The 17th Summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), held in Garabagh’s city of Khankendi, represents far more than a routine diplomatic event. It symbolizes a profound geopolitical and economic shift in the South Caucasus region, marking Azerbaijan’s triumphant return to its ancestral lands after decades of conflict and occupation.

Hosting the summit in liberated territories is a powerful assertion of Azerbaijan’s restored sovereignty and territorial integrity. Unlike previous ECO summits held in the capital Baku, the decision to convene in Khankendi carries substantial symbolic weight. It signals to the international community that Azerbaijan is not only reclaiming its territory but also positioning Garabagh as a hub for regional cooperation and development.

The region’s rapid reconstruction, as highlighted by President Ilham Aliyev, underscores the country’s commitment to transforming war-torn lands into centers of economic activity and diplomatic engagement. This transformation is not just about infrastructure; it is about restoring national dignity and demonstrating resilience after years of occupation and ethnic conflict.

President Ilham Aliyev’s speech laid bare the depth of Armenia’s decades-long occupation, ethnic cleansing, and cultural destruction in the region. The scale of devastation - cultural monuments destroyed, mosques desecrated, cemeteries vandalized - adds a humanitarian dimension to the conflict’s legacy. Moreover, the........

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