Top official: Azerbaijan's post-war reconstruction could aid conflict-affected regions

Azerbaijan’s experience in post-war reconstruction and the return of displaced populations could provide a model for other conflict-affected regions, Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, has said.

Addressing members of the diplomatic corps in Khankendi, Hajiyev said Azerbaijan had accumulated significant experience in rebuilding areas affected by conflict and facilitating the return of former internally displaced persons, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

He said the continuing threat posed by landmines remains one of the main obstacles to reconstruction and the safe return of residents to Azerbaijan’s liberated territories.

Hajiyev said another landmine incident had occurred a day earlier and that authorities received information about another incident while travelling to Khankendi, in which a civilian was injured.

He said such incidents complicate reconstruction efforts but would not deter Azerbaijan from continuing the restoration of the region and ensuring the safe and dignified return of former internally displaced persons.

According to Hajiyev, more than 40,000 former internally displaced persons have so far returned to Karabakh, while more than 45 settlements have been restored or rebuilt since 2020.

He added that approximately 100,000 people are currently living, working and studying in Karabakh, reflecting the scale of the ongoing resettlement and reconstruction process.

Hajiyev described Azerbaijan’s post-conflict recovery efforts as a unique body of experience that could be shared with other countries and regions facing similar challenges.

He also pointed to the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), hosted by Azerbaijan in May, as an example of the importance of international cooperation and the exchange of expertise and knowledge in post-conflict reconstruction and urban development.

Hajiyev also highlighted the importance of developing direct cooperation between towns in Karabakh and municipalities in other countries.

He said international partnerships and twinning arrangements between Karabakh settlements and cities abroad could contribute to the exchange of experience, knowledge and expertise.

Hajiyev expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan’s partner and friendly countries whose municipalities have established or are working to establish twinning ties with towns in Karabakh.

He said direct contacts between municipalities would be particularly important for developing practical cooperation and sharing experience.

Hajiyev also noted that Azerbaijan had recently organised a visit to Romania, during which initial contacts were established to explore cooperation with Romanian cities.

By Sabina Mammadli