The United States has provided almost 38 million dollars to Azerbaijan for demining operations, said US Ambassador Mark Libby during his speech at the ceremony dedicated to the start of activities of deminers in Aghdam, APA reports citing the embassy.
"Today, I want to express my admiration and respect for these brave Azerbaijani experts, who have completed their training and will begin careers as professional deminers. I am especially delighted to see women among the new deminers. Empowering women means employing a country’s entire workforce, and drawing on their talents is the best way to meet any challenge. Your work will foster a quicker and safer return of displaced people to their homes. Finally, and most importantly, your work will prevent injuries and save lives", the diplomat noted.
The Ambassador emphasized that the United States remains committed to supporting humanitarian mine action aimed at building the technical capacity of demining organizations and clearing deadly landmines and unexploded ordnance: "We look forward to the day when Azerbaijan will be free of mines, and we stand with Azerbaijan in achieving this aim."