Azerbaijan rejects Armenian foreign minister's claims on COP climate talks

The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry has issued a strong response to recent statements made by Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan regarding the COP climate conference.

In an interview with the Brazilian newspaper Folha, Mirzoyan had claimed that previous COP meetings have paid insufficient attention to the needs of the "Global South" and developing countries, Caliber.Az reports, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign MInistry's press service.

Azerbaijan’s Ministry called these claims "unfounded" and criticized the Armenian Foreign Minister for his lack of understanding of climate negotiations.

"It seems that the Armenian Foreign Minister is completely unaware of the climate negotiations that have taken place within the framework of the COP," a statement from Azerbaijan’s Ministry said. "It is known that significant decisions have been made for the 'Global South' in the field of combating climate change at all COPs so far."

The Ministry further expressed discontent with Mirzoyan’s comments, calling them "disrespectful not only to the host of COP29, but also to all previous COPs." They also highlighted the pivotal role of Azerbaijan in hosting COP29, which they referred to as a "turning point in global climate diplomacy."

Key achievements from COP29, held in Baku, were highlighted as evidence of Azerbaijan’s significant contributions to climate action, particularly benefiting the Global South. According to the Ministry, one of the most notable decisions was the substantial increase in climate finance for developing countries. "The annual target of $100 billion, previously earmarked by developed countries from public sources, was increased threefold to $300 billion in Baku," the Ministry pointed out.

Moreover, COP29 was praised for the creation of the Paris Agreement Credit Facility, a long-awaited carbon markets mechanism, and the establishment of the Loss and Damage Fund, which holds particular significance for developing nations.

These decisions, the Ministry said, represent a comprehensive effort to support the climate resilience of countries in need. "These successes, achieved as a result of the special efforts of the COP29 presidency, are only part of the accomplishments of the Baku COP."

Looking ahead, the Ministry emphasized the importance of implementing the outcomes of COP29 and preparing for the next climate conference in Belem. "Currently, the main priority for the global climate community is the implementation of the outcomes of the Baku COP and the preparation for the next COP to be held in Belem," the statement concluded. "We hope that the Belem COP will also be another breakthrough in climate negotiations."

Azerbaijan’s Ministry’s response is a clear indication of its firm position on the effectiveness of COP29 and its continued commitment to fostering international collaboration on climate change.

By Khagan Isayev