Azerbaijan, Thailand talk over humanitarian demining partnership

The Azerbaijani Ambassador to Thailand, Elchin Bashirov, has discussed prospects for cooperation in the field of mine safety with the Director-General of Thailand’s Demining Centre.

The Azerbaijani diplomatic mission stated that Ambassador Bashirov met with General Saksit Sangchanintra, Director General of Thailand Mine Action Center (TMAC), Caliber.Az reports via local media.

During the meeting, the two officials exchanged views on potential cooperation in humanitarian demining efforts.

To recall, on August 22, 2024 a delegation led by Elchin Amirbayov, the Azerbaijani President’s Representative for Special Assignments, visited Southeast Asia to enhance cooperation and exchange expertise with international mine action organizations.

During the visit, the delegation discussed knowledge-sharing in humanitarian demining, joint training initiatives, and technical assistance with Lieutenant General Nattawut Sabyeroop, Director General of the Thailand Mine Action Centre (TMAC). Amirbayov highlighted the severity of Azerbaijan’s landmine crisis and stressed the need for increased international support.

Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), called for stronger ties between ANAMA and TMAC, inviting Thai representatives to an international mine action conference in Azerbaijan. Discussions also covered the establishment of the ANAMA-UNDP International Centre of Excellence and Training for Mine Action.

The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Centre (ARMAC) played a key role in facilitating the meeting, underscoring the significance of collaboration between ASEAN member states and Azerbaijan in demining efforts. The TMAC leadership expressed willingness to engage in training exchanges with Azerbaijan.

By Aghakazim Guliyev