Belgium has pledged $250,000 to assist Azerbaijan in its mine clearance efforts, a critical step in facilitating the return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to liberated areas. The funding reflects Belgium’s commitment to humanitarian support and the enhancement of bilateral relations between the two nations.
The impact of mines in Azerbaijanās liberated territories
Mines remain a significant barrier to the safe return of former IDPs to Azerbaijanās liberated territories. Gaya Mammadov, head of the department at Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, highlighted that this financial assistance symbolizes not only human solidarity but also a positive development in Belgian-Azerbaijan relations.
On July 4-5, Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan Mine Action Agency (ANAMA), led a delegation to Belgium. The visit aimed to raise awareness within the international community about the extensive mine problem in Azerbaijan and the ongoing humanitarian demining efforts in the liberated regions. Since November 2020, 363 people have been affected by mine explosions in these areas, with 69 fatalities. Experts estimate that hundreds of thousands of unexploded mines remain in Azerbaijan’s autonomous territories.
Outcomes of the Azerbaijan-Belgium ministerial meeting
In December of last year, Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Belgian Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib during the Eastern Partnership Foreign Affairs Ministerial conference in Brussels. Their discussions focused on bilateral relations, the regional situation, and the importance of continuing high-level visits, economic cooperation, and political consultations.
Minister Bayramov emphasized that significant progress in the peace process is possible following the withdrawal of Armenian armed forces from Azerbaijani regions, a result of anti-terrorist actions in September. He also briefed Minister Lahbib on recent initiatives aimed at fostering peace, stability, and confidence between Azerbaijan and Armenia. The meeting also covered other mutual interests.
Belgiumās position on Azerbaijan-Armenia peace efforts
Belgium remains committed to supporting a peaceful and comprehensive resolution between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Foreign Minister Hadja Lahbib reaffirmed Belgium’s backing for initiatives that promote stability in the region. During her discussions with Minister Bayramov, they also explored EU-Azerbaijan relations and potential avenues for strengthening bilateral cooperation.
