Khankendi: The next meeting of the Working Group on Mine and UXO Clearance, part of the Interdepartmental Center of the Coordination Headquarters for the centralized resolution of issues in the liberated territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan, took place in Khankendi. The meeting focused on ongoing and future demining operations in the region.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the visit included representatives from the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan and other relevant state agencies. They assessed humanitarian mine clearance activities conducted by ANAMA in Sarijali village and by the Ministry of Emergency Situations in Alimadetli village, both located in the Aghdam district. The working group members observed the progress of these operations, including the neutralization of discovered mines and unexploded ordnance.

An expanded meeting followed these observations, where Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Agency and Head of the Working Group, reported on the progress of humanitarian demining operations aligned with the annual action plan. Suleymanov highlighted that demining is crucial for the Great Return Program, emphasizing its role in ensuring security, fostering socio-economic development, and facilitating the return of the population to their native lands.

During the current year, a total of 27,204 hectares have been cleared of mines and other explosive remnants of war. This includes 8,318 hectares of residential infrastructure, 9,176 hectares dedicated to agriculture, and various other areas earmarked for ecological assessment, transport infrastructure, and land reclamation projects.

Sabuhi Gahramanov, Deputy Special Representative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city of Khankendi, Aghdara, and Khojaly districts, shared insights on the reconstruction of liberated territories, the execution of the Great Return Program, and future developments. The meeting also focused on the humanitarian demining initiatives linked to reconstruction projects, and reports from demining organizations were reviewed.

With a significant number of former IDPs returning and tourist visits increasing, discussions were held on expanding mine awareness activities. Suggestions were made for joint promotion and campaigning efforts, highlighting the importance of collaboration among relevant organizations to enhance safety and awareness in the region.