Azerbaijan Commits to Assisting Ukraine with Mine Clearance Equipment

Baku/21.06.23/Turan:  Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Ceyhun Bayramov announced that Azerbaijan intends to provide Ukraine with mine clearance equipment. Bayramov made this statement during his address at an international conference in London focused on the restoration of Ukraine.

Highlighting the gravity of the situation in Ukraine, which has resulted in numerous casualties and a humanitarian catastrophe, Bayramov emphasized that it poses a significant threat to peace and security in Europe. Azerbaijan, in this regard, advocates for an early resolution to the crisis within the framework of Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Bayramov underscored Azerbaijan's previous support for Ukraine by sending humanitarian aid on February 27, 2022. Drawing from Azerbaijan's own challenging experience in the 1990s, the minister expressed the understanding that during times of war and conflict, the civilian population, particularly children, are among the most vulnerable segments of society.

"To address this concern, our country has provided medical and socio-psychological rehabilitation services to 100 children from Ukraine. We plan to double this number by the end of the year," Bayramov stated.

Referring to Azerbaijan's experience in post-conflict reconstruction, particularly in territories liberated from Armenian occupation, the minister noted ongoing large-scale construction projects. Despite the existing challenges, Azerbaijan remains committed to offering mine clearance equipment to Ukraine.

Bayramov emphasized that Azerbaijan has shared its experience and support in post-conflict reconstruction efforts, mentioning the country's contribution to various construction projects in Ukraine, including the restoration of a school in the city of Irpen.

"We will continue to support Ukraine's restoration and reconstruction endeavors," Bayramov affirmed.

Official data indicates that Azerbaijan has provided over 30 million manats in humanitarian aid in response to the crisis in Ukraine.

In addition to humanitarian aid, the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR Energy Ukraine) has been supplying free fuel to ambulances and firefighters in Ukraine since the beginning of the war.