Azerbaijan’s experience in postwar reconstruction and the return of residents could be applied in conflict-affected and other war-damaged regions around the world.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, made the remarks in an address to the diplomatic corps in Khankendi.
He said the threat posed by landmines continues to hinder the reconstruction of the liberated territories and the safe return of residents.
According to Hajiyev, another mine incident occurred the previous day, while a further similar incident resulting in injuries to a civilian was reported on the road to Khankendi:
"This obstructs our reconstruction and redevelopment efforts, but it cannot weaken our determination to ensure the safe return of former internally displaced persons to their homeland."
The presidential aide said more than 40,000 former internally displaced persons had returned to Garabagh so far, and their number would continue to grow. He added that more than 45 settlements had been restored and rebuilt since 2020.
According to him, nearly 100,000 citizens currently live, work and study in Garabagh.
Hajiyev described this as Azerbaijan’s unique experience in post-conflict reconstruction and redevelopment.
He added that the World Urban Forum (WUF13), held in Azerbaijan in May this year, once again demonstrated the importance of cooperation, interaction, and the exchange of experience and knowledge in this field.
Azerbaijan’s reconstruction efforts in Garabagh have included the restoration of settlements, the development of infrastructure and measures to facilitate the safe return and reintegration of residents. The country has repeatedly highlighted the continuing landmine threat as a major obstacle to these efforts.
