Baku: The European Union will maintain its partnership with Azerbaijan to address the persistent threat of landmines, as stated by EU Ambassador to Azerbaijan Mariana Kujundzic, APA reports. During her address at the 4th International Conference on Mine Action titled 'Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Excellence Standards for Safe Human Settlements' in Baku, Kujundzic acknowledged Azerbaijan's significant efforts in combating the mine threat and highlighted the broader implications of humanitarian demining.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Ambassador Kujundzic emphasized that humanitarian demining is vital not only for security but also for recovery, reconstruction, and restoring human dignity. Drawing on Croatia's experience, she explained that addressing mine contamination involves more than clearing affected areas; it includes facilitating the return of displaced people, rebuilding infrastructure, and helping communities regain stability and confidence.
She further stressed the importance of parallel progress in mine action and reconstruction, noting that recovery is more effective when it is rooted in long-term planning, strong institutions, and the needs of affected communities. Kujundzic praised the work of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) and other organizations in surveying, clearing, raising awareness, and assisting communities impacted by mines.
The ambassador underlined that safe settlements go beyond removing explosive hazards, stating that true safety is achieved when families can return without fear, children travel safely to school, public services resume, and reconstruction follows clear standards. She advocated for viewing humanitarian demining as part of a comprehensive process aimed at developing safe, sustainable, and inclusive communities, offering Azerbaijan's approach as a valuable example.
Kujundzic reaffirmed the EU's commitment to sustaining cooperation with Azerbaijan, highlighting the 22 million euros in financial support provided to Azerbaijan under the EU's Team Europe initiative. She emphasized the EU's dedication to creating a mine-free environment that supports sustainable development in the region.
In conclusion, Kujundzic reiterated the EU's role as a reliable and long-term partner for Azerbaijan in the realm of mine action, underscoring the importance of integrating humanitarian demining within the recovery process to ensure safe settlements and community rebuilding.