(Baku): The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) and the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Cooperation in the Field of Mine Action, establishing a framework to strengthen cooperation in capacity development, technical exchange, knowledge sharing and other areas of mutual interest.

The MoU was signed in Baku by Rothna Buth, Executive Director of ARMAC, and Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Board of ANAMA.

The signing took place on the margins of the 4th International Conference on Mine Action, convened in Baku under the theme “Humanitarian Demining for Urban Recovery: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements.” The Conference brought together governments, national mine action authorities, international organisations and partners to exchange perspectives on advancing humanitarian mine action and supporting safe, sustainable and inclusive recovery for mine-affected communities.

Strengthening Practical Cooperation
Under the MoU, ARMAC and ANAMA will explore cooperation across areas of mutual interest, including capacity building and training; technical and operational exchange in areas such as survey, land release and victim assistance; knowledge sharing and research on emerging technologies, methodologies and the environmental impacts of landmines and explosive remnants of war; as well as initiatives supporting survivors and strengthening awareness of explosive ordnance risks.

“Regional cooperation becomes most valuable when the knowledge and experience developed within one region can also benefit others. Through this MoU, we are building a bridge between Azerbaijan and ASEAN, one through which expertise, innovation and lessons learned can move in both directions. This is cooperation based not on who assists whom, but on what we can learn from one another and what we can achieve together,” said Buth.

Welcoming the partnership, Mr. Suleymanov highlighted the importance of connecting the experience and expertise of Azerbaijan and ASEAN and translating mutual learning into practical cooperation.

“Mine action challenges cross borders, and so should our cooperation and the knowledge we share. Azerbaijan and ASEAN each bring valuable experience and expertise, and this Memorandum provides an important platform to connect those experiences. Through ANAMA’s partnership with ARMAC, we look forward to turning mutual learning into practical cooperation that strengthens our institutions and contributes to safer recovery for mine-affected communities,” said Suleymanov.

Advancing Interregional and South–South Cooperation
The MoU reflects the value of interregional and South–South cooperation and demonstrates how regional experience can create value beyond geographical boundaries.

Across ASEAN, Member States have accumulated significant experience in humanitarian mine action, including survey and land release, explosive ordnance risk education, information management, victim assistance and community-based approaches. Azerbaijan likewise brings substantial experience and evolving approaches in addressing mine contamination and supporting post-conflict recovery.

By connecting these experiences, the partnership creates a practical channel through which knowledge, technical expertise, innovation and lessons learned can move in both directions between Azerbaijan and ASEAN.

Rather than viewing cooperation through the traditional lens of one side providing assistance to another, the partnership is grounded in mutual learning and complementary expertise, recognising that mine-affected countries and regions have valuable knowledge and experience to contribute to one another.

Turning Shared Experience into Practical Action
The partnership reflects a shared commitment by ARMAC and ANAMA to move from dialogue and knowledge exchange towards practical cooperation.

Through the MoU, both organisations will be able to explore opportunities to connect specialists and institutions, facilitate technical and peer-to-peer exchanges, share emerging technologies and approaches, strengthen capacity development, and identify areas for joint learning and research.

By connecting Azerbaijan and ASEAN, ARMAC and ANAMA aim to demonstrate how cooperation across regions can strengthen national capacities, deepen professional and institutional relationships, and translate shared experience into practical solutions for mine-affected communities.

The MoU builds on the growing relationship between ARMAC and ANAMA, including exchanges between ANAMA and mine action institutions across ASEAN in 2024, and provides a framework for taking that relationship forward through more structured and practical cooperation.

Ultimately, the partnership reflects a shared understanding that while mine action must remain nationally owned and nationally led, knowledge and cooperation need not stop at national or regional borders. By learning from one another and working together, mine-affected countries and regions can contribute to safer, more sustainable recovery for affected communities.

About ARMAC
The ASEAN Regional Mine Action Center (ARMAC) is a regional center of excellence established by ASEAN Leaders in 2012 under the ASEAN framework. ARMAC supports Member States in addressing the humanitarian and developmental impacts of explosive ordnance (EO).

It fosters regional cooperation, strengthens technical capacities, and provides expertise to help affected communities recover from the effects of war and move forward in peace and security.
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