Azerbaijan, known for its capacity to host global forums and intergovernmental events, is preparing to host yet another landmark gathering—one that holds immense political, economic, and symbolic significance. On July 3–4, 2025, the city of Khankendi will host the 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), bringing together heads of state and government from across the ECO space. This will mark the first international summit ever held in Khankendi, a city once synonymous with separatism and conflict, now rapidly transforming into a platform for peace, reintegration, and international dialogue.

The summit will be part of a broader series of events held across Azerbaijan’s liberated territories: a Youth Forum in Agdam, a Business Forum in Shusha, and a Women’s Forum in Lachin. These parallel gatherings not only highlight Azerbaijan’s diplomatic initiative but also its commitment to inclusive post-conflict reconstruction that integrates youth, private enterprise, and civil society into the peacebuilding process.

The choice of Khankendi as the summit’s venue is rich in symbolism. Once the stronghold of Armenian separatist forces and a zone of illegal governance, the city was brought back under full Azerbaijani control following the one-day anti-terror measures in September 2023. Since then, it has seen the re-establishment of constitutional order, the rule of law, and state institutions. Hosting a high-level international summit in the city underscores a new chapter, not only for Garabagh but also for the broader Eurasian region.

As a long-standing member of the........

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