Baku: Azerbaijan has made consistent efforts to keep mine action high on the international agenda, Deputy Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan Samir Sharifov said during a panel session at the 4th International Mine Action Conference themed 'Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements,' APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, since 2022, Azerbaijan, in partnership with the United Nations, has hosted a series of international mine action conferences in Baku. In 2023, at the initiative of the United Nations, the Non-Aligned Movement established an Azerbaijan-led Contact Group on Humanitarian Demining. The activities of this group serve stronger coordination, exchange of experience, victim assistance, and resource mobilization. Azerbaijan has also raised mine-related issues on other international platforms, including UNESCO and the United Nations. The message conveyed underscores that the impact of mines extends beyond the immediate threat of explosion, affecting human rights, cultural heritage, development, and long-term peace, as emphasized by Samir Sharifov.

Deputy Minister Sharifov called on international partners to increase their support for Azerbaijan in the field of mine action. He stated that future assistance should align with Azerbaijan's national priorities and be practical and results-oriented. Azerbaijan's key needs include technical surveys, information management, specialized equipment, financial support, assistance to mine victims, and support for demining teams.

He stressed the importance of ensuring that technical equipment is suitable for Azerbaijan's terrain, climate, and weather conditions. He noted that cooperation should not be limited to the provision of equipment but should also include local production, maintenance, training, and technology transfer.

Sharifov also highlighted the significance of long-term support for mine victims, calling for the provision of high-quality prosthetic services, physical rehabilitation, psychological support, and the reintegration of mine victims into socio-economic life.