Day: March 15, 2023

Azerbaijan demonstrates a great example of multiculturalism to the world, President of the European Turkic-Muslim Union, and Director General of the Asian Center for Strategic Studies Musa Serdar Celebi said in an exclusive interview with Trend.

“Azerbaijan has always treated people of other religions and their shrines with respect,” Chelebi said.

Speaking of the occupation of Azerbaijani lands, he said that Azerbaijanis in Karabakh were killed by Armenians, expelled from their lands, and mosques were desecrated.

“After the liberation of the historical Azerbaijani lands from occupation, the facts of the Armenian vandalism in these lands became obvious,” Celebi said.

On March 15-16, the Baku International Multiculturalism Center (BIMC), the Center of Analysis of International Relations (AIR Center) and the G20 Interfaith Forum will organize an international conference dedicated to the International Day to Combat Islamophobia themed “Islamophobia as a Specific Form of Racism and Discrimination: New Global and Transnational Challenges”.

The main purpose of the conference is to provide an academic discussion platform on the alarming trends targeting Muslims and Muslim-populated countries at international and national levels.

The conference, which will bring together scientists, experts of international organizations, religious figures, and representatives of non-governmental organizations from 32 countries, will feature discussions on different approaches in the fight against Islamophobia, the manifestation of Islamophobia in some European countries, and Islamophobia in the international media.

The date of March 15 was proposed to be declared the International Day against Islamophobia at a meeting of the Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Niamey (Republic of Niger), held on November 27-28, 2020. The UN General Assembly adopted a resolution declaring March 15 as the International Day against Islamophobia.

Source: TREND News Agency

As many as 158 people have been vaccinated against COVID-19 in Azerbaijan, Trend reports referring to the Operational Headquarters under the Azerbaijani Cabinet of Ministers.

The first dose of the vaccine was injected into 53 citizens, the second dose – 26 citizens, while the third dose and the next doses were received by 64 citizens. A total of 15 citizens were vaccinated with a booster dose after a positive test result for COVID-19.

Totally, up until now, 13,952,081 vaccine doses were administered, 5,405,310 citizens received the first dose of the vaccine, 4,879,577 people – the second dose, 3,401,379 people – the third dose, and the next doses.

Besides, 265,815 citizens were vaccinated with a booster dose after a positive test result for COVID-19.

Source: TREND News Agency

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has held a meeting with President of the Republic of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara, Trend reports.

A guard of honor was lined up for the President of Azerbaijan at the Presidential Palace in Ankara.

President of Türkiye Recep Tayyip Erdogan welcomed President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

The heads of state posed together for photographs.

The Turkish leader thanked the President of Azerbaijan for his initiative to hold the Extraordinary Summit of the Heads of State of the Organization of Turkic States in Türkiye.

The sides underlined the importance of the format the summit of the Turkic States is held and the fact that the event is devoted to mitigating the impact of the earthquake, which occurred in Türkiye.

Recep Tayyip Erdogan recalled Azerbaijan’s fraternal support and solidarity shown shortly after the devastating quake in Türkiye. The Turkish President hailed the efforts of Azerbaijani rescuers and doctors in the quake-hit regions and the country`s humanitarian aid to eliminate the consequences of the natural disaster.

Expressing once again his condolences over the earthquake, President Ilham Aliyev said that the people of Azerbaijan were deeply shocked by the natural disaster.

They praised the successful development of brotherly and friendly relations between the two countries in all areas based on one nation and two states principle, and discussed the further expansion of cooperation in the fields of politics, economy, trade, energy, defense and defense industry, as well as regional issues.

During the conversation, the sides also exchanged views on the normalization of relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia and the negotiations process on a peace treaty.

Source: TREND News Agency

Brent oil futures with the settlement in May 2023 plunged below $72 per barrel at the London-based ICE for the first time since December 22, 2021, according to trading data, Trend reports citing TASS.

Brent prices lost 7.26% to $71.79 per barrel, according to ICE data.

WTI oil futures with delivery in May 2023 edged down by 7.54% to $66.08 per barrel at the same time.

Source: TREND News Agency

Iran’s Minister of Industry Ehsan Khandouzi on Wednesday referred to a 20 percent growth in the 11-month trade between Iran and Iraq while expressing hope that transactions between the two neighboring countries will further increase next year, Trend reports citing IRNA.

Khandouzi said that during his recent meeting with Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani, he has highlighted the need for taking further pragmatic measures to implement already-signed agreements.

The Iranian minister said that both countries stressed that the agreements should not remain on paper.

The volume of trade between Iran and Iraq is expected to set new records next year, he said, adding that both countries are also determined to complete transit corridors which has been agreed earlier.

Referring to Iran’s call on Iraq to make its contribution to the completion of the Basra-Shalamche railroad which will connect the railway network of the two countries, the minister said that the Iraqi government has earmarked a specific sum of money to this project in its 2023 budget bill.

Source: TREND News Agency

Türkiye is making efforts to bring Ukraine and Russia to an agreement for the extension of the grain deal to 120 days instead of the current plan of two months, Defense Minister Hulusi Akar said on March 15, Trend reports citing Hurriyet Daily News.

“We started negotiations with the idea of extending the grain corridor for another 120 days in accordance with the initial version of the agreement. Our friends with the Russian and Ukrainian sides held their talks at the technical level. We also continue our talks at the ministerial level,” Akar told reporters at the parliament.

“We will continue our contacts to extend the deal to 120 days instead of two months,” he added.

The parties will evaluate the issue and make their decision, he said. “The United Nations thinks similarly to us. We continue our talks. Hopefully, we will try to resolve this as soon as possible,” Akar stated.

Source: TREND News Agency