Lukashenko, Aliyev visiting Azerbaijan’s regained territories

The president of Belarus and Azerbaijan, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev, are visiting the regained territories of Azerbaijan. The first point of the two leaders’ route is the city of Fuzuli – returned to Azerbaijani control in October 2020.

The aircraft of the Belarusian leader landed at Fizuli International Airport on the morning of May 17th, and Ilham Aliyev welcomed Aleksandr Lukashenko at the ramp.

The President of Belarus was demonstrated expositions reflecting the dynamics of the restoration of destroyed facilities. Ilham Aliyev informed his colleague about the restoration of infrastructure in these territories, after which the presidents headed to the city in a car driven by the President of Azerbaijan himself.

The Azerbaijani leader told Aleksandr Lukashenko about the plans for the development of the city and the district, the stages of restoration work. It is expected that, by 2040, up to 50,000 people will live in the city of Fuzuli – located at the intersection of the main transport arteries of the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions of Azerbaijan. Today, the number of local residents is several thousand.

During the official talks between the two heads of state on May 16th, Ilham Aliyev expressed interest in Belarusian companies and enterprises taking part in the post-war reconstruction of these territories.

In turn, Aleksandr Lukashenko stressed that Belarus is ready to provide all possible assistance in a friendly manner, “We have a fraternal offer: if we can participate in the restoration on a friendly basis (by supplying equipment, building agricultural towns, creating jobs), we’re definitely ready. It is possible to resettle and return people, but housing and jobs need to be ensured. We have certain technologies, and your specialists and ministers are well aware of them; if they are suitable to you, our equipment can work here. I asked Mr. Aliyev during the narrow-format negotiations to allow Belarus to join this process, if possible. And the Azerbaijani leader supported this idea.”

Upon arrival in Shusha, Aleksandr Lukashenko and Ilham Aliyev toured the city’s residential area, alongside a museum and exhibition dedicated to Heydar Aliyev’s activities.

Shusha was founded in 1752 as a fortress to protect the Karabakh Khanate. During the Soviet years, this city was part of the Nagorno-Karabakh Autonomous Region of the Azerbaijan SSR, and after the collapse of the USSR it was controlled by the unrecognised Nagorno-Karabakh Republic. In November 2020, Azerbaijan regained control of the city, which was consolidated by a trilateral statement by Azerbaijan, Armenia and Russia. The city is currently actively developing its infrastructure and housing.

The President of Belarus also presented the Belarusian tractor equipment to the city of Shusha.

photos: www.president.gov.by