Azerbaijan, Croatia discuss cooperation, demining efforts PHOTO

A delegation led by Azerbaijan's Deputy Foreign Minister Elmir Mammadov conducted a working visit to Croatia from June 27 to 29, 2024, to participate in the Dubrovnik Forum.

During the forum, Deputy Minister Mammadov participated in the "Leaders' Panel: Connecting Dots - Reliable Supply Chains and Maritime Security." In his speech, the diplomat highlighted Azerbaijan's extensive energy projects over the past 30 years and the development of transit capabilities, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Foreign Ministry's press service.

Reminding that Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), the deputy minister informed about Azerbaijan's cooperation with international partners in developing renewable energy sources, including the "Black Sea Submarine Power Cable" project.

Several bilateral meetings were also held during the visit. In a meeting with Croatia's Deputy Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Frano Matušić, they discussed current agenda items for bilateral cooperation between Azerbaijan and Croatia, including enhancing political dialogue, and cooperation in economics, trade, transport, energy, culture, humanitarian activities, and demining. They emphasized the need to utilize existing potential for further expanding relations.

Deputy Minister Elmir Mammadov briefed the Croatian side on the current regional situation in the post-conflict period, the process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia, efforts towards promoting a peace agenda, and extensive reconstruction works in the liberated territories.

Additionally, Mammadov met with Damir Trut, the Head of the Civil Protection Department of the Croatian Ministry of the Interior. They underscored the successful development of Azerbaijani-Croatian relations in various fields, particularly in humanitarian demining, a priority for Azerbaijan. They also exchanged views on future prospects in this area.

The importance of strengthening cooperation and expanding exchange of expertise between Croatian companies specializing in demining and the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) was emphasized.

Deputy Minister Mammadov also gave an interview to Croatian national television HRT1.