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Tuesday December 16 2025
SOCAR expert: Robots, drones, AI cut risk and downtime in oil and gas inspections [EXCLUSIVE]

SOCAR expert: Robots, drones, AI cut risk and downtime in oil and gas inspections [EXCLUSIVE]

Valiyev notes that drones and robotic crawlers are fundamentally reshaping corrosion inspection practices, particularly in areas that were once difficult or dangerous to access. Traditionally, inspections required scaffolding, rope-access teams, confined-space entry, or even full shutdowns of assets. Today, he says, much of this risk has been eliminated.

Nation
21 families return to Sos village under Azerbaijan’s Great Return Program

21 families return to Sos village under Azerbaijan’s Great Return Program

In line with instructions from President Ilham Aliyev, the Great Return to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories is continuing, Azernews reports.

Oil & Gas
Azerbaijan cuts gas imports from Turkmenistan in January–October

Azerbaijan cuts gas imports from Turkmenistan in January–October

Azerbaijan imported 230.9 million cubic meters of natural gas from Turkmenistan in the January–October period of this year, Azernews reports, citing the State Statistics Committee of Azerbaijan.

Business
ADB investment in Azerbaijan drops more than threefold in past nine months

ADB investment in Azerbaijan drops more than threefold in past nine months

Direct foreign investment from the Asian Development Bank (ADB) into Azerbaijan totaled $5.464 million in the first nine months of this year, according to the Central Bank of Azerbaijan.

Analysis

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
EU-Armenia partnership document raises questions on commitment to peace

EU-Armenia partnership document raises questions on commitment to peace

The EU calls its new 64-page agenda with Armenia a “strategic partnership.” In practice, it reads like a political time capsule, one that drags the region back into the pre-2020 mindset and recycles narratives already settled on the ground. After the Washington D.C. Summit and the initialing of the Azerbaijan–Armenia peace agreement, Brussels had an opportunity to solidify progress. Instead, the EU chose to anchor Armenia’s political comfort zone while sidelining the core realities that define today’s South Caucasus.

Armenian Aggression
ANAMA releases report on areas cleared of mines and UXOs

ANAMA releases report on areas cleared of mines and UXOs

A total of 18 anti-tank mines, 42 anti-personnel mines, and 683 items of unexploded ordnance (UXO) were discovered and neutralized in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories between December 8 and 14, Azernews reports.

World
Automaker to close German factory after 88 years

Automaker to close German factory after 88 years

For the first time in its 88-year history, Volkswagen is forced to close one of its factories in Germany. The last car will roll off the assembly line at the Dresden plant on Tuesday, just over 20 years after the facility first opened, 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
Azerbaijan Fashion Week: Designers of East present collections inspired by Great Silk Road [PHOTOS]

Azerbaijan Fashion Week: Designers of East present collections inspired by Great Silk Road [PHOTOS]

The 19th season of Azerbaijan Fashion Week has concluded in Baku, marking a vibrant celebration of cultural diversity and contemporary fashion artistry, Azernews reports.

Culture
UNESCO showcases legacy of medieval architect Ajami Nakhchivani [PHOTOS]

UNESCO showcases legacy of medieval architect Ajami Nakhchivani [PHOTOS]

An exhibition marking the 900th anniversary of architect Ajami Nakhchivani, part of UNESCO's anniversaries program, opened at UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, Azernews reports.

Events
UN to celebrate World Turkic Language Family Day for first time

UN to celebrate World Turkic Language Family Day for first time

For the first time, the United Nations will celebrate World Turkic Language Family Day on December 15, Azernews reports citing the United Nations.

Sports
Azerbaijan sets up organizing committee for 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup - decree

Azerbaijan sets up organizing committee for 2027 FIFA U-20 World Cup - decree

An Organizing Committee has been established in connection with hosting the 2027 FIFA U-20 Men’s Football World Cup in Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

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