Baku: The 4th International Mine Action Conference, co-organized by the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) and the United Nations Office in Azerbaijan, began in Baku. The conference, themed 'Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements,' commenced with an address read by Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan, on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of ANAMA, highlighted that since the end of the Patriotic War, more than 298,000 hectares have been cleared and over 260,000 mines and explosive ordnance have been neutralized. He emphasized that since November 2020, these efforts have been closely tied to urban reconstruction, with over 103,000 hectares cleared for residential infrastructure, facilitating the development of settlements and essential facilities.

Nasar Hayat, speaking on behalf of the UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, noted that landmines and unexploded ordnance continue to pose significant threats in 57 countries. He stressed the importance of international collaboration under the UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework with Azerbaijan, emphasizing that further efforts are needed to strengthen partnerships and international solidarity.

The conference serves as a platform for over 400 delegates from 60 countries to discuss global awareness of Azerbaijan's landmine challenges, enhance international cooperation in humanitarian demining, and share innovative practices. Attendees include senior officials, representatives from international organizations, and diplomatic missions accredited in Azerbaijan.