Switzerland organizes conference on demining in Ukraine
Published: Tuesday, Oct 15th 2024, 10:40
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Switzerland has made demining in Ukraine a priority of its support for the reconstruction of the country. Representatives of dozens of states and other stakeholders are expected to attend a ministerial conference on this topic in Lausanne on Thursday and Friday.
Among the participants are President Viola Amherd and Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal, who will open the meeting. Foreign ministers from several countries, including Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, will also take part in the meeting. The USA, which has been Ukraine's most important supporter since the beginning of the conflict, will be represented by an Undersecretary of State.
From Thursday afternoon, the Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) Cassis and Ukrainian Deputy Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko will announce a roadmap for mine clearance in Ukraine.
According to estimates, a quarter of Ukraine's territory could be contaminated. This affects over six million people, as well as agricultural production, which is important for many regions of the world.
Swiss foundation active
Several Swiss actors are already active in the country, including the Swiss Foundation for Demining (FSD). Its offices in Kharkiv were damaged by Russian air strikes this summer. The organization employs over 600 people in Ukraine.
Last June, the Swiss parliament called for Swiss companies to be given preference wherever possible in the execution of federally funded contracts in Ukraine. Bern has earmarked over CHF 100 million for demining until 2027. The Federal Council recently allocated CHF 30 million from this pot to FSD for a project to be presented in Lausanne.
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