Azerbaijan sees China as key partner in green development, climate action Global Times interviews Ambassador Huseynov

Global Times has featured an interview by Xie Wenting with Azerbaijani Ambassador to China Bunyad Huseynov. Caliber.Az presents interesting excerpts from the conversation.

Ambassador Huseynov discussed Azerbaijan’s role in global climate action, the COP29 summit, and the growing cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in green energy development. COP29, which concluded in Baku, focused on setting actionable plans to combat climate change, including maintaining a global temperature rise below 1.5°C. Huseynov highlighted the recognition of Azerbaijan's commitment to climate action, demonstrated by its selection as the host for this significant event.

Azerbaijan values its partnership with China, especially in the realm of green energy. Huseynov emphasized China’s contributions to global green development, noting its technological expertise and experience in renewable energy. This aligns with Azerbaijan’s green energy goals, as both countries collaborate in expanding renewable energy projects, such as wind and solar power installations. Azerbaijan seeks to integrate green energy into regional networks, with plans for green energy corridors connecting Central Asia, Türkiye, and Europe, such as the Caspian-Black Sea-Europe Green Energy Corridor.

China’s Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) plays a crucial role in fostering cooperation between the two nations. Azerbaijan was an early supporter of the BRI, benefiting from significant investments in transportation infrastructure, such as the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway. Huseynov pointed out that the Zangezur Corridor, an integral part of the BRI, will serve not only as a key transport route from China to Europe but also as a platform for energy transition, highlighting its multifaceted importance.

Technological advancements are central to sustainable development, and China has been a leader in investing in green technologies. Huseynov acknowledged China’s transformative role in advancing renewable energy and improving environmental conditions. He expressed Azerbaijan’s interest in increasing Chinese investments in its own green energy sector, noting that Chinese companies have contributed to Azerbaijan’s wind and solar projects. Additionally, plans are underway for the local production of electric buses through a collaboration with China’s BYD Company.

Looking to the future, Huseynov expressed confidence in the expanding strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and China, particularly in energy, transport, and logistics. The countries’ growing trade volume, coupled with increased cooperation in the transport and transit sectors, including the Middle Corridor, underscores the success of their collaboration. Moreover, Azerbaijan’s increasing popularity among Chinese tourists signals the potential for deeper cultural exchange.

He attributed the advancement of thei bilateral ties to the collaborative efforts of the two heads of state, who have actively guided the relationship to a higher level of cooperation. 

The Ambassador pointed out that both countries are currently evaluating various sectors for further cooperation. These sectors span a broad spectrum, including the economy, energy, transport and logistics, industry, agriculture, information and communication technologies, humanitarian affairs, and tourism. 

The increase in trade between Azerbaijan and China, with a 44 per cent rise in 2023 compared to the previous year, further emphasizes the strengthening of economic relations. This growth in trade is significant, marking China as Azerbaijan's fourth-largest trading partner and the largest source of imports, a position it continues to maintain and expand. 

In response to global challenges, Huseynov emphasized the role of the Global South in tackling climate change, highlighting Azerbaijan’s commitment to accelerating its energy transition and achieving green growth. By 2030, Azerbaijan aims for renewable energy to constitute 30 per cent of its electricity generation. Hosting COP29 has inspired Azerbaijan to further contribute to global climate action, with the aim of fostering unity in the fight against climate change.