Chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs Rovshan Rzayev met with Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Federal Republic of Germany to Azerbaijan Wolfgang Manig, Regional Director for Economic Cooperation of the Federal Republic of Germany accredited in Azerbaijan Lydia Kristmann and GIZ Country Director Karin Hörhan.

The guest was informed in detail about the state policy implemented in our country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev in the field of work with refugees and IDPs. The important services of the First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva in implementing this policy were noted.

It was noted that the 44-day war ended with a victory, the end of the occupation of Armenia, the restoration of our country’s territorial integrity allowed IDPs to return to their homes, and necessary measures were taken to ensure their voluntary, dignified and safe return on the instructions of the President.

It was noted that large-scale work is being carried out in the liberated areas, infrastructure projects are being implemented, and modern settlements are being built on the sites of villages and towns completely destroyed by Armenians. Mine and explosive remnants are said to be a serious obstacle to safety, taking a long time to clear and delaying the return of IDPs.

It was noted that the restoration and construction works are being operatively coordinated by the Coordination Headquarters established by the order of the head of the country to resolve issues in those areas in a centralized manner. The main priority of the Great Return is to ensure the effective use of the economic potential of Karabakh and East Zangazur, as well as sustainable community-based settlement in these areas.

The importance of the State Committee’s relations with the German Agency for International Cooperation was emphasized, and gratitude was expressed for the support provided to projects related to IDPs.

The guests thanked for the warm welcome. Highly appreciating the end of the conflict in the region and the creation of conditions for the return of IDPs, the diplomats expressed the German government’s willingness to assist in establishing lasting peace and restoring inter-communal relations. It was also noted that support to the projects related to IDPs is planned to be further continued.

Issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting.