President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughter Arzu Aliyeva visited the city of Khojavand and Khojavand village on February 25 to inspect the extensive restoration and construction projects currently underway.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that the head of state and the First Lady were briefed on the comprehensive infrastructure works and social projects implemented in the region. During the visit, the President met with local residents who have recently returned to their native lands following decades of displacement.
Khojavand was occupied by Armenian forces in 1992 and remained under occupation for over thirty years. The city and surrounding areas were liberated in September 2023 following local anti-terror measures conducted by the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. On October 15, 2023, President Ilham Aliyev officially raised the National Flag of Azerbaijan in Khojavand, marking the restoration of the country's sovereignty over the territory.
The restoration process in Khojavand involves the renovation of 980 private houses, with 55 already fully operational and nearly 800 more scheduled for completion this year. According to official data, 355 families, totaling 1,485 people, have already been resettled across five residential areas in the district, including Hadrut and Sugovushan. The government has prioritized the restoration of essential utilities, including the installation of a 5-kilometer gas pipeline and the rehabilitation of power transformers to ensure a high standard of living for returning citizens.
During his conversation with residents, President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan's military strength and the "Iron Fist" policy have ensured lasting peace. "Azerbaijan is now so strong that I am confident no one can ever make territorial claims against us again. Therefore, there must be peace and tranquility," the President stated, reaffirming the state's commitment to the Great Return program, which aims to reintegrate liberated territories into the national economy and provide modern housing for all former internally displaced persons.
