Azerbaijan has developed an unprecedented experience in rebuilding cities and villages from scratch, President Ilham Aliyev said in an interview with Euronews television on May 18.
According to the Operative Information Center-OMM, the head of state emphasized that the scale of destruction in the formerly occupied territories necessitated this comprehensive approach. "Through a phased approach and, in some cases, parallel development, we have ensured the return of 85,000 people to their native lands within five years," President Ilham Aliyev stated.
The President detailed that the primary focus was on energy security, noting that 307 megawatts of hydropower capacity have already been commissioned. Furthermore, solar energy projects with a capacity of 340 megawatts are currently under construction, which will serve not only Garabagh and East Zangilan but also broader regions. The President also highlighted significant infrastructure milestones, including the completion of 70 kilometers of tunnels out of a planned 75 kilometers, and the construction of 435 bridges out of 500.
President Ilham Aliyev noted that while initial investments were directed toward critical infrastructure, the current focus has shifted to residential construction. This includes the implementation of city master plans and the "Smart City" and "Smart Village" concepts. "Railways, schools, hospitals—all these works are being carried out in parallel. I believe our experience can serve as a model for reconstruction for countries facing similar challenges," the President added.
The restoration of the liberated territories remains a top national priority for Azerbaijan following the 44-day Patriotic War in 2020. The government has allocated billions of dollars from the state budget to transform the region into a green energy zone and a modern logistics hub. These efforts are part of the "Great Return" program, which aims to sustainably resettle hundreds of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) in their ancestral homes across the Garabagh region.
