A public roundtable titled “Return, Migration, Stability: Experience of Azerbaijan” was held in Minsk, Belarus, bringing attention to the historical and political issues surrounding the topic of Western Azerbaijan. The event was organized with the support of the Azerbaijani Agency for State Support to NGOs and drew participation from members of the Belarusian public, civil society organizations, and diaspora representatives.

The event opened with a cultural performance — a traditional Azerbaijani folk dance Uzundara — setting a symbolic tone that highlighted the deep-rooted heritage and resilience of the Azerbaijani people. Following the performance, participants delivered a series of speeches and presentations focusing on the displacement and deportation of Azerbaijanis from Western Azerbaijan during various historical periods.

Speakers detailed the suffering endured by those expelled from their ancestral lands, highlighting cases of forced migration, human rights violations, and breaches of international law. Central to the discussion was the “Return to Western Azerbaijan Concept” — a policy document that outlines Azerbaijan’s vision for the safe and dignified return of displaced persons to their homeland, as well as the framework for coexistence, reintegration, and regional peace.

Ilgar Huseynli, chairman of a public union involved in the project, delivered a comprehensive presentation on migration dynamics, past and present, and emphasized the importance of Azerbaijani-Belarusian cooperation in promoting awareness, mutual understanding, and humanitarian support.

The roundtable concluded with a dynamic Q&A session, where participants engaged in dialogue about the issues raised and shared perspectives on the legal, humanitarian, and geopolitical aspects of the topic.

The initiative reflects Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to internationalize the discourse surrounding Western Azerbaijan, build support for its humanitarian narrative, and foster dialogue in friendly countries like Belarus.

Fatima Shukurova // EDnews