Statement by H.E. Mr. Tofig F. Musayev, Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations, at the Security Council open debate
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Azərbaycan Respublikasının |
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Permanent Mission |
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633 Third Avenue, Suite 3210, New York, N.Y. 10017 |
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Statement by H.E. Mr. Tofig F. Musayev Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the United Nations
at the Security Council open debate on "Poverty, underdevelopment, and conflict: implications for the maintenance of international peace and security" 23 June 2025
Madam President, I would like to begin by commending Guyana for convening this important meeting.
Madam President, Azerbaijan has been a staunch promoter of the people-centered development approach, including through transformational changes to remodel the country’s economy with a focus on sustainability, inclusive growth, social justice and clean energy.
Furthermore, Azerbaijan has become one of the key transport and logistics hubs between Europe and Asia, greatly contributing to the development of trans-regional connectivity projects, investing in transport infrastructure and widening cooperation with regional partners.
These efforts were undertaken and tangible results were achieved despite the ruinous consequences of the aggression that Azerbaijan faced since the early 1990s.
Azerbaijan’s experience demonstrates that upholding international law, especially respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, is indispensable for preventing and resolving conflict and also for fostering development. When these principles are breached, human suffering and the disruption of economic activities are the result. But when justice is restored, a path opens toward renewal and progress.
Since the end of the conflict in 2020, Azerbaijan has launched ambitious reconstruction and rehabilitation efforts across its liberated territories, demonstrating its firm commitment and determination to turn devastation into development.
We are rebuilding entire cities and villages from scratch, including through the implementation of innovative concepts such as “smart city”, “smart village” and “green energy zone”. Towns that were once rubble and ashes are now rising as modern settlements. Every new airport, school, farm, hospital or road we inaugurate in these regions helps protect development gains and promote stability and growth.
Madam President, the conflict turned Azerbaijan into one of the most heavily mine-contaminated countries in the world, with an estimated 1.5 million landmines and unknown number of explosive remnants of war scattered across its formerly occupied territories. These hidden killers continue to maim and claim innocent lives, while slowing down recovery and the return of the displaced population.
The scale and magnitude of the landmine threat in Azerbaijan necessitate enhanced accountability, stronger solidarity and partnership, and adequate international assistance for national humanitarian demining capability and efforts.
Overall, providing support to States affected by conflict and engaged in post-conflict peacebuilding is and must remain a critical commitment of the United Nations. Such support and solidarity are critical to my country and many States around the world that are overcoming the severe consequences of conflicts.
Azerbaijan will continue its development and peace sustaining efforts and contributions to building a world in which peace and prosperity are not the privilege of the few, but the right of all.
Thank you. |
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