Belgium hosts discussions on supporting Azerbaijan in demining (PHOTO)

BAKU: The international support to Azerbaijan in addressing mine problem was discussed during a business trip of the delegation led by Chairman of the Board of Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) Vugar Suleymanov to Belgium on July 4-5, a source in the agency told Trend. The delegation held a meeting with representatives of the European Union (EU) and UN Development Program (UNDP), as well as with ambassadors of a number of EU member states and diplomats. 'The main purpose of the meeting held on July 4 with representatives of COEST (the Council of the EU working group on Eastern Europe and Central Asia) was to discuss the mine problem in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, efforts to address it, as well as current and future opportunities for international cooperation. The meeting, held on July 5 at the UN headquarters in Brussels, was jointly organized by the Azerbaijani Embassy in Belgium and the UN Brussels Office. He pointed out that addressing the problem of mines and other explos ive remnants of war, which pose a serious threat to the development of the region, human life and health, and the environment, requires collective efforts and strong partnerships. Suleymanov expressed gratitude to the EU, UN and states providing support to Azerbaijan, emphasizing the importance of sustained and widespread support given the scale of the mine problem. The meeting highlighted the significant role of the International Center of Excellence and Training for Mine Action in Azerbaijan, envisaged to be created with the support of UNDP and the EU, in the exchange of best practices on a global scale. Droneport was visited to study Belgium's experience in using drones for mapping and exploration of minefields," the source added. Source: Trend News Agency