Official: Azerbaijan presses ahead with reconstruction of liberated territories

Azerbaijan is implementing the ambitious “Great Return” programme aimed at restoring and reconstructing the liberated territories and facilitating the return of internally displaced persons to their homeland, Sahil Babayev, Finance Minister, has stated.

Speaking at a business session of governors during the 59th Annual Meeting of the ADB Board of Governors, he said this comprehensive effort includes large-scale demining operations in Karabakh and East Zangezur, as well as the development of essential physical and social infrastructure to support the repatriation process, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

Babayev also emphasised progress in the normalisation process between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

“We are confident that further steps toward completing this process will make a significant contribution to establishing lasting peace and stability in our region,” the minister added.

Reaffirming the country’s dedication to climate goals, he noted that Azerbaijan will continue close cooperation with international partners, including the Asian Development Bank (ADB), to implement commitments under the global climate agenda.

“Hosting COP29 in Baku in 2024 marked an important milestone for our country and the entire region. The conference delivered significant outcomes in advancing climate finance, strengthening adaptation measures, and accelerating the global energy transition,” he stressed.

According to him, Azerbaijan will continue to build on this momentum, working closely with international partners, including the ADB, to translate these commitments into tangible results.

By Bakhtiyar Abbasov