Azerbaijan strengthens strategic partnership with ASEAN Mine Action Center PHOTO

As part of a trip to Cambodia, an Azerbaijani government delegation led by Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov paid a visit to the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC), reinforcing the growing cooperation between Azerbaijan and ASEAN in the field of explosive ordnance management and mine clearance.

This visit builds upon the momentum established earlier in 2024, when the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) undertook a study tour of ASEAN member states to observe and learn from their best practices in explosive ordnance (EO) management, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

The recent engagement underscores both parties’ commitment to advancing regional and global mine action efforts in alignment with the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025.

At the meeting, representatives from Azerbaijan and ARMAC exchanged valuable insights on the critical role of research and development, innovation, and the integration of emerging technologies to enhance the efficiency, safety, and effectiveness of mine clearance operations. Both sides expressed optimism about deepening their technical cooperation and knowledge sharing to further strengthen mine action capabilities.

“ARMAC reaffirms its dedication to fostering regional and international partnerships that not only enhance technical capacity but also promote sustainable peace and development,” said Buth Rothna, Executive Director of ARMAC. “We are pleased to witness growing momentum for intercontinental collaboration, and we look forward to continued engagement with Azerbaijan as a key partner in this endeavor.”

Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov reciprocated this sentiment, highlighting Azerbaijan’s commitment to advancing its mine action programs. “We deeply appreciate ARMAC’s leadership in mine action and their generous facilitation of knowledge-sharing platforms,” Mammadov stated. “Azerbaijan is determined to invest in the institutional strengthening of its mine action capacity, and we view ARMAC as a pivotal partner in this journey. The shared experiences of ASEAN countries provide invaluable lessons for our own post-conflict recovery.”

The meeting also explored prospects for future joint research initiatives, the establishment of technical dialogue forums, and the promotion of region-to-region exchanges of expertise. This growing partnership reflects a broader trend toward international collaboration aimed at mitigating the legacy of explosive remnants of war and fostering sustainable peace and security.

By Vafa Guliyeva