Azerbaijan highlights peace progress, regional connectivity at UN ESCAP session

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has reaffirmed the country’s commitment to sustainable development, regional cooperation, and post-conflict reconstruction in an address to the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP).

In a message to participants, Aliyev described ESCAP as “one of the most inclusive and impactful regional platforms of the United Nations,” stressing its role in advancing sustainable development, connectivity, and economic cooperation. “We are pleased to contribute to this important work, particularly at a time when multilateralism must be strengthened,” Caliber.Az quotes him as saying.

Addressing ongoing global instability, the Azerbaijani leader warned that rising geopolitical tensions continue to expose “the fragility of international peace and security” and reaffirmed Baku’s “unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.”

Aliyev highlighted major changes in the South Caucasus since 2021, noting that Azerbaijan has “fully restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity” and launched a peace agenda with Armenia. He pointed to “historic progress” in bilateral normalisation achieved during a summit in Washington last August hosted by U.S. President Donald Trump.

“Today, we are witnessing the dividends of peace,” Aliyev said, adding that trade relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have begun, transit access is being facilitated, and “reciprocal visits of civil society representatives are contributing to confidence-building.”

The president also underscored large-scale reconstruction efforts in territories affected by the conflict. “Over 80,000 people have returned to the Garabagh and East Zangezur regions — to rebuild their lives, reunite with their homeland, to study, and to work,” he stated. However, he warned that landmines remain a serious challenge, noting that “more than 400 Azerbaijani civilians have been killed or injured in landmine explosions” since 2020.

On economic development, Aliyev said Azerbaijan’s economy has “grown nearly fourfold” over the past two decades, with poverty and unemployment reduced to around 5 percent. He also highlighted progress in implementing the UN Sustainable Development Goals, including poverty reduction, education, and healthcare.

The Azerbaijani leader emphasised the country’s growing role as a regional transport and energy hub, particularly amid shifting geopolitical dynamics. “The importance of the Middle Corridor is increasing,” he said, adding that the Zangezur Corridor will further enhance connectivity between Asia and Europe.

Aliyev also pointed to Azerbaijan’s expanding international engagement, including leadership roles in regional organisations and the hosting of major global events. He noted that these developments reflect “the growing confidence of the international community in Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.”

Concluding his address, the president invited participants to attend the 13th session of the World Urban Forum, which Azerbaijan will host next month. “As a country engaged in large-scale reconstruction and sustainable urban development, we look forward to sharing our experience and drawing on global best practices,” he said.

Aliyev expressed confidence in the success of the ESCAP session, thanking participants for their attention.

By Vugar Khalilov