11 July 2025 16:30

On 10–11 July, a delegation led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Yalchin Rafiyev, participated in the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Rome, the capital of Italy.

At this year’s conference, which was the fourth of its kind, 56 states, 27 international organizations and financial institutions, as well as 120 companies were represented.

In his remarks, Deputy Minister Y. Rafiyev stated that the war in Ukraine has caused serious damage to peace and security in the region.

It was noted in the statement that Azerbaijan, from the very first days, has supported the resolution of the conflict through diplomatic means based on the norms and principles of international law, as well as the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine.

Expressing deep regret over the severe humanitarian consequences of the ongoing crisis, it was highlighted that Azerbaijan was among the first countries to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine. In this context, it was noted that Azerbaijan has delivered assistance worth a total of 42 million USD, including humanitarian aid such as medicines, food, and electrical equipment, as well as support for reconstruction and rebuilding efforts.

It was stated that the number of children benefiting from the medical and socio-psychological rehabilitation program implemented by Azerbaijan for children affected by the conflict in Ukraine has doubled since last year’s Recovery Conference, reaching a total of 330 children.

The Deputy Minister emphasized that Azerbaijan, as a country dealing with the threat of mines in its liberated territories, consistently supports strengthening solidarity with countries affected by landmines. In this regard, he noted that Azerbaijan has provided assistance to Ukraine in the field of mine clearance and informed that, in the near future, relevant spare parts and training will be provided through ANAMA.

It was also noted that Azerbaijan supports infrastructure restoration projects in Ukraine. In this regard, the reconstruction of a school building, a city polyclinic, and a park in the city of Irpin has already been completed, while the restoration of a park and a shelter for children in Kyiv has been financed. Additionally, work is ongoing on the construction of four social facilities in Irpin.

The Deputy Minister underlined that Azerbaijan will continue to provide humanitarian assistance to Ukraine on a bilateral basis.

Within the framework of the conference, Y. Rafiyev met with the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, Andriy Sybiha, and discussed future plans for bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ukraine.

The Deputy Minister also held a bilateral meeting on 11 July with the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Italy, Edmondo Cirielli. During the meeting, issues arising from the multi-dimensional strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Italy were discussed. It was noted with satisfaction that Azerbaijan and Italy demonstrate exemplary cooperation, and that along with political and economic relations, cultural and humanitarian ties are also developing dynamically.