BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 19. Azerbaijan's efforts
to transform the liberated territories into centers of development,
prosperity, and connectivity face serious artificial obstacles,
particularly the threat of landmines, Foreign Minister Jeyhun
Bayramov said at an event on "Cities at the heart of connectivity:
Urban reconstruction and regional cooperation" held as part of
WUF13 in Baku, Trend reports.


Bayramov noted that mines remain the biggest obstacle to
reconstruction, economic activity, agricultural development, and
the safe return of people.


"According to official data, there are more than 1.5 million
mines and unexploded ordnance in the liberated areas.


Since the end of the conflict, hundreds of civilians and
demining workers have been victims of mine explosions.


For this reason, mine action is one of Azerbaijan's top national
priorities and is considered a key condition for long-term regional
stability," he added.


The third day of the 13th session of the World Urban Forum
(WUF13) is underway in Baku.


On the first day, a ministerial meeting dedicated to the New
Urban Agenda, a roundtable of ministers, assemblies of women and
civil society, business sessions, and discussions on urban
well-being were held. A ceremony for raising the flags of the
United Nations and Azerbaijan also took place within the framework
of the forum.


The second day of the forum drew attention with the first-ever
Leaders Summit. High-level discussions on the global housing
crisis, urbanization policy, and urban resilience were held that
day. At the same time, the Mexico City pavilion was inaugurated
within the framework of WUF13. The pavilion was presented as an
important platform for expanding cooperation with the Latin
American region and preparing for WUF14.


WUF13, which has attracted more than 40,000 registered
participants from 182 countries, will continue until May 22. Held
under the theme “Housing the world: Safe and resilient cities and
communities,” the forum brings together governments, international
organizations, experts, and representatives of civil society to
strengthen global cooperation in the field of sustainable urban
development.