Azerbaijan/u2019s key tourism hotspots. <\/p>\n<p>Trains began operating on 12 January 2026. The launch is part of Azerbaijan\u2019s efforts to promote sustainable transport and regional tourism. Before the <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2026//01//02//experience-the-best-of-europe-in-2026-with-these-new-vintage-luxury-train-journeys/">train service<\/strong><\/a> was launched, passengers mainly relied on buses and cars.<\/p>\n<h2>What travellers need to know about Azerbaijan\u2019s new train route<\/h2>\n<p>ADY told Euronews Travel that Stadler trains \u2013 a well-known Swiss manufacturer \u2013 will operate the new route, covering approximately 139 km, with a travel time of about 1 hour 50 minutes each way.<\/p>\n<p>This will make the journey easier for both locals and tourists alike.<\/p>\n<p>The train is split into four classes: Standard, Standard+, Business, and First Class with a basic fare of 4.80 manats (\u20ac2.45).<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2026//01//17//where-to-go-in-europe-in-2026-according-to-10-major-travel-publications/">Where to go in Europe in 2026, according to 10 major travel publications<\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2026//01//16//dolomite-landowners-ask-tourists-to-pay-fee-on-scenic-route-after-8000-visitors-arrive-in-/">Winter Olympics will increase pressure on overtouristed Dolomites, local residents warn<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Passengers are able to board or disembark at Goran, Yevlakh, Laki, and Aghdash stations. The service also offers accessibility between <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//12//30//exploring-bakus-contrasts-from-ancient-streets-to-modern-city-life/">Baku and Gabala via a transfer at Laki station, enabling daily travel in both directions.<\/p>\n<p>For those travelling from the capital, a Baku to Gazakh train will take them to Laki station at 10:50am local time and from there they can continue their journey to Gabala at 11:12am on the new service.<\/p>\n<p>For their return trip, passengers will be able to catch the Gabala to Laki service on the new Gabala\u2013Ganja train, arriving at 18:45, and then board the Gazakh\u2013Baku train at 19:02.<\/p>\n<h2>Why you should visit Gabala and Ganja<\/h2>\n<p>Gabala is known for its <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2025//12//26//europes-best-underrated-ski-spots-for-2026-offer-all-the-thrill-without-the-sky-high-bills/">ski resorts<\/strong><\/a>, nature tourism and international culture events, including the Gabala International Music Festival, known to attract artists and visitors from around the world.<\/p>\n<p>It is also surrounded by forests, lakes, and waterfalls, offering skiing, cable cars, and mountain activities year-round, open to all its visitors.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, Azerbaijan\u2019s second-largest city Ganja, is famous for being the birthplace of poet Nizami Ganjavi. His legacy is preserved in museums, monuments, and <a href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//travel//2026//01//06//museum-openings-and-food-festivals-whats-new-in-europe-thats-worth-travelling-for-in-2026/">cultural sites<\/strong><\/a> around the city, and in particular, at the Nizami Mausoleum.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1768826503,"updatedAt":1768921395,"publishedAt":1768888925,"firstPublishedAt":1768888925,"lastPublishedAt":1768921394,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Azerbaijan Railways CJSC","altText":"Azerbaijan launches new Ganja-Gabala train route.","callToActionText":null,"width":1600,"caption":"Azerbaijan launches new Ganja-Gabala train route.","url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/61\/81\/13\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_4aa7a63c-a635-54de-ab0d-51dd56241ea8-9618113.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":704}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"urlSafeValue":"esmira.aliyeva@ext.euronews.com","twitter":null,"id":3567,"title":"Esmira Aliyeva"},{"urlSafeValue":"symons","twitter":null,"id":2562,"title":"Angela Symons"}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"middle-east","titleRaw":"Middle East","id":11950,"title":"Middle East","slug":"middle-east"},{"urlSafeValue":"trains","titleRaw":"Trains","id":13162,"title":"Trains","slug":"trains"},{"urlSafeValue":"rail-transport","titleRaw":"Rail transport","id":11021,"title":"Rail transport","slug":"rail-transport"},{"urlSafeValue":"sustainable-tourism","titleRaw":"Sustainable tourism","id":13868,"title":"Sustainable tourism","slug":"sustainable-tourism"},{"urlSafeValue":"skiing","titleRaw":"Skiing","id":9135,"title":"Skiing","slug":"skiing"},{"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan","id":15,"title":"Azerbaijan","slug":"azerbaijan"}],"widgets":[{"count":1,"slug":"related"}],"related":[{"id":2863404}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"travel-news","urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-news\/travel-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"travel","id":7,"title":"Travel","slug":"travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"travel-news","id":"travel-news","title":"Travel News","url":"\/travel\/travel-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":21,"urlSafeValue":"travel-news","title":"Travel News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":15,"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","url":"\/news\/asia\/azerbaijan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/travel\/2026\/01\/20\/azerbaijan-launches-new-train-connecting-historic-ganja-with-the-ski-resort-town-of-gabala","lastModified":1768921394},{"id":2860644,"cid":9606358,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"A2 - S02E16 - AZ - BAKU WORLD CAPITAL OF SPORT 2026 - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3822141,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Baku prepares for 2026 as World Sports Capital with packed international events calendar","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"World Sports Capital for 2026: Baku takes centre stage","titleListing2":"Baku prepares for 2026 as World Sports Capital with packed international events calendar","leadin":"Baku is preparing for its role as World Sports Capital 2026, hosting major international events, expanding sports facilities and increasing participation across elite sport, youth programmes and social inclusion initiatives.","summary":"Baku is preparing for its role as World Sports Capital 2026, hosting major international events, expanding sports facilities and increasing participation across elite sport, youth programmes and social inclusion initiatives.","keySentence":"","url":"baku-prepares-for-2026-as-world-sports-capital-with-packed-international-events-calendar","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2026\/01\/15\/baku-prepares-for-2026-as-world-sports-capital-with-packed-international-events-calendar","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Baku is strengthening its position on the global sporting stage as it prepares for its role as World Sports Capital in 2026. With more than 200 sports facilities built across the country, the capital continues to host major international competitions and multi-sport events. The calendar includes global forums, world championships and flagship events such as Formula 1.\n\nAuthorities say participation is growing, with women now accounting for around 40% of athletes at major competitions. Alongside elite sport, Azerbaijan is expanding youth engagement, social inclusion and volunteer programmes, reinforcing Baku\u2019s reputation as a trusted international sporting partner.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Baku is strengthening its position on the global sporting stage as it prepares for its role as World Sports Capital in 2026. With more than 200 sports facilities built across the country, the capital continues to host major international competitions and multi-sport events. The calendar includes global forums, world championships and flagship events such as Formula 1.<\/p>\n<p>Authorities say participation is growing, with women now accounting for around 40% of athletes at major competitions. Alongside elite sport, Azerbaijan is expanding youth engagement, social inclusion and volunteer programmes, reinforcing Baku\u2019s reputation as a trusted international sporting partner.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1767879895,"updatedAt":1768489293,"publishedAt":1768485625,"firstPublishedAt":1768485625,"lastPublishedAt":1768489292,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","altText":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"caption":null,"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/60\/63\/69\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_00f58375-271b-5342-a390-4f071cf7e862-9606369.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"sport","titleRaw":"Sport","id":7829,"title":"Sport","slug":"sport"},{"urlSafeValue":"competition","titleRaw":"Competition","id":13718,"title":"Competition","slug":"competition"},{"urlSafeValue":"formula-1","titleRaw":"Formula 1","id":7991,"title":"Formula 1","slug":"formula-1"},{"urlSafeValue":"youth","titleRaw":"Youth","id":11678,"title":"Youth","slug":"youth"},{"urlSafeValue":"baku","titleRaw":"Baku","id":4329,"title":"Baku","slug":"baku"},{"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan","id":15,"title":"Azerbaijan","slug":"azerbaijan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024.azerbaijan"},{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.azpromo25"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"ghY0cdWxO_o","dailymotionId":"x9xtb6y"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":180000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":26710934,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/33\/45\/70\/06\/ED_PYR_3345706_20260115104141.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":180000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":40049602,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/33\/45\/70\/06\/SHD_PYR_3345706_20260115104141.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"},{"duration":180000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":139359606,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/33\/45\/70\/06\/FHD_PYR_3345706_20260115104141.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"1080p"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"az-diary-culture","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan-diary-culture","title":"Azerbaijan Diary","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-series\/azerbaijan-diary-culture"},"season":"AZ DIARY CULTURE_S02","episode":"S02E16 - 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From intelligent traffic control to expanded surveillance, security measures operate around the clock.\u00a0\n\nOfficials also stress the importance of communication with citizens and organisations in maintaining public order. Visitors and residents alike describe a strong sense of safety and openness, reinforcing Baku\u2019s image as a secure and welcoming capital.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Baku is setting new benchmarks in urban safety, with authorities pointing to low crime rates, high detection levels and growing use of modern technology. From intelligent traffic control to expanded surveillance, security measures operate around the clock. <\/p>\n<p>Officials also stress the importance of communication with citizens and organisations in maintaining public order. Visitors and residents alike describe a strong sense of safety and openness, reinforcing Baku\u2019s image as a secure and welcoming capital.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1765553426,"updatedAt":1767191980,"publishedAt":1767189649,"firstPublishedAt":1767189649,"lastPublishedAt":1767191979,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","altText":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"caption":null,"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/13\/12\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_eb9e2b3c-c409-5b3f-8f3d-6a8f3729cd88-9581312.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"security","titleRaw":"Security","id":244,"title":"Security","slug":"security"},{"urlSafeValue":"urban-planning","titleRaw":"urban planning","id":12512,"title":"urban planning","slug":"urban-planning"},{"urlSafeValue":"baku","titleRaw":"Baku","id":4329,"title":"Baku","slug":"baku"},{"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan","id":15,"title":"Azerbaijan","slug":"azerbaijan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024.azerbaijan"},{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.azpromo25"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"G4fgT3zEVw8","dailymotionId":"x9wsmrm"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":180000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":27059268,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/31\/54\/01\/01\/ED_PYR_3154011_20251231115318.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":180000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":40778706,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/31\/54\/01\/01\/SHD_PYR_3154011_20251231115318.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"},{"duration":180000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":139610466,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/31\/54\/01\/01\/FHD_PYR_3154011_20251231115318.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"1080p"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"az-diary-next","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan-diary-next","title":"Azerbaijan Diary","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/next-series\/azerbaijan-diary-next"},"season":"AZ DIARY NEXT_S02","episode":"S02E15 - 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From the cobbled streets of the Old City and landmarks such as the Maiden Tower, visitors move beyond the capital to Balakhani, a village reborn through restoration, public art and creative spaces rooted in its oil heritage.\u00a0\n\nBack in the city, Baku\u2019s multicultural character comes into focus through mosques, synagogues and churches standing close together. Green spaces and modern design complete a portrait of a city where tradition, renewal and diversity continue to shape everyday life.\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Baku is a city of contrasts, where ancient history and contemporary life exist side by side. From the cobbled streets of the Old City and landmarks such as the Maiden Tower, visitors move beyond the capital to Balakhani, a village reborn through restoration, public art and creative spaces rooted in its oil heritage. <\/p>\n<p>Back in the city, Baku\u2019s multicultural character comes into focus through mosques, synagogues and churches standing close together. Green spaces and modern design complete a portrait of a city where tradition, renewal and diversity continue to shape everyday life. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764687810,"updatedAt":1767098192,"publishedAt":1767097842,"firstPublishedAt":1767115842,"lastPublishedAt":1767098190,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","altText":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"caption":null,"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/91\/43\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_eb05c538-57fa-5bf2-9cf9-288d26f3d694-9569143.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"travel","titleRaw":"Travel","id":12639,"title":"Travel","slug":"travel"},{"urlSafeValue":"tourism","titleRaw":"Tourism","id":4221,"title":"Tourism","slug":"tourism"},{"urlSafeValue":"architecture","titleRaw":"Architecture","id":4144,"title":"Architecture","slug":"architecture"},{"urlSafeValue":"history","titleRaw":"History","id":4229,"title":"History","slug":"history"},{"urlSafeValue":"baku","titleRaw":"Baku","id":4329,"title":"Baku","slug":"baku"},{"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan","id":15,"title":"Azerbaijan","slug":"azerbaijan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijantourism2024"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijantourism2025"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024.discover"},{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"ftCMdHoWVcg","dailymotionId":"x9wpw9w"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":300000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":42685889,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/70\/10\/08\/ED_PYR_3070108_20251230122358.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":300000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":65619994,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/70\/10\/08\/SHD_PYR_3070108_20251230122358.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"},{"duration":300000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":230215124,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/70\/10\/08\/FHD_PYR_3070108_20251230122358.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"1080p"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"around-azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"around-azerbaijan","title":"Around Azerbaijan","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-series\/around-azerbaijan"},"season":"AROUND AZERBAIJAN_S01","episode":"S01E06 - 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S01E02 - AZ WHITE CITY - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3561195,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Baku White City shows how people-centred planning is reshaping urban life","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Exploring Baku White City and the ideas shaping a city of the future","titleListing2":"Baku White City shows how people-centred planning is reshaping urban life","leadin":"Baku White City shows how people-centred planning, sustainability and walkable design are transforming a former industrial zone into a modern district built for everyday urban living.","summary":"Baku White City shows how people-centred planning, sustainability and walkable design are transforming a former industrial zone into a modern district built for everyday urban living.","keySentence":"","url":"baku-white-city-shows-how-people-centred-planning-is-reshaping-urban-life","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/29\/baku-white-city-shows-how-people-centred-planning-is-reshaping-urban-life","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Baku White City stands as a major example of urban transformation, reshaping a once heavily polluted industrial area into a walkable, sustainable and people-focused district. Designed around the idea of comfortable living, the development combines residential, commercial and cultural spaces within easy reach, reducing reliance on cars.\n\nSustainable architecture, green spaces and public art shape everyday life, while local businesses and entrepreneurs help create a strong community identity. Residents say the district\u2019s design supports wellbeing, family life and social interaction, reflecting a broader shift towards human-centred urban planning in Baku.\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Baku White City stands as a major example of urban transformation, reshaping a once heavily polluted industrial area into a walkable, sustainable and people-focused district. Designed around the idea of comfortable living, the development combines residential, commercial and cultural spaces within easy reach, reducing reliance on cars.<\/p>\n<p>Sustainable architecture, green spaces and public art shape everyday life, while local businesses and entrepreneurs help create a strong community identity. Residents say the district\u2019s design supports wellbeing, family life and social interaction, reflecting a broader shift towards human-centred urban planning in Baku. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1765379242,"updatedAt":1767037984,"publishedAt":1767029416,"firstPublishedAt":1767029416,"lastPublishedAt":1767037983,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","altText":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"caption":null,"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/84\/34\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_451b33f7-83d7-5c9f-ae7c-9c9f27de61df-9578434.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"urban-planning","titleRaw":"urban planning","id":12512,"title":"urban planning","slug":"urban-planning"},{"urlSafeValue":"housing-market","titleRaw":"Housing market","id":7921,"title":"Housing market","slug":"housing-market"},{"urlSafeValue":"sustainable-development","titleRaw":"Sustainable development","id":11296,"title":"Sustainable development","slug":"sustainable-development"},{"urlSafeValue":"transport","titleRaw":"Transport","id":4169,"title":"Transport","slug":"transport"},{"urlSafeValue":"baku","titleRaw":"Baku","id":4329,"title":"Baku","slug":"baku"},{"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan","id":15,"title":"Azerbaijan","slug":"azerbaijan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"sponsor.wuf132025"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"elmTTe4B3Zw","dailymotionId":"x9wmv28"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":300000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":42478555,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/31\/33\/04\/01\/ED_PYR_3133041_20251229155240.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":300000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":65244223,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/31\/33\/04\/01\/SHD_PYR_3133041_20251229155240.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"},{"duration":300000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":230547262,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/31\/33\/04\/01\/FHD_PYR_3133041_20251229155240.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"1080p"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"spotlight","urlSafeValue":"spotlight","title":"Spotlight","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/spotlight"},"season":"SPOTLIGHT AZERBAIJAN WUF_S01","episode":"S01E02 - AZ WHITE CITY","episodeId":"1242","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":1,"title":"News","slug":"news"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1759309097,"endDate":2114330300,"type":"sponsored","slug":"wuf13","title":"WUF13","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"World Urban Forum","sponsorName":"wuf13","sponsorUrl":"https:\/\/wuf.unhabitat.org\/wuf13","sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/986\/181x105_cmsv2_da5059d4-6b39-516e-b722-015a43285a5c-986.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":15,"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","url":"\/news\/asia\/azerbaijan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/29\/baku-white-city-shows-how-people-centred-planning-is-reshaping-urban-life","lastModified":1767037983},{"id":2857825,"cid":9595629,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"AZERI FM ON PEACE TALKS","daletPyramidId":3717761,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Baku sets peace agenda with Armenia for 2026, highlighting progress on the ground","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Baku sets peace agenda with Armenia for 2026, highlighting progress on the ground","leadin":"In his annual end-of-year press conference, Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov summed up the progress made in the reconciliation process with Armenia and looked ahead to its future.","summary":"In his annual end-of-year press conference, Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov summed up the progress made in the reconciliation process with Armenia and looked ahead to its future.","keySentence":"","url":"baku-sets-peace-agenda-with-armenia-for-2026-highlighting-progress-on-the-ground","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/27\/baku-sets-peace-agenda-with-armenia-for-2026-highlighting-progress-on-the-ground","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"2025 was a successful year for the Azerbaijan-Armenia reconciliation process. On 8 August, the two sides signed essential documents in Washington, when their leaders met at the White House. Expressing their commitment towards peace, they are aiming to end decades of conflict and move toward full normalization. This process will continue next year.\n\nBaku outlined what to expect in the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process next year during the annual press conference held by the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry. Talking to the press, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov clarified issues, including petroleum exports, applied tariffs, border delimitation and mutual visits of Azerbaijanis and Armenians.\n\nRecently, Azerbaijan began exporting fuel to Armenia by rail through Georgia, marking the first such export in decades.\n\n\"We are currently creating something from scratch\u201d, Bayramov told the journalists. \u201cThe Armenian side's appeal was related to oil products, and the Azerbaijani side accepted it\u201d.\n\nSpeaking about the possibility of expanding economic relations, he added that when Azerbaijani oil entered Armenia, there were calls against it on the Armenian side, but they were \u201cmarginal\u201d. Overall, Jeyhun Bayramov considers trade between Azerbaijan and Armenia possible in other areas as well.\n\nFuel trade successfully launched\n\nThe first train carrying fuel produced in Azerbaijan was delivered to Armenia crossing the Georgian border, which initially proved difficult, the minister explained. \"The tariff proposed by Georgia was very high. This raised questions on the Azerbaijani side, because the proposal did not correspond to existing practice. However, as soon as the Georgian leadership learned about the issue, they intervened and the situation changed. The issue of tariffs was resolved, and tariffs in accordance with market conditions are being agreed between companies.\"\n\nThe Georgian side has officially confirmed that no fee will be charged for the first time of transit, while the fee for future transportation has not yet been announced.\n\nThere are still outstanding issues on the ground and one of those is infrastructure of TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) \u2013 an initiative aimed at connecting the countries and regions.\n\nRail connection next\n\nAlthough an agreement to establish a rail connection between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Republic was reached in 2020, but the second Karabakh War halted proceedings. Currently, Azerbaijan is creating all necessary infrastructure for this project.\n\nTo connect the rails, Armenia also needs to develop this infrastructure on its territory. To enable this, Armenia is engaged in bilateral negotiations with the United States. These talks focus on creating the legal framework, regulatory mechanisms, and institutional setup necessary for the project\u2019s implementation. Regarding the Azerbaijani side, Bayramov told the journalists that \u201cin 2026, the railways will reach the Armenian border\u201d.\n\nBut trade is not the only area showing positive dynamics between the countries. Over the past few months, there have been several mutual visits at expert level, bringing hope for further expansion of these contacts in the future.\n\nFruitful exchanges and resolution of border delimination issues\n\n\"Experts and international centres have already visited Armenia and Azerbaijan twice. Certain progress has been observed in the direction of cooperation and mutual understanding as a result of these visits. We expect these processes to continue in 2026,\" the minister reported.\n\nMeanwhile, the border delimitation process continues as part of ensuring security and long-term peace, both in meetings and on the ground. About 12 kilometers of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border have already been delimited. During this period, significant progress has been made, and related regulations have been approved.\n\nAll sides agreed that the delimitation process will be carried out from North to South starting from the Azerbaijan-Armenia-Georgia trilateral border point and ending at the Azerbaijan-Armenia-Iranian border. \u201cThe delimitation process will be carried out in parts. The enclave-exclave issue will find their solution in the context of the delimitation process,\u201d the minister concluded.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>2025 was a successful year for the Azerbaijan-Armenia reconciliation process. On 8 August, the two sides signed essential documents in Washington, when their leaders met at the White House. Expressing their commitment towards peace, they are aiming to end decades of conflict and move toward full normalization. This process will continue next year.<\/p>\n<p>Baku outlined what to expect in the Azerbaijan-Armenia normalization process next year during the annual press conference held by the Azerbaijan Foreign Ministry. Talking to the press, Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov clarified issues, including petroleum exports, applied tariffs, border delimitation and mutual visits of Azerbaijanis and Armenians.<\/p>\n<p>Recently, Azerbaijan began exporting fuel to Armenia by rail through Georgia, marking the first such export in decades.<\/p>\n<p>\"We are currently creating something from scratch\u201d, Bayramov told the journalists. \u201cThe Armenian side's appeal was related to oil products, and the Azerbaijani side accepted it\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking about the possibility of expanding economic relations, he added that when Azerbaijani oil entered Armenia, there were calls against it on the Armenian side, but they were \u201cmarginal\u201d. Overall, Jeyhun Bayramov considers trade between Azerbaijan and Armenia possible in other areas as well.<\/p>\n<h2>Fuel trade successfully launched<\/h2>\n<p>The first train carrying fuel produced in Azerbaijan was delivered to Armenia crossing the Georgian border, which initially proved difficult, the minister explained. \"The tariff proposed by Georgia was very high. This raised questions on the Azerbaijani side, because the proposal did not correspond to existing practice. However, as soon as the Georgian leadership learned about the issue, they intervened and the situation changed. The issue of tariffs was resolved, and tariffs in accordance with market conditions are being agreed between companies.\"<\/p>\n<p>The Georgian side has officially confirmed that no fee will be charged for the first time of transit, while the fee for future transportation has not yet been announced.<\/p>\n<p>There are still outstanding issues on the ground and one of those is infrastructure of TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) \u2013 an initiative aimed at connecting the countries and regions.<\/p>\n<h2>Rail connection next<\/h2>\n<p>Although an agreement to establish a rail connection between the western regions of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Republic was reached in 2020, but the second Karabakh War halted proceedings. Currently, Azerbaijan is creating all necessary infrastructure for this project. <\/p>\n<p>To connect the rails, Armenia also needs to develop this infrastructure on its territory. To enable this, Armenia is engaged in bilateral negotiations with the United States. These talks focus on creating the legal framework, regulatory mechanisms, and institutional setup necessary for the project\u2019s implementation. Regarding the Azerbaijani side, Bayramov told the journalists that \u201cin 2026, the railways will reach the Armenian border\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>But trade is not the only area showing positive dynamics between the countries. Over the past few months, there have been several mutual visits at expert level, bringing hope for further expansion of these contacts in the future.<\/p>\n<h2>Fruitful exchanges and resolution of border delimination issues<\/h2>\n<p>\"Experts and international centres have already visited Armenia and Azerbaijan twice. Certain progress has been observed in the direction of cooperation and mutual understanding as a result of these visits. We expect these processes to continue in 2026,\" the minister reported.<\/p>\n<p>Meanwhile, the border delimitation process continues as part of ensuring security and long-term peace, both in meetings and on the ground. About 12 kilometers of the Azerbaijani-Armenian border have already been delimited. During this period, significant progress has been made, and related regulations have been approved.<\/p>\n<p>All sides agreed that the delimitation process will be carried out from North to South starting from the Azerbaijan-Armenia-Georgia trilateral border point and ending at the Azerbaijan-Armenia-Iranian border. \u201cThe delimitation process will be carried out in parts. The enclave-exclave issue will find their solution in the context of the delimitation process,\u201d the minister concluded.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1766841624,"updatedAt":1766846074,"publishedAt":1766846070,"firstPublishedAt":1766846070,"lastPublishedAt":1766846070,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/59\/56\/29\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_03bc4782-4517-5323-a504-58dc42d23362-9595629.jpg","altText":"Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov (left) at a press conference in Baku, 26.12.2025","caption":"Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov (left) at a press conference in Baku, 26.12.2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":720}],"authors":{"journalists":[{"id":3567,"urlSafeValue":"esmira.aliyeva@ext.euronews.com","title":"Esmira Aliyeva","twitter":null}],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":15,"slug":"azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan"},{"id":11,"slug":"armenia","urlSafeValue":"armenia","title":"Armenia","titleRaw":"Armenia"},{"id":12061,"slug":"peace-process","urlSafeValue":"peace-process","title":"Peace process","titleRaw":"Peace process"},{"id":12027,"slug":"reconciliation","urlSafeValue":"reconciliation","title":"Reconciliation","titleRaw":"Reconciliation"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2855563},{"id":2853081},{"id":2822182}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":15,"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","url":"\/news\/asia\/azerbaijan"},"town":{"id":4329,"urlSafeValue":"baku","title":"Baku"},"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/27\/baku-sets-peace-agenda-with-armenia-for-2026-highlighting-progress-on-the-ground","lastModified":1766846070},{"id":2854104,"cid":9581236,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"FO - S01E12 - AZ - IDEA - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3586413,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"\u201cNature needs action, not just discussion,\u201d says founder of IDEA international campaign","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Azerbaijan strengthens environmental action for nature protection","titleListing2":"\u201cNature needs action, not just discussion,\u201d says founder of IDEA international campaign","leadin":"Azerbaijan is responding to biodiversity loss and environmental pressures by expanding protected areas and tackling marine threats to safeguard nature for future generations.","summary":"Azerbaijan is responding to biodiversity loss and environmental pressures by expanding protected areas and tackling marine threats to safeguard nature for future generations.","keySentence":"","url":"nature-needs-action-not-just-discussion-says-founder-of-idea-international-campaign","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/news\/2025\/12\/26\/nature-needs-action-not-just-discussion-says-founder-of-idea-international-campaign","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"IDEA\u00a0(International Dialogue for Environmental Action) public association is playing a growing role in Azerbaijan\u2019s environmental response, working alongside national institutions to protect biodiversity on land and in the Caspian Sea. Conservation efforts include expanding protected areas, restoring endangered species such as Caucasian bison and tackling pollution along the Caspian coastline.\u00a0\n\nWith environmental pressures increasing, experts highlight the need to move beyond discussion towards concrete action. From wildlife protection to marine conservation, initiatives are increasingly focused on sustainability, cooperation and long-term solutions to safeguard ecosystems and natural resources for future generations.\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>IDEA (International Dialogue for Environmental Action) public association is playing a growing role in Azerbaijan\u2019s environmental response, working alongside national institutions to protect biodiversity on land and in the Caspian Sea. Conservation efforts include expanding protected areas, restoring endangered species such as Caucasian bison and tackling pollution along the Caspian coastline. <\/p>\n<p>With environmental pressures increasing, experts highlight the need to move beyond discussion towards concrete action. From wildlife protection to marine conservation, initiatives are increasingly focused on sustainability, cooperation and long-term solutions to safeguard ecosystems and natural resources for future generations. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1765550733,"updatedAt":1766760474,"publishedAt":1766757654,"firstPublishedAt":1766757654,"lastPublishedAt":1766760473,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","altText":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"caption":null,"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/58\/12\/45\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_d8790e2f-f537-5227-a6db-bcffb6db3cc9-9581245.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"environmental-protection","titleRaw":"Environmental protection","id":9507,"title":"Environmental protection","slug":"environmental-protection"},{"urlSafeValue":"ecology","titleRaw":"Ecology","id":4365,"title":"Ecology","slug":"ecology"},{"urlSafeValue":"fauna-and-flora","titleRaw":"Fauna and Flora","id":9625,"title":"Fauna and Flora","slug":"fauna-and-flora"},{"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan","id":15,"title":"Azerbaijan","slug":"azerbaijan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024.focus"},{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.azpromo25"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"ZfDaAj7Wlj4","dailymotionId":"x9w9fp8"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":300000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":43590821,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/31\/53\/40\/05\/ED_PYR_3153405_20251223103614.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":300000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":67297936,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/31\/53\/40\/05\/SHD_PYR_3153405_20251223103614.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"},{"duration":300000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":231585918,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/31\/53\/40\/05\/FHD_PYR_3153405_20251223103614.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"1080p"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"focus","urlSafeValue":"focus","title":"Focus","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/focus"},"season":"FOCUS AZERBAIJAN_S01","episode":"S01E12 - AZ - IDEA","episodeId":"1261","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":1,"title":"News","slug":"news"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"news","id":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1698804499,"endDate":2114302106,"type":"sponsored","slug":"azpromo-2023","title":"Azpromo 2023","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Azpromo","sponsorName":"azpromo-2023","sponsorUrl":"https:\/\/azpromo.az\/en","sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/742\/180x117_cmsv2_db7c3bc9-88a1-526a-962b-a49239d0b14c-742.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":15,"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","url":"\/news\/asia\/azerbaijan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/26\/nature-needs-action-not-just-discussion-says-founder-of-idea-international-campaign","lastModified":1766760473},{"id":2853504,"cid":9578452,"versionId":4,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"NY - S01E11 - SOFAZ - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3561583,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"How SOFAZ is diversifying Azerbaijan\u2019s sovereign wealth beyond oil and gas","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"SOFAZ diversifies beyond oil and gas","titleListing2":"How SOFAZ is diversifying Azerbaijan\u2019s sovereign wealth beyond oil and gas","leadin":"SOFAZ is diversifying its sovereign wealth portfolio beyond oil and gas, investing in renewables, infrastructure and digital assets to manage risk and support long-term financial stability.","summary":"SOFAZ is diversifying its sovereign wealth portfolio beyond oil and gas, investing in renewables, infrastructure and digital assets to manage risk and support long-term financial stability.","keySentence":"","url":"how-sofaz-is-diversifying-azerbaijans-sovereign-wealth-beyond-oil-and-gas","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/24\/how-sofaz-is-diversifying-azerbaijans-sovereign-wealth-beyond-oil-and-gas","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) is reshaping its investment strategy as it diversifies beyond oil and gas revenues. Established to manage hydrocarbons income for future generations, the fund now manages around $71 billion across 50 countries. Recent diversification includes investments in renewable energy, infrastructure, digital assets, gold and real estate, alongside a reduced exposure to bonds. SOFAZ says renewables offer stable long-term returns while helping to mitigate oil price volatility. Risk management, diversification and strategic partnerships remain central as the fund balances financial performance with Azerbaijan\u2019s long-term national interests.\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>The State Oil Fund of the Republic of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) is reshaping its investment strategy as it diversifies beyond oil and gas revenues. Established to manage hydrocarbons income for future generations, the fund now manages around $71 billion across 50 countries. Recent diversification includes investments in renewable energy, infrastructure, digital assets, gold and real estate, alongside a reduced exposure to bonds. SOFAZ says renewables offer stable long-term returns while helping to mitigate oil price volatility. Risk management, diversification and strategic partnerships remain central as the fund balances financial performance with Azerbaijan\u2019s long-term national interests. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1765380308,"updatedAt":1766607863,"publishedAt":1766602818,"firstPublishedAt":1766584818,"lastPublishedAt":1766607862,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","altText":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"caption":null,"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/84\/59\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_4c33e607-3f67-58e4-ba23-202d25bc1d1d-9578459.jpg","captionUrl":null,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"urlSafeValue":"energy","titleRaw":"Energy","id":12764,"title":"Energy","slug":"energy"},{"urlSafeValue":"renewable-energies","titleRaw":"Renewable energies","id":235,"title":"Renewable energies","slug":"renewable-energies"},{"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan","id":15,"title":"Azerbaijan","slug":"azerbaijan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"sponsor.azpromo25"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"U9p8_YZ8gjY","dailymotionId":"x9wcygk"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"duration":480000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":64631336,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/31\/33\/33\/09\/ED_PYR_3133339_20251224185441.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"md"},{"duration":480000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":99773794,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/31\/33\/33\/09\/SHD_PYR_3133339_20251224185441.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"hd"},{"duration":480000,"editor":"","filesizeBytes":364711223,"format":"mp4","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/31\/33\/33\/09\/FHD_PYR_3133339_20251224185441.mp4","expiresAt":0,"quality":"1080p"}],"liveStream":[{"endDate":0,"startDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Rebecca McLaughlin-Eastham","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"energy-frontiers","urlSafeValue":"energy-frontiers","title":"Energy Frontiers","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/business\/business-series\/energy-frontiers"},"season":"ENERGY FRONTIERS_S01","episode":"S01E11 - SOFAZ","episodeId":"1244","vertical":"business","verticals":[{"urlSafeValue":"business","id":11,"title":"Business","slug":"business"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":11,"slug":"business","urlSafeValue":"business","title":"Business"},"themes":[{"urlSafeValue":"business-series","id":"business-series","title":"Business Series","url":"\/business\/business-series"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":76,"urlSafeValue":"business-series","title":"Business Series"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1698804499,"endDate":2114302106,"type":"sponsored","slug":"azpromo-2023","title":"Azpromo 2023","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Azpromo","sponsorName":"azpromo-2023","sponsorUrl":"https:\/\/azpromo.az\/en","sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/742\/180x117_cmsv2_db7c3bc9-88a1-526a-962b-a49239d0b14c-742.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":15,"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","url":"\/news\/asia\/azerbaijan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/business\/2025\/12\/24\/how-sofaz-is-diversifying-azerbaijans-sovereign-wealth-beyond-oil-and-gas","lastModified":1766607862},{"id":2857080,"cid":9593194,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"AZAL AIR CRASH ANNIVERSARY BAKU","daletPyramidId":3695807,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Survivors seek justice year after Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash killed 38","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"Survivors seek justice year after Azerbaijan Airlines crash killed 38","titleListing2":"Survivors seek justice year after Azerbaijan plane crash killed 38","leadin":"Survivors and relatives are seeking justice as the first anniversary approaches of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash that killed 38 people after a Russian air defence missile struck next to it mid-flight, causing critical damage.","summary":"Survivors and relatives are seeking justice as the first anniversary approaches of the Azerbaijan Airlines crash that killed 38 people after a Russian air defence missile struck next to it mid-flight, causing critical damage.","keySentence":"","url":"survivors-seek-justice-year-after-azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-killed-38","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/12\/24\/survivors-seek-justice-year-after-azerbaijan-airlines-plane-crash-killed-38","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"As the Azerbaijan Airlines crash that killed 38 nears its one-year anniversary, survivors and families of victims continue to seek justice while the investigation remains ongoing.\n\nOn 25 December 2024, 38 people died and 29 others were injured when Flight 8432 crashed near Aktau in Kazakhstan while en route from Baku to the Russian city of Grozny.\n\nAfter it emerged that a Russian air defence missile over Grozny caused the crash, the Kremlin initially denied involvement.\n\nHowever, Baku and President Ilham Aliyev maintained Moscow's responsibility based on the results of initial investigations and witness testimonies, until Russian President Vladimir Putin finally admitted its role in the crash in October of this year.\n\nThe incident was the first aviation disaster of this magnitude in the airline's history, with the heroics of the pilots, both of whom were killed in the incident, preventing a bigger death toll.\n\nAmong the survivors was Zulfugar Asadov, who had worked as a flight attendant for 36 years and now works as an inspector. Each day, he visits a memorial with photographs of colleagues who lost their lives.\n\n\"Recently, we visited the city of Aktau and went to the site of the incident. I was deeply affected when I saw those places. It felt as though I was reliving the events of that day,\" Asadov said.\n\n\"This accident left a deep mark on my life. I realised more clearly how valuable human life is. My perspective on many things has changed \u2013 what once seemed ordinary now feels far more important.\"\n\nAsadov recalled the atmosphere on board in the moments leading up to the crash.\n\n\"The emergency training we received as flight attendants, along with the ability to act properly under stress, helped me remain calm,\" he said. \"I tried to put my emotions aside and focused on being as helpful as I could.\"\n\n'Justice to prevail'\n\nSurviving passengers said they heard an explosion followed by what looked like shrapnel hitting the plane and damaging the fuselage.\n\nThe Azerbaijani government revealed that the aircraft was struck by fragments from a Russian air-defence missile which exploded next to the aircraft mid-flight, causing fatal damage.\n\nOne day after the crash, Azerbaijani government sources told Euronews that the damaged aircraft had not been allowed to land at any Russian airport despite the pilots' requests, forcing it to cross the Caspian Sea and towards Kazakhstan.\n\nMoscow initially denied any involvement and suggested the crash was possibly caused by a bird strike. Putin later apologised for the tragic crash but stopped short of acknowledging responsibility.\n\nAlmost one year on, the Russian president admitted that Russia's air defences alerted to possible Ukrainian drones above the Chechen capital were responsible for shooting down the aircraft, offering compensation.\n\nHamlet Ismayilov's son Ismayil was among those killed in the crash. He was 38.\n\n\"Videos appeared on YouTube and other sources suggest that this plane was shot down intentionally,\" Ismayilov said.\n\n\"A year has passed since the incident, and we believe that those responsible will soon be identified and brought to justice. The relatives of the victims, as well as those who survived, continue to wait for justice to prevail.\"\n\nIsmayilov described learning of his son's death.\n\n\"When I was washing the car, the car washer told me that our plane crashed in Kazakhstan. I didn't pay much attention to it, but it stayed in my mind,\" he said. \"Later, I went to his wife Leyla's house and saw people gathered there. They told me that Ismayil had been in the crash and had died.\"\n\n\"He was a very open-hearted person who valued his family members and friends. Everyone who knew me, and who knew my son's family, called and messaged me after the accident.\"\n\n","htmlText":"<p>As the Azerbaijan Airlines crash that killed 38 nears its one-year anniversary, survivors and families of victims continue to seek justice while the investigation remains ongoing.<\/p>\n<p>On 25 December 2024, 38 people died and 29 others were injured when Flight 8432 crashed near Aktau in Kazakhstan while en route from Baku to the Russian city of Grozny. <\/p>\n<p>After it emerged that a Russian air defence missile over Grozny caused the crash, the Kremlin initially denied involvement. <\/p>\n<p>However, Baku and President Ilham Aliyev maintained Moscow's responsibility based on the results of initial investigations and witness testimonies, until Russian President Vladimir Putin finally admitted its role in the crash in October of this year.<\/p>\n<p>The incident was the first aviation disaster of this magnitude in the airline's history, with the heroics of the pilots, both of whom were killed in the incident, preventing a bigger death toll.<\/p>\n<p>Among the survivors was Zulfugar Asadov, who had worked as a flight attendant for 36 years and now works as an inspector. Each day, he visits a memorial with photographs of colleagues who lost their lives.<\/p>\n<p>\"Recently, we visited the city of Aktau and went to the site of the incident. I was deeply affected when I saw those places. It felt as though I was reliving the events of that day,\" Asadov said.<\/p>\n<p>\"This accident left a deep mark on my life. I realised more clearly how valuable human life is. My perspective on many things has changed \u2013 what once seemed ordinary now feels far more important.\"<\/p>\n<p>Asadov recalled the atmosphere on board in the moments leading up to the crash.<\/p>\n<p>\"The emergency training we received as flight attendants, along with the ability to act properly under stress, helped me remain calm,\" he said. \"I tried to put my emotions aside and focused on being as helpful as I could.\"<\/p>\n<h2>'Justice to prevail'<\/h2>\n<p>Surviving passengers said they heard an explosion followed by what looked like shrapnel hitting the plane and damaging the fuselage.<\/p>\n<p>The Azerbaijani government revealed that the aircraft was struck by fragments from a Russian air-defence missile which exploded next to the aircraft mid-flight, causing fatal damage.<\/p>\n<p>One day after the crash, Azerbaijani government sources told Euronews that the damaged aircraft had not been allowed to land at any Russian airport despite the pilots' requests, forcing it to cross the Caspian Sea and towards Kazakhstan.<\/p>\n<p>Moscow initially denied any involvement and suggested the crash was possibly caused by a bird strike. Putin later apologised for the tragic crash but stopped short of acknowledging responsibility.<\/p>\n<p>Almost one year on, the Russian president admitted that Russia's air defences alerted to possible Ukrainian drones above the Chechen capital were responsible for shooting down the aircraft, offering compensation.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.6669921875\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//59//31//94//808x539_cmsv2_1c5f9c02-853d-5877-9cbd-ce91988e20df-9593194.jpg/" alt=\"FILE: Azerbaijan national flag at half-mast in memory of the victims of Azerbaijan Airlines flight that crashed near the Kazakhstan airport of Aktau, in Baku, 26 December 2025\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/59\/31\/94\/384x256_cmsv2_1c5f9c02-853d-5877-9cbd-ce91988e20df-9593194.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/59\/31\/94\/640x427_cmsv2_1c5f9c02-853d-5877-9cbd-ce91988e20df-9593194.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/59\/31\/94\/750x500_cmsv2_1c5f9c02-853d-5877-9cbd-ce91988e20df-9593194.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/59\/31\/94\/828x552_cmsv2_1c5f9c02-853d-5877-9cbd-ce91988e20df-9593194.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/59\/31\/94\/1080x720_cmsv2_1c5f9c02-853d-5877-9cbd-ce91988e20df-9593194.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/59\/31\/94\/1200x800_cmsv2_1c5f9c02-853d-5877-9cbd-ce91988e20df-9593194.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/59\/31\/94\/1920x1281_cmsv2_1c5f9c02-853d-5877-9cbd-ce91988e20df-9593194.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">FILE: Azerbaijan national flag at half-mast in memory of the victims of Azerbaijan Airlines flight that crashed near the Kazakhstan airport of Aktau, in Baku, 26 December 2025<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Aziz Karimov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Hamlet Ismayilov's son Ismayil was among those killed in the crash. He was 38.<\/p>\n<p>\"Videos appeared on YouTube and other sources suggest that this plane was shot down intentionally,\" Ismayilov said. <\/p>\n<p>\"A year has passed since the incident, and we believe that those responsible will soon be identified and brought to justice. The relatives of the victims, as well as those who survived, continue to wait for justice to prevail.\"<\/p>\n<div class=\"c-widget-related\" data-stories-id=\"\" data-event=\"widget_related\">\n <div class=\"c-widget-related__title\">\n <b class=\"c-widget-related__title__text\" lang=\"en\">Related<\/b>\n <\/div>\n <ul class=\"c-widget-related__list\">\n <li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//12//25//azerbaijani-passenger-plane-crashes-near-kazakh-city-of-aktau/">Russian air defence missile incident emerges as likely cause of Azerbaijan Airlines crash <\/a><\/li><li class=\"c-widget-related__item\"><a class=\"c-widget-related__article\" href=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////www.euronews.com//2024//12//26//as-more-details-over-azerbaijan-airlines-crash-emerge-captain-and-crew-are-hailed-as-heroe/">As more details over Azerbaijan Airlines crash emerge, pilots and crew are hailed as heroes<\/a><\/li>\n <\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n<p>Ismayilov described learning of his son's death.<\/p>\n<p>\"When I was washing the car, the car washer told me that our plane crashed in Kazakhstan. I didn't pay much attention to it, but it stayed in my mind,\" he said. \"Later, I went to his wife Leyla's house and saw people gathered there. They told me that Ismayil had been in the crash and had died.\"<\/p>\n<p>\"He was a very open-hearted person who valued his family members and friends. Everyone who knew me, and who knew my son's family, called and messaged me after the accident.\"<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1766568973,"updatedAt":1766602704,"publishedAt":1766589866,"firstPublishedAt":1766589866,"lastPublishedAt":1766589866,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/59\/31\/94\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_0e66fd9c-5fdd-59c7-ae97-09819d481829-9593194.jpg","altText":"FILE: A woman lights candles at the wall of the apartment building in Baku, in memory of pilot Alexander Kalyanin, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines crash, 28 December 2024","caption":"FILE: A woman lights candles at the wall of the apartment building in Baku, in memory of pilot Alexander Kalyanin, who died in the Azerbaijan Airlines crash, 28 December 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP Photo","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/59\/31\/94\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_56d4ca78-bcac-5b9d-8197-93e4c95d53db-9593194.jpg","altText":"FILE: The tomb of Mahammadali Eganov, 13, the youngest victim of Azerbaijan Airlines crash, in Baku, Azerbaijan, 28 December 2024","caption":"FILE: The tomb of Mahammadali Eganov, 13, the youngest victim of Azerbaijan Airlines crash, in Baku, Azerbaijan, 28 December 2024","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"AP\/Copyright 2024 The AP. All rights reserved","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1024,"height":683},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/59\/31\/94\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_1c5f9c02-853d-5877-9cbd-ce91988e20df-9593194.jpg","altText":"FILE: Azerbaijan national flag at half-mast in memory of the victims of Azerbaijan Airlines flight that crashed near the Kazakhstan airport of Aktau, in Baku, 26 December 2025","caption":"FILE: Azerbaijan national flag at half-mast in memory of the victims of Azerbaijan Airlines flight that crashed near the Kazakhstan airport of Aktau, in Baku, 26 December 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Aziz Karimov\/Copyright 2024 The AP. 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Progress is expected to rise to 1.8% in 2025, but the world is still off track to double gains by 2030.\n\n\u201cThere\u2019s a real opportunity to accelerate progress,\u201d said Lucas Boehl\u00e9, Energy Efficiency Analyst at the IEA.\n\nIndustry remains a major challenge, while policy implementation lags behind available technologies. Boehl\u00e9 described energy efficiency as the \u201cfirst fuel\u201d, highlighting its role in improving affordability, competitiveness and energy security if governments raise ambition within existing policies.\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>The International Energy Agency (IEA) warns that global energy efficiency gains remain below levels needed to meet international climate goals. Progress is expected to rise to 1.8% in 2025, but the world is still off track to double gains by 2030.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere\u2019s a real opportunity to accelerate progress,\u201d said Lucas Boehl\u00e9, Energy Efficiency Analyst at the IEA.<\/p>\n<p>Industry remains a major challenge, while policy implementation lags behind available technologies. 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Visitors can explore landmarks including Shusha Fortress, Jidir Plain and the Vagif Mausoleum, where poetry and heritage remain central to local identity.\u00a0\n\nThe city\u2019s musical legacy is reflected in the life and work of composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli and the enduring tradition of mugham. Shusha\u2019s creativity is also visible in its carpets, architecture and cuisine, with restored sites and local craftsmanship highlighting how tradition continues to inspire cultural life today.\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Shusha is one of Azerbaijan\u2019s most historically and culturally significant cities, shaped by centuries of artistic expression. Visitors can explore landmarks including Shusha Fortress, Jidir Plain and the Vagif Mausoleum, where poetry and heritage remain central to local identity. <\/p>\n<p>The city\u2019s musical legacy is reflected in the life and work of composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli and the enduring tradition of mugham. 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Both sides say new economic corridors, including the planned US-backed transport link, will redefine Eurasian connectivity.\u00a0\u00a0\n\nThe representatives stressed that peace is now a generational commitment and that cooperation, not rivalry, will guide the region\u2019s future.\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Armenia\u2019s Armen Grigoryan and Azerbaijan\u2019s Hikmet Hajiyev sat together publicly for the first time, telling Euronews that the peace process launched in 2020 has become \u201cirreversible\u201d and rooted in growing trust. <\/p>\n<p>Supported by the EU and sealed by a US-brokered agreement, the rapprochement is now shifting toward regional integration. Both sides say new economic corridors, including the planned US-backed transport link, will redefine Eurasian connectivity. <\/p>\n<p>The representatives stressed that peace is now a generational commitment and that cooperation, not rivalry, will guide the region\u2019s future. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1765271124,"updatedAt":1765365006,"publishedAt":1765363157,"firstPublishedAt":1765363157,"lastPublishedAt":1765365005,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/64\/75\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_004e5d27-c3f6-52c5-884a-d9a3141db320-9576475.jpg","altText":"\u00a9","caption":"\u00a9","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":11,"slug":"armenia","urlSafeValue":"armenia","title":"Armenia","titleRaw":"Armenia"},{"id":15,"slug":"azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan"},{"id":12034,"slug":"diplomacy","urlSafeValue":"diplomacy","title":"Diplomacy","titleRaw":"Diplomacy"},{"id":12061,"slug":"peace-process","urlSafeValue":"peace-process","title":"Peace process","titleRaw":"Peace process"},{"id":9979,"slug":"politics","urlSafeValue":"politics","title":"Politics","titleRaw":"Politics"},{"id":572,"slug":"economy","urlSafeValue":"economy","title":"Economy","titleRaw":"Economy"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"KKkaHSd9B7Y","dailymotionId":"x9ve5tg"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/31\/29\/68\/09\/ED_PYR_3129689_20251210102049.mp4","editor":"","duration":1200000,"filesizeBytes":157015444,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/31\/29\/68\/09\/SHD_PYR_3129689_20251210102049.mp4","editor":"","duration":1200000,"filesizeBytes":248046739,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/31\/29\/68\/09\/FHD_PYR_3129689_20251210102049.mp4","editor":"","duration":1200000,"filesizeBytes":910921187,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"eurasia-talks","urlSafeValue":"eurasia-talks","title":"Eurasia Talks","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/eurasia-talks"},"season":"OPSPECIAL_S07","episode":"S07E16 - EURASIA TALKS EPISODE 3","episodeId":"1229","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":15,"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","url":"\/news\/asia\/azerbaijan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/10\/armenia-azerbaijan-peace-representatives-detail-peace-plan-and-new-us-backed-corridor","lastModified":1765365005},{"id":2852258,"cid":9573320,"versionId":6,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"NEXT OTS meeting in Baku","daletPyramidId":3518349,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":" Disinformation is a worldwide issue. Here is how Turkic nations are combatting it","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"","titleListing2":" Disinformation is a worldwide issue. Here is how Turkic nations are combatting it","leadin":"Turkic-speaking countries explore coordinated approach to fake news as global tech platforms evade national regulations.","summary":"Turkic-speaking countries explore coordinated approach to fake news as global tech platforms evade national regulations.","keySentence":"","url":"disinformation-is-a-worldwide-issue-here-is-how-central-asia-is-combating-it","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/2025\/12\/10\/disinformation-is-a-worldwide-issue-here-is-how-central-asia-is-combating-it","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Baku hosted a series of events, welcoming delegates from the Organisation of Turkic States, a regional bloc connecting countries with shared language roots, cultural ties, and strategic interests.\n\nThe gatherings in the Azerbaijani capital underscored the OTS\u2019s expanding role in regional cooperation.\n\nThe development of common media standards and the promotion of mutual exchange of experience are key priorities for the Turkic States.\n\nStrengthening the resilience of the Turkic states\u2019 media ecosystem has become essential with growing global information risks and the spread of cross-border disinformation.\n\nFalse news and disinformation are global issues that affect the East as much as the West.\u00a0\n\n\"There are so many platforms \u2014 YouTube, Instagram \u2014 where citizens also spread false information and the government can't do anything about it,\" said Zarina Kalmuratova, chief specialist of the Information Policy Department of the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic.\n\nIn an interview with Euronews, Kalmuratova's frustration captures a challenge confronting governments worldwide: how to enforce national laws when information flows through global platforms operating beyond any single country's jurisdiction.\u00a0\n\nAs a chief specialist in Kyrgyzstan's government, she's grappling with the limits of her country's efforts to combat online misinformation.\n\nWhen Kyrgyzstan passed a law against fake news in 2022, critics immediately warned the legislation could become a tool for government censorship, silencing dissent under the guise of protecting citizens.\n\nTwo years later, speaking at a recent media conference in the Azerbaijan capital Baku, Kalmuratova insists those fears haven't materialised.\n\n\"Yes, it was perceived as a restriction. As if it were a tool for blocking or shutting down websites. But in reality, that didn't happen,\" she said.\n\nUnder Kyrgyzstan's framework, individuals who believe they've been targeted by misinformation can request that government authorities intervene. Officials then request that the offending outlet remove the content within 24 hours.\n\nWebsites that refuse face potential blocking for up to two months \u2014 a penalty Kalmuratova describes as measured rather than draconian.\n\nPressuring global platforms\n\nYet even this enforcement mechanism breaks down when content appears on international platforms.\n\nKalmuratova's proposed solution involves pressuring tech giants like Meta and Google to establish official operations within Turkic-speaking nations, creating accountability mechanisms currently absent.\n\n\"This would be a huge step in the fight against disinformation,\" she argued during the conference, which brought together media officials from across the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS).\n\nAddressing the current challenges facing journalism, Natig Mammadli, the deputy executive director of Azerbaijan Media Development Agency, reminded the audience that the media has persistently faced threats and persecution since its inception.\n\nTo counter these pressures, he stressed that maintaining professionalism is crucial to the media's continued existence. He also noted a significant shift in challenges, pointing to the spread of AI-generated fake news as a leading modern threat to journalistic work.\n\nBeyond restriction\n\nKazakhstan's Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Kanat Iskakov outlined a complementary strategy focused on creating trustworthy alternatives rather than simply blocking problematic content.\n\n\"We must develop coordinated approaches to journalistic standards for digital services to build audience trust,\" Iskakov told the conference.\n\nHis emphasis on harmonised standards and collaborative content production suggests these nations recognise that credibility, not just enforcement, will determine their success in combating misinformation.\u00a0\n\nThe goal is to cultivate domestic media outlets that audiences trust, reducing the appeal of unreliable sources.\n\nA regional experiment\n\nThe Baku meetings \u2014 including the 12th Working Group Meeting on Media and Information, Media Forum and the 7th ministerial-level conference \u2014 represent the latest step in the OTS's efforts to establish common media policies across diverse political systems.\n\nThe initiative raises complex questions about the balance between protecting citizens from harmful falsehoods and preserving space for legitimate criticism and debate.\n\nThe following OTS media forum will convene in Turkey, and member states will address issues such as how governments can enforce standards when platforms operate globally, how to build public trust, and how regional cooperation could provide answers that individual nations cannot achieve alone.\n\nThe OTS comprises Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan as full members, with Hungary, Turkmenistan and others participating as observers.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Baku hosted a series of events, welcoming delegates from the Organisation of Turkic States, a regional bloc connecting countries with shared language roots, cultural ties, and strategic interests. <\/p>\n<p>The gatherings in the Azerbaijani capital underscored the OTS\u2019s expanding role in regional cooperation.<\/p>\n<p>The development of common media standards and the promotion of mutual exchange of experience are key priorities for the Turkic States. <\/p>\n<p>Strengthening the resilience of the Turkic states\u2019 media ecosystem has become essential with growing global information risks and the spread of cross-border disinformation.<\/p>\n<p>False news and disinformation are global issues that affect the East as much as the West. <\/p>\n<p>\"There are so many platforms \u2014 YouTube, Instagram \u2014 where citizens also spread false information and the government can't do anything about it,\" said Zarina Kalmuratova, chief specialist of the Information Policy Department of the Ministry of Culture, Information and Youth Policy of the Kyrgyz Republic.<\/p>\n<p>In an interview with Euronews, Kalmuratova's frustration captures a challenge confronting governments worldwide: how to enforce national laws when information flows through global platforms operating beyond any single country's jurisdiction. <\/p>\n<p>As a chief specialist in Kyrgyzstan's government, she's grappling with the limits of her country's efforts to combat online misinformation.<\/p>\n<p>When Kyrgyzstan passed a law against fake news in 2022, critics immediately warned the legislation could become a tool for government censorship, silencing dissent under the guise of protecting citizens. <\/p>\n<p>Two years later, speaking at a recent media conference in the Azerbaijan capital Baku, Kalmuratova insists those fears haven't materialised.<\/p>\n<p>\"Yes, it was perceived as a restriction. As if it were a tool for blocking or shutting down websites. But in reality, that didn't happen,\" she said.<\/p>\n<p>Under Kyrgyzstan's framework, individuals who believe they've been targeted by misinformation can request that government authorities intervene. Officials then request that the offending outlet remove the content within 24 hours. <\/p>\n<p>Websites that refuse face potential blocking for up to two months \u2014 a penalty Kalmuratova describes as measured rather than draconian.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Pressuring global platforms<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Yet even this enforcement mechanism breaks down when content appears on international platforms. <\/p>\n<p>Kalmuratova's proposed solution involves pressuring tech giants like Meta and Google to establish official operations within Turkic-speaking nations, creating accountability mechanisms currently absent.<\/p>\n<p>\"This would be a huge step in the fight against disinformation,\" she argued during the conference, which brought together media officials from across the Organisation of Turkic States (OTS).<\/p>\n<p>Addressing the current challenges facing journalism, Natig Mammadli, the deputy executive director of Azerbaijan Media Development Agency, reminded the audience that the media has persistently faced threats and persecution since its inception. <\/p>\n<p>To counter these pressures, he stressed that maintaining professionalism is crucial to the media's continued existence. He also noted a significant shift in challenges, pointing to the spread of AI-generated fake news as a leading modern threat to journalistic work.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>Beyond restriction<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>Kazakhstan's Deputy Minister of Culture and Information Kanat Iskakov outlined a complementary strategy focused on creating trustworthy alternatives rather than simply blocking problematic content.<\/p>\n<p>\"We must develop coordinated approaches to journalistic standards for digital services to build audience trust,\" Iskakov told the conference.<\/p>\n<p>His emphasis on harmonised standards and collaborative content production suggests these nations recognise that credibility, not just enforcement, will determine their success in combating misinformation. <\/p>\n<p>The goal is to cultivate domestic media outlets that audiences trust, reducing the appeal of unreliable sources.<\/p>\n<h2><strong>A regional experiment<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The Baku meetings \u2014 including the 12th Working Group Meeting on Media and Information, Media Forum and the 7th ministerial-level conference \u2014 represent the latest step in the OTS's efforts to establish common media policies across diverse political systems.<\/p>\n<p>The initiative raises complex questions about the balance between protecting citizens from harmful falsehoods and preserving space for legitimate criticism and debate. <\/p>\n<p>The following OTS media forum will convene in Turkey, and member states will address issues such as how governments can enforce standards when platforms operate globally, how to build public trust, and how regional cooperation could provide answers that individual nations cannot achieve alone.<\/p>\n<p>The OTS comprises Turkey, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan as full members, with Hungary, Turkmenistan and others participating as observers. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764945261,"updatedAt":1765877169,"publishedAt":1765350082,"firstPublishedAt":1765090882,"lastPublishedAt":1765877168,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/33\/20\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_dbbd5ff8-d254-56ff-8023-707ab5231c54-9573320.jpg","altText":"False news and disinformation is a worldwide issue that affects the East just as much as the West. 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","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1505}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":389,"slug":"technology","urlSafeValue":"technology","title":"Technology","titleRaw":"Technology"},{"id":12052,"slug":"social-media","urlSafeValue":"social-media","title":"Social Media","titleRaw":"Social Media"},{"id":28330,"slug":"disinformation","urlSafeValue":"disinformation","title":"disinformation","titleRaw":"disinformation"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Esmira Aliyeva","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"tech-news","urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/next\/tech-news\/tech-news"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"next","verticals":[{"id":9,"slug":"next","urlSafeValue":"next","title":"Next"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":9,"slug":"next","urlSafeValue":"next","title":"Next"},"themes":[{"id":"tech-news","urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News","url":"\/next\/tech-news"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":40,"urlSafeValue":"tech-news","title":"Tech News"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":15,"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","url":"\/news\/asia\/azerbaijan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/next\/2025\/12\/10\/disinformation-is-a-worldwide-issue-here-is-how-central-asia-is-combating-it","lastModified":1765877168},{"id":2851546,"cid":9569964,"versionId":2,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"OS - 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Within the project, the Asian Development Bank has allocated $1.25 million (\u20ac1.07 million) in technical assistance, which will strengthen its capacity in waste monitoring and reporting, enhance energy efficiency, expand electrification, and reduce emissions across the railway infrastructure.\n\n\u201cAs Azerbaijan develops into a strategic transit center at the intersection of East-West and North-South transport routes, the importance of the project is especially significant\u201d, noted ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov during the presentation in Baku.\n\nIncreasing freight on two major international transport routes - the Middle Corridor, linking China and East Asia to Europe, and North-South, connecting India and the Persian Gulf to Russia and northern Europe, strengthening the rail system in terms of efficiency, reliability and environmental responsibility.\n\nRustamov believes that decarbonisation will only increase these opportunities.\n\n\u201cThere were a lot of opportunities for us to coordinate across ministries, across other relevant players here in the transport as well as the energy sector, because this essentially is an integrated solution between transport and energy,\" said Cisneros-Tiangco.\n\n\"So that's what we want to focus on and emphasise. Everyone agreed that it's logical for us to work together,\u201d she concluded.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Despite being the cleanest and most sustainable form of transport, the railway sector in Azerbaijan is now pursuing further decarbonisation.<\/p>\n<p>To lower carbon emissions and support the green agenda, the national state-owned rail transport operator, Azerbaijan Railways (ADY), together with the Asian Development Bank (ADB), presented in Baku a decarbonisation project on Friday. <\/p>\n<p>This new initiative will accelerate the country's transition to a modern and competitive rail system and increase the benefits along international transport corridors. <\/p>\n<p>Azerbaijan Railways Decarbonisation Project paves the way towards a carbon-neutral railway system. <\/p>\n<p>This is crucial for meeting national and global climate targets, especially under the Paris Agreement, signed by over 190 countries, including Azerbaijan \u2013 a document, committing to limit global warming and pursue net-zero pathways. <\/p>\n<p>Azerbaijan has set an ambitious national target to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35% by 2030 and 40% by 2050. <\/p>\n<p>Collaboration towards a green railway transition in Azerbaijan has already shown some results. \u201cIt just started a year ago and has really quickly developed into something that is tangible,\u201d Cindy Cisneros-Tiangco, the director of Emerging Areas in the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Energy Sector told Euronews.<\/p>\n<p>This cooperation aligns with a country\u2019s green agenda and, in the foreseeable future, will lead to not only domestic, but also regional logistics transformation. <\/p>\n<p>Over the past year alone, ADY\u2019s natural gas consumption has decreased by 50%, 63% of the railway network has been electrified, and more than 80% of freight transportation has been carried out using electric locomotives.<\/p>\n<p>ADB funding is helping accelerate and support these outcomes. Within the project, the Asian Development Bank has allocated $1.25 million (\u20ac1.07 million) in technical assistance, which will strengthen its capacity in waste monitoring and reporting, enhance energy efficiency, expand electrification, and reduce emissions across the railway infrastructure. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cAs Azerbaijan develops into a strategic transit center at the intersection of East-West and North-South transport routes, the importance of the project is especially significant\u201d, noted ADY Chairman Rovshan Rustamov during the presentation in Baku. <\/p>\n<p>Increasing freight on two major international transport routes - the Middle Corridor, linking China and East Asia to Europe, and North-South, connecting India and the Persian Gulf to Russia and northern Europe, strengthening the rail system in terms of efficiency, reliability and environmental responsibility. <\/p>\n<p>Rustamov believes that decarbonisation will only increase these opportunities. <\/p>\n<p>\u201cThere were a lot of opportunities for us to coordinate across ministries, across other relevant players here in the transport as well as the energy sector, because this essentially is an integrated solution between transport and energy,\" said Cisneros-Tiangco. <\/p>\n<p>\"So that's what we want to focus on and emphasise. Everyone agreed that it's logical for us to work together,\u201d she concluded.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1765183557,"updatedAt":1765184223,"publishedAt":1765184217,"firstPublishedAt":1765184217,"lastPublishedAt":1765184217,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/57\/51\/37\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_fe55880b-93cc-5b84-afa1-4db2d5a691f1-9575137.jpg","altText":"Azerbaijan Railways Decarbonisation Project event in Baku, 5 December 2025","caption":"Azerbaijan Railways Decarbonisation Project event in Baku, 5 December 2025","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":" Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY)\u00a0","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":720}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":15,"slug":"azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan"},{"id":13112,"slug":"train","urlSafeValue":"train","title":"train","titleRaw":"train"},{"id":29846,"slug":"chemin-de-fer","urlSafeValue":"chemin-de-fer","title":"railroad","titleRaw":"railroad"},{"id":28996,"slug":"green-energy","urlSafeValue":"green-energy","title":"green energy","titleRaw":"green energy"}],"widgets":[],"related":[{"id":2852868}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Esmira Aliyeva","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":15,"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","url":"\/news\/asia\/azerbaijan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/12\/08\/heading-towards-net-zero-azerbaijani-railway-operator-on-the-way-to-green-transformation","lastModified":1765184217},{"id":2850930,"cid":9567250,"versionId":1,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":1,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"A2 - S02E13 - AZ-AZERKHALCHA - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3466357,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Azerkhalcha highlights the heritage and future of Azerbaijani carpets","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Azerkhalcha showcases the UNESCO-listed craft sustaining rural women and preserving Azerbaijan\u2019s heritage","leadin":"Azerkhalcha preserves Azerbaijan\u2019s UNESCO-recognised carpet weaving tradition, empowering rural women and promoting centuries-old craftsmanship through global exhibitions and cultural partnerships.","summary":"Azerkhalcha preserves Azerbaijan\u2019s UNESCO-recognised carpet weaving tradition, empowering rural women and promoting centuries-old craftsmanship through global exhibitions and cultural partnerships.","keySentence":"","url":"azerkhalcha-highlights-the-heritage-and-future-of-azerbaijani-carpets","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/2025\/12\/04\/azerkhalcha-highlights-the-heritage-and-future-of-azerbaijani-carpets","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Azerkhalcha plays a vital role in safeguarding Azerbaijan\u2019s centuries-old carpet weaving tradition, a craft recognised by UNESCO for its cultural significance. With 14 studios across the country and more than 600 skilled weavers, over 85% of them rural women, the organisation keeps ancestral techniques alive while supporting local livelihoods.\u00a0\n\nEach hand-knotted carpet can take months to complete, reflecting generations of artistry passed through families. Through international exhibitions from Madrid to Tirana, Azerkhalcha promotes Azerbaijani culture worldwide and builds new creative partnerships, ensuring this heritage remains vibrant for future generations.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Azerkhalcha plays a vital role in safeguarding Azerbaijan\u2019s centuries-old carpet weaving tradition, a craft recognised by UNESCO for its cultural significance. With 14 studios across the country and more than 600 skilled weavers, over 85% of them rural women, the organisation keeps ancestral techniques alive while supporting local livelihoods. <\/p>\n<p>Each hand-knotted carpet can take months to complete, reflecting generations of artistry passed through families. Through international exhibitions from Madrid to Tirana, Azerkhalcha promotes Azerbaijani culture worldwide and builds new creative partnerships, ensuring this heritage remains vibrant for future generations.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1764582370,"updatedAt":1764856876,"publishedAt":1764856820,"firstPublishedAt":1764856820,"lastPublishedAt":1764856875,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/56\/72\/50\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_c2797188-2d16-5ec0-989d-239516468610-9567250.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":8735,"slug":"tradition","urlSafeValue":"tradition","title":"Tradition","titleRaw":"Tradition"},{"id":574,"slug":"culture","urlSafeValue":"culture","title":"Culture","titleRaw":"Culture"},{"id":15,"slug":"azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024.azerbaijan"},{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.azpromo25"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"J70z6HaQX9I","dailymotionId":"x9uzlf4"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/57\/78\/05\/ED_PYR_3057785_20251203170853.mp4","editor":"","duration":180000,"filesizeBytes":27568934,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/57\/78\/05\/SHD_PYR_3057785_20251203170853.mp4","editor":"","duration":180000,"filesizeBytes":41096766,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/57\/78\/05\/FHD_PYR_3057785_20251203170853.mp4","editor":"","duration":180000,"filesizeBytes":140368171,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"az-diary-culture","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan-diary-culture","title":"Azerbaijan Diary","online":0,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/culture\/culture-series\/azerbaijan-diary-culture"},"season":"AZ DIARY CULTURE_S02","episode":"S02E13 - 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Discussions focused on bridging rural-urban gaps, reducing connectivity costs, and supporting developing nations.\u00a0\n\nWith more than 2,500 participants, the event marked a record for ITU development conferences and positioned Azerbaijan as a key digital collaborator. Leaders agreed that affordability, sustainability and global cooperation are essential to narrowing the digital divide.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Azerbaijan hosted the World Telecommunication Development Conference (WTDC25), bringing together ITU members, ministers and global digital leaders to advance inclusive connectivity. <\/p>\n<p>Delegates highlighted cybersecurity, data protection, and the need for ethical deployment of emerging technologies. Discussions focused on bridging rural-urban gaps, reducing connectivity costs, and supporting developing nations. <\/p>\n<p>With more than 2,500 participants, the event marked a record for ITU development conferences and positioned Azerbaijan as a key digital collaborator. Leaders agreed that affordability, sustainability and global cooperation are essential to narrowing the digital divide.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763038934,"updatedAt":1764690862,"publishedAt":1764262826,"firstPublishedAt":1764262826,"lastPublishedAt":1764335498,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/54\/74\/23\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_2ea1a402-87c0-510c-a34e-8671b8f2be29-9547423.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1920,"height":1080}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":7866,"slug":"telecommunication","urlSafeValue":"telecommunication","title":"Telecommunication","titleRaw":"Telecommunication"},{"id":26654,"slug":"cyber-security","urlSafeValue":"cyber-security","title":"cyber security","titleRaw":"cyber security"},{"id":152,"slug":"internet","urlSafeValue":"internet","title":"Internet","titleRaw":"Internet"},{"id":389,"slug":"technology","urlSafeValue":"technology","title":"Technology","titleRaw":"Technology"},{"id":15,"slug":"azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024.focus"},{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.azpromo25"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"C1svoKw7_qM","dailymotionId":"x9uvzuy"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/30\/69\/74\/01\/ED_PYR_3069741_20251202155410.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":42357311,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/30\/69\/74\/01\/SHD_PYR_3069741_20251202155410.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":65250077,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/30\/69\/74\/01\/FHD_PYR_3069741_20251202155410.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":231416821,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"focus","urlSafeValue":"focus","title":"Focus","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/focus"},"season":"FOCUS AZERBAIJAN_S01","episode":"S01E11 - 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S01E03 - AZ-LANKARAN NATURE - MASTER","daletPyramidId":3331738,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"Why Lankaran is emerging as Azerbaijan\u2019s richest region for fruit and wild forests","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":null,"titleListing2":"Why Lankaran is emerging as Azerbaijan\u2019s richest region for fruit and wild forests","leadin":"Lankaran, a fertile region along Azerbaijan\u2019s southern coast, is gaining attention for its abundant orchards, subtropical climate and untouched forests, a landscape locals proudly call the country\u2019s \u201cfruit basket.\u201d","summary":"Lankaran, a fertile region along Azerbaijan\u2019s southern coast, is gaining attention for its abundant orchards, subtropical climate and untouched forests, a landscape locals proudly call the country\u2019s \u201cfruit basket.\u201d","keySentence":"","url":"why-lankaran-is-emerging-as-azerbaijans-richest-region-for-fruit-and-wild-forests","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/25\/why-lankaran-is-emerging-as-azerbaijans-richest-region-for-fruit-and-wild-forests","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"Lankaran\u2019s subtropical climate makes it one of Azerbaijan\u2019s most abundant fruit-growing regions.\u00a0\n\nAt Citrus Valley Plantation, visitors can stroll through bright orchards, picking mandarins, lemons and fragrant feijoa straight from the trees. A hands-on marmalade class shows how kiwi preserves are cooked slowly over a wood fire, a local tradition passed down through generations.\u00a0\n\nIn the Talish mountains, ancient forests, misty paths and remote villages like Sim reveal a way of life shaped by nature, where residents farm, keep bees and welcome travellers with warm hospitality and freshly brewed black tea.\u00a0\n\n","htmlText":"<p>Lankaran\u2019s subtropical climate makes it one of Azerbaijan\u2019s most abundant fruit-growing regions. <\/p>\n<p>At Citrus Valley Plantation, visitors can stroll through bright orchards, picking mandarins, lemons and fragrant feijoa straight from the trees. A hands-on marmalade class shows how kiwi preserves are cooked slowly over a wood fire, a local tradition passed down through generations. <\/p>\n<p>In the Talish mountains, ancient forests, misty paths and remote villages like Sim reveal a way of life shaped by nature, where residents farm, keep bees and welcome travellers with warm hospitality and freshly brewed black tea. <\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763378603,"updatedAt":1764153631,"publishedAt":1764079201,"firstPublishedAt":1764079201,"lastPublishedAt":1764153630,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/58\/07\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_70d8ab27-3ee5-531b-854f-725181ce0716-9555807.jpg","altText":null,"caption":null,"captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":1280,"height":720}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[{"id":2430,"urlSafeValue":"ulea","title":"Anca Ulea","twitter":"@ancaulea"}],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":12639,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel","titleRaw":"Travel"},{"id":4221,"slug":"tourism","urlSafeValue":"tourism","title":"Tourism","titleRaw":"Tourism"},{"id":24440,"slug":"hiking","urlSafeValue":"hiking","title":"hiking","titleRaw":"hiking"},{"id":11396,"slug":"food","urlSafeValue":"food","title":"Food","titleRaw":"Food"},{"id":9567,"slug":"cooking","urlSafeValue":"cooking","title":"Cooking","titleRaw":"Cooking"},{"id":15,"slug":"azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","titleRaw":"Azerbaijan"}],"widgets":[],"related":[],"technicalTags":[{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijantourism2024"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijantourism2025"},{"path":"sponsor"},{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024.discover"},{"path":"sponsor.azerbaijan2024"},{"path":"sponsor"}],"externalPartners":{"youtubeId":"4EAyxbY682I","dailymotionId":"x9u50fa"},"hasExternalVideo":1,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":1,"video":1,"videos":[{"format":"mp4","quality":"md","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/ED\/29\/51\/23\/06\/ED_PYR_2951236_20251120152049.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":42310906,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"hd","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/SHD\/29\/51\/23\/06\/SHD_PYR_2951236_20251120152049.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":65164384,"expiresAt":0},{"format":"mp4","quality":"1080p","type":"normal","url":"https:\/\/video.euronews.com\/mp4\/FHD\/29\/51\/23\/06\/FHD_PYR_2951236_20251120152049.mp4","editor":"","duration":300000,"filesizeBytes":230635377,"expiresAt":0}],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":null,"additionalReporting":null,"freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"around-azerbaijan","urlSafeValue":"around-azerbaijan","title":"Around Azerbaijan","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/travel\/travel-series\/around-azerbaijan"},"season":"AROUND AZERBAIJAN_S01","episode":"S01E03 - AZ-LANKARAN NATURE","episodeId":"1113","vertical":"travel","verticals":[{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":7,"slug":"travel","urlSafeValue":"travel","title":"Travel"},"themes":[{"id":"travel-series","urlSafeValue":"travel-series","title":"Series","url":"\/travel\/travel-series"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":32,"urlSafeValue":"travel-series","title":"Series"},"advertising":1,"advertisingData":{"startDate":1659347685,"endDate":2114333689,"type":"sponsored","slug":"azerbaijan-tourism-2022","title":"Azerbaijan tourism 2022","disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":"Azerbaijan Tourism Board","sponsorName":"azerbaijan-tourism-2022","sponsorUrl":"https:\/\/azerbaijan.travel\/","sponsorLogo":"https:\/\/static.euronews.com\/articles\/campaigns\/522\/180x69_cmsv2_776cd692-95fb-5a75-90ac-6bb6f2df2805-522.jpg","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":15,"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","url":"\/news\/asia\/azerbaijan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/travel\/2025\/11\/25\/why-lankaran-is-emerging-as-azerbaijans-richest-region-for-fruit-and-wild-forests","lastModified":1764153630},{"id":2848682,"cid":9557647,"versionId":4,"archive":0,"housenumber":null,"owner":"euronews","isMagazine":0,"isBreakingNews":0,"daletEventName":"D-8 BAKU MEDIA FORUM","daletPyramidId":3385290,"channels":[{"id":1},{"id":2},{"id":3},{"id":4},{"id":5},{"id":10},{"id":12},{"id":14}],"status":2,"title":"The Developing-8 countries plan media excellence hub and a new broadcasting network","titleSeo":null,"titleListing1":"The Developing-8 countries plan media excellence hub","titleListing2":"The Developing-8 countries plan media excellence hub and a new broadcasting network","leadin":"Baku hosted the first-ever D-8 Media Forum, part of the ongoing D-8 Week in Azerbaijan. Since joining as a full member in March 2025, Azerbaijan is deepening its cooperation with the Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8).","summary":"Baku hosted the first-ever D-8 Media Forum, part of the ongoing D-8 Week in Azerbaijan. Since joining as a full member in March 2025, Azerbaijan is deepening its cooperation with the Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation (D-8).","keySentence":"","url":"the-developing-8-countries-plan-media-excellence-hub-and-a-new-broadcasting-network","canonical":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/2025\/11\/22\/the-developing-8-countries-plan-media-excellence-hub-and-a-new-broadcasting-network","masterCms":"v2","plainText":"The inaugural D-8 Media Forum concluded in Baku, on Friday, it marked a continuation of the events of the D-8 Week in Azerbaijan. The Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, known as the D-8, is strengthening its partnership with Azerbaijan, which became a full member in March 2025.\n\nThough smaller than groups such as the G20 or the OIC, the D-8 serves as a coordinated platform for major developing Muslim-majority nations in global economic discussions. The organisation includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey and now Azerbaijan. As a new member, Azerbaijan is working to integrate fully into the bloc, putting forward several initiatives, including plans for Transport Excellence and Energy and Climate Centres.\n\nCreation of a Media Excellence Centre\n\nThe first D-8 Media Forum was expected to deliver significant outcomes, including the creation of a Media Excellence Centre and new strategies to counter disinformation and related threats. Around 150 delegates attended the event, among them 71 foreign representatives from member states and the D-8 Secretariat.\n\nIn President Ilham Aliyev\u2019s address to forum participants, delivered on his behalf by Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Aliyev stressed that \u201cone of the primordial tasks of the D-8 Media Forum is to form a credible collaboration between media institutions of member countries to build a just, impartial, non-biased and responsible information space\u201d.\n\nSpeaking at the opening ceremony, D-8 Secretary General Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam noted that this forum marks one of the first major D-8 events hosted by Azerbaijan since it joined the organisation in March.\n\nHe said the proposed D-8 Media Excellence Centre \u201cwill help strengthen member states\u2019 collective voice in the global information space\u201d.\n\nThe Secretary General also proposed creating a Broadcasting Association for D-8 countries. \u201cThis will bring together broadcasting outfit, including both radio and television, for the exchange of programmes and news items, and promote the understanding and cultural background of D-8\u201d, he said. If approved, the association would operate under the umbrella of the Media Excellence Centre.\n\nMalaysia tightens media rules and regulations\n\nIn an interview with Euronews, Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, CEO of Malaysia\u2019s National News Agency BERNAMA, discussed the media challenges facing her country.\n\nShe confirmed that misinformation and disinformation are widespread on social media. \u00a0\u201cThat's why the government of Malaysia is taking steps to cope with it by having a stringent rules and regulations, but this doesn't mean that the government is trying to control the media. The number of cases involving scams, pornography, pedophile and even cyber bulling is increasing\u201d, Kamaludin added.\n\nThe D-8 countries together represent more than one billion people and several rapidly growing economies. Azerbaijan\u2019s accession marks the first expansion of the organisation since it was established nearly thirty years ago.\n\n","htmlText":"<p>The inaugural D-8 Media Forum concluded in Baku, on Friday, it marked a continuation of the events of the D-8 Week in Azerbaijan. The Developing-8 Organisation for Economic Cooperation, known as the D-8, is strengthening its partnership with Azerbaijan, which became a full member in March 2025.<\/p>\n<p>Though smaller than groups such as the G20 or the OIC, the D-8 serves as a coordinated platform for major developing Muslim-majority nations in global economic discussions. The organisation includes Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Nigeria, Pakistan, Turkey and now Azerbaijan. As a new member, Azerbaijan is working to integrate fully into the bloc, putting forward several initiatives, including plans for Transport Excellence and Energy and Climate Centres.<\/p>\n<div class=\"widget widget--type-image widget--size-fullwidth widget--animation-fade-in widget--align-center\" data-ratio=\"0.7525\">\n <div class=\"widget__wrapper\">\n <div class=\"widget__ratio widget__ratio--auto\">\n <div class=\"widget__contents\">\n <figure class=\"widget__figure\">\n <img class=\"widgetImage__image\" loading=\"lazy\" src=https://www.euronews.com/"https:////images.euronews.com//articles//stories//09//55//76//47//808x608_cmsv2_119be1b5-a201-5144-9841-914af5019aab-9557647.jpg/" alt=\"First D-8 Media Forum successfully concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, 21 November 2025.\" srcset=\"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/76\/47\/384x289_cmsv2_119be1b5-a201-5144-9841-914af5019aab-9557647.jpg 384w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/76\/47\/640x482_cmsv2_119be1b5-a201-5144-9841-914af5019aab-9557647.jpg 640w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/76\/47\/750x564_cmsv2_119be1b5-a201-5144-9841-914af5019aab-9557647.jpg 750w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/76\/47\/828x623_cmsv2_119be1b5-a201-5144-9841-914af5019aab-9557647.jpg 828w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/76\/47\/1080x813_cmsv2_119be1b5-a201-5144-9841-914af5019aab-9557647.jpg 1080w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/76\/47\/1200x903_cmsv2_119be1b5-a201-5144-9841-914af5019aab-9557647.jpg 1200w, https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/76\/47\/1920x1445_cmsv2_119be1b5-a201-5144-9841-914af5019aab-9557647.jpg 1920w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 768px) 95vw, (max-width: 1024px) 80vw, (max-width: 1280px) 55vw, 728px\"\/>\n <figcaption class=\"widget__caption\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionWrap\">\n <span class=\"widget__captionText\">First D-8 Media Forum successfully concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, 21 November 2025.<\/span>\n <span class=\"widget__captionCredit\">Euronews<\/span>\n <\/span>\n <\/figcaption>\n <\/figure>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n <\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n<h2>Creation of a Media Excellence Centre<\/h2>\n<p>The first D-8 Media Forum was expected to deliver significant outcomes, including the creation of a Media Excellence Centre and new strategies to counter disinformation and related threats. Around 150 delegates attended the event, among them 71 foreign representatives from member states and the D-8 Secretariat.<\/p>\n<p>In President Ilham Aliyev\u2019s address to forum participants, delivered on his behalf by Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Aliyev stressed that \u201cone of the primordial tasks of the D-8 Media Forum is to form a credible collaboration between media institutions of member countries to build a just, impartial, non-biased and responsible information space\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>Speaking at the opening ceremony, D-8 Secretary General Isiaka Abdulqadir Imam noted that this forum marks one of the first major D-8 events hosted by Azerbaijan since it joined the organisation in March.<\/p>\n<p>He said the proposed D-8 Media Excellence Centre \u201cwill help strengthen member states\u2019 collective voice in the global information space\u201d.<\/p>\n<p>The Secretary General also proposed creating a Broadcasting Association for D-8 countries. \u201cThis will bring together broadcasting outfit, including both radio and television, for the exchange of programmes and news items, and promote the understanding and cultural background of D-8\u201d, he said. If approved, the association would operate under the umbrella of the Media Excellence Centre.<\/p>\n<h2>Malaysia tightens media rules and regulations<\/h2>\n<p>In an interview with Euronews, Nur-ul Afida Kamaludin, CEO of Malaysia\u2019s National News Agency BERNAMA, discussed the media challenges facing her country.<\/p>\n<p>She confirmed that misinformation and disinformation are widespread on social media. \u201cThat's why the government of Malaysia is taking steps to cope with it by having a stringent rules and regulations, but this doesn't mean that the government is trying to control the media. The number of cases involving scams, pornography, pedophile and even cyber bulling is increasing\u201d, Kamaludin added.<\/p>\n<p>The D-8 countries together represent more than one billion people and several rapidly growing economies. Azerbaijan\u2019s accession marks the first expansion of the organisation since it was established nearly thirty years ago.<\/p>\n","hashtag":null,"createdAt":1763802467,"updatedAt":1763888982,"publishedAt":1763839680,"firstPublishedAt":1763839680,"lastPublishedAt":1763888981,"expiresAt":0,"images":[{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/76\/47\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_5f99eb0c-e8a6-5355-8f33-95174bce9c85-9557647.jpg","altText":"inaugural D-8 Media Forum, in Baku, November 2025.","caption":"inaugural D-8 Media Forum, in Baku, November 2025.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1505},{"url":"https:\/\/images.euronews.com\/articles\/stories\/09\/55\/76\/47\/{{w}}x{{h}}_cmsv2_119be1b5-a201-5144-9841-914af5019aab-9557647.jpg","altText":"First D-8 Media Forum successfully concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, 21 November 2025.","caption":"First D-8 Media Forum successfully concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, 21 November 2025.","captionUrl":null,"captionCredit":"Euronews","sourceUrl":null,"sourceCredit":null,"callToActionUrl":null,"callToActionText":null,"width":2000,"height":1505}],"authors":{"journalists":[],"producers":[],"videoEditor":[]},"keywords":[{"id":7966,"slug":"economic-growth","urlSafeValue":"economic-growth","title":"Economic growth","titleRaw":"Economic growth"},{"id":30026,"slug":"organisation-de-la-cooperation-islamique","urlSafeValue":"organisation-de-la-cooperation-islamique","title":"The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)","titleRaw":"The Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)"},{"id":188,"slug":"media","urlSafeValue":"media","title":"Media","titleRaw":"Media"}],"widgets":[{"slug":"image","count":1}],"related":[{"id":2847097},{"id":2847030},{"id":2846759}],"technicalTags":[],"externalPartners":[],"hasExternalVideo":0,"hasInternalOrExternalVideo":0,"video":0,"videos":[],"liveStream":[{"startDate":0,"endDate":0}],"scribbleLiveId":0,"scribbleLiveRibbon":0,"isLiveCoverage":0,"sourceId":1,"sources":[],"externalSource":null,"additionalSources":"","additionalReporting":"Euronews Baku","freeField1":null,"freeField2":"","type":"normal","displayType":"default","program":{"id":"world","urlSafeValue":"world","title":"World News","online":1,"url":"https:\/\/www.euronews.com\/programs\/world"},"season":"","episode":"","episodeId":"","vertical":"news","verticals":[{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"}],"primaryVertical":{"id":1,"slug":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"News"},"themes":[{"id":"news","urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World","url":"\/news\/international"}],"primaryTheme":{"id":1,"urlSafeValue":"news","title":"World"},"advertising":0,"advertisingData":{"startDate":0,"endDate":0,"type":null,"slug":null,"title":null,"disclaimerLabelKey":null,"sponsor":null,"sponsorName":null,"sponsorUrl":null,"sponsorLogo":"","sponsorLogoReverse":"","isDfp":0},"geoLocation":{"lat":0,"lon":0},"location":1,"continent":{"id":12,"urlSafeValue":"asia","title":"Asia"},"country":{"id":15,"urlSafeValue":"azerbaijan","title":"Azerbaijan","url":"\/news\/asia\/azerbaijan"},"town":[],"contextualSignals":{"doubleVerify":{"ids":[],"slugs":[]}},"grapeshot":null,"versions":[],"programDeliverable":{"slug":"article-video","format":"default"},"showOpinionDisclaimer":0,"allViews":0,"allViewsMeta":{"pointOfView":[],"survey":[],"tweetId":0,"tweet2NdId":0,"displayOverlay":0},"storyTranslationMethod":[],"localisation":[],"autoPublished":0,"autoLocalised":0,"isReviewed":0,"path":"\/2025\/11\/22\/the-developing-8-countries-plan-media-excellence-hub-and-a-new-broadcasting-network","lastModified":1763888981}]">
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