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Thursday January 1 2026
SOFAZ turns Gulf investments into strategic capital for Azerbaijan [OPINION]

SOFAZ turns Gulf investments into strategic capital for Azerbaijan [OPINION]

The recent investments of approximately 900 million USD made by the State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan (SOFAZ) in Gulf countries cannot be explained solely by financial portfolio diversification. The Fund’s positions in countries such as Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Kuwait constitute a key component of Azerbaijan’s strategy to enhance both economic and political influence through global financial markets. In particular, the 300 million USD invested in Saudi Arabian government bonds exemplifies this approach and represents not merely a profit-oriented step but one of strategic importance for Azerbaijan.

Nation
New Year celebration held at Children’s Shelters initiative of Leyla Aliyeva [PHOTOS]

New Year celebration held at Children’s Shelters initiative of Leyla Aliyeva [PHOTOS]

At the initiative of Leyla Aliyeva, Vice-President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Association, festive events were organized to mark World Azerbaijanis Solidarity Day and the New Year for individuals belonging to vulnerable population groups at the Shelter and Social Rehabilitation Institution, as well as for minors residing at the Child Shelter Reintegration Center of the “Azerbaijan Children” Public Association.

Oil & Gas
Azeri Light oil prices increase

Azeri Light oil prices increase

The price of Azerbaijan’s Azeri Light crude oil on the world market rose by $0.04, or 0.01%, to $65.71 per barrel, Azernews reports.

Business
Tourist arrivals from Central Asia to Azerbaijan rise by 23.3%

Tourist arrivals from Central Asia to Azerbaijan rise by 23.3%

A total of 202,033 tourists from Central Asian countries visited Azerbaijan between January and November 2025, Azernews reports.

Analysis

Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict
Nikol Pashinyan hopes for exports from Armenia to Azerbaijan soon

Nikol Pashinyan hopes for exports from Armenia to Azerbaijan soon

Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan expressed hope that goods will soon be exported from Armenia to Azerbaijan, Azernews reports, citing foreign media.

Armenian Aggression
Babayan breaks silence as Garabagh Armenians’ fate becomes political weapon

Babayan breaks silence as Garabagh Armenians’ fate becomes political weapon

Samvel Babayan, once the “commander” of the so-called Artsakh Defense Army and ex-“secretary” of the self-proclaimed Artsakh National Security Council, has returned to the spotlight with a blunt and uncompromising critique of the Armenian authorities. His timing, right before the June parliamentary elections, raises eyebrows, but his words strike at the unresolved legacy of Garabagh and the failures of Armenian leadership.

World
UK opposition minister faces scrutiny over ties to sanctioned Russian oligarch Abramovich

UK opposition minister faces scrutiny over ties to sanctioned Russian oligarch Abramovich

UK opposition leader Kemi Badenoch is facing pressure to act after revelations that her shadow attorney general is representing Russian businessman Roman Abramovich, despite UK sanctions against him, Azernews reports via Anadolu Agency.

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
Season's first snowfall blankets Azerbaijan's cultural capital [PHOTOS]

Season's first snowfall blankets Azerbaijan's cultural capital [PHOTOS]

https://azertag.az/xeber/susaya_movsumun_ilk_qari_yagib_video-3942935

Culture
“Winter Tale” festival launches in Khankendi [VIDEOS]

“Winter Tale” festival launches in Khankendi [VIDEOS]

A festive fair titled Winter Tale has opened in the city of Khankendi in celebration of World Azerbaijanis’ Solidarity Day and the New Year. The fair began on 27 December and will run until 5 January.

Events
Concert held in Shusha to mark Solidarity Day and New Year [PHOTOS]

Concert held in Shusha to mark Solidarity Day and New Year [PHOTOS]

A festive concert was held in the “Güllü bağ” area of Shusha on 31 December to mark World Azerbaijanis’ Solidarity Day and the New Year.

Sports
Mamedyarov ranks 19th in FIDE’s First 2026 rating list

Mamedyarov ranks 19th in FIDE’s First 2026 rating list

The International Chess Federation (FIDE) has released its first rating list of 2026, Azernews reports, citing the federation’s official website.

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