Azerbaijan’s mine action chief, EU ambassador discuss cooperation As mission concludes

Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), held a meeting with Peter Michalko, EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan, marking the conclusion of Michalko’s diplomatic tenure in the country.

During the meeting, both parties exchanged views on strengthening bilateral cooperation in addressing the persistent threat of landmines and unexploded ordnance in Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports.

Discussions also encompassed broader areas of mutual interest aimed at enhancing collaboration between Azerbaijan and the European Union.

Following the 2020 Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Azerbaijan faces a severe mine threat, with vast areas contaminated by landmines and unexploded ordnance, endangering communities and obstructing reconstruction. Thousands of mines remain across Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions.

ANAMA has intensified clearance efforts, using advanced technology and international best practices, while working closely with the EU, UN, and NGOs. Since the 1990s, mine-related incidents have caused over 3,400 casualties in Azerbaijan, with 399 fatalities or injuries linked to mines planted by Armenian forces.

Baku accuses Yerevan of withholding accurate mine maps and placing explosives in civilian zones, delaying the safe return of nearly 800,000 displaced people.

ANAMA has cleared around 140,000 hectares, deploying all-women demining teams and securing state funding, but stresses that international support remains essential to fully eliminate the threat.

By Aghakazim Guliyev