President Aliyev: Azerbaijan working on cable road project connecting Shusha with Khankendi PHOTO

During the inauguration of the Aghdam Mugham Center on May 10, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev highlighted significant ongoing infrastructure projects and the continuing revitalisation of Karabakh.

"We are working on a cable road project connecting Shusha with Khankendi," President Aliyev announced, underscoring the importance of modern transportation networks in the region, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

He further revealed that the construction of a similar cable road in the city of Lachin is slated to begin this year. "There is such a project in Kalbajar. So, it will be a very good means of transportation for both tourists and local residents," he added.

The president emphasised the scale of development following the Second Karabakh War. "Today, Karabakh is reviving and getting restored. The construction work we have carried out over the four and a half years since the Second Karabakh War is before our eyes," he stated, noting the ongoing restoration efforts across the newly liberated territories. "Extensive construction and restoration work is underway in all our liberated lands."

He also spoke candidly about the widespread destruction caused during the occupation, criticising Armenia's actions. "During the occupation, the Armenian state was pursuing a consistent policy of razing all our cities and villages to the ground. Foreign visitors visiting here and other liberated regions cannot hide their astonishment and, in many cases, outrage," President Aliyev pointed out.

Reflecting on the broader significance of the war's outcome, the President declared, "This (the Victory in the Patriotic War) is the Victory for all of us. The Azerbaijani people demonstrated their historic greatness to the whole world by achieving this Victory."

He emphasised Azerbaijan’s resilience despite international opposition: "Although there is a hostile attitude towards Azerbaijan from certain circles, forces, and countries, they know that we are a worthy people, a people worthy of respect, and that we must be reckoned with, at least in the region where we live. Those who do not reckon with us today will regret it tomorrow."

President Aliyev further reflected on the spirit that led to Azerbaijan's triumph in the 44-day war. "When the whole society rallies around for a cause, that society is capable of doing great things. This is precisely what makes our people great," he said, underscoring the collective determination that shaped the nation’s path forward.

He also honoured the legacy of Azerbaijan's former leader, Heydar Aliyev, noting his pivotal role in the country’s development. "The whole life and all the activities of the Great Leader were dedicated to the Azerbaijani people and state, and today's Azerbaijan is a product of his life," President Aliyev remarked, reflecting on the transformative era that began in 1993. "It was after the Great Leader came to the leadership of Azerbaijan in 1993 that the country embarked on the path of development."

By Khagan Isayev