BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. In line with the thriving political dialogue and emerging political culture in Azerbaijan, joint visits by the leaders of political parties to the liberated territories have become a recognized democratic tradition among the Azerbaijani public. This practice, a manifestation of national solidarity, is praised for strengthening trust and cooperation between the various political forces involved in the country’s political processes.
As part of the political dialogue atmosphere fostered by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, the country regularly hosts projects aimed at building strong cooperation. These include meetings, open discussions, televised debates, professional exchanges, joint trips, conferences, and other similar initiatives, all of which contribute to creating reliable partnerships among political stakeholders. Over the past five years, Azerbaijan's public has witnessed numerous government-driven efforts to promote such initiatives, with all developments being openly covered in the media. President Aliyev consistently emphasizes, in his speeches and interviews, the importance of healthy political relations, the value of political dialogue, and the necessity of constructive cooperation.
The practice of organizing joint trips to the liberated areas has proven effective in fostering constructive collaboration, providing a platform for addressing specific political issues. Previous similar visits were organized to regions such as Aghdam, Shusha (twice), Zangilan, Askaran, Khojaly, and Khankendi.
In addition to these visits, opposition political parties have also participated in international events as partners. For instance, beyond joint trips initiated by President Aliyev, politicians took part in the international conference "Azerbaijan-Türkiye Strategic Alliance Relations – A Source of Peace and Stability for the Caucasus and the Region," which took place in Shusha on June 15, 2022, marking the first anniversary of the Shusha Declaration. This active engagement underscores political parties’ role in mobilizing the intellectual potential of society.
As reported by Trend, the latest joint visit, the sixth of its kind, was to the city of Lachin. The trip, organized by the Administration of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on April 29, saw the participation of 80 individuals, including the leaders and representatives of 24 political parties, political analysts, media professionals, and journalists. During the visit, participants toured Zabukhchay Reservoir, the city of Lachin, including Heydar Aliyev Street, the Lachin Cinema Center, the Khochazfilm Film Studio, and the reconstruction efforts underway in Beylik settlement. They were also provided with detailed information about businesses operating in the Zerti Agro-Industrial Park.
During the visit, Adalat Valiyev, Head of the Department for Relations with Political Parties and the Legislative Branch at the Presidential Administration, addressed participants in Lachin, sharing extensive information about the strategic importance of national solidarity in Azerbaijan, promoted by President Ilham Aliyev. He also highlighted the work done in this area.
The representative of the Presidential Administration emphasized the vital role political parties play in maintaining the country’s atmosphere of national solidarity. He noted that the historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, achieved under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan and Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, remains a source of pride for Azerbaijanis around the world. Valiyev highlighted that national interests and the state position serve as key unifying principles for patriotic forces.
He pointed to Lachin as a vivid example of the scale and quality of the restoration and reconstruction efforts underway across all liberated territories. The representative stressed that the recovery and development of these regions mark one of the most significant and proud chapters in Azerbaijan’s modern history and referenced several state programs approved by President Ilham Aliyev to support these initiatives.
Valiyev also stressed that the restoration of full sovereignty marks a new stage in Azerbaijan’s development, both qualitatively and fundamentally. The existing atmosphere of national solidarity ensures stability and sustainable development, with political parties actively contributing to its preservation. Their participation in initiatives spearheaded by President Aliyev is a reflection of national and political unity.
Moreover, the trip included an exploration of Lachin’s economic and tourism potential. Participants were briefed on plans to develop the area’s tourism, with new hotels, recreation zones, and rural tourism projects to be established, aligned with broader regional development. These initiatives aim to create jobs and generate income for citizens returning to Karabakh.
The active participation of political parties in these government-driven initiatives ensures constructive political cooperation, the prioritization of national interests over personal ambitions, and the strengthening of political and social unity in Azerbaijan. The visits, particularly those held after the opening of new residential areas and President Ilham Aliyev’s meetings with returning residents of Karabakh, underscore the healthy relationship between the government and opposition, demonstrating a commitment to progress and solidarity in Azerbaijan.
