The UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific remains one of the most extensive and influential regional platforms of the UN, playing a vital role in advancing sustainable development, as well as facilitating regional connectivity, trade, and economic cooperation. We are particularly pleased to contribute to this important work at a time when there is a need to strengthen multilateralism.
elchi reports that these thoughts were included in President Ilham Aliyev’s address to the participants of the eighty-second session of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific.
“Our meeting is taking place during a period of growing global uncertainty. Rising geopolitical tensions and expanding conflicts reveal the vulnerability of international peace and security, as well as the fragility of development achievements gained over decades. In this regard, Azerbaijan reaffirms its unwavering commitment to the principles of sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.
Since I first addressed this prestigious body in 2021, a profound transformation has taken place in the South Caucasus. Azerbaijan has fully restored its sovereignty and territorial integrity and has initiated a peace agenda with Armenia. A historic breakthrough in normalization between Azerbaijan and Armenia was achieved at the Washington Summit hosted by United States President Donald Trump last August.
Today, we are witnessing the fruits of peace. Trade relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia have begun, and currently, Azerbaijan is facilitating transit access for Armenia. Mutual visits by civil society representatives are contributing to confidence-building.
At the same time, Azerbaijan is implementing unique and large-scale reconstruction projects in the liberated territories that were completely destroyed during the occupation. The Great Return Program is being successfully implemented. More than 80,000 people have returned to the Karabakh and East Zangezur regions to rebuild their lives, reunite with their native lands, study, and work. However, landmines remain a serious threat to humanitarian and development efforts. The mine problem, which also exists in a number of countries within the scope of the Asia and Pacific Commission, necessitates broad international cooperation in this area. Since the end of the conflict in 2020, more than 400 Azerbaijani civilians have been killed or injured as a result of mine explosions,” the address noted.