President Aliyev Meets Returning Families in Zangilan, Hands Over Apartment Keys

Zangilan, The Gulf Observer: President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on May 10 met with families relocating to the first residential complex in the city of Zangilan and presented them with the keys to their new apartments, marking another milestone in the reconstruction and repopulation of the liberated territories.

Addressing residents during the ceremony, President Aliyev congratulated the families on their return to their native land after years of displacement, describing the occasion as both “beautiful and remarkable.”

The Azerbaijani leader noted that the event coincided with the birthday of National Leader Heydar Aliyev, saying it carried symbolic significance as the liberation of occupied territories had been the late leader’s greatest aspiration.

President Aliyev said Azerbaijan had restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty by liberating all occupied territories, while paying tribute to Heydar Aliyev’s role in preserving the country’s independence and stability during the difficult period of the early 1990s.

He highlighted the country’s military, political, and economic achievements leading up to the Second Garabagh War, emphasizing that Azerbaijan had resisted significant international pressure during the 44-day conflict and ultimately secured what he described as a historic and decisive victory.

Aliyev stated that the liberation of Shusha marked a turning point in the war and paved the way for the return of Kalbajar, Lachin, and Aghdam through political means, while later military and strategic operations culminated in the restoration of Azerbaijan’s full sovereignty in September 2023.

The president stressed that the events surrounding the liberation of Azerbaijani territories would remain a lasting source of national pride and should be taught to future generations.

Speaking about reconstruction efforts, Aliyev said the elimination of the consequences of occupation remained a major challenge due to widespread destruction, landmines, and environmental damage in the liberated areas.

He accused Armenian forces of extensive devastation during the occupation, including the destruction of forests, infrastructure, religious sites, and residential areas in Zangilan and other districts.

Aliyev said Azerbaijan was now focused on rebuilding the liberated territories through modern infrastructure projects, housing developments, transport networks, energy facilities, and economic initiatives.

He noted that Zangilan had become a key focus of redevelopment efforts, citing the establishment of the first inhabited settlement in the village of Aghali, the construction of new residential quarters, and the opening of the Zangilan Mosque, airport, congress center, and agricultural projects.

The president also highlighted Zangilan’s strategic location along major regional transport corridors, stating that the city would be transformed into an important transport and logistics hub connecting Azerbaijan with neighboring countries and international markets.

Aliyev announced that railway construction linking Baku to Zangilan was progressing and would eventually extend through the Zangezur Corridor to Nakhchivan, strengthening connectivity within Azerbaijan and the wider region.

He further stated that transport links through Iran and future border crossings would enhance the district’s economic significance and contribute to regional trade and development.

According to the president, the liberated territories are being rebuilt under a comprehensive strategy aimed at ensuring high living standards, employment opportunities, modern infrastructure, and sustainable economic growth.

Aliyev also pointed to the rapid development of renewable energy projects in the region, including hydroelectric and solar power generation facilities, saying they reflected Azerbaijan’s broader development vision.

The ceremony concluded with residents expressing gratitude to President Aliyev for the newly created living conditions and the formal handover of apartment keys to the returning families.