Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan organized visit to Khankendi and Shusha

On 18 April 2025, Secretary General Mehmet Süreyya Er took part in a visit to Khankendi and Shusha cities of Azerbaijan that was organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan for representatives of the diplomatic corps accredited in Azerbaijan and international organizations. The visit was attended by more than 100 diplomats and military attaches from 33 countries and 7 international organizations accredited in Azerbaijan. The purpose of the visit was to familiarize foreign diplomats with the restoration and reconstruction work being carried out in the cities of Khankendi and Shusha and the conditions created for students at the Karabakh University. The delegation first proceeded to the Karabakh University. During the visit to the Karabakh University, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan Hikmat Hajiyev, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city of Khankendi, and the Aghdara and Khojaly districts Elchin Yusubov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavand districts Emin Huseynov delivered remarks, highlighting key developments and perspectives. Mr. Hajiyev informed the participants about the historical roots of the Armenian-Azerbaijani conflict and the war crimes committed by Armenia in the formerly occupied territories. He emphasized that Azerbaijan, guided by international principles, has restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty. In his speech, Mr. Yusubov stated that large-scale construction and restoration work is underway in the liberated territories. Modern roads are being built, and populated areas are being provided with electricity, drinking water and natural gas. A favorable environment for entrepreneurs is being created in Khankendi and other settlements. The rector of the Karabakh University Shahin Bayramov spoke about the university’s activities, the achievements in the educational process, and the goals that have been set. The delegation was familiarized with the Karabakh University, toured the academic building, library, classrooms, laboratories, and exhibition hall, attended musical performances, and took a walk through Victory Park in Khankendi. The delegation then visited the city of Shusha, a symbol of Azerbaijan’s history and culture. Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district Aydin Karimov briefed on the history of the city, its condition during the period of occupation, and the ongoing construction work. He noted that during the nearly 30-year occupation, historical buildings, mosques, and monuments in the city of Shusha were subjected to Armenian vandalism. Following the liberation of Shusha from occupation, large-scale restoration and construction work commenced. As part of the visit, representatives of the diplomatic corps and international organizations were briefed on the ongoing construction works along the Karabakh Street in Shusha. The delegation then visited the Ashagi Govhar Agha Mosque, where restoration works have been successfully completed. They also toured the first residential complex built in Shusha, with the foundation of the complex being laid in 2021 and its official inauguration taking place on May 10, 2024. The trip concluded with a visit to the 'Isa Bulaghy' recreational complex. Secretary General Mehmet Süreyya Er was accompanied by Acting Secretary of the Commission on Education, Culture, Social and Humanitarian Affairs Aigerim Taalaibekova. Khankendi, as an integral part of Karabakh, has gained special importance not only for Azerbaijan, but also for the entire Turkic world. The return of the city under Azerbaijan’s control has become a symbol of the restoration of historical justice and the strengthening of unity among Turkic peoples. The large-scale development of infrastructure and the implementation of key projects are turning Khankendi into a significant cultural and educational center of the region. Turkic values, language, history, and the spirit of mutual support are being revived here.