Hikmat Hajiyev highlights Azerbaijan"s post-conflict recovery experience

Azerbaijan"s experience in postwar reconstruction and the return of displaced people could be applied in other regions of the world affected by conflicts and wars, Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, said.

He made the remarks while addressing members of the diplomatic corps in Khankandi.

Hajiyev said the mine threat continues to hamper reconstruction in the liberated territories and the safe return of the population.

He noted that another mine incident had occurred the previous day and that, on the way to Khankandi, information was received about another similar incident in which a civilian was injured.

"This hinders our reconstruction and restoration efforts, but it cannot undermine our determination to continue this work as quickly as possible and ensure the dignified and safe return of former internally displaced persons to their native lands," he said.

Hajiyev said more than 40,000 former internally displaced persons have returned to Karabakh so far and that this number will continue to grow. He added that more than 45 settlements have been restored and reconstructed since 2020.

According to him, around 100,000 people are currently living, working and studying in Karabakh.

Hajiyev described this as a unique experience accumulated by Azerbaijan in post-conflict reconstruction and recovery.

He added that the World Urban Forum (WUF13), hosted by Azerbaijan in May this year, once again demonstrated the importance of cooperation, engagement and the exchange of experience and knowledge in this field.