BAKU: The Central Bank of Iran (CBI) posted an official foreign currency rate on May 5, Trend reports via the CBI. Based on the bank's currency exchange rate, 30 currency prices grew while 8 fell compared to May 2. As for CBI, $1 equals 42,000 Iranian rials, and one euro equals 45,220 rials. On May 2, one euro was 44,855 rials. In Iran, the official exchange rate is used for the import of some essential products. The exchange rate announced by the CBI to banks and exchange offices is called the SANA system. According to this system, one euro was worth 478,444 rials, and $1 was worth 444,374 rials. NIMA is a scheme for selling a percentage of the foreign money earned from exports. The price of one euro in this system amounted to 446,726 rials, and the price of $1 was 414,915 rials. On the black market, $1 is worth about 610,000-613,000 rials, while one euro is about 657,000-660,000 rials. Source: Trend News Agency
Azerbaijan may call for peace between warring states during COP29
BAKU: Azerbaijan may invite countries to conclude a truce during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in Baku, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev said in an interview with The Guardian, Trend reports. The Guardian recalls that most countries in the world conclude a truce during the Summer and Winter Olympic Games. "We are holding discussions with different partners about a truce during COP29, as during the Olympics. But this is at an early stage of discussion. This will require additional consultations and discussions," said Hajiyev. Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan is making and will continue to make additional efforts to make COP29 another success story in the field of peace and a conference for achieving peace, along with the challenge of combating climate change. "We are working to advance the peace agenda. The climate crisis is likely to worsen food and water shortages and could increase migration, increasing pressure on states and potentially causing border problems. Security has many elements and it cannot be denied that climate impacts, environmental change or environmental issues are relevant to national security and peace," said Hajiyev. Source: Trend News Agency
Kyrgyzstan’s trade turnover with SPECA countries increases
BISHKEK: Kyrgyzstan's trade turnover with the UN Special Program for the Economies of Central Asia (SPECA) member countries reached $2.105 billion in 2023, announced Sanzhar Bolotov, Deputy Minister of Economy and Commerce of the country, during the Ministerial Meeting of SPECA in Bangkok, Trend reports. "Kyrgyzstan's trade turnover with the SPECA countries increased by 1.9 times from 2019 through 2023. However, the trade potential between Kyrgyzstan and the SPECA countries far exceeds this statistic," emphasized Bolotov. At the meeting, the creation of the SPECA multipartner trust fund garnered special attention from all countries. Kyrgyzstan supported the idea and committed to the necessary work for its successful operation. "This will be an effective mechanism for implementing projects aimed at improving the economic situation and social well-being in our countries," noted Bolotov. He also shared Kyrgyzstan's achievements and plans in the green economy, supporting the development of a long-term vision for the SPECA countries in this direction until 2030. Bolotov proposed giving special attention to digital innovations and e-commerce in the economies of the SPECA region in subsequent meetings. A joint statement was adopted at the end of the meeting, reflecting decisions such as the intention to develop the green economy in the SPECA region, increase trade turnover through the promotion and utilization of e-commerce advantages, and develop the SPECA development concept until 2030. SPECA was established on March 26, 1998, by the Tashkent Declaration. The goal is to promote economic development, cooperation, and integration into the economies of Europe and Asia for its participating countries. Currently, SPECA-participating states include Azerbaijan, Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan. According to the State Statistical Committee of Kyrgyzstan, the country's foreign trade turnover reached $15.660 billion in 2023, which is a 29.9 percent increase compared to 2022 ($ 12.057 billion). Source: Trend News Agency
European Cup: Azerbaijani gymnast secures silver medal in European Cup
Ilaha Bahadirova, a member of the Azerbaijani junior artistic gymnastics national team, clinched a silver medal at the European Cup held in Baku. According to AZERTAC, she ascended to the second spot on the podium in ball exercises. Meanwhile, other gymnast, Govhar Ibrahimova, secured the seventh position in hoop exercises. A total of 160 athletes from 37 countries are participating in the European Cup held at the National Gymnastics Arena. The competition is set to conclude today, on May 5th. Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency
Azerbaijani athletes win bronze at European Cup in three ribbons and two balls exercises
BAKU: Azerbaijani team has won a bronze medal in group exercises with a score of 29.950 points in exercises with three ribbons and two balls at the European Cup in Rhythmic Gymnastics in Baku, Trend reports. The Azerbaijani team in group exercises included Gullu Aghalarzade, Kamilla Aliyeva, Yelyzaveta Luzan, Darya Sorokina, Laman Alimuradova, and Zeynab Hummatova. The gold medal went to the Bulgarian team (33.900 points), while the silver medal was won by the Italian team (33.700 points). To note, the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku is hosting the European Cup in Rhythmic Gymnastics from May 3rd through May 5th. Athletes from 37 countries are participating in the event, showcasing their talents across two age categories: seniors, which includes individual and group routines, and juniors, focusing on individual performances. Source: Trend News Agency
Baku Marathon-2024: Winners announced
The winners of the "Baku Marathon-2024," organized by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, have been determined. Ukrainian athlete Nataliya Semenovich clinched the top spot among women in the Baku marathon. Azerbaijani representative Anna Yusupova secured the second position, with Kazakhstani athlete Nelli Gaitova finishing third. In the men's category, Turkish participant Ahmet Alkanoglu dashed to the finish line, claiming the victory. Ukrainian runner Bohdan Semenovich secured the second spot, while Ugandan athlete Ismail Senyange took third place. The top three finishers received cash prizes of 3000, 2000, and 1000 manats respectively, alongside medals and diplomas. Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency
Baku Marathon 2024 finds its winners (PHOTO)
BAKU: Winners of the Baku Marathon 2024 organized on the initiative of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation have been announced, Trend reports. Natalia Semenovych of Ukraine secured the top spot among women in the Baku Marathon, themed "Conquer the Wind." Anna Yusupova from Azerbaijan claimed second place, followed by Nelli Gaitova from Kazakhstan in third. In the men's race, Akhmet Alkanoglu of Trkiye clinched first place, with Bogdan Semenovych from Ukraine coming in second and Ismail Senyange from Uganda securing third. The winners of the first three places received prizes of 3,000, 2,000, and 1,000 manat ($1750, $1,170 and $585), along with medals and diplomas. Source: Trend News Agency
OIC summit once again condemns destruction of Islamic heritage sites by Armenia
During his working visit to Gambia, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov participated in and delivered a speech at the 15th Islamic Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) in Banjul. According to the Press Service of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov expressed gratitude to Saudi Arabia for its successful chairmanship aimed at promoting unity and cooperation within the OIC. He congratulated Gambia on assuming the chairmanship of the OIC and wished the country success in further strengthening and promoting Islamic solidarity. He noted that Azerbaijan supports the consolidation of efforts to address existing challenges based on the common interests of the Islamic world and in accordance with the charters of the United Nations and the OIC. The Minister emphasized the importance of protecting Islamic religion and culture in combating the most dangerous challenges, such as unfounded manifestations of Islamophobia and acts of Quran burning. Jeyhun Bayramov stated th at Azerbaijan, based on its multicultural traditions and experience, supports a more tolerant and sustainable world order among different religions and cultures. Reminding that the Organization of Islamic Cooperation took a firm and unequivocal position on the issue of sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Azerbaijani state during the occupation of Azerbaijani lands, the Minister of Foreign Affairs stated that Azerbaijan, as one of the active members of the OIC, constantly supports efforts within the organization for peaceful conflict resolution. He noted that on the Palestinian issue, which currently causes deep concern in the entire Islamic world, Azerbaijan supports the resolution of the conflict based on the "two-state" principle and also provides constant assistance to eliminate severe humanitarian consequences for the Palestinian people. Expressing satisfaction with cooperation within the OIC in various fields, including economic development, education, healthcare, and culture, the Minister hi ghlighted the large potential for joint activities in other areas. Jeyhun Bayramov particularly emphasized that Azerbaijan is transitioning from traditional sources of energy to alternative sources such as solar and water. The Minister noted that the country is interested in developing cooperation with OIC member states in this sphere. The Minister of Foreign Affairs provided detailed information about the current regional situation, opportunities, and challenges in the post-conflict period, efforts towards reconstruction and restoration in liberated territories, the hindrance posed by the mine threat to these efforts, and recent developments in the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Speaking about Azerbaijan's chairmanship at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized the importance of the OIC, covering one of the regions most affected by global climate change, taking a unifie d position and mobilizing efforts to combat this threat. The Final Communiqué adopted at the Banjul Summit welcomes Azerbaijan's restoration of sovereignty over its entire territory, expresses unwavering support for Azerbaijan's territorial integrity, and supports the process of normalization of Azerbaijani-Armenian relations based on mutual recognition of each other's territorial integrity and sovereignty. It includes a call on Armenia to fulfill its commitments. The Communiqué also notes that the OIC Contact Group on the aggression of the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan has been renamed the Contact Group for the Elimination of the Consequences of the Aggression of the Republic of Armenia against the Republic of Azerbaijan. It once again condemned destruction of Islamic heritage sites by Armenia. Simultaneously, it expressed concerns regarding the fate of Azerbaijanis expelled from present-day Armenia, and showed support for their dignified return. Confirming the holding of the 16t h Islamic Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Azerbaijan in 2026, the Communiqué calls for cooperation in holding the upcoming summit in Baku. The Communiqué also welcomes the holding of the 6th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue organized within the framework of the "Baku Process". Source: Azerbaijan State News Agency
Israeli team takes gold at European Cup Rhythmic Gymnastics in Baku in hoops exercises
BAKU: Israeli team excelled in the European Cup in Rhythmic Gymnastics in Baku, securing a gold medal in the program featuring five hoops with a total score of 38.950 points, Trend reports. Following closely, the Italian team claimed the second spot with a score of 38.050 points, while the Bulgarian team secured third place with 37.750 points. The Azerbaijan team, consisting of Gullu Aghalarzade, Kamilla Aliyeva, Yelyzaveta Luzan, Darya Sorokina, Laman Alimuradova, and Zeynab Hummatova, attained the fourth position with 36.950 points. To note, the National Gymnastics Arena in Baku is hosting the European Cup in Rhythmic Gymnastics from May 3rd through May 5th. Athletes from 37 countries are participating in the event, showcasing their talents across two age categories: seniors, which includes individual and group routines, and juniors, focusing on individual performances. Source: Trend News Agency