PM Turchin: Belarus may join reconstruction efforts in Karabakh

Belarusian companies may take part in the reconstruction of Azerbaijan's liberated territories, Belarusian Prime Minister Alexander Turchin said during an expanded meeting with Azerbaijani Prime Minister Ali Asadov.

“We have experience in post-conflict reconstruction and are now ready to jointly consider and propose a comprehensive solution to these challenges,” Turchin noted, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

He also praised the high quality of Azerbaijani exports to Belarus and expressed Belarus’s interest in expanding the range of its products exported to Azerbaijan.

To recall, Azerbaijan’s ambitious reconstruction efforts in the Karabakh region have seen a significant boost in funding, with the government earmarking over $7 billion for rehabilitation projects between 2021 and 2023. In 2024 alone, more than $1.8 billion was allocated to the region, and by mid-year, over $1.1 billion had already been spent on various initiatives, according to the Ministry of Finance.

The ongoing reconstruction encompasses several key sectors, including transportation, energy, and social infrastructure. Major projects include the construction of the Fuzuli-Shusha “Victory Road” and the Horadiz-Aghband railway line, which will improve connectivity within the region. In addition, energy infrastructure is being expanded with the development of new power stations, substations, and gas pipelines to ensure a stable energy supply.

Social infrastructure projects are also a priority, with new residential complexes, schools, and hospitals under construction. Notably, the establishment of "Smart Villages" is underway, such as the Aghali village in Zangilan, showcasing Azerbaijan’s commitment to modernizing its rural areas.

Turkish companies have been instrumental in Karabakh’s rebuilding, with contracts exceeding $3.4 billion as of December 2023. These firms are involved in a range of projects, from infrastructure development to urban planning, further strengthening bilateral ties between Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

Azerbaijan’s reconstruction programme has also attracted international interest. British architectural firm Chapman Taylor was contracted in 2021 to develop a master plan for Shusha city, a significant cultural and historical site in the region. Additionally, the Slovakian government has committed to constructing a "Smart Village" in Aghdam, highlighting the global collaboration in the region’s revitalisation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev