Baku: "The modern technological equipment used in the laboratory of the Genetic Research Center, the highly experienced specialists, and the results achieved have created broad opportunities for international cooperation in the search for missing persons," Rufat Aliyev, Head of the Military Medical Department of the State Security Service and Medical Service Major General, said at the international conference titled "Modern Approaches to Resolving the Issue of Missing Persons and Strengthening Cooperation", held in cooperation with the International Commission on Missing Persons (ICMP), APA reports.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Aliyev highlighted the ongoing collaboration with Ukraine, noting a request last year from the Ministry of Health of Ukraine regarding cooperation in the search for missing persons. The Ukrainian side was informed of the possibility of providing methodological assistance in conducting genetic research, as well as organizing training sessions and workshops for specialists. Genetic examinations were carried out in the laboratory on certain samples that were difficult to identify based on relevant decisions of the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan.
Rufat Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan has long established an institutional infrastructure to determine the fate of prisoners of war, missing, and hostage citizens, protect their rights, and provide social and psychological support to their families. He pointed out that the existence of a unified coordination center, including a high-tech laboratory and a DNA Data Bank, along with the improvement of the national legislative framework, international cooperation, and humanitarian diplomacy, clearly demonstrates the state's commitment to humanitarian principles and national interests.
He expressed confidence that the international conference held in cooperation with the International Commission on Missing Persons will serve as a strategic platform for addressing the consequences of humanitarian crises, including clarifying the fate of missing persons. It is expected to contribute to strengthening the exchange of experience and information in the application of modern technologies and innovative methods.