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.
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters he was "not satisfied" with Iran's latest peace proposal, which was delivered to Wash...
Azerbaijan won nine medals at the 2026 President Cup international regatta, held in Mingachevir and dedicated to Azerbaijan’s former presiden...
Preparations for Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to Kazakhstan were a central focus of talks in Astana between President Kassym-Jomart Tokaye...
An international youth forum titled “Strengthening the Role of Youth in the Postcolonial Era” opened in Baku on 1 May, bringing togethe...
Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, has hosted the International Carpet Festival for the second time, with this year’s event opening with discu...
An international youth forum titled “Strengthening the Role of Youth in the Postcolonial Era” opened in Baku on 1 May, bringing together delegates from current and former colonies to discuss decolonisation, self-determination and the role of young people in shaping global governance.
Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, has hosted the International Carpet Festival for the second time, with this year’s event opening with discussions on challenges facing the global carpet industry.
Minval Politika has released further footage it says shows former International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo discussing alleged funding behind campaigns linked to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
The South Caucasus peace process is entering a sensitive phase, shaped not only by negotiations between Baku and Yerevan but also by competing external narratives, lobbying dynamics and shifting geopolitical alignments.
A report published by Minval Politika has raised new questions over alleged efforts by Luis Moreno Ocampo to shape international pressure against Azerbaijan and influence political dynamics around Armenia.
A Pentagon official provided the first official estimate of the cost of the U.S. war in Iran on Wednesday (29 April), telling lawmakers that $25 billion had so far been spent on the conflict, most of it on munitions. Earlier, Donald Trump said that the U.S. had "militarily defeated" Tehran.
Iran’s Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei warned “foreigners who commit evil” have no place in the Gulf, outlining a “new phase” for the Strait of Hormuz, while a senior adviser said U.S. blockade efforts would fail and could trigger confrontation.
Shares in Meta Platforms fell sharply in extended trading on Wednesday after the tech giant raised its annual capital spending forecast by billions of dollars.
U.S. President Donald Trump told reporters he was "not satisfied" with Iran's latest peace proposal, which was delivered to Washington via Pakistani mediators on Friday (1 May).
Azerbaijan won nine medals at the 2026 President Cup international regatta, held in Mingachevir and dedicated to Azerbaijan’s former president and national leader, Heydar Aliyev.
Preparations for Vladimir Putin’s upcoming visit to Kazakhstan were a central focus of talks in Astana between President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov.
An international youth forum titled “Strengthening the Role of Youth in the Postcolonial Era” opened in Baku on 1 May, bringing together delegates from current and former colonies to discuss decolonisation, self-determination and the role of young people in shaping global governance.
Azerbaijan’s capital, Baku, has hosted the International Carpet Festival for the second time, with this year’s event opening with discussions on challenges facing the global carpet industry.
Minval Politika has released further footage it says shows former International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo discussing alleged funding behind campaigns linked to Armenia and Azerbaijan.
You can download the AnewZ application from Play Store and the App Store.
What is your opinion on this topic?
Leave the first comment