Ukraine and Azerbaijan are working to expand the exchange of experience in humanitarian demining, including demining in urban areas. For Ukraine, this experience is important for the future clearance and recovery of de-occupied settlements. This was discussed during the 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku, where the Ukrainian delegation held a number of meetings with representatives of countries that have experience in addressing mine contamination.

During a meeting with Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA), Dmytro Panshyn, Head of the Humanitarian Demining Department at the Ministry of Economy and Environment of Ukraine, discussed expanding joint projects and the exchange of practical experience.

In particular, Ukraine is interested in Azerbaijan’s experience in humanitarian demining in urban areas and in preparing cleared territories for further recovery. The parties also discussed the possibility of trilateral cooperation between Ukraine, Azerbaijan and the United Nations.

The Ukrainian side invited ANAMA to take part in the Ukraine Mine Action Conference (UMAC 2026), which will take place in Brussels in mid-November.

During the conference, Ukraine also strengthened dialogue with representatives of national mine action authorities from other countries affected by mine contamination. The discussions focused on ensuring that their practical experience is better reflected in the development of international mechanisms, training programmes and approaches to mine action support.

“Ukraine is interested in strengthening cooperation with countries that have also been affected by mine contamination. It is important that the needs, priorities and practical experience of these countries shape the main approaches to mine action, while international partners and donors support their implementation,” said Dmytro Panshyn.

Representatives of Lebanon also expressed interest in Ukraine’s experience in clearing agricultural land. During a meeting with Roger Khoury, Head of the Lebanon Mine Action Center, the parties discussed opportunities to exchange experience in restoring soils and land affected by hostilities and explosive ordnance contamination. They also discussed further technical consultations between the relevant institutions of the two countries.

Ukraine was also represented at the conference by representatives of the Ministry of Defence, the State Emergency Service and civil society. Overall, the event brought together more than 400 participants from 60 countries.