A regular meeting of the Coordination Headquarters was held in Khojavand to discuss the progress of the Great Return process and the restoration of territories liberated from occupation. The meeting was chaired by Samir Nuriyev, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and head of the Headquarters.
The Great Return: Building a new life in liberated territories
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that during the meeting, Samir Nuriyev stated that the Great Return process to the liberated territories is one of the main directions of the state policy and the country's long-term development strategy carried out under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.
He noted that this process encompasses a complex approach involving not only the physical restoration of territories but also the reconstruction of life in those lands, ensuring sustainable socio-economic development, and the dignified return of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) to their native lands.
From basic infrastructure to housing expansion
According to the head of the Headquarters, the main priority in the large-scale restoration and construction work carried out in the liberated territories in recent years has been the creation of basic infrastructure.
It was noted that the reconstruction of electricity, gas, and water supply infrastructure, along with the construction of roads, bridges, and tunnels, has formed the initial necessary conditions for the restoration of life in the region. At the current stage, a significant portion of the resources allocated by the state is directed toward expanding the housing fund and the construction and restoration of private and multi-apartment buildings.
In addition, the organization of social facilities such as schools, kindergartens, medical points, and state service centers is being carried out in parallel. It was noted that this approach allows former IDPs returning to their native lands to quickly adapt to normal living conditions from the very first day.
Population statistics in Garabagh and East Zangezur
The head of the Headquarters highlighted important statistical figures, emphasizing that to date, a total of 41 settlements have been built, restored, and put into operation, ensuring the return of former IDPs to those areas.
It was brought to the attention of the meeting participants that as a result of the work done, more than 80,000 people are currently living and working in the liberated territories, including those employed in the public and private sectors, as well as students.
It was noted that as a result of the large-scale restoration and construction work carried out in the coming period, the relocation process will accelerate further, and the scope of the Great Return Program will expand.
First State Program and employment opportunities
It was reported that the implementation of projects in the liberated territories is carried out within the framework of the I State Program on the Great Return. The measures provided for in the program are being implemented consistently, which allows for the gradual achievement of set goals and the successful continuation of the restoration process.
Samir Nuriyev emphasized that the sustainability of settlement is directly linked to the creation of employment opportunities. In this regard, opening new jobs, expanding activity opportunities in agriculture, service sectors, production, construction, and logistics, as well as promoting entrepreneurship and attracting investors, are of great importance.
The head of the Headquarters also noted that the restoration of historical, cultural, and religious monuments is an important direction of the Great Return process, stating that this carries special significance for protecting national cultural heritage and passing it on to future generations.
Strategic tasks and future steps
Subsequently, in accordance with the meeting agenda, information was presented on the activities of the Inter-Departmental Center of the Coordination Headquarters, as well as the work done within the framework of the I State Program. Reports were heard regarding settlement, increasing economic activity, developing entrepreneurship, and restoring cultural heritage.
At the conclusion of the meeting, the importance of timely implementation of necessary measures for the effective execution of strategic tasks defined by the President of Azerbaijan was emphasized. It was noted that concrete steps must be taken on each issue and instructions must be executed operatively.
Background on the Great Return
The Great Return program is a cornerstone of Azerbaijan's post-conflict strategy following the 44-day war in 2020. The initiative aims to revitalize the Garabagh and East Zangezur regions, which suffered extensive damage during decades of occupation. The Republic of Azerbaijan has committed billions of dollars toward "smart village" projects, international airports in Fuzuli, Zangilan, and Lachin, and the demining of vast territories to ensure a safe return for hundreds of thousands of citizens.
