An Azerbaijani delegation led by Yalchin Rafiyev, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, attended the Ukraine Recovery Conference held in Rome, Italy, on July 10–11.
The fourth conference on Ukraine’s recovery brought together representatives from 56 countries, 27 international organizations and financial institutions, as well as 120 companies.
In his remarks, Deputy FM Yalchin Rafiyev noted that the war in Ukraine poses a grave threat to regional peace and security. He reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to resolving the conflict through diplomatic means, in accordance with international law and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s strong support for Ukraine’s territorial integrity and sovereignty from the very beginning of the war. He also expressed deep regret over the serious humanitarian consequences of the ongoing crisis.
Rafiyev emphasized that Azerbaijan was among the first countries to send humanitarian aid to Ukraine, providing a total of $42 million in financial assistance toward the country’s recovery.
He highlighted Azerbaijan’s social-psychological rehabilitation program for Ukrainian children, noting that the number of beneficiaries had doubled since the last Ukraine Recovery Conference, with a total of 330 children having participated.
The Deputy Minister reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s solidarity with countries affected by mine contamination, drawing parallels with Azerbaijan’s own demining efforts in its liberated territories. In this regard, he announced that Azerbaijan would send equipment and provide specialized training in Ukraine through the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA).
Rafiyev also noted Azerbaijan’s continued involvement in restoration projects in Ukraine’s cities of Kyiv and Irpin.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Deputy FM held bilateral meetings. During his meeting with Andrii Sybiha, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine, the sides discussed prospects for future bilateral cooperation.
In his meeting with Edmondo Cirielli, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Italy, discussions focused on strategic partnership issues between Azerbaijan and Italy. Both sides praised the growing cooperation across the political, economic, cultural, and humanitarian spheres.
