Over 140K Individuals to Resettle in Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur
Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed the 10th Summit of the TDT Council of Heads of State in Astana, Kazakhstan. In his speech, he emphasized the importance of strengthening relations with Turkish states, citing their shared ethnic and cultural ties. Aliyev highlighted the successful development of the TDT (Turkic Council) and its significant influence on the international stage. He expressed gratitude to TDT leaders for their support in declaring Shusha, the symbol city of Karabakh, as the 2023 Cultural Capital of the Turkic World.
Aliyev also discussed the economic relations between Azerbaijan and TDT member countries, revealing that Azerbaijan has invested over 20 billion in the Turkish states’ economies, with a significant portion going to Turkey. He mentioned the establishment of joint investment funds between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan, as well as Azerbaijan and Kyrgyzstan. Moreover, Aliyev stated that Azerbaijan’s trade volume with CSA (Central Asia) countries had increased by 40% in the first nine months of 2023 compared to the same period in 2022.
Transportation and logistics played a pivotal role in the development of relations, according to Aliyev. He noted that Azerbaijan has proven itself to be a reliable transit country connecting Central Asian nations, Turkey, and European markets. Azerbaijan’s participation in the East-West Transport Corridor contributes to its sustainability.
Aliyev raised the issue of gross violations of international law in different parts of the world, emphasizing the importance of countries’ defense potential for security. He called for increased cooperation among TDT member states in areas such as security, defense, and defense industry.
Addressing the 30-year occupation of Azerbaijani lands by Armenia, Aliyev mentioned the destruction caused by Armenia in Azerbaijani cities and the unsuccessful negotiation process that followed. He commended Azerbaijan’s victory in the 2nd Karabakh War, which allowed it to restore its territorial integrity and ensure the implementation of four United Nations Security Council resolutions calling for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the Armenian army from Azerbaijani territory.
Aliyev shared plans for the return of more than 140,000 people to Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur by the end of 2026. He emphasized that Azerbaijan’s sovereignty in the region was fully established through an anti-terror operation carried out in Karabakh in September. Aliyev reassured that the operation caused no harm to civilians or infrastructure and received approval from the visiting UN Mission. He highlighted the comprehensive reconstruction and revival efforts undertaken in the liberated regions, with a budget of $7 billion, and further investments projected for 2024.
Closing his speech, Aliyev expressed appreciation to the leaders of Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan for their contributions to the construction of a school and cultural center in Fuzuli. He reiterated the everlasting friendship and brotherhood within the Turkish world and expressed confidence in the increasing international influence of the TDT.
