No:214/26, Press release on the speech of Minister Jeyhun Bayramov at the session on “Cities at the center of connectivity: urban recovery and regional cooperation” within the framework of the World Urban Forum
19 May 2026 17:02
On 19 May, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov delivered a speech at the session on “Cities at the center of connectivity: urban recovery and regional cooperation” within the framework of the World Urban Forum.
During the speech, it was emphasized that Azerbaijan, located at the intersection of the East-West and North-South transport routes, has turned its geographical position into a strategic advantage. In this context, the role of our country as an important center for regional integration, sustainable urban development and interregional cooperation was also highlighted.
In the speech, information was provided on the large-scale reconstruction and restoration works carried out in the liberated territories. It was noted that this process aims not only at building houses and roads, but also at transforming the former conflict zone into centers of economic growth, connectivity and human development.
It was stated that the full restoration of Azerbaijan’s sovereignty and territorial integrity has created a new geopolitical reality in the region and opened up new prospects for regional cooperation, trade, connectivity and economic development.
In this context, it was noted that the normalization process launched between Azerbaijan and Armenia has created an important basis for the development of regional cooperation and economic integration. It was noted that the Washington Summit of 8 August 2025 was remembered for its historic outcomes. It was noted that the Joint Declaration signed by the leaders of Azerbaijan and Armenia, with the President of the United States as a witness, and the initialing of the peace agreement between the two countries created de facto peace between the sides and laid the foundation for a new stage of confidence-building and economic cooperation.
At the same time, it was recalled that the existing mine threat in the liberated territories remains one of the most serious obstacles to reconstruction and development. It was stated that hundreds of civilians have become victims of mine explosions in the post-conflict period. It was emphasized that demining activity is a key condition for safe return, economic activity, agricultural development and long-term regional stability.
It was noted that Azerbaijan is developing its multimodal connectivity agenda as an important part of its post-conflict strategy. In this regard, it was highlighted that the “Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity” (TRIPP) will not only ensure unimpeded connectivity between the main part of Azerbaijan and the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, but will also create a new strategic connectivity line linking Asia and Europe through railways, highways, energy lines, power transmission systems and fiber-optic infrastructure. At the same time, it was stated that the Horadiz-Aghband railway line and Türkiye’s Kars-Igdir-Dilucu railway project will further strengthen regional connectivity.
