On March 20, 2026, a ceremonial planting of a symbolic white rose was held at the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Washington, D.C., on the occasion of the Novruz holiday.
The event was attended by Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the United States, Khazar Ibrahim, Heidi Kuhn, founder of the “Roots of Peace” organization and laureate of the 2023 World Food Prize, as well as agricultural attachés accredited in Washington, D.C.
In his remarks, Ambassador Khazar Ibrahim emphasized that Novruz symbolizes the arrival of spring and renewal. In this context, he highlighted the large-scale reconstruction and restoration efforts underway in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, noting that these efforts are bringing revival and new life to the region. Ambassador Ibrahim underscored the role of National Leader Heydar Aliyev’s visionary policy in bringing peace to the region, as well as the political will and leadership of President Ilham Aliyev in implementing this vision. He stated that Azerbaijan remains committed to contributing to sustainable peace and development both regionally and globally.
He also noted the importance of Heidi Kuhn’s initiative promoting the use of demined lands for agricultural purposes as a means of strengthening peace.
Highlighting that 2026 has been declared the International Year of Women Farmers, Heidi Kuhn stated in her speech that she has long been engaged in restoring conflict-affected areas through agriculture. In this regard, she drew attention to her “Pax Agricultura” initiative and emphasized that mine clearance is a fundamental prerequisite for the effective reuse of liberated lands.
Kuhn noted that she had visited minefields in Azerbaijan’s Garabagh region and personally observed the work of ANAMA’s female deminers. She stressed the significance of ongoing demining efforts in the liberated territories and called on the international community to provide more active support in this direction.
She also presented a shovel made from remnants of deactivated mines in the Fuzuli district, which had been gifted to her by ANAMA, and used it to plant a white rose symbolizing peace in the Embassy’s courtyard. Kuhn stated that one of her greatest wishes is to see the lands of Karabakh completely cleared of mines and planted with white roses symbolizing peace.
As part of the event, participants were also informed about Novruz traditions, and national sweets and tea were served.
