China and Russia to build nuclear reactor on Moon
China and Russia have announced plans to build an automated nuclear power station on the Moon by 2035 as part of the International Lunar Research Station (ILRS) project.
President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan held talks with Li Qiang, Premier of the State Council of the People's Republic of China, in Beijing on Tuesday, furthering the countries' comprehensive strategic partnership.
The meeting underscored the growing cooperation between the two nations, following the Joint Declaration on strategic partnership signed in July 2024, which was built upon today with a Joint Statement establishing a comprehensive strategic partnership.
The two leaders highlighted the remarkable progress in their bilateral relations, noting that in less than a year, the relationship had evolved from a strategic partnership to a comprehensive one, reflecting the dynamic and expanding ties between the two countries. Both sides praised the increased political, economic, and trade cooperation, including a significant 20% rise in bilateral trade turnover last year, reaching $3.7 billion, with a nearly 40% growth in the first three months of this year alone.
President Aliyev emphasized China's position as Azerbaijan’s number one import partner and its fourth-largest trade partner. He also stressed the importance of the successful implementation of the strategic partnership declaration and the ongoing collaboration in transport and logistics, particularly across Eurasia.
The discussions also covered cooperation in international organizations, notably the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Both sides reaffirmed their mutual support for each other’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, with Azerbaijan continuing to uphold the "One China" policy. They also highlighted their joint efforts in combating terrorism, extremism, and separatism.
In the context of international relations, President Aliyev expressed the importance of creating mechanisms to enforce UN Security Council resolutions, recalling the impact of their non-implementation on Azerbaijan.
Premier Li Qiang emphasized the importance of the Middle Corridor and reported increased cargo transportation along this route, further discussing efforts to enhance the corridor’s capacity. Additionally, cooperation in renewable energy, oil and gas, and the application of Chinese technologies in Azerbaijan was explored, with both leaders noting significant investment potential.
Li Qiang also highlighted China's readiness to provide humanitarian support for demining efforts in Azerbaijan. The discussions included the significance of lifting visa requirements for Chinese citizens to facilitate easier travel, enhance people-to-people contact, and boost tourism. Both leaders expressed their hope to formalize a reciprocal visa waiver agreement.
Agricultural cooperation was another key topic, with both sides looking to expand efforts in sericulture, cotton production, and agricultural machinery. China’s support for Azerbaijan’s economic diversification, particularly in the digital transformation and development sectors, was also underlined.
The cultural and humanitarian aspects of the relationship were acknowledged, with particular recognition of projects implemented by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in China. This meeting marks another step forward in the evolving partnership between Azerbaijan and China, reinforcing their commitment to mutual growth and cooperation across a wide range of sectors.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in Ankara on May 15, with discussions reportedly focusing on upcoming peace talks between Ukrainian and Russian delegates in Istanbul.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said the war in Gaza will not stop until Hamas is destroyed, following the release of US-Israeli soldier Edan Alexander.
Qatar signed a landmark agreement with U.S. aerospace giant Boeing on Wednesday to acquire 160 aircraft for Qatar Airways, a deal valued at $200 billion. The signing took place in Doha during the visit of U.S. President Donald Trump.
Ukrainian and Russian delegations meet behind closed doors at Istanbul’s Dolmabahçe Palace at 10:00 local time today to explore security guarantees, territorial integrity and a possible ceasefire.
EU approves 17th Russia sanctions, blacklisting almost 200 shadow‑fleet ships, 30 evasion firms and 75 defence figures, banning missile chemicals and arming Brussels to strike Kremlin hybrid and operations.
Britain is working with the U.S. to ensure a ceasefire between India and Pakistan endures and that "confidence-building measures" and dialogue take place, foreign minister David Lammy said on Saturday.
Poland will restart negotiations with the Czech Republic over a decades-old 400-hectare border dispute, raising questions about the EU’s sovereignty-focused, bilateral approach and its relevance for talks like those between Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for May 17th , covering the latest developments you need to know.
A drone strike believed to have been carried out by Russian forces hit a civilian bus in the town of Bilopillia in Ukraine’s Sumy region on Saturday, killing nine people and injuring four, Ukrainian officials said, while Russia’s defence ministry said its drones had struck a military staging area in
Russian President Vladimir Putin has invited all Arab League leaders and the organization's Secretary General to the first-ever Russia-Arab summit on October 15, aiming to strengthen cooperation and enhance peace and stability in the Middle East and North Africa.
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