FM: Azerbaijan’s post-conflict recovery reshaping South Caucasus dynamics

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has said that large-scale reconstruction of the country’s liberated territories is part of a broader strategy aimed at long-term peace, regional cooperation and economic development.

Speaking at an event during the 13th session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) in Baku, Bayramov said Azerbaijan is investing billions of dollars in rebuilding the former conflict zone, describing the effort as more than an infrastructure programme, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

He said the reconstruction of the liberated territories is a key element of what he called a “peacebuilding strategy” designed to support a more stable and prosperous regional order.

“This is a strategy to build a better and more prosperous future for all,” Bayramov said.

The minister argued that Azerbaijan’s actions in the post-conflict period have contributed to a shift in regional dynamics in the South Caucasus, following what he described as the end of a long-standing conflict and the restoration of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

According to him, the region is now transitioning “from years of instability towards real opportunities for peace and cooperation”, with the removal of major security risks creating new prospects for regional engagement.

Separately, Bayramov highlighted the growing strategic role of cities, saying they are increasingly becoming key platforms where diplomacy, trade, technology, climate policy and regional cooperation intersect.

He said sustainable development will depend on how effectively cities are integrated not only physically, but also economically, digitally and institutionally.

“Today, cities are no longer just spaces where people live and work. They are increasingly becoming strategic platforms where diplomacy, trade, infrastructure, technology, climate action and regional cooperation intersect,” he said.

Bayramov also pointed to Azerbaijan’s preparations for COP29, noting that urbanisation and the role of cities had been placed at the centre of the global climate agenda.

He added that while cities contribute significantly to global emissions, they are also crucial drivers of innovation and solutions to climate-related challenges.