Rovshan Rzayev, the Chairman of the State Committee for Affairs of Refugees and IDPs, met with the head of Japan’s Fuji Optical Co. Ltd company, world famous ophthalmologist and philanthropist Akio Kanai.

The Japanese guest was given detailed information about the beginning of a new period in the lives of IDPs after our brave army liberated our lands from occupation under the leadership of the President, Victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev. It was noted that extensive restoration and construction works are being carried out in the territories freed from occupation, and the initial stage of the Great Return has begun. People preparing to return to their homeland with great enthusiasm are surrounded by the care of our state. President Ilham Aliyev has set the most important task to ensure their return to their ancestral homes in a short period of time. First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva always pays attention to the solution of issues related to IDPs.

Special attention is paid to the health condition of those experiencing the difficulties of internally displacement. On the basis of the memorandum of cooperation concluded between the State Committee and the Management Union of Medical Territorial Units - TABIB, IDPs undergo a comprehensive medical examination when returning to their homeland. This practice is already applied in the return to Aghali village of Zangilan region.

It was gratefully remembered that the Japanese philanthropist provided optometric services to IDPs and low-income families in Azerbaijan for more than 15 years, as a result of which thousands of people improved their eyesight every year.

Akio Kanai stressed that he has not been able to carry out his charity mission in our country since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and said that his current visit aims to restore the mission. As part of his visit, the Japanese guest visited Tartar region, met with the people once he served, visited the civil facilities that were destroyed in the region during the war, and talked with the people who suffered damage. He recalled with satisfaction the support provided at the government level for the successful implementation of the charity mission, and said that he hoped that this support would continue after the restoration of the mission.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting.