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Hikmat Hajiyev: Mine problem remains most serious humanitarian challenge in Karabakh

Hikmat Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration

01 May 2026 16:09 (UTC +04:00)

The mine problem remains the most serious humanitarian challenge in Karabakh, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, Hikmat Hajiyev, said while addressing representatives of the diplomatic corps at Karabakh University, APA reports.

He stated that Azerbaijan is one of the rare examples in the world in terms of the reconstruction process carried out in the post-conflict period: “Azerbaijan is rebuilding the liberated territories using its own financial resources, as well as institutional and administrative capacity. Currently, the construction of nine cities and hundreds of settlements is ongoing.”

Hikmat Hajiyev noted that Azerbaijan is ready to share its experience in urban planning and post-conflict reconstruction with international partners. “We are ready to share our experience and the challenges we have faced, and to acquire new knowledge in the field of urban planning.”

He emphasized that one of the most serious problems in Karabakh is the mine threat: “More than 1.5 million mines have been planted in these territories. This covers approximately 12–13% of Azerbaijan’s territory. Unfortunately, access to some areas is not possible due to the mine threat.”

According to the presidential aide, demining is a vital mission that requires significant financial and human resources. “This is a life-saving mission. Demining specialists work under great risk.”

Hikmat Hajiyev said that since 2020, the number of people killed and injured as a result of mine explosions has exceeded 400: “Civilians lose their lives and are injured as a result of mine explosions.”

The presidential aide also noted that the issue of missing persons remains unresolved: “We still have not received answers regarding the fate of nearly 4,000 Azerbaijanis. We continue to search for mass graves and witnesses.”

Hikmat Hajiyev also addressed representatives of Armenian civil society on this issue: “I have asked representatives of Armenian civil society for support so that families who have been waiting for news of their relatives for more than 30 years can obtain certain information.”

In conclusion, he added that Azerbaijan will continue its efforts to ensure lasting peace in the region and strengthen regional cooperation.