On October 2, a delegation of the Council of the European Union’s Working Party on Eastern Europe and Central Asia (COEST) visited Azerbaijan’s liberated territories.

The delegation first visited the city of Shusha.

Aydin Karimov, Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan in the Shusha district, briefed the guests on the history of the city, its situation during the occupation, as well as the reconstruction efforts underway in the city following its liberation from occupation.

The delegation’s tour of Shusha started with visits to the Yukhari Govhar Agha and Ashagi Govhar Agha mosques.

The EU Council delegation then viewed the monuments to prominent personalities of Azerbaijan such as Natavan, Bulbul and Uzeyir Hajibayli, which were shot at by Armenians in Shusha during the occupation.

The delegation also familiarized themselves with the fortress walls of Shusha, as they informed about the history of Shusha and the construction of the fortress walls.

The delegation members were also informed about the Gazanchi Church in Shusha.

A delegation also visited the city of Khankendi.

As part of the visit, the EU Council delegation visited Garabagh University in Khankendi, where they were briefed on the activities of the university, the modern educational infrastructure created here, as well as opportunities provided for students.

During the meeting held at Garabagh University, Sabuhi Gahramanov, Deputy Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city of Khankendi and the Aghdara and Khojaly districts, highlighted the construction efforts underway in Khankendi, as well as the resettlement of internally displaced persons to their native lands.

The delegation also visited the Victory Park and Victory Square, learning that the park reflects the fighting spirit and heroism demonstrated by the Azerbaijani people in restoring historical justice and ensuring territorial integrity, as well as the victory achieved during the 44-day Patriotic War.

Following the familiarization tour, the guests headed to Sarijali village of Aghdam district.

During the visit, the delegation was informed about the mine clearance operations in the Sarijali village.

Employees of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) briefed the EU Council delegation on the landmine contamination by Armenia and ongoing mine clearance efforts across the liberated territories. The delegation members learned that the Agdam district is considered one of the most heavily contaminated areas with mines and unexploded ordnance, as they observed the demining process.

The EU Council delegation then met with Emin Huseynov, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Aghdam, Fuzuli and Khojavend districts.

The Presidential Representative informed the guests about the large-scale restoration and reconstruction efforts carried out in the liberated territories.

The event featured the screening of a video showcasing the dynamic transformation of the liberated territories.

A representative of the State Commission of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Prisoners of War, Hostages and Missing Persons reported on the activities of the commission, including the discovery of mass graves in the liberated territories and the measures undertaken to investigate the fate of missing Azerbaijanis.