Azerbaijan showcases Khankendi reconstruction to Romanian delegation PHOTO

A Romanian parliamentary delegation visited Khankendi on August 22 to observe Azerbaijan’s large-scale reconstruction efforts and explore prospects for bilateral cooperation in culture, education, tourism, and regional development. 

Senator Cristian Augustin Niculescu-Țâgârlaș, a member of the Romanian-Azerbaijani Interparliamentary Friendship Group, praised Karabakh’s natural beauty and economic potential, while Azerbaijani officials briefed the delegation on resettlement, infrastructure, and investment projects under way in the city and surrounding districts, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

Khankendi is undergoing rapid reconstruction as Azerbaijan presses ahead with restoring the city and surrounding districts following years of conflict. A master plan for Khankendi is currently awaiting approval, with restoration and sustainable settlement at the core of development efforts.

Victory Park is being laid out, the Victory Museum restored, and new administrative and residential buildings are under construction. Infrastructure projects are also advancing, with more than 56 million manats ( $33 million) in investments already attracted. Over 2,200 jobs have been created so far, and authorities estimate employment will exceed 5,000 by the end of the year as additional facilities begin operating.

The Romanian senator was briefed on reconstruction progress and the resettlement of families in Khojaly and Aghdara districts. According to the Service for Restoration, Construction and Management in Khankendi, 770 families have already been resettled, with 800 more expected to return by year’s end.

Telman Karimli, Executive Director of the Service, emphasised that the priority remains restoring infrastructure and creating conditions for sustainable economic development. Deputy Special Representative of the President, Sabuhi Gahramanov, added that Khankendi is being developed as a “youth city,” with Karabakh University envisioned as a hub for science and innovation. Partnerships with Romania’s Technical University of Maramureș are also being considered.

Senator Niculescu-Țâgârlaș praised Karabakh’s natural beauty and its tourism and industrial potential, proposing closer cultural and educational exchanges between Khankendi and Romania’s Maramureș region. Suggested initiatives included joint folklore and theatre festivals, as well as cooperation in tourism, economics, and public diplomacy.

Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to Romania, Gudsi Osmanov, underlined the importance of interregional partnerships in strengthening bilateral relations.

The Romanian delegation also toured reconstruction sites in Khankendi, visited Karabakh University, and traveled to the historic city of Shusha, where they were presented with symbolic gifts reflecting Azerbaijani national traditions.

By Sabina Mammadli