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Sunday, April 5, 2026
From oil to ore: Azerbaijan’s next economic pivot takes shape

From oil to ore: Azerbaijan’s next economic pivot takes shape

The recent presidential decree to establish the Western Industrial Park marks a decisive step in Azerbaijan’s industrial transformation. By focusing on the expansion of iron ore processing and deepening the metallurgical value chain, the country is signaling its intent to move beyond raw material exports and toward a more diversified, resilient economy. This initiative is not simply about building factories; it is about reshaping Azerbaijan’s economic identity in a global context where metals are becoming increasingly strategic.

Nation
Minister Gayibov wraps up Türkiye visit with forum speech and key meetings [PHOTOS]

Minister Gayibov wraps up Türkiye visit with forum speech and key meetings [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, Farid Gayibov, has concluded his visit to Türkiye.

Oil & Gas
Europe’s energy dilemma: Gulf instability forces Caspian rethink

Europe’s energy dilemma: Gulf instability forces Caspian rethink

Growing tensions around the Strait of Hormuz are raising concerns about global energy security and accelerating the search for diversified supply routes. In this context, Azerbaijan is strengthening its position as a reliable energy partner, expanding gas supplies to Europe and reinforcing its strategic role in the evolving energy landscape.

Business
Cashless payments in Azerbaijan surge as e-commerce dominates transactions

Cashless payments in Azerbaijan surge as e-commerce dominates transactions

Non-cash payments in Azerbaijan rose sharply in February 2026, increasing by 15% year-on-year to reach 8.2 billion manats, according to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan, AzerNEWS reports.

Armenian-Azerbaijani Relations
Zori Balayan, controversial voice of Karabakh-era nationalism, dies

Zori Balayan, controversial voice of Karabakh-era nationalism, dies

Armenian publicist, writer, socio-political figure, and traveler Zori Balayan has died, according to Armenian media reports cited by AzerNEWS. His death was confirmed by his son, Hayk Balayan.

World
Iran reports massive losses in power sector after US-Israeli attacks

Iran reports massive losses in power sector after US-Israeli attacks

Since February 28, Iran’s energy sector has sustained damages exceeding 250 trillion rials (approximately $191 million) amid U.S. and Israeli airstrikes, according to Iranian officials, AzerNEWS reports.

Travel
Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport

Azerbaijani pilgrims currently at Medina international airport
Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month

Second group of Azerbaijani pilgrims to depart for Hajj this month
Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]

Astana celebrates Novruz with festive events and cultural celebrations [PHOTOS]
Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture

Albania’s impeccable hospitality and exuberant architecture
Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park

Experience charm of autumn season at Shahdag National Park
Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Georgian foreign travelers arrive in Shusha

Lifestyle
Trust and skepticism toward AI-generated cultural content

Trust and skepticism toward AI-generated cultural content

The rapid integration of artificial intelligence into art, music, and media has created a paradox. AI-generated cultural content is increasingly widespread and sophisticated, yet public trust in it remains deeply unstable.

Culture
Uzbek edition of Maqsud Ibrahimbeyov’s ‘The Woman in Black’ unveiled in Tashkent [PHOTOS]

Uzbek edition of Maqsud Ibrahimbeyov’s ‘The Woman in Black’ unveiled in Tashkent [PHOTOS]

A presentation of the Uzbek-language edition of “The Woman in Black” (Qora libosli ayol tashrifi) by People’s Writer, State Prize laureate and prominent public figure Maqsud Ibrahimbeyov was held at the Azerbaijan Cultural Centre named after Heydar Aliyev under the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Uzbekistan.

Analysis

Events
No sabotage found in Turkish C-130 crash in Georgia, prosecutors say

No sabotage found in Turkish C-130 crash in Georgia, prosecutors say

No evidence of external interference has been found in the crash of a Turkish Air Force C-130 military transport aircraft in Georgia, AzerNEWS reports, citing the Ankara Chief Public Prosecutor’s Office.

Sports
Kapaz coach confident two-week break will benefit team ahead of Gabala clash

Kapaz coach confident two-week break will benefit team ahead of Gabala clash

The two-week break in the Misli Premier League is expected to work in Kapaz’s favor, according to the club’s head coach Azer Bagirov.

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