Azerbaijan, Tajikistan discuss measures to address climate change

Speaker of the Azerbaijani parliament Sahiba Gafarova and a delegation led by Speaker of the lower house of the Tajikistan Parliament Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda, discussed measures to combat climate change on November 16. 

Zokirzoda arrived in Baku to participate in the parliamentary meeting organised jointly by the Azerbaijani parliament and the Inter-Parliamentary Union within the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), Caliber.Az reports per local media. 

While welcoming the guest, Gafarova expressed gratitude for his participation in this important event being held in Azerbaijan.

During the meeting, the views on the measures being taken by Azerbaijan and Tajikistan were exchanged to address the global challenges posed by climate change. 

The importance of global cooperation was emphasised, along with the significant role of parliaments in this regard. Zokirzoda congratulated Azerbaijan on successfully organising COP29 at such a high level, highlighting the importance of both the conference and the parliamentary meeting. 

During the conversation, the dynamic development of bilateral ties in various fields was emphasised. Gafarova noted that mutual visits by heads of state and the meetings play a crucial role in deepening the relations between two countries and peoples. The meeting also highlighted the importance of interparliamentary relations in strengthening interstate ties. 

Gafarova expressed satisfaction in recalling her visit to Tajikistan, as well as the Tajik officials’ visits to Azerbaijan, noting that these exchanges are a clear indicator of the high level of bilateral relations and mutual support. 

During the conversation, the positive impact of the dynamic cooperation within the friendship groups in the legislative bodies of both countries, as well as the mutual visits of the MPs, was highlighted.

COP29, which is being held at Baku Stadium from November 11-22, is Azerbaijan’s most significant international event to date and the first time the country has hosted a COP conference. The summit kicked off with the signing of the Host Country Agreement and other key documents between the Azerbaijani government and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) Secretariat.

One of the central goals of COP29 is the establishment of a New Collective Quantitative Goal (NCQG) for climate finance. To further this aim, the COP29 presidency has introduced 14 key initiatives designed to integrate climate action with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These initiatives cover a broad spectrum of critical areas, including the development of green energy corridors, energy storage solutions, climate resilience strategies, clean hydrogen, methane reduction from organic waste, and the promotion of green digital technologies. A flagship proposal of the conference is the creation of the Climate Finance Action Fund, which is aimed at supporting efforts to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

Throughout the event, Azerbaijan has continued to reaffirm its strong commitment to addressing climate change and promoting environmental protection. The unanimous decision to select Azerbaijan as the host for COP29 reflects the global community’s trust in the country’s leadership on climate-related issues. In his opening remarks, President Ilham Aliyev underscored Azerbaijan’s central role in global climate efforts, emphasizing the nation’s dedication to tackling climate change and advancing sustainable development.

By Naila Huseynova