Azerbaijan's president hosts Belgium, Finland leaders to discuss COP29 and regional peace

On November 11, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev held two important meetings with Alexander De Croo, Prime Minister of Belgium, and Alexander Stubb, President of Finland, marking significant diplomatic engagements as Azerbaijan is hosting the COP29 climate conference.

During his meeting with Prime Minister De Croo, President Aliyev emphasized Azerbaijan's critical role in addressing climate change and the country's ongoing efforts to develop green energy, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azertag. 

The Belgian Prime Minister congratulated Azerbaijan on hosting the COP29 conference, highlighting its importance for global climate action.

He expressed support for strengthening Azerbaijan-European Union relations, noting the country’s significant role as an energy-rich nation in the context of climate change.

The two leaders discussed concrete projects to export Azerbaijan’s green energy, especially wind power from the Caspian Sea, to Europe.

President Aliyev acknowledged the country’s vulnerability to climate change and the progress made in ensuring the successful organization of COP29, despite the short timeline for preparation.

In their conversation, the leaders also touched upon regional issues, particularly the peace process between Armenia and Azerbaijan.

President Aliyev pointed out the ongoing negotiations and progress in border delimitation, while stressing that territorial claims in Armenia’s Constitution remained an obstacle to peace. The Azerbaijani President reiterated that Armenia had been invited to participate in COP29, but the decision on participation rests with the Armenian government.

Later, President Aliyev met with President Alexander Stubb of Finland, who noted that Finland would assume the OSCE Chairpersonship in 2025. 

Stubb reaffirmed Finland’s support for the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan and expressed a keen interest in advancing these efforts. 

In response, President Aliyev reaffirmed that the OSCE Minsk Group was now part of history, with Azerbaijan committed to the peace process. Both leaders discussed bilateral relations and exchanged views on regional and global issues.

President Stubb extended an invitation for President Aliyev to visit Finland, which was graciously accepted.

By Khagan Isayev