Azerbaijan and Laos discuss cooperation in mine action

During a visit to the Lao People's Democratic Republic, a delegation from Azerbaijan, including the Special Representative of the President of Azerbaijan, Elchin Amirbayov, the Chairman of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), Vugar Suleymanov, and the Deputy Chairman of ANAMA, Samir Poladov, met with the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Laos, Saleumxay Kommasith.

ANAMA told Report that the Azerbaijani delegation also held a meeting with the Acting Director of the Lao National Regulatory Authority for UXO/Mine Action Sector (NRA), Bounfeng Sisavath, attended by representatives of the Lao National Unexploded Ordnance Programme.

It was noted that Laos has been grappling with the threat of unexploded ordnance (UXO) for many years, and both NRA and ANAMA have extensive experience in clearing UXO. The meeting participants emphasized the importance of mutual exchange of experience and learning from each other's achievements in this field.

The purpose of the meetings was to explore international efforts and best practices in combating the threat of mines and UXO, assess joint training opportunities, exchange experiences, and establish direct and close ties. During the meetings, the Azerbaijani delegation provided information about the massive contamination of the liberated territories with explosive devices, and the large-scale mine clearance activities being carried out to eliminate the existing problem. They also underlined the importance of attracting international resources, the significance of partnership, and the need for training and experience exchange in the fight against the threat of mines and UXO.