ANAMA signs Memorandum of Understanding with AFFA
The Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan places significant emphasis on concurrent efforts to raise awareness about the hazards of explosive ordnance and provide care for mine victims, alongside the implementation of demining activities in areas liberated from occupation and impacted by the war, with the aim of maintaining their morale.
To expand and advance their work in this area, the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA) is collaborating with the Association of Football Federations of Azerbaijan (AFFA).
Today, an event was held at the Baku Olympic Stadium to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Association of Azerbaijan Football Federations (AFFA) and the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan (ANAMA).
The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) includes significant provisions such as promoting cooperation between the parties to achieve priority objectives, implementing joint measures to enhance public awareness about the dangers of landmines, and supporting the participation of mine victims in various football and other mass sporting events to facilitate their social integration.
Sarkhan Hajiyev, the Secretary General of AFFA, and Vugar Suleymanov, the Chairman of the Board of Mine Action Agency, signed the Memorandum of Understanding.
During the signing ceremony, Sarkhan Hajiyev, the Secretary General of AFFA, emphasized the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding between AFFA and ANAMA. He noted that Azerbaijan is heavily impacted by the landmine threat, resulting in many instances of citizens being killed or seriously injured due to mine explosions. Hajiyev believes that the partnership between AFFA and ANAMA is a shared responsibility to organize football games and tournaments for those injured in mine explosions, providing them the opportunity to enjoy their favourite sport.
The Memorandum of Understanding outlines that, as part of their joint cooperation, the parties will organize games and tournaments, and provide necessary support for widespread dissemination and promotion of educational messages about the dangers of mines during tournaments. Furthermore, measures will be taken to establish mechanisms for raising awareness about mine danger and supporting inclusive football tournaments, specifically for individuals injured as a result of mine explosions.
Vugar Suleymanov, Chairman of the Management Board of the Mine Action Agency of the Republic of Azerbaijan, expressed the significance of the Memorandum of Understanding signed between ANAMA and AFFA. He stated that in a time when the country is facing a large-scale landmine problem, the MoU is crucial for educating people about the danger of explosive ordnance and reintegrating those affected by mines and unexploded ordnance into society. He added that the partnership between ANAMA and AFFA is essential for supporting the inclusion of football, a sport loved and watched by many, and for improving the social welfare of players who have suffered various injuries or amputations due to mine incidents.
After the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding, a football match was played on the field located at the Baku Olympic Stadium, between amputees who had been injured as a result of mine explosions.