Located at the crossroads of East and West, North and South, Azerbaijan has turned its geographical position into a strategic advantage.
Modern.az reports that these views were expressed by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at a special session on “Cities at the Center of Connectivity: Urban Reconstruction and Regional Cooperation” within the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku.
“We now see our role not only as a transit country, but as a center for regional integration, sustainable development and inter-regional cooperation.
Our experience shows that connectivity, infrastructure and urban planning are closely linked. Modern transport corridors directly affect the formation of settlements, industrial development, labor migration, investment flows, housing demand and climate resilience.”
J. Bayramov also added that sustainable and properly planned cities are important for ensuring long-term economic and social benefits:
“It is on the basis of this approach that Azerbaijan has launched large-scale reconstruction and restoration projects in the post-conflict period. Liberated cities, towns and villages are being rebuilt from scratch based on the principles of sustainability, smart governance, green energy, climate resilience and a human-centered approach.
This process is not limited to the construction of houses and buildings. The goal is to transform former conflict zones into centers of economic development, connectivity and human development.”
The Minister also emphasized that the large-scale restoration and resettlement projects implemented in the liberated territories immediately after the conflict are a clear indicator of Azerbaijan's commitment to the peace agenda.
“Azerbaijan has demonstrated its genuine interest in closing the page of confrontation in the region by investing nearly 15 billion dollars in the former conflict zone. In other words, the large-scale reconstruction work carried out by Azerbaijan in the post-conflict period should be considered an integral part of the peacebuilding strategy.”
J. Bayramov noted that this strategy serves to build a more prosperous and promising future by leaving behind the period of violence:
“Against the background of developments and steps taken in Azerbaijan, the South Caucasus is moving from a long period of instability towards real peace and cooperation opportunities.
The end of the long-term conflict and the full restoration of Azerbaijan's sovereignty and territorial integrity have changed regional realities, eliminated one of the main threats to peace and security, and created new opportunities for regional integration, trade, connectivity and economic development,” J. Bayramov said.
