Belgium allocates funds for Azerbaijan's demining efforts

POLITICS  05 July 2024 - 10:37

Belgium has allocated 250,000 euros to support demining activities in Azerbaijan's liberated territories.

Gaya Mammadov, Head of the Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan announced the decision on X platform, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"I was pleased to address the ceremony in Brussels on presentation of Belgium’s €250,000 assistance for Azerbaijan’s mine action. Landmines are a major impediment to the safe return of IDPs. This assistance is a symbol of human solidarity and a positive step in our bilateral relations," Mammadov wrote.

A delegation from the Azerbaijani Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), led by Chairman of the Board Vugar Suleymanov, is currently on a working visit to the Kingdom of Belgium.

The persistent threat of landmines poses a significant obstacle to the repopulation of the liberated Azerbaijani lands. According to Azerbaijani government data, international experts estimate that it will take nearly 30 years and $25 billion to address demining-related issues.

Since the cessation of hostilities, the Azerbaijani government has been actively engaged in demining operations in the liberated territories to facilitate the return of internally displaced people to their homes. Despite significant efforts, these operations encountered challenges due to the inaccuracy of maps indicating the locations of landmines presented by Armenia.

Caliber.Az