EU pledges unwavering support for Azerbaijan’s mine clearance efforts

The European Union has expressed its unwavering commitment to actively support Azerbaijan in its mine clearance activities, Duhot Hubert, Deputy Head of Unit at the European Commission's Directorate-General for Neighbourhood and Enlargement Negotiations, said at the 3rd International Humanitarian Demining Conference on “Mitigating Environmental Impact of Landmines: Resource Mobilization for a Safe and Green Future,” Report informs.

“Mine action remains an EU priority in Azerbaijan, as we witnessed firsthand in Zangilan,” stated Hubert. He highlighted the importance of international support and cooperation with global donors, proudly acknowledging the European Union and its member states as the primary international contributors to mine action efforts.

The recent launch of the Team Europe mine action initiative in early May serves as a testament to the EU’s commitment to aiding Azerbaijan, he noted. This platform aims to expand EU support and recognizes mine action as a pivotal component of Azerbaijan's socio-economic agenda and the region's overall development, he said.

Hubert further emphasized that mine action is just the beginning of a long-term process, with the EU also focusing on supporting the economic recovery and environmental transformation of the affected region.

The conference participants were impressed by the swift progress of restoration work in Zangilan, he added.