Azerbaijan, UN discuss expanding cooperation, regional security at Baku meeting PHOTO

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Dmitry Shlapachenko on July 6 to discuss bilateral cooperation, sustainable development and regional security, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said.

According to the ministry, the two officials reviewed the current agenda for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Nations, future partnership opportunities, and regional and international security issues, Caliber.Az reports. 

Bayramov said cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UN has developed successfully across a wide range of areas and noted that 2027 will mark the 35th anniversary of diplomatic cooperation between the two sides, describing it as an opportunity to further strengthen ties.

The meeting also highlighted Azerbaijan's role in addressing global challenges, with both sides noting the country's recent hosting of major international events, including COP29 and the World Cities Forum. They said the signing of the 2026–2030 Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework represents a new stage in Azerbaijan-UN cooperation.

The discussions also covered Azerbaijan's role as a transport and connectivity hub linking Europe and Asia, the growing strategic importance of the Middle Corridor, and expanding cooperation with Central Asian countries, including within the "C6" format.

On regional security, Bayramov outlined developments in the South Caucasus following the conflict with Armenia, including reconstruction efforts in territories previously under Armenian occupation and measures to facilitate the return of internally displaced persons. He also stressed the importance of taking advantage of existing opportunities to achieve lasting peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

Shlapachenko expressed satisfaction with his appointment and reaffirmed the UN's commitment to expanding cooperation with Azerbaijan, particularly in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on other bilateral and regional issues of mutual interest, according to the Foreign Ministry.

By Sabina Mammadli