İnternational forum "South Caucasus: Development and Cooperation" was held in Shusha.

The forum, organized by the Center for International Relations Analysis (UNIRA) and ADA University, was attended by experts, researchers and media representatives from about 50 foreign think tanks from more than 20 countries.

The main purpose of the Shusha forum was to discuss the peace agenda formed by Azerbaijan to normalize relations with Armenia as a basis for the development of relations between the countries of the South Caucasus in the post-conflict period, the possibility of opening communications, the progress, security and prosperity of the region.

In his opening speech at the forum, Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Shusha Aydin Karimov said that Shusha has hosted various important events over the past year. He noted that holding such events is an important contribution to the future development of the region and long-term peace.

Hikmet Hajiyev, Aide to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, said Shusha was an important city for our country, noting that the Azerbaijani government was implementing large-scale infrastructure projects here. He said that the Azerbaijani side has taken initial steps to start the peace process and continues to work for peace. Hikmet Hajiyev noted that with the liberation of Karabakh from occupation, Azerbaijan has created a new reality in the region.

The presidential aide also said that the Azerbaijani Army did not use any artillery during the 44-day war to liberate Shusha, and the battle ended with the victory of Azerbaijan after the liberation of Shusha.

Hikmet Hajiyev also stressed the importance of resolving the issue of delimitation and demarcation of borders between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Afterwards, panel discussions on "The Road to Shusha Revival" and "Cooperation, Opportunities and Challenges" were held within the forum.