President Ilham Aliyev has emphasized that rising geopolitical tensions and expanding conflicts are exposing the vulnerability of international peace and security, as well as the fragility of development achievements gained over decades. In an address to the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), the head of state reaffirmed Azerbaijan's unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the President highlighted the significant role of ESCAP as one of the UN's most influential regional platforms for advancing sustainable development and facilitating regional connectivity. President Ilham Aliyev noted that a profound transformation has occurred in the South Caucasus since 2021, with Azerbaijan fully restoring its sovereignty and initiating a peace agenda with Armenia.
The President pointed to historic progress in normalization achieved during the Washington Summit hosted by US President Donald Trump in August last year. "Today, we are witnessing the fruits of peace. Trade relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have commenced, and Azerbaijan is currently facilitating transit access for Armenia," the address stated, adding that mutual visits by civil society representatives are contributing to confidence-building measures.
Regarding internal development, the President detailed the "Great Return" program, noting that over 80,000 people have already returned to the Garabagh and East Zangilan regions to rebuild their lives. However, he warned that landmines remain a severe humanitarian threat, revealing that more than 400 Azerbaijani civilians have been killed or injured by mine explosions since the end of the conflict in 2020. President Ilham Aliyev called for broad international cooperation to address the mine problem, which affects several countries within the ESCAP region.
The UN ESCAP, headquartered in Bangkok, serves as the regional development arm of the United Nations for the Asia-Pacific region. Azerbaijan has consistently utilized this platform to promote the Middle Corridor and other trans-regional infrastructure projects that link Asia with Europe through the South Caucasus, reinforcing the country's role as a vital logistics hub.
