Khankendi: Azerbaijan has announced the latest population figures in the recently liberated regions of Khankendi, Aghdara, and Khojaly, with nearly 22,000 people now residing in these areas.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, during an event marking the 5th anniversary of Victory in Karabakh, themed ‘Spiritual Values’, Elchin Yusubov, the Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Khankendi, Aghdara, and Khojaly, highlighted ongoing infrastructure projects. These include the development of highways, railways, airports, and utility systems, alongside initiatives in economy, education, healthcare, and cultural heritage restoration. The projects have facilitated not only local but also international events in the region.

Yusubov elaborated on the ‘Great Return’ program, which supports the phased and voluntary return of former internally displaced persons. Currently, resettlement efforts are ongoing in the Kerkijahan settlement of Khankendi city, 11 villages in the Khojaly district, and 7 villages in the Aghdara district. Approximately 6,000 former internally displaced persons are expected to be settled in these areas as part of the resettlement plan.

In addition, significant economic restoration efforts are underway, with investments exceeding 65 million manats, aimed at boosting employment and entrepreneurship in the region.

The ‘Week of Spiritual Values’, a project jointly implemented by the State Committee on Work with Religious Institutions, Karabakh University, the Azerbaijan Institute of Theology, and the Foundation for the Promotion of Spiritual Values, seeks to enhance national identity and patriotism among young people, emphasizing the importance of historical-cultural heritage and national-spiritual values.