Latest news with #Hajiyev
OC Media
23-07-2025
- Politics
- OC Media
Azerbaijan calls out spread of ‘fake news' aimed at inflaming tensions with Russia
Sign in or or Become a member to unlock the audio version of this article Join the voices Aliyev wants to silence. For over eight years, OC Media has worked with fearless journalists from Azerbaijan — some of whom now face decades behind bars — to bring you the stories the regime is afraid will get out. Help us fuel Aliyev's fears — become an OC Media member today Become a member In recent days, Azerbaijani officials have been targeted by what the government has called 'fake news' — posts impersonating top officials with inflammatory content about the country's relations with Russia. On Monday and Tuesday, pro-government media outlets in Azerbaijan published statements by the Media Development Agency debunking fabricated screenshots showing statements by high-ranking officials regarding Russian–Azerbaijani relations. The screenshots showed statements attributed to presidential aide Hikmat Hajiyev, First Deputy Prime Minister Yagub Eyyubov, and Interior Minister Vilayat Eyvazov. Azerbaijan's Media Development Agency has dismissed all of the posts as 'fake news', calling on journalists to only cite official sources and not to publish news that has not been shared by official media. The 'fake news' appeared to have been primarily shared through screenshots on social media showing fabricated news reports in the style of official websites or news agencies. Screenshots dismissed by the agency as fake but attributed to Hajiyev show a Russian statement published on the president's official website. 'A false statement on behalf of the Hajiyev about Russian–Azerbaijani relations was disseminated in a number of social networks. This statement, imitating the image of the official website of the President of Azerbaijan and containing fabricated claims, is an example of gross information manipulation aimed at misleading public opinion', wrote the agency. Advertisement According to the screenshot of the statement, Hajiyev says that President Ilham Aliyev's 'personal ambitions' were the 'only reason for the deterioration of relations with the Russian Federation'. 'Russia met us halfway, made all the necessary payments to the victims of the accident with the AZAL flight, without waiting for the conclusions of the investigation into the incident', read the statement debunked as fake by the Media Development Agency. The news was shared the day after the third Global Shusha Media Forum in Stepanakert (Khankendi). During the forum, Aliyev said that Azerbaijan is preparing to take Russia to international court over the deadly plane crash. On the same day, the Media Development Agency debunked what appeared to be a deep fake of Deputy Prime Minister Yqub Eyyubov. 'Several social media accounts, allegedly on behalf of the First Deputy Prime Minister, Eyyubov, have made a statement using 'deep fake' technology that does not correspond to reality. The statement claims that Azerbaijan is pursuing an aggressive policy towards Russia', the statement read. The Media Development Agency claimed that the video were created 'by certain circles using artificial intelligence and aimed at polluting the information space, which is an example of gross manipulation aimed at misleading public opinion'. Further news debunked as fake but attributed to Interior Minister Eyvazov surfaced on social media on Tuesday, appearing to show him calling Aliyev's remarks at the forum 'emotional in nature', as well saying that they 'do not reflect the official position of the Interior Ministry'. 'We remain neutral and distant, focusing on fulfilling our direct duties. Few people liked President Aliyev's statements', the screenshot read. The Media Development Agency again dismissed the statement as fake, calling it an 'example of gross information manipulation aimed at misleading public opinion'. They called on the 'citizens of Azerbaijan, journalists, and public activists to always show integrity in such cases and to be vigilant in a situation where campaigns based on false and misleading information are gaining momentum'. All screenshots debunked by the agency were published in Russian and were focused on Azerbaijani–Russian relations. None of the officials featured in the screenshots have issued any statements or comments following their publication.
Morocco World
07-07-2025
- Politics
- Morocco World
Azerbaijan Says Support Morocco's Sovereignty Over Western Sahara is Matter of Principle, Not Diplomatic Favor
In a climate of growing instability across the globe, Morocco and Azerbaijan have taken deliberate steps to reinforce their partnership. During a visit by Moroccan journalists to Baku, Azerbaijani Presidential Advisor and Head of Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev, reaffirmed his country's steadfast support for Morocco's sovereignty over Western Sahara. Hajiyev also described the two countries as bound by mutual respect, shared values, and historical parallels. A partnership rooted in principle Speaking to the visiting Moroccan media delegation, which Morocco World News (MWN) was part of, Hajiyev described Morocco as a 'brotherly country' and commended the strength of bilateral ties. 'We have excellent relations across all sectors. The only issue is the geographic distance,' he said. For Azerbaijan, he added, Islamic solidarity and cooperation with Arab countries remain core pillars of foreign policy. 'We share many similarities with Morocco,' he noted, describing the North African country as a key partner in both the Arab and Islamic worlds. Hajiyev recalled the early roots of the diplomatic relationship, pointing to a historic meeting between Azerbaijan's former leader, Heydar Aliyev, and Morocco's King Hassan II during a summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in Casablanca. 'That visit laid the foundation of our ties, not only with Morocco but also with the Arab and Muslim world,' he said. A shared struggle for recognized sovereignty In response to a direct question about Azerbaijan's stance on Western Sahara, Hajiyev offered a firm response: 'We have always supported Morocco's sovereignty and territorial integrity.' He drew a connection between Morocco's position in the Western Sahara and Azerbaijan's own experience with Armenia. 'When we gained independence, Armenia occupied 20% of our territory, including Karabakh,' he said. 'We trusted international law, waited for thirty years, and upheld the UN resolutions. But in the end, we had to act to restore our sovereignty.' After retaking full control of Karabakh in 2023, Azerbaijan, Hajiyev explained, gained clarity on what it means to have sovereignty denied. 'Because we suffered the consequences of occupation, we place enormous value on the territorial integrity of other states. Our position on Morocco's territorial integrity is not diplomatic courtesy, it is a question of principle.' Building on cultural affinity The Moroccan delegation's visit to the National Museum of Literature in Baku included a special exhibition on Azerbaijani journalism, which provided a window into the country's intellectual history. But for Hajiyev, the cultural bond goes far beyond exhibitions. He described a visit by a Moroccan royal who was surprised by the resemblance between traditional Moroccan and Azerbaijani designs. 'He noticed that our ornaments and patterns mirror Moroccan motifs,' Hajiyev said. 'It showed that our cultures have long been in quiet conversation, even without knowing it.' He also pointed to Morocco's hosting of ISESCO, the Islamic world's educational and cultural institution, as a symbol of its standing. 'Morocco is one of the cultural centers of the Muslim world, and we give that special importance,' he said. Azerbaijan, he added, plans to promote further exchanges in heritage, language, and the arts. 'We must make the cultures of both countries better known to each other,' he said. 'Your cuisine, your clothing, your traditions are already familiar here. We want to take this further.' Religious tolerance, intercultural dialogue Hajiyev emphasized the value of tolerance that the two countries share.'In Morocco, Christians, Jews, and Muslims live together in peace. We see the same reality in Azerbaijan,' he said. This, he argued, gives both countries the credibility to speak globally on matters of coexistence. 'There's not only a need for dialogue between civilizations. There's a need for dialogue within them. The divisions in the Muslim world today are growing,' he said. 'Together, we can help change that.' Economic and tourism potential While acknowledging the solid foundation of political cooperation, Hajiyev described economic ties between the two countries as underdeveloped. 'There's great potential for growth in trade, investment, and tourism,' he said. 'Morocco is known internationally as a tourism hub. Azerbaijanis are increasingly drawn to it.' He noted a rising interest in Azerbaijan among Moroccan citizens, reflected in online conversations and social media engagement. 'But awareness is still low,' he admitted. 'That's why visits like yours are essential. You help inform people about what's possible.' Hajiyev recounted his visit to Morocco over a decade ago. 'Friends tell me the country has changed a lot since then. I look forward to seeing that with my own eyes,' he said. Regional stability amid global turbulence Despite the current international turmoil, from the wars in Ukraine and Gaza to tensions between Iran and Israel, Hajiyev said Azerbaijan remains a zone of stability. 'The conflict with Armenia is over. We control our territory, and we live in peace thanks to the wisdom of our leaders,' he said. 'We understand instability. It's all around us. But we also believe in sovereignty, in diplomacy, and cooperation.' This belief, he concluded, drives Azerbaijan's position on Western Sahara, and why it stands as a beacon of support for Rabat's territorial integrity and sovereignty over its southern provinces. 'We know what it means to have your land taken. That's why we defend Morocco's right to its territory, clearly, without hesitation, and condition.' Tags: azerbaijanbilateral tiesMoroccoWestern sahara
