On June 24, Rovshan Rzayev, chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs of the Republic of Azerbaijan met with Vladimir Georgiev, head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office in Azerbaijan.

It was noted that the solution of the problems of refugees and IDPs occupies an important place among the priorities of the social policy line of President Ilham Aliyev, and the first Vice-President Mrs. Mehriban Aliyeva pays special attention to the protection of the rights and interests of persons of this category. It was noted that after putting an end to the occupation of Armenia and regaining its sovereign rights in East Zangazur and Garabagh, the state of Azerbaijan carries out necessary security measures and restoration-building works in these territories. The aim is to return internally displaced persons to their permanent places of residence voluntarily, to provide them with safe and dignified living conditions.

The active support of international organizations, including IOM to our country in solving the problems of refugees and IDPs in the past period was recalled with a sense of satisfaction, it was emphasized that during the Great Return the importance of increasing this support, international organizations could implement relevant projects for the provision of sustainable settlement and employment in the liberated territories.

Vladimir Georgiev said that the organization he represents is of great importance for cooperation with Azerbaijan and highly appreciates the state policy in the field of work with refugees and IDPs. He said that IOM intends to achieve the sustainability of the project on the integrated development of rural areas in the areas inhabited by internally displaced persons in our country in cooperation with the State Committee through the restoration of the underground water-supply system. It is also envisaged that joint projects will cover activities to support the employment of IDPs.

At the meeting, issues of mutual interest were discussed and sincere exchange of views was held for the expansion of cooperation directions.