This initiative is an indicator of effective cooperation between the European Union and Azerbaijan, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan - Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration Hikmet Hajiyev said as he delivered a speech at the Team Europe Mine Action Initiative event, Paralel.Az reports.

Hikmet Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan has faced the danger of landmines and unexploded ordnance and this problem negatively affects the people's lives.

According to him, 1.5 million landmines have been planted in the liberated territories of Azerbaijan and 12% of the territory was contaminated with mines.

Hikmet Hajiyev noted that landmines hinder the safe return of internally displaced persons and the fast implementation of restoration works.

The Assistant to the President also noted that these countless landmines planted by Armenia seriously impact humanitarian activities. Hikmet Hajiyev noted that it is very important for the international community to participate in this process and express solidarity with Azerbaijan.

Assistant to the Azerbaijani President also noted that it is important to strenghten the technical capabilities for the clearing of landmines and in this sense, direct financial donations are necessary to speed up the process.