An Armenian court has rejected a motion by the defense of arrested billionaire and Russian citizen Samvel Karapetyan to post $1 million bail, the Hraparak newspaper reported, citing the businessman's lawyers.

The first court hearing in the Meydan TV case took place in Baku. The court rejected the lawyers' motions to drop the criminal prosecution of the journalists and release them.

At the International Forum in Ashgabat dedicated to the International Year of Peace and Trust, Russian was the primary language of communication among the heads of delegations from the CIS countries, according to Russian Presidential Aide Yuri Ushakov.

Turkey continues to strengthen Azerbaijan's defense capabilities, viewing it as a fraternal state and a key ally in the region. This was stated by Turkish Minister of National Defense Yaşar Güler, who emphasized that cooperation is based on the principle of "one people, two states, one army."