Baku: The 4th International Mine Action Conference, themed 'Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements,' co-hosted by the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) and the United Nations Office in Azerbaijan, concluded in Baku on Thursday.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the second day of the event featured remarks from Elchin Amirbayov, Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments. Amirbayov highlighted that despite the cessation of fighting in the region, mines remain a significant concern. He pointed out that humanitarian demining efforts have transcended their initial humanitarian scope, evolving into a crucial component of peacebuilding missions.
Amirbayov also referenced the historic Washington Summit, noting, "A little over a year ago, on August 8, 2025, Azerbaijan and Armenia took a landmark step in Washington. The agreed text of the peace treaty was initialed by the foreign ministers, while the leaders signed the Joint Washington Declaration. This document presented a vision for a future liberated from the grip of the past conflict."
Marijana Kujundzic, Head of the European Union (EU) Delegation to Azerbaijan, emphasized the interplay between mine action and reconstruction, stating that recovery is most effective when it is driven by long-term planning, robust institutions, and the needs of communities impacted by conflict.
Erfan Ali, Director of the Regional Office for Eastern Europe and Central Asia at the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat), shared insights on the role of humanitarian demining in urban policy, planning, and financing, underscoring its importance in the agency's strategies.
Shen Zhang, Counsellor of the Department of Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China, affirmed China's continued support to Azerbaijan in humanitarian demining efforts. He mentioned the Memorandum of Understanding signed last year between China and Azerbaijan, which fortified bilateral humanitarian cooperation and included financial assistance amounting to 2 million yuan.
The conference concluded with a series of panel discussions and presentations, focusing on advancing demining strategies and collaboration.