Saudi Arabia has allocated 3 million dollars for humanitarian demining activities in Azerbaijan.
elchi reports that this was stated by Salem Al-Kahtani, a representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Saudi Arabia, at the 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku on the topic “Humanitarian Mine Action for Urban Recovery: Setting Excellence Standards for Safe Settlements.”
“Saudi Arabia is also expanding its cooperation by providing financial support to Azerbaijan for the demining of its territories,” he noted.
He stated that this support is aimed at reducing mine risks, creating a safe environment for the civilian population, especially women and children, as well as supporting the restoration of territories and the return of former internally displaced persons.
In turn, Aleš Musar, the First Gentleman of Slovenia and a member of the ITF Board of Trustees, stated that Azerbaijan’s experience in the field of mine action deserves more international recognition and attention: “It would be beneficial for the international community to become more closely acquainted with the results achieved and the lessons that can be learned from this experience.”
Mark Connelly, head of the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS), emphasized that clearing urban areas of mines requires a complex and phased approach, as well as close coordination between governments, donors, and humanitarian and technical organizations.
He noted that modern information systems, especially IMSMA, which allow for the operational exchange of data on dangerous areas, play an important role in this process.