Baku: Samir Poladov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), recently convened with a NATO delegation led by Eirini Lemos-Maniati, Head of NATO HQ’s Arms Control, Disarmament and WMD Non-Proliferation Centre. The discussions centered around enhancing Azerbaijan-NATO cooperation in humanitarian mine action, showcasing international support, exploring innovative demining methods, and Azerbaijan’s involvement in ongoing and future Science for Peace and Security (SPS) projects.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Samir Poladov revealed that since November 2020, 437 Azerbaijani citizens have been either killed or injured in mine-related incidents. He emphasized the challenges mines pose to the return of displaced persons, reconstruction initiatives, and environmental safety. During the meeting, Poladov provided insights into ANAMA’s operations, its training endeavors, including the Goygol Training Center, and its collaborative efforts with international partners in humanitarian mine action.
The meeting underscored the enduring partnership between Azerbaijan and NATO in the realm of humanitarian demining. Both parties have been actively involved in mine clearance operations, the application of new technologies, and the development of joint projects aimed at mitigating the impact of landmines in affected areas.