The Center for Analysis of Economic Reforms and Communication (CAERC) has completed the monitoring process for the implementation of the “First State Program on the Great Return to the Liberated Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan” for the first half of 2025.

Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, large-scale reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts continue at a rapid pace in the liberated territories, including the construction of modern infrastructure and new residential settlements.

According to Orkhan Sadiqov, Head of the CAERC’s Monitoring and evaluation division, within the framework of the Action Plan of the State Program and under the priority "Establishment of Safe Living Conditions and Public Administration in the Territories," more than 30,000 hectares of land were cleared of mines and unexploded ordnance in the first half of 2025. During this period, over 1,200 families were resettled in the cities of Jabrayil, Shusha, and Khojaly, and in the villages of Beylik (Lachin), Ballica (Khojaly), Sarijali and Kengerli (Aghdam), Hasanriz and Sugovushan (Aghdara).

Furthermore, Orkhan Sadiqov noted that transport infrastructure development progressed in accordance with the program. On May 10, with the participation of the President, the Agdam Railway Station and Bus Terminal Complex was inaugurated. Designed as an integrated transport hub, the complex is expected to facilitate efficient passenger transport and contribute to the sustainable development of the region. Additionally, the construction of the Ahmadbayli–Fuzuli–Shusha highway and the road from the Sarsang Reservoir to the village of Umudlu (Aghdara) was completed and officially opened by President Ilham Aliyev.

Significant progress was also made in cultural infrastructure. Construction of the Agdam Mugham Center, one of the key projects in this area, was completed, and its inauguration took place on May 10 with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

In the field of energy and green technologies, the “Ashaghi Malibey” and “Mirik” small hydroelectric power plants were commissioned on May 27 in Lachin. Additionally, the construction of the Lachin Digital Power Grid Management Center, aimed at supplying the region with high-voltage electricity, was completed and inaugurated.

Within the framework of transport infrastructure development, the Lachin International Airport was inaugurated on May 28, 2025, with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan of the Republic of Türkiye. The airport, located in a complex mountainous terrain, is the third international airport constructed in the liberated territories. It is expected to enhance regional transport connectivity and unlock the tourism potential of the area.

During the reporting period, the "Master Plan for the Development of Lachin City until 2040" was also approved.

In the area of water infrastructure, the Zabukhchay Reservoir was inaugurated on June 19, marking a major step in the development of the region’s irrigation systems. The reservoir is expected to provide irrigation water for more than 12,000 hectares of agricultural land in Zangilan and Gubadli districts.

In terms of education, the reporting period saw the launch of 8 general education institutions and 8 preschool facilities in the liberated territories, contributing to the establishment of modern educational infrastructure.

Regarding healthcare, significant progress was made in ensuring accessible and high-quality medical services. The Shusha Medical and Wellness Center was inaugurated with the participation of President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva.

As for cultural and heritage restoration, the 8th International “Kharibulbul” Music Festival was held in Shusha. In Aghdam’s Qiyasli village, the historical mosque was reopened after restoration, and the Dashalti village mosque in Shusha district was also inaugurated.

The monitoring of the State Program’s implementation during the reporting period was conducted in accordance with the provisions of Presidential Decree No. 1294, dated March 6, 2021, which outlines the “Rules for the Preparation, Implementation, Monitoring, and Evaluation of State Programs.” The monitoring process was carried out in close collaboration with implementing institutions through the official electronic portal https://boyukqayidish.gov.az, based on principles of transparency, accountability, and efficiency.