Colombia's government and Farc rebels have agreed to work together to remove landmines in the country where they have fought since the 1960's.

The announcement was made in Cuba, where both sides have been locked in peace talks for more than two years.

Colombia has been at war for 50 years, during which 220,00 people have been killed and millions displaced. 

Colombia is one of the most heavily mined countries in the world, more than 11,000 people have been killed or injured by the devices over the past 15 years.

The government issued a joint statement with Farc leaders in which they agreed to work with Norwegian People's Aid to clear battlefields of landmines and un-exploded ordinance.

Under the deal, Farc rebels and members of the military will lay down arms and operate together to remove the landmines.

President Juan Manuel Santos said, "I would like to congratulate our negotiating team and acknowledge what the Farc are doing, because this is bringing us closer to the shared objective of reaching peace in Colombia".

"Our main objective in these conversations is to put an end to the conflict and avoid future victims in our country, and that's why the de-mining proposal is a first but giant step toward peace," the government's chief negotiator Humberto de la Calle added.

Originally posted at 8.51am