President Ilham Aliyev, First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughter Arzu Aliyeva met with residents of Khojavand city and Khojavand village on February 25. During the meeting, the head of state congratulated the residents on their return to their ancestral lands in Garabagh and discussed the ongoing restoration and reconstruction efforts in the region.
Operative Information Center-OMM reports that President Ilham Aliyev emphasized the historical significance of the liberation of Azerbaijani territories. Addressing the residents, the President stated: "I sincerely congratulate you on your return to your native Garabagh land. I am confident that you will live here comfortably, in happiness, peace, and tranquility. You have lived in suffering for many years. The life of an internally displaced person is a difficult one, involving both moral suffering and physical hardships."
The residents expressed their deep gratitude to the head of state for the liberation of their lands and the conditions created for their return. One resident noted that it was the greatest happiness to see the late National Leader's testament fulfilled. President Ilham Aliyev highlighted that the "Great Return" process is accelerating, with priority now shifting from major infrastructure projects—such as electricity, gas, water, and roads—to the large-scale construction and restoration of residential housing. He noted that approximately 30,000 former internally displaced persons have already been resettled in the liberated territories.
The visit to Khojavand is part of the broader state strategy to reintegrate the liberated territories following the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020 and the anti-terror measures in September 2023. The Azerbaijani government has designated Garabagh and East Zangezur as priority zones for "green energy" and sustainable development. The "Great Return" program aims to resettle hundreds of thousands of Azerbaijanis to their homes in cities like Shusha, Aghdam, Fuzuli, Lachin, and Zangilan, supported by modern "smart village" and "smart city" concepts.
During the informal conversation, President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva also inquired about the quality of the new housing and the availability of utilities. The residents confirmed that all necessary conditions, including 15-sot backyard plots for agriculture, have been provided. The meeting concluded with the taking of commemorative photographs.
