Baku: Mine action should be made part of the international peace agenda, Representative of the President of Azerbaijan on Special Assignments Elchin Amirbayov said during his speech at the 4th International Conference on Mine Action titled 'Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements' in Baku, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Amirbayov emphasized that addressing mine action is crucial for sustainable peace in the South Caucasus. He suggested that beyond the traditional focus on borders, communications, trade, and confidence-building, the elimination of the physical remnants of war should be prioritized. He advocated for the establishment of a long-term international financing mechanism dedicated to mine action in Azerbaijan, highlighting the need for predictable, multi-year funding to support planning, recruitment, training, and equipment investment to expedite mine clearance.

Amirbayov also pointed out the potential of leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, drones, satellite imagery, and mechanical demining to enhance the efficiency and safety of mine clearance operations. He stated that Azerbaijan is aiming to become a regional hub for mine action excellence and welcomes international cooperation in this field.

He concluded that incorporating mine action into confidence-building measures could foster practical cooperation in the region, emphasizing that clearing war remnants is fundamentally about saving lives and securing the future.