On December 17, deputy chairman of the State Committee for Refugees and IDPs Fuad Huseynov met with an official of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Azerbaijan Ms. Ji Yoon Woo.

Humanitarian assistance projects that could be implemented by the embassy in the liberated territories were discussed at the meeting.

Fuad Huseynov informed the guests in detail about the counter-offensive operation launched by the Azerbaijani army on September 27 in response to the provocation of the Armenian armed forces and to restore its territorial integrity. It was noted that historical justice and international law are on Azerbaijan`s side. The historical lands of Azerbaijan were liberated from occupation and the country`s sovereignty was restored under the leadership of the President, triumphant Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict has already imbedded in history. 

It was stated that the reconstruction work in the liberated territories will include identifying the damage done, clearing the territory of mines and returning. In this multifaceted process, the Azerbaijani government is interested in cooperation with international organizations and partner countries, as well as with Korea. We believe that the Korean government will continue the projects it has implemented in recent years to support IDPs during their return and reconstruction work. It was noted that Armenia has committed the act of vandalism in the occupied territories and completely destroyed the existing infrastructure for about 30 years. Therefore, reconstruction work will start from zero in most regions and villages.

The official of the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in our country Ms. Ji Yoon Woo stated that they know that currently, the reconstruction work in liberated territories is a priority for the Azerbaijani government. Therefore, the Korean embassy intends to expand support measures for IDPs. It was noted that a development support program is implemented by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Korea. Equipment and other materials necessary for the reconstruction of infrastructure facilities such as schools and medical stations in the liberated territories may be provided by the Korean government within the program.

The deputy chairman of the State Committee thanked the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Azerbaijan for its assistance to internally displaced families during and after the war, as well as in the course of coronavirus pandemic, and highly appreciated the government`s support. It was stated that proposals on the direction of future humanitarian projects of the embassy in the liberated territories will be submitted by the State Committee.

Issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting.