Ilham Aliyev Launches Infrastructure Projects in Nakhchivan

President Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva visited the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic on August 11, 2026, to launch a series of infrastructure, cultural, and military initiatives. Aliyev laid foundation stones for the Nakhchivan Industrial Park and a 518-apartment social housing complex, while also presenting Battle Flags to new commando military units.

During the visit, Aliyev reviewed the Master Plan for the Development of Nakhchivan City until 2044. Developed by the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture with Azermemarlayihə and Chapman Taylor, the plan aims to expand the city's residential area to 2,630 hectares and increase the population to 130,000. The strategic vision includes a 122-kilometer bicycle infrastructure and an increase in green space per person from 15 to 27 square meters to support the city's role in the Middle Corridor.

Cultural activities included unveiling a monument to architect Ajami Nakhchivani and inspecting restoration work on the 12th-century Momine Khatun Mausoleum. In an interview with Azerbaijan Television, Aliyev characterized the Zangezur Corridor as an Azerbaijani initiative, noting that while the Horadiz-Aghband highway is nearly complete, the Armenian section remains unready. He also inspected two solar power plants with a combined 50 MW capacity.