Ambassador: Visa-free regime between Azerbaijan, UAE presents exciting growth opportunities

Starting next week, Baku will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. Along with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, 50 presidents, 10 vice presidents, 20 heads of government, and two crown princes from the convention's member states are expected to visit Baku for the conference. The expectation of leaders and the world at large from COP29 is to decide on solving climate finance issues. On the path to achieving these goals, Azerbaijan is working in close cooperation with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), which hosted COP28, and Brazil, which will host COP30. These parties, forming the COP Troika, are currently working to ensure the implementation of last year's UAE Consensus by participating countries.

In an interview with Report, UAE's Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to Azerbaijan, Mohammed Al Blooshi, answered questions about cooperation between the two countries within COP29, expectations from the conference, steps taken towards achieving climate goals, and other matters,

Caliber.Az presents the interview:

- Dear Ambassador, could you please share your impressions about Azerbaijan since you began your tenure here?

Azerbaijan is a truly unique and captivating country. I greatly appreciate its stunning natural landscapes, warm hospitality, rapidly developing cities, rich culture, and cuisine. I have had the privilege of visiting various towns and regions across Azerbaijan, each offering its own remarkable charm and impressive appeal.

- In January of the current year, the President of the United Arab Emirates, Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, paid an official visit to Azerbaijan, during which numerous documents were signed between the two countries. How do you assess the current outcomes of that visit? In your opinion, what are the potential areas for expanding cooperation between the two countries?

From January 8 to 9, His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the President of the United Arab Emirates, made a historic visit to the Republic of Azerbaijan, marking the first official visit by a UAE president to this vibrant nation. During this significant occasion, several key agreements were signed between the two countries, including a Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership. This MoU underscores the appreciation both the UAE and Azerbaijan have for their bilateral relations and highlights our shared vision for sustainable development.

Looking ahead, there are numerous potential areas for expanding our cooperation, alongside developing people-to-people ties. In tourism, particularly medical tourism, the visa-free regime between our countries presents exciting growth opportunities. Other sectors with potential for collaboration include renewable energy, food security, agriculture, healthcare, and ecology. Additionally, we see significant prospects in logistics, information technology, innovation, and artificial intelligence. The realms of finance and investment also hold promise, alongside opportunities for joint ventures with prominent local companies. Finally, sectors such as construction - particularly hotels - and real estate, as well as franchising, further illustrate the diverse avenues available for partnership between our nations.

- In a few days, Baku will host COP29, and COP28 was held last year in Dubai. In this context, how has cooperation between the two countries been established over the past year in preparation for the conference? What do you consider to be the advantages of holding the conference in oil-exporting countries, and what messages could this convey to the world?

We have already established a highly productive bilateral cooperation across various sectors, and I believe our countries will further benefit from our collaboration in the context of COP29. Hosting such climate conferences presents a unique opportunity to emphasize the importance of renewable energy. It also serves as an exemplary model for raising awareness about environmental issues.

COP28 achieved exceptional success, culminating in the historic UAE Consensus - a groundbreaking agreement reached by 198 parties that marks the beginning of a new era in climate action. The conference was the most inclusive to date, ensuring that all voices were heard and valued in the decision-making process.

The significant achievements made during COP28, including the announcement of an ambitious climate agenda aimed at maintaining the 1.5°C target, reflect the UAE's commitment to integrating climate action into its economic diversification strategy. The UAE has long viewed climate action as an opportunity to offer practical solutions to global challenges while fostering sustainable economic growth, and creating knowledge, skills, and jobs for future generations.

As the first country in the region to sign and ratify the Paris Agreement, commit to economy-wide emission reductions, and announce a Net Zero by 2050 Strategic Initiative, the UAE is leading the way in climate innovation. Our nation is home to three of the world's largest and most cost-effective solar plants and has pioneered industrial-scale carbon capture technology and zero-emission nuclear energy.

The UAE's significant influence and leading role in renewable energy positions it uniquely to encourage neighboring countries to adopt similar ambitious climate initiatives. As a hydrocarbon-producing country, the UAE recognizes its crucial role in the energy transition and is committed to fostering collaboration among leaders to establish shared goals.

Our partnership with Azerbaijan can drive transformational change and provide meaningful solutions in the fight against climate change, reinforcing the UAE's dedication to bold climate action and sustainable development.

- Azerbaijan has declared 2024 as the Green World Solidarity Year. Additionally, the country has prioritized transitioning to a green economy, including achieving net zero emissions in the liberated territories by 2050. In this context, what are your expectations for COP29, and how do you assess Azerbaijan's efforts to achieve its climate goals?

COP29 will be held in Azerbaijan, marking a significant achievement for the country. Once again, congratulations to Azerbaijan on this accomplishment!

Building on the remarkable success of COP28 in Dubai, which concluded with the landmark UAE Consensus - a historic agreement endorsed by 198 Parties - COP29 presents an invaluable opportunity to further discuss and implement the mechanisms necessary to realize the ambitious decisions made in the UAE.

COP28 was notable for its exceptional inclusivity, ensuring that all voices were heard and engaged throughout the process. The conference resulted in significant achievements, culminating in the UAE Consensus, which outlines a bold climate agenda aimed at maintaining the 1.5°C target. This historic agreement encourages a transition away from fossil fuels to achieve net-zero emissions and urges the submission of comprehensive economy-wide Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). Moreover, it established a specific target to triple renewable energy capacity and double energy efficiency by 2030, while also building momentum towards a new architecture for climate finance.

The UAE Consensus is a testament to a year of inclusive diplomatic engagements and two weeks of rigorous negotiations, reflecting the COP28 Presidency's commitment to delivering an ambitious response to the Global Stocktake and fulfilling the core objectives of the Paris Agreement. The COP28 Presidency took bold steps through its ‘Action Agenda,’ emphasizing a just and orderly energy transition, enhancing the accessibility of climate finance, prioritizing people and nature, and fostering full inclusivity in climate action.

As we look forward to COP29 in Azerbaijan, we anticipate that it will not only continue the momentum from COP28 but also pave the way for further progress leading into COP30 in Brazil. Together, these gatherings hold the potential to significantly advance global climate action and cooperation.

- Speaking of tourism, Mr. Ambassador, a large number of tourists from the UAE visit Azerbaijan each year. What makes Azerbaijan attractive to UAE citizens? Do you anticipate an increase in the number of visitors following the abolition of the visa regime?

Tourism is a crucial sector, and the fact that the mutual tourist numbers are growing between our countries means that visitors are increasingly inspired by both destinations. There are several factors positively affecting cooperation in tourism, such as culture, tradition, and hospitality.

We aim to make visits easy for tourists, and the recently announced visa-free regime is boosting mutual visitation. As the Ambassador, I meet with the tourism authorities of Azerbaijan and discuss initiatives to expand relations with tourism organizations to further increase the number of mutual tourist visits between the two countries.

These efforts underscore our ongoing commitment to developing our bilateral relationship in the tourism sector.