Azerbaijan has created a solid foundation for further development of regional cooperation and integration of regional countries on the basis of mutual benefit.
Modern.az reports that these views were expressed by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at a special session on "Cities at the Center of Connection: Urban Reconstruction and Regional Cooperation" within the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13) held in Baku.
He noted that the documents signed in Washington on August 9, 2025, were a historic milestone in this regard.
"The joint statement of the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, as well as the initialing of the agreement on peace and establishment of interstate relations with the witness of US President Donald Trump, created conditions for the formation of a de facto peace environment between the two countries and the opening of opportunities for economic cooperation in the next stage."
The minister also emphasized that Azerbaijan is committed to the patient, consistent and sustainable progress of this process:
"The goal is to achieve full, lasting and comprehensive normalization. At the same time, our country continues its activities towards restoration, development, prosperity and expansion of connectivity opportunities in the liberated territories. One of the most serious challenges facing this process is the mine threat. Mines pose a serious obstacle to restoration work, economic activity, agricultural development and safe movement of people."
C.Bayramov stated that there are more than 1.5 million mines and unexploded ordnance in the liberated territories.
"After the conflict, hundreds of civilians and demining personnel became victims of mine explosions. Humanitarian demining remains one of Azerbaijan's main national priorities and is an essential condition for sustainable recovery, long-term regional stability and connectivity.
Reconstruction is not just about restoring physical infrastructure. It is also about reconnecting communities, industrial zones and economic opportunities, creating conditions for long-term peace and cooperation."
The Foreign Minister added that transport corridors, railways, highways, energy infrastructure and digital networks integrate the liberated territories into wider regional and international economic systems:
"These investments not only increase mobility, trade, investments, tourism and employment, but also strengthen regional interdependence and long-term stability."
The Foreign Minister noted that Azerbaijan, as one of the main participants of the Trans-Caspian Middle Corridor and the North-South Corridor, consistently promotes the multimodal connectivity agenda:
"The Washington Declaration adopted in August 2025 laid the foundation for the formation of a new strategic connectivity line between Asia and Europe through railways, highways, energy lines and fiber-optic cables.
Azerbaijan's vision is not limited to traditional transport infrastructure. The country is also developing green energy corridors, renewable electricity transmission systems, energy storage infrastructure and advanced fiber-optic connectivity projects. In this direction, the "Digital Silk Road" initiative aims to create new digital communication corridors between Europe and Asia."
C.Bayramov also brought to attention that Azerbaijan is committed to expanding dialogue, partnership and practical cooperation to turn cities into centers of sustainable connectivity, economic growth, sustainable development and regional cooperation:
"Stronger cross-border cooperation, favorable political frameworks and integrated urban planning approaches can turn cities not only into engines of trade and development, but also into a path to peace, sustainability and shared prosperity," the minister noted.
