Deputy FM: Azerbaijan's Karabakh reconstruction experience sets example for Ukraine

Ukraine’s Deputy Foreign Minister Oleksandr Mishchenko has said that the restoration of Azerbaijan's liberated territories may serve as an example for Ukraine.

He sincerely congratulated all Azerbaijanis on the restoration of the country’s territorial integrity, calling it a tremendous achievement, a holiday for the Azerbaijani people, and an example for Ukraine, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

The Ukrainian diplomat also emphasised the development of relations with Azerbaijan, praising its support and humanitarian assistance to the Ukrainian people.

"Recently, I paid a working visit to Azerbaijan. We held consultations in the ministries of foreign affairs, economy, energy, and with the State Oil Company [SOCAR]. We discussed various projects. We highly appreciate the assistance provided by Azerbaijan, especially in restoring energy facilities, the destroyed infrastructure of Ukraine, and in the rehabilitation of children. This is significant support. Currently, one of the groups is here. We are sincerely grateful for all of this," he said.

Mishchenko added, "All of this is being done on the personal instructions of President Ilham Aliyev. For us, this is a matter of pride: the President highly values the strategic partnership between Ukraine and Azerbaijan."

For the record, Azerbaijan liberated its Karabakh region from almost three decades of Armenian occupation in 2020, following the 44-day war with Armenia. Since then, Baku has embarked on an ambitious reconstruction campaign, building new cities, infrastructure, and services in the formerly occupied areas. This effort, known as the "Great Return" program, involves demining, rebuilding roads and utilities, and resettling displaced persons.

Ukraine, which has faced widespread destruction of its infrastructure due to Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022, has been seeking models and partnerships for post-war recovery. Azerbaijan has extended support to Ukraine in humanitarian, medical, and energy sectors — an outreach Kyiv considers strategically important.

By Khagan Isayev