The EU Ambassador has highly appreciated the work carried out by Azerbaijan in the field of mine threat mitigation.
“Elchi” reports that Mariana Kuyundzic, the European Union representative in Azerbaijan, stated this in Baku during her speech at the 4th International Mine Action Conference on “Humanitarian Mine Action for Urban Recovery: Setting Excellence Standards for Safe Settlements.”
She noted that humanitarian mine action is not just a matter of security: “Humanitarian mine action is also a prerequisite for recovery, reconstruction, human dignity, and a normal life.”
According to the EU representative, mine threat mitigation and reconstruction must be carried out in parallel.
Mariana Kuyundzic also highly appreciated the work carried out by Azerbaijan in the field of mine threat mitigation: “We highly appreciate the great efforts made by Azerbaijan, especially the work done by ANAMA and other operational participants in the direction of surveying, clearing areas, raising awareness, and assisting affected communities. We are proud to stand by Azerbaijan in these efforts.”
The EU representative emphasized that the creation of a safe settlement should not be limited only to the elimination of explosive threats: “A settlement is safe when families can return without fear, children can go to school safely, public services can resume operations, reconstruction is carried out according to clear standards, and communities can rebuild their lives with confidence in the future.”
Mariana Kuyundzic stated that humanitarian mine action should be accepted as part of a broader process leading to the creation of safe, sustainable, and inclusive settlements. According to her, Azerbaijan’s experience offers important lessons in this regard: “This is related not only to the scale of contamination but also to the complex task of linking mine action operations with reconstruction, the return of people, and the long-term development of the region. This is a complex process, and continued international cooperation remains of great importance here.”
Mariana Kuyundzic emphasized that the EU will continue its cooperation with Azerbaijan in the field of mine threat mitigation: “The European Union firmly supports this approach. Together with member states, within the framework of the ‘Team Europe’ initiative, the EU is committed to contributing to the creation of a mine-free environment for communities and supporting sustainable development in the region. Today, the financial support directed to Azerbaijan as part of this collective commitment has reached 22 million euros.”
The EU representative noted that the main goal is not just to clear areas, but to restore security, create conditions for the return of people, and rebuild communities: “The European Union remains a reliable and long-term partner for Azerbaijan in the field of mine threat mitigation. We are committed to supporting efforts that place humanitarian mine action at the center of safe settlements and the recovery process.”