Baku: In a significant development, the Chairman of the Board of ANAMA, Vugar Suleymanov, announced at the 4th International Mine Action Conference that $590 million has been allocated for mine clearance activities in Azerbaijan since November 2020. Suleymanov emphasized that no country can tackle the mine problem in isolation, highlighting the importance of international cooperation.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the conference's theme was deeply rooted in Azerbaijan's ongoing efforts to ensure safety before reconstruction in liberated territories. Suleymanov remarked that the reconstruction of cities in these areas commences not with construction, but with the crucial task of clearing mines and explosive ordnance. This initial stage is essential for the safe return of families and the rebuilding of infrastructure such as roads, water, and energy lines. Azerbaijan aims to share its experiences and learn from other nations through this platform, fostering international collaboration and technical expertise exchange to address mine-related challenges.

Despite the substantial allocation, Suleymanov noted that only about 4% of the funding has come from international support, with the rest shouldered by the Azerbaijani government. This underscores the state's dedication to ensuring safe return, reconstruction, and recovery in the affected regions.