Rovshan Rzayev, chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs, met with the newly appointed head of the representation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Azerbaijan Dragana Kojic.

The guest was informed in detail about the social development line implemented in our country under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, as well as the state policy on work with IDPs. It was noted that important work has been done to improve the living conditions of citizens of this category, strengthen social protection and increase their employment. It was noted that first Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva pays special attention and care to the solution of social problems of Internally Displaced Persons. It was brought to the attention that for many years preparations were made for the return of people displaced from their native lands to the liberated territories on the basis of the principles of voluntary, security and provision of decent living conditions. It was emphasized that the coordination headquarters created by the head of state is doing the necessary work in this direction in order to solve socio-economic, humanitarian, organizational and other urgent issues in the liberated territories, as well as to coordinate activities in this area.

Noting the importance of the participation of international organizations, as well as the ICRC in the projects implemented in connection with the return of IDPs, it was noted that the State Committee also hopes that the cooperation will be fruitful at this stage. It was noted that the project “smart village” was implemented in Aghali village of Zangilan region, which was liberated from occupation, and preparations were made for the resettlement of the population to a new modern type settlement, during the survey conducted among 428 inhabitants of the village, the vast majority of them expressed their desire to return home.

 Mrs. Dragana Kojic thanked for the warm welcome and informed about the activities of the office she leads, and said that the ICRC has expanded its activities in recent years, new employees have been involved in the work.

The meeting was also attended by Mrs. Arian Bauer, the former head of the International Committee of the Red Cross in Azerbaijan. The chairman of the State Committee thanked Mrs. Arian Bauer for her services and wished success in her future activities.

The issues of mutual interest were discussed at the meeting.