Azerbaijan strengthens cooperation with ASEAN in mine action

An Azerbaijani government delegation, headed by Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov, visited the ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) during its official visit to Cambodia.

Report informs, citing the press service of the organization, that this marked a continuation of the positive momentum initiated during the 2024 study visit hosted by ARMAC, where the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) visited ASEAN Member States to observe best practices in explosive ordnance (EO) management.

ARMAC reaffirmed its mission to support regional and global mine action efforts, in line with the ASEAN Political-Security Community Blueprint 2025.

Both parties exchanged insights on the importance of research and development, innovation, and the integration of emerging technologies to improve the efficiency and safety of mine clearance operations.

"ARMAC reaffirms its dedication to fostering regional and international partnerships that not only enhance technical capacity but also promote sustainable peace and development," stated Ms. Buth Rothna, Executive Director of ARMAC. "We are pleased to witness growing momentum for intercontinental collaboration, and we look forward to continued engagement with Azerbaijan as a key partner in this endeavor."

Echoing this sentiment, Elnur Mammadov shared: "We deeply appreciate ARMAC’s leadership in mine action and their generous facilitation of knowledge-sharing platforms. Azerbaijan is determined to invest in the institutional strengthening of its mine action capacity, and we view ARMAC as a pivotal partner in this journey. The shared experiences of ASEAN countries provide invaluable lessons for our own post-conflict recovery."

The meeting also addressed the potential for future cooperation in joint research initiatives, the establishment of technical dialogues, and the promotion of region-to-region knowledge exchanges.