Azerbaijan pours nearly $590 million into demining since 2020 – ANAMA

Azerbaijan has allocated approximately $590 million for demining activities since November 2020, Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency (ANAMA) Vugar Suleymanov said.

Suleymanov made the remarks at the opening of the 4th International Mine Action Conference, noting that the theme of this year’s conference directly reflects Azerbaijan’s experience, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

He stressed that international cooperation is essential to addressing the global mine problem, emphasising that no country can tackle the issue alone.

“In the liberated territories of our country, the reconstruction of cities begins not with construction work, but first and foremost with ensuring the safety of the territories. Before families return to their homes, settlements, the roads leading to them, water and energy lines, as well as the land surrounding those areas, must be cleared of mines and other explosive ordnance. This is precisely why humanitarian mine action constitutes the initial stage of the reconstruction process.

Azerbaijan is ready to share its experience in this field and, at the same time, is organizing this platform to learn from the experience of other countries. No country can solve the mine problem alone. International cooperation, the exchange of technical expertise, donor support, innovation and strong national ownership are essential to ensure the transition from contaminated areas to safe and sustainable recovery,” he added.

Suleymanov said only about 4% of the nearly $590 million allocated for demining activities since November 2020 had come through international support, while the remainder was financed by the Azerbaijani government.

“This clearly demonstrates our state’s commitment to ensuring safe return, reconstruction and recovery,” the ANAMA chairman emphasised.

By Jeyhun Aghazada