold, while the physical volume rose 6.8-fold compared with the same period of 2025.Copper ores and concentrates accounted for 6.79% of Azerbaijan's total non-oil exports in value terms during the reporting period.Overall, Azerbaijan exported more than $2.239 billion worth of non-oil products of Azerbaijani origin in the first seven months of 2026, marking a 20.3% increase compared with the corresponding period last year http://www.today.az/news/sports/269779.html Sports Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:54:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreAzerbaijani young badminton players won a number of medals at the Batumi Cup Youth International 2026 in Batumi, Georgia.Murad Garayev and Aida Gurbanova won gold in the U11 mixed doubles. Garayev and Turkish player Dogan Ayan also took gold in the U11 boys' doubles.Other Azerbaijani gold medalists included Ismayil Garayev and Zulfugar Karimov in the U13 boys' doubles, Omar Mehdi in the U15 boys' singles, and Yusif Kamalov and Omar Mehdi in the U15 boys' doubles.Murad Garayev and Yusif Kamalov won silver in the U11 and U15 boys' singles events, respectively, while Banu Ibrahimli took silver in the U15 girls' singles. Omar Mehdi and Ayla Zeynalova also finished second in the U15 mixed doubles.Azerbaijani players also won bronze medals in several events. Aida Gurbanova and Turkish player Melis Demir took bronze in the U11 girls' doubles.In the U13 events, Ismayil Garayev and Zulfugar Karimov won bronze in the boys' singles, while Deniz Ahmadli and Lala Ismayilova took bronze in the girls' singles. Karimov and Ahmadli, as well as Garayev and Ismayilova, won bronze in the mixed doubles. Ahmadli and Ismayilova also claimed bronze in the U13 girls' doubles.Azerbaijani badminton has developed steadily in recent years, with national team players competing successfully at European and international tournaments.The country has also placed greater focus on youth development, with young badminton players taking part in international competitions and gaining experience at different age levels.The Azerbaijan Badminton Federation has played an important role in supporting the development of the sport and promoting its growth at both youth and senior levels.Founded in 1962, the federation has become one of the most active members of the world badminton family with international tournaments, development programs and strategic partnerships.In 2023, Baku hosted the Congress of the Badminton Europe Confederation for the first time.The large-scale event covered the issues on the agenda of badminton competitions during the preparation period for the 2024 Summer Olympic Games in Paris.The motto of the Congress was Inclusive Badminton, celebrating the accessibility of badminton for all.The Azerbaijan Junior Open 2026 international badminton tournament in Baku brought together promising young badminton players from several countries, providing them with an opportunity to gain international experience and compete in a strong field.The tournament will also mark an important step in the development of junior badminton in Azerbaijan.The tournament featured athletes from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, the United States, Iran, India, Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, the United Arab Emirates, and Georgia. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269778.html World news Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:43:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzRead moreArmenia’s Investigative Committee is facing criticism after charges were brought against a police officer who allegedly suffered torture at the hands of investigators from the same body while in detention.Police officer Sargis Bagratunyan was arrested along with two relatives following a fight outside the Yerevan City Investigative Department. According to the Investigative Committee, Bagratunyan and a group of around 20 people attacked two investigators while under the influence of alcohol.However, Bagratunyan’s lawyer has alleged that his client was subjected to severe physical violence inside the Investigative Committee building, reportedly under the supervision of the head of the department.The lawyer said Bagratunyan sustained extensive bruising and that his police uniform was torn during the alleged incident.The allegations have prompted criticism in Armenian media and among human rights advocates, who have raised concerns over a potential conflict of interest in the investigation. In particular, they argue that the Investigative Committee’s role as a prosecuting and investigative body could undermine the credibility and independence of proceedings when members of the same institution are accused of torture. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/269777.html Arts & Entertainment Wed, 26 Aug 2026 14:15:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreLachin has a character all its own, a place where dramatic mountain scenery, centuries-old heritage and a renewed cultural life come together.Forests cover the slopes, rivers wind through narrow valleys, mineral springs emerge from the mountains, and historic monuments preserve traces of the region's long and varied past. At the same time, new cultural venues, tourism facilities, roads and public spaces are giving the city a new chapter in its history. Few destinations in Azerbaijan bring together such a remarkable combination of mountain landscapes, historical heritage and cultural activity.Lachin is a mountain city in southwestern Azerbaijan and the administrative centre of Lachin District, which was established in 1930. The city was known as Abdallar until 1923. Its mountainous geography has played an important role in shaping both its history and way of life. Lachin is steadily developing as a destination for cultural tourism, mountain recreation and international cultural events.August 26 has a particular place in the city's modern history. Lachin, together with the villages of Zabukh and Sus, came under Azerbaijani control on August 26, 2022, and the date is now marked as Lachin City Day. Since then, extensive reconstruction has transformed the city, while the return of former internally displaced residents has brought community life back to the region.Nature is one of Lachin's greatest attractions. The district is known for extensive forests, protected areas, rich flora and fauna, mineral springs and the rare red ironwood tree. The Hakari and Zabukh rivers meet near Zabukh, creating an especially scenic setting for visitors. The surrounding landscape offers opportunities for hiking, trekking, walking and camping, while the villages provide different ways to experience the mountain environment.The cultural heritage of Lachin is equally varied. The district is home to ancient religious monuments, medieval cemeteries, burial mounds, caves and distinctive stone monuments. Among the best-known sites are the Aghoghlan monument, Damrovlu Pir Temple, Kar Kunbez Mausoleum and Ushag Castle. Medieval ram- and horse-shaped stones are another distinctive feature of the local historical landscape. The district also contains numerous other religious and archaeological sites that reflect different periods of settlement and cultural development.Aghoghlan is particularly important within the region's architectural heritage. Located beside the Aghoghlan River, the ancient monastery is regarded as one of the notable examples of Caucasian Albanian architecture in Azerbaijan. Built of basalt stone, it is distinguished by its stone columns, narrow windows and vaulted interior.Lachin's heritage is not confined to stone monuments. Traditional crafts are another important part of its cultural identity. The Gasimushaghi carpet is closely associated with the district and belongs to the wider Karabakh carpet-weaving tradition. Azerbaijan's carpet weaving was inscribed on UNESCO's Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in 2010, recognising the importance of the craft and the knowledge passed from one generation to another.The villages surrounding Lachin add another dimension to the cultural landscape. Zabukh, situated at the confluence of the Hakari and Zabukh rivers, is suited to hiking and offers visitors the possibility of experiencing village life. During the summer, local residents can offer their homes as guest accommodation. Husulu combines mountain scenery with trekking and camping opportunities and is known for the Hamza Sultan Palace.Mirik is particularly interesting for travellers interested in geology and natural formations. The village has caves such as Garanlig Kaha, or Dark Cave, and Baygara, as well as waterfalls, volcanic rock formations and unusual cone-shaped rocks and stone columns. The Aghbulag, Peri Bulag and Chichek Bulag springs add to the area's natural appeal and give it potential for wellness tourism.Sus offers another mountain landscape, with green valleys and volcanic formations, while Beylik combines a quiet rural setting with opportunities for walking, hiking and camping. These villages make Lachin more than a city destination. Together, they form a broader travel experience in which nature, heritage and local life are closely connected.Lachin's cultural profile received international attention in 2025, when the city was designated the CIS Cultural Capital. The designation gave Lachin a year-long programme of cultural activities involving Azerbaijan and other CIS countries. The programme included exhibitions, performances, cultural meetings and culinary presentations.One of the events held as part of the programme brought together confectioners from several CIS countries. Alongside traditional sweets, Azerbaijani national confectionery was presented together with the country's tea culture. Such events gave Lachin a chance to present local traditions while placing them within a wider regional cultural setting.Lachin City Day has also become an important public occasion. Cultural programmes and celebrations held around the Hakari River have brought residents and visitors together in one of the city's most attractive natural settings. Such events are gradually giving the reconstructed city its own contemporary rhythm.The region's tourism infrastructure has developed at the same time. Lachin International Airport, inaugurated on May 28, 2025, is the third international airport built in Azerbaijan's liberated territories. Built in difficult mountainous terrain, the airport provides a new gateway to Lachin and the surrounding districts and is expected to support tourism, business and wider economic activity.Another important addition is the Lachin Recreation Complex in Zerti village. Opened in May 2025, the complex covers 11.2 hectares and has a built-up area of 42,000 square metres. It includes a 120-room hotel, eight cottages and accommodation for up to 324 guests. The complex also has a 500-seat event hall, a 340-seat banquet hall and a 100-seat conference room, making it suitable for cultural gatherings, conferences and other events as well as leisure travel.Its recreational facilities include hiking and cycling routes, football and basketball pitches, bowling, billiards, karaoke, virtual-reality entertainment and a children's centre. Restaurants and cafés offer Azerbaijani and international cuisine. The complex also has a local employment dimension, with many of its employees coming from Lachin, Kalbajar and other liberated territories.Food offers another way to understand Lachin and the wider Eastern Zangazur region. Mountain cuisine makes extensive use of local herbs, dairy products, meat and seasonal ingredients. Dishes such as chashyr govurmasi, prepared with wild herbs, onions, butter and eggs, and chepish buglamasi, a slow-cooked goat dish, reflect the ingredients and traditions of mountain communities.For visitors, regional food can be as revealing as a historic monument. It tells the story of what grows in the mountains, what local families have traditionally prepared and how food has been shaped by the landscape.The city is also gaining new spaces dedicated to history and remembrance. The Occupation and Victory Museum Complex is planned on a 3.5-hectare site and includes museum buildings and a Memorial Park. The project envisages displaying surviving elements of destroyed historical and cultural monuments in an open-air setting, creating a place where the region's recent history can be presented alongside its broader cultural heritage.For travellers, Lachin can therefore be approached in several ways. It can be a destination for mountain walks and camping, a journey through Azerbaijan's architectural and archaeological heritage, an opportunity to discover traditional cuisine and crafts, or part of a wider journey through Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur.Travel access has also become easier for international visitors. Since July 23, 2025, foreign citizens have been permitted to visit Lachin and other liberated territories either by private vehicle or as part of organised groups, provided they obtain the necessary permission.What makes Lachin particularly compelling is the way its different layers exist side by side. Ancient monuments rise from a landscape of forests and mountains. Village traditions continue alongside new tourism facilities. Regional cuisine is finding a place in modern hospitality, while festivals are giving the city an increasingly active cultural calendar.Lachin is therefore becoming more than a reconstructed city. Its mountains, rivers, monuments, villages, crafts, cuisine and cultural events are forming the foundations of a distinctive tourism identity. Its appeal lies not in a single landmark, but in the experience created by all these elements together: a mountain landscape with a deep past, a strong cultural character and a city entering a new period of life. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269776.html World news Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:55:00 +0400 Ulviyya PoladovaRead moreA fire broke out at a Wildberries logistics center in the city of Kotovsk, Russia’s Tambov Region, after a drone crashed into the facility.Tambov Region Governor Yevgeny Pervyshov said the fire spread across an area of more than 100,000 square meters. One company employee was injured in the incident.Kotovsk Mayor Alexey Plakhotnikov urged residents to remain indoors and keep their windows closed due to the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning and exposure to burning materials. Residents were also advised to avoid unnecessary movement around the city for the next two days and to use delivery services instead.Meanwhile, in the Lipetsk Region, two people, including a 14-year-old teenager, were killed after a drone crashed into a private residential house.A fire broke out at the house following the drone crash.Amid the continuing attacks, Kazakhstan's Minister of Trade, Arman Shakkaliyev, announced that Wildberries plans to build logistics warehouses in Kazakhstan. However, on August 5, the e-commerce company said it has no plans to relocate its main logistics hubs outside Russia, while confirming it will continue expanding its network by constructing new facilities abroad. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269775.html World news Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:40:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzRead moreThe first deployment of a CC8800-1 Boom Booster configuration in the UAE helps to extend the working life of an offshore asset, maximizing its value.Mammoet has successfully completed a series of heavy lifting operations as part of the Rig BW Maromba B WHP conversion project at Drydocks World Dubai.The project involves the conversion of the former VALARIS 247, a heavy-duty jack-up drilling rig being repurposed into a wellhead platform for deployment at the Maromba field offshore Brazil.Commissioned by Drydocks World, Mammoet provided engineering, equipment and specialist personnel to lift and install nine rig leg extension sections. The scope involved three legs, each consisting of three triangular sections weighing approximately 105 t and measuring 10.2m in height and 16.2m in width.A key milestone for the project was the first deployment of this CC 8800-1 Boom booster crane configuration in the United Arab Emirates. Configured with a 120-metre main boom and a 96-metre luffing jib, the crane delivered the hook height and lifting performance required to safely install the leg extension sections.The Boom Booster, fitted to the crane's main boom, extended its lifting capability, allowing heavy components to be lifted to greater heights and at longer working radii without the need for a larger crane.A comprehensive engineering package, including lifting studies, ground bearing pressure calculations and detailed execution procedures, ensured every lift could be planned and executed safely within the operational constraints of the shipyard environment.The project increased the height of all three rig legs from 175m to 205m, enabling the converted platform to operate at its future offshore location. The lifting works were completed ahead of schedule.“The BW Maromba B WHP conversion project is an important project for Drydocks World, bringing together our engineering, fabrication and project delivery teams to prepare the platform for its next operational life,” said Ajith Puthenveettil Ramachandrakurup, Senior Project Manager at Drydocks World.“The successful completion of the rig leg extension works is a significant milestone in that journey. We appreciate Mammoet's contribution in providing the specialist heavy lifting expertise required to safely execute this phase of the project.""Repurposing offshore assets is becoming an increasingly important way for operators to extend the life of existing infrastructure, maximize the value of previous investments and reduce the need for new construction," said Samar Iqbal, Project Manager at Mammoet."We're proud to support Drydocks World on the Rig BW Maromba B WHP conversion project, applying our engineering expertise and heavy lifting capabilities to help prepare the platform for its next phase of operation”.Once the conversion program is complete, the BW Maromba B wellhead platform is expected to be deployed at the Maromba field offshore Brazil, supporting the next phase of the development. http://www.today.az/news/regions/269774.html World news Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:34:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzRead moreIsraeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has claimed that Iran attempted to assassinate one of his sons, although he did not provide details about when or where the alleged plot was organized or which son was targeted.Netanyahu made the claim on Monday during a telephone interview with Channel 14, a conservative Israeli television outlet known for its supportive coverage of his government.“This is an incredible event. Iran targeted one of my sons. Iran tried to kill him, it tried to kill one of my sons,” Netanyahu said.The claim comes as Netanyahu's coalition faces declining support in opinion polls ahead of Israel's general election scheduled for October, following the recent US-Israeli war with Iran.The war began with a joint US-Israeli strike on Tehran that killed Iran's Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and four members of his family, including his daughter Bosra and 14-month-old granddaughter Zahra.The right-wing US publication Newsmax, citing an unnamed US law-enforcement source, reported that Netanyahu's 35-year-old son Yair Netanyahu was the alleged target of an Iranian assassination plot while he was in Florida.Netanyahu has two sons and a daughter. According to The Jerusalem Post, both of his sons and his wife were placed under enhanced personal protection by Israeli authorities in July.No independent evidence of the alleged assassination plot has been publicly presented. http://www.today.az/news/business/269773.html Business Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:23:00 +0400 Akbar NovruzRead moreInternational rating agency S&P Global Ratings has upgraded the long-term credit rating of the Azerbaijan Business Development Fund (ABDF) from “BB-” to “BB”, while affirming its short-term rating at “B”.The outlook on the long-term rating is stable.According to S&P Global Ratings, the upgrade reflects an improvement in ABDF’s risk profile following the write-off of a significant portion of problem loans inherited from the former Entrepreneurship Development Fund (EDF).ABDF was established on January 1, 2025, through the legal merger of the EDF and the Azerbaijan Investment Company (AIC), both of which are subordinate to Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Economy. The two institutions are currently undergoing operational integration.As of mid-2025, EDF had assets of 1.05 billion manats (approximately $615 million), while AIC's assets amounted to 374 million manats (approximately $220 million).S&P noted that at the end of 2024, EDF wrote off 192 million manats (approximately $113 million) in Stage 3 loans issued to financial institutions whose licenses had been revoked between 2016 and 2020. The loans had already been fully provisioned.Following the write-off, EDF's Stage 3 loans declined to 9.7 million manats (approximately $5.7 million) by mid-2025, equivalent to 1.4% of its total loan portfolio, compared with 24% at the end of 2023.The agency said this ratio is significantly below its current estimate of 5-6% for the Azerbaijani banking sector.S&P nevertheless highlighted differences in the risk profiles of the two institutions that formed ABDF. While EDF primarily provides financing to local banks for subsequent lending to small and medium-sized businesses, AIC invests directly by acquiring stakes in Azerbaijani companies. The latter activity carries a comparatively higher level of risk, according to the agency.Despite this, S&P expects ABDF's capitalization to remain at a very high level, which supports the upgraded rating.The stable outlook reflects S&P's expectation that the operational integration of EDF and AIC will progress over the next 12 months, while ABDF will maintain strong capitalization and a conservative risk appetite.S&P also expects ABDF to publish its consolidated audited financial statements for 2025 in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) in June 2026.The agency warned that difficulties in the integration process, an increase in ABDF's risk appetite or the accumulation of significant debt obligations could put downward pressure on the rating.At the same time, S&P considers an upgrade over the next 12 months unlikely. In the longer term, however, further improvement could depend on ABDF demonstrating a stable and significant role in implementing government policy, as well as an upgrade of Azerbaijan's sovereign credit rating. http://www.today.az/news/entertainment/269772.html Arts & Entertainment Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:05:00 +0400 Laman IsmayilovaRead moreThe opening ceremony of the fifth SALAM International Youth Film Festival was held at the Nizami Cinema Center.The festival is organized by Narimanfilm Studio with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Azerbaijan Cinema Agency (ARKA).PASHA Holding is the festival's general sponsor, while the Nine Senses Art Center is the special partner of the cultural and educational programme. The festival is taking place at the Nizami Cinema Center from August 24 to 27, bringing together young participants, film industry professionals and international guests. The festival promotes the idea that cinema can help people understand one another, overcome cultural and social barriers and discover new talent, a Trend correspondent reports.Guests and delegations from Indonesia, Turkiye, Moldova and Poland also attended the opening ceremony. Their participation highlighted the festival's role in promoting cultural exchange, professional cooperation and new connections in the film industry.Speaking at the opening, festival General Manager Tamara Mammadova said SALAM is more than a series of film screenings. She described it as a space where children and teenagers can express their ideas, discover world cinema, meet film professionals, develop their creativity and create their own stories.Mammadova also stressed that young participants are active members of the festival. They watch and discuss films, meet filmmakers, take part in masterclasses and gain practical experience in filmmaking.ARKA Director General Rashad Azizov spoke about the importance of festivals focused on children and teenagers. He said such events help introduce young people to the film industry and may encourage them to pursue careers as directors, screenwriters or actors.Children from the Tut ?limd?n Children's Social Rehabilitation Center also participated in the festival. They attended film screenings, discussions, masterclasses and creative meetings and interacted with other participants. Their participation reflects SALAM's aim to make cultural and educational opportunities available to every child.The opening film was "Tegar" by Indonesian director Anggi Frisca. The film tells the story of a 10-year-old boy with a disability who dreams of going to school, making friends and living independently. It explores themes of dignity, acceptance, inner strength and the right of every child to participate fully in society.After the screening, Frisca met with the young audience and answered questions about the film, its characters and the filmmaking process. The meeting ended with an autograph session.The first day also marked the start of SINEMARAFON, a practical filmmaking programme in which participants develop their own short films from the initial idea and script through filming and editing to the final presentation.This year's SINEMARAFON theme is "A Stranger Among Your Own, One of Your Own Among Strangers". The theme encourages young participants to explore belonging, loneliness, acceptance, the relationship between individuals and society, and the importance of staying true to oneself.The first festival day ended with a screening of "The Crown Prince" by Swedish director Tord Danielsson.The SALAM programme continues on August 25 with competition screenings, educational and creative meetings. The SINEMARAFON teams will also begin work on their film projects.SALAM aims to support young talent, broaden cultural horizons and provide opportunities for children and teenagers to learn more about cinema. The festival also promotes cinema as a way to encourage education, dialogue and creative development.The festival is supported by the Ministry of Culture, ARKA, international guests, film professionals and its partners.Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az. http://www.today.az/news/society/269771.html Society Wed, 26 Aug 2026 13:00:00 +0400 AzerNEWS StaffRead moreIgor Babushkin, Governor of the Astrakhan Region of the Russian Federation, congratulated Azerbaijan's First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva on the occasion of her birthday.According to AzerNEWS, the letter reads:Dear Mehriban Arifovna,Please accept my deepest respect and sincere congratulations on the occasion of your birthday.I wish you robust health, prosperity, inexhaustible energy, happiness, and continued success in your multifaceted activities.I express my sincere gratitude to you for your support in strengthening cooperation between the Astrakhan Region and the Republic of Azerbaijan.I am confident that bilateral interaction will continue to develop successfully, creating opportunities for the implementation of new joint initiatives and projects.Respectfully,Igor BabushkinGovernor of the Astrakhan Region of the Russian Federation