A large diplomatic delegation is touring Azerbaijan’s Garabagh and East Zangezur regions, observing reconstruction projects and memorial sites tied to recent conflicts. The visit highlights both infrastructure development and unresolved humanitarian issues raised by officials.
More than 150 ambassadors, diplomats, and military attachés from 62 countries and international organisations are currently visiting Garabagh and East Zangezur as part of a two-day mission.
The delegation is accompanied by Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department.
The programme covers Khankendi, Khojaly, Shusha, and Lachin, focusing on post-conflict reconstruction, educational initiatives and sites linked to the region’s recent history.
The visit began in Khojaly, where participants paid tribute at the memorial complex dedicated to victims of the tragedy.
Officials noted that the memorial, established by presidential order in 2025 and based on a concept by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, aims to preserve historical memory and pass documented facts to future generations.
The delegation continued to Khankendi, where they visited Victory Park, reflecting Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and the outcome of the 44-day Patriotic War.
The 9-hectare park includes 44 steps symbolising the duration of the war, leading to a 44-metre Victory Arch.
The site also features informational panels covering liberated territories and the 2023 anti-terror operations.
Another key stop was Karabakh University in Khankendi, where guests were briefed on upcoming educational and socio-economic initiatives.
"For 30 years, Garabagh was associated with war, conflict, and bloodshed. However, while preserving the memory of past tragedies, including the Khojaly genocide, we look to the future, the peaceful future of Azerbaijan and the South Caucasus as a whole," Hikmat Hajiyev stated.
The presidential aide added that Azerbaijan has consistently prioritised good neighbourly and peaceful relations in its foreign policy.
"However, because we were in a state of conflict with Armenia, it was not possible to fully realise this priority. But today I can say that friendly and good neighborly relations have been established between Azerbaijan and all its neighbors, including Armenia," he emphasised.
Missing persons issue highlighted
During the visit, Hikmat Hajiyev highlighted ongoing humanitarian issues, stating that the fate of around 4,000 Azerbaijani citizens remains unknown.
“For nearly three decades, Azerbaijan has been awaiting clarification on the fate of thousands of missing persons, whose families continue to seek answers,” said Hajiyev.
He noted that while the International Committee of the Red Cross has gathered some information, the issue remains unresolved.
Hajiyev also stated that cases related to persons of Armenian origin detained in Azerbaijan are handled in accordance with national legislation and judicial procedures.
Addressing post-conflict risks, he emphasised that mine contamination continues to pose a serious threat, with more than 420 Azerbaijani citizens killed or injured in mine explosions since 2020.
Criticism of European Parliament
Hikmat Hajiyev also commented on the European Parliament’s recent resolution on Azerbaijan, calling it a “diplomatic disgrace.”
The resolution criticised Azerbaijan over the alleged detention of Armenian prisoners and reiterated support for Armenians from “Nagorno-Karabakh,” as well as calls for accountability regarding cultural heritage.
Rejecting the resolution, Hajiyev stated: "The resolution adopted by the European Parliament is not legally binding for Azerbaijan. Azerbaijan is undertaking steps to ensure peace and security in the region, and advance the normalisation process with Armenia."
He warned that such actions risk undermining diplomatic efforts: “destructive, provocative, and a step toward dragging the region back into war.”
The second day of the mission will include visits to Shusha and Lachin districts, where ongoing reconstruction and restoration projects will be showcased.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 Se...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told ...
Hua Hong Semiconductor, China's second-largest contract chipmaker, is investing $2 billion to build a new fabrication plant in Wuxi, China as p...
Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that he thinks there is a chance of a peace being reached with Ukraine. He told the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok, Russia that he believed there was "a chance of finding a solution," to the conflict.
The U.S. has launched a fresh wave of strikes on Iran, targeting Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) sites as Tehran retaliated against U.S. positions across the region, while Iranian officials said at least five people were killed and dozens wounded at a wedding near Sirik.
The Iranian Health Ministry said at least 18 people were killed and 142 others injured in U.S. airstrikes carried out between 30 August 30 and 2 September.
The European Union's foreign policy chief Kaia Kallas says the bloc will tighten enforcement of sanctions against Russia over its war in Ukraine. EU foreign ministers were meeting in Ireland following renewed Russian strikes on cities across Ukraine.
Start your day informed with the AnewZ Morning Brief. Here are the top stories for the 3rd of September, covering the latest developments.
The Iranian Army has again struck at U.S. bases in Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates in retaliation for U.S. attacks on southern and western parts of Iran late on Tuesday, which reportedly killed 18 people and injured more than 100 others.
Georgia's economy grew by eight per cent in July, and if you're wondering what's behind the surge, the answer is the same one that's been doing the heavy lifting all year: oil.
Russia’s Rosatom and Kazakhstan Nuclear Power Plants have signed a contract to build two units at the Balkhash nuclear power plant, with a combined capacity of 2.4 gigawatts.
The Higher Presidential Committee for Church Affairs in Palestine has called on churches around the world to intervene after teachers and school staff from the West Bank were prevented from reaching Christian schools in Jerusalem.
Israel is ready to move Palestinians from Gaza as soon as the U.S. approves, the country’s Defence Minister Israel Katz has said. He told a conference hosted by Israeli newspaper Yedioth Ahronoth on Wednesday that there was “no real solution” for Gaza without migration.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment