Azerbaijan aims to become regional mine action hub

Azerbaijan intends to become a regional center of excellence in mine action, as stated by presidential representative Elchin Amirbeyov at the IV International Conference on Demining in Baku. Amirbeyov called for mine clearance to be added to the international peace agenda, framing it as an investment in peace sustainability. He also urged the creation of a long-term international financing mechanism for Azerbaijan's demining efforts, moving beyond emergency aid toward predictable multi-year funding. He highlighted that artificial intelligence, drones, and satellite imagery could improve demining speed and safety. Amirbeyov emphasized that humanitarian demining can foster regional trust-building cooperation even when political issues remain sensitive, as it concerns saving lives and securing the future.