Another meeting of Coordination Headquarters held in Aghdam

Another meeting of the Coordination Headquarters was held on May 23 in the city of Aghdam under the chairmanship of Samir Nuriyev, Head of the Presidential Administration of Azerbaijan and of the Coordination Headquarters for the centralized resolution of issues in the territories liberated from occupation.

According to Report, Samir Nuriyev stated at the meeting that, under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev—who is successfully continuing the national development strategy laid out by the great leader Heydar Aliyev in accordance with modern-day requirements—large-scale reconstruction and restoration work is ongoing in the liberated territories.

Noting that thanks to the special attention and care of the head of state, all liberated territories, including the Aghdam district, are rapidly reviving and developing, the head of the headquarters emphasized that destroyed infrastructure is being restored, villages and cities are being rebuilt, and life is gradually returning. Over the past five years, the head of state has participated in more than 500 events in the liberated territories, laid the foundation for 159 various projects, and inaugurated 133 infrastructure facilities.

It was noted that significant progress is being made in the successful implementation of the Great Return Program and the provision of sustainable resettlement. Former internally displaced persons have already been resettled in 14 settlements in the liberated territories. Currently, over 43,000 people live and work in these areas, including those employed in the public and private sectors, as well as students.

The participants were informed that employment solutions for returning former internally displaced persons are a key objective in achieving sustainable resettlement. Measures are being taken to expand activity in the agricultural sector, stimulate the business environment, and encourage economic activity. Lease agreements for agricultural land are already being signed with residents of Aghali village in the Zangilan district, while entrepreneurial activity is expanding and investments are being attracted to industrial zones established in the liberated territories.

The head of the headquarters stated that consistent efforts are being made to integrate cities and villages in the liberated territories through the development of transportation infrastructure and the establishment of sustainable regional connections. Currently, the construction of 40 roads with a total length of 2,644 kilometers is ongoing, with work completed on 7 roads totaling 224.1 kilometers.

Recalling that the development of liberated territories and the creation of new settlements are among the state’s policy priorities, Samir Nuriyev stressed that this process is not limited to the creation of physical spaces, but also requires a comprehensive, multi-dimensional approach that includes social, economic, environmental, and legal aspects.

In line with the meeting agenda, reports were then presented on the activities of the Interdepartmental Center of the Coordination Headquarters, the progress of the First State Program for the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as on sustainable resettlement efforts, the creation of transport infrastructure, organization of passenger transportation and communication services, and the reconstruction and restoration of cities and other settlements. Additionally, information was provided about the activities of the president’s special representatives for these territories and upcoming tasks.

In conclusion, Samir Nuriyev noted that the president of the country places great importance on construction and restoration efforts in the liberated territories and conveyed the relevant instructions from the head of state regarding the fulfillment of the tasks set.

As part of the visit, several sites in Aghdam were inspected, including the Aghdam railway and bus terminal complex, the Aghdam Mugham Center, and the Imarat complex.

During a visit to the second residential quarter, construction of which began last year, the president's special representative noted that construction continues on 66 buildings across 11 quarters. The quarter will ultimately include 60 residential buildings with 1,268 apartments, 6 non-residential buildings, a boiler house, a children's entertainment center, and sports facilities.

The visit also included a stop at the Aghdam Juma Mosque. A stone fragment from the mosque was once presented to national leader Heydar Aliyev during the occupation period, on May 9, 2000. The mosque has now been fully restored by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation. The destroyed minaret, interior stonework, entrance door, and facade have all been restored to match the mosque's historical appearance.

Finally, members of the Coordination Headquarters visited the Aghdam Industrial Park, established by presidential decree on May 28, 2021, to observe conditions created for business entities. The Minister of Economy emphasized that the Aghdam Industrial Park, which covers 190 hectares, is the second-largest industrial park in the country in terms of resident enterprises. Of the 31 enterprises, 27 are registered as residents and 4 as non-residents. Information was provided about companies operating in the park, including Mister Decor (wallpaper production), Rail Trans Service (communication and signaling equipment, microprocessor centralization systems), Eel Electric (medium- and low-voltage equipment, monoblock concrete substations, electric vehicle charging equipment), and BAFCO Invest (protective and polyurethane boots).