Azerbaijan, UK explore future cooperation in humanitarian demining

Shamil Rzayev, First Deputy Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan’s Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), met with Duncan Norman, the newly appointed Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland to Azerbaijan.

According to ANAMA’s press service, cited by Azertag, the sides exchanged views on cooperation in humanitarian mine clearance, as well as current priorities and future projects in the field.

During the meeting, the participants emphasised that eliminating the mine threat is important not only as a security issue, but also for ensuring sustainable peace and socioeconomic development in the region, supporting safe living conditions for the population and facilitating resettlement.

Azerbaijan continues to face a significant mine contamination challenge, particularly in territories affected by decades of conflict. According to the United Nations, more than 3,500 people have fallen victim to mines in the country since 1991. Since November 2020 alone, 73 people, including 58 civilians, have been killed in landmine incidents, while another 364, including 183 civilians, have been injured.

Under ANAMA’s leadership, extensive survey and clearance operations are being carried out in affected areas. As of September 2026, 25.6% of the estimated contaminated territory had been released for safe use, helping facilitate the return of around 38,200 formerly internally displaced people and supporting the restoration of economic activity, public services and community life in the Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions. Azerbaijan allocated $114.6 million to national mine action efforts in 2024 alone, according to the UN. 

This was the highest level of government funding recorded worldwide.

Since November 2020, Azerbaijan's total government funding allocated to mine action has reached $566 million.

International cooperation has also played a role in strengthening Azerbaijan’s mine-action capacity, with the United Kingdom among the partners that supported UN efforts alongside ANAMA between 2020 and 2025.

By Tamilla Hasanova