Azerbaijan strengthens global cooperation at COP29, emphasizes climate action, regional security PHOTO

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov, has been engaging in high-level talks with key international leaders during the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Bayramov began his series of meetings with Jorge Moreira da Silva, the UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), Caliber.Az reports.

The two officials focused on strengthening existing cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UN, particularly in the context of Azerbaijan's chairmanship of COP29.

Minister Bayramov underscored that close collaboration with the UN is one of the central priorities of Azerbaijan’s presidency, with the country’s green energy initiatives and large-scale reconstruction efforts in territories liberated from occupation being particularly noteworthy.

The discussions also highlighted the ongoing challenges posed by landmines in the region, which continue to hinder reconstruction and development efforts. Bayramov emphasized the importance of international cooperation in mine clearance to ensure the safety of citizens and support sustainable development.

In response, Moreira da Silva praised Azerbaijan’s proactive engagement with the UN and expressed confidence that the successes of COP29 would contribute significantly to global climate action.

Bayramov’s diplomatic engagements also extended to NATO, where he met with Jean-Charles Ellermann-Kingombe, NATO's Assistant Secretary General for Innovation, Hybrid, and Cyber. The sides explored the current state of Azerbaijan-NATO relations, marking the 30th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s participation in NATO’s Partnership for Peace Program. Bayramov took the opportunity to highlight Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in NATO peacekeeping operations and the continued success of collaborative projects.

The conversation also turned to Azerbaijan’s presidency of COP29, with Bayramov emphasizing the country's readiness to work alongside NATO in advancing climate action, especially within the framework of the COP29 presidency. Both parties expressed mutual interest in deepening their cooperation, recognizing the intersection of climate security and broader geopolitical stability.

Further underscoring Azerbaijan’s commitment to fostering global partnerships, Bayramov met with Carla Natalie Barnett, the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The discussion centered on expanding Azerbaijan’s ties with the Caribbean states and exploring future cooperation on climate change, particularly as it pertains to Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Bayramov expressed hope that the visit would serve as a catalyst for stronger relations between Azerbaijan and CARICOM, with a focus on supporting the climate action priorities of vulnerable nations.

Barnett, in turn, commended Azerbaijan for its successful organization of COP29, acknowledging the significant responsibility of chairing such a high-level platform. She extended her congratulations and wished Azerbaijan continued success in its leadership role at the conference.

Bayramov’s diplomatic efforts also included a meeting with Asad Khan, Secretary-General of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO).

The two officials discussed the progress of ongoing initiatives and future collaborations between Azerbaijan and ECO, particularly in relation to climate change mitigation and environmental protection. Bayramov emphasized the importance of promoting green energy initiatives within the ECO framework and outlined Azerbaijan's commitment to advancing these efforts during its presidency of COP29.

Khan expressed pride in Azerbaijan’s successful organization of the conference and congratulated the country on its leadership in addressing regional and global climate challenges. The discussion also touched on joint initiatives that could further enhance regional cooperation in the fight against climate change.

Lastly, Bayramov engaged in talks with Ghada Fathi Waly, the Executive Director of the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The focus of their meeting was on strengthening cooperation in combating transnational crime, particularly drug trafficking, and exploring ways to integrate these efforts within the broader climate action agenda of COP29. Bayramov highlighted the important joint projects between Azerbaijan and UNODC, including training programs for personnel from various institutions.

Both sides agreed that addressing the links between climate change, security, and crime is critical, with Azerbaijan’s "Call for a Ceasefire" initiative—which underscores the relationship between climate action and world peace—being particularly notable.

The meeting concluded with a commitment to further collaboration, with both sides expressing interest in continuing to work together on these pressing global challenges.

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Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov held a meeting with Jorge Moreira da Silva, UN Under Secretary-General and the Executive Director of the UN Office for Project Services (UNOPS), during the ongoing COP29 conference in Baku.

The talks focused on strengthening cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Nations, with particular emphasis on Azerbaijan’s role as the chair of the COP29 summit. Caliber.Az reports.

Azerbaijan’s Foreign Ministry made a post on its official X account, saying the discussion covered a broad range of topics under the Azerbaijan-UN partnership.

Within the framework of @COP29_AZ, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of #Azerbaijan @Bayramov_Jeyhun met with UN Under Secretary General and @UNOPS_Chief Jorge Moreira da Silva to discuss issues stemming from #Azerbaijan-UN cooperation agenda, as well as @COP29_AZ… pic.twitter.com/8X2aKBG0XW

— MFA Azerbaijan 🇦🇿 (@AzerbaijanMFA) November 15, 2024

One key issue highlighted during the meeting was Azerbaijan’s ongoing efforts to address the mine threat in the liberated territories. The Foreign Minister and the UNOPS Executive Director exchanged views on ways to further enhance cooperation in addressing this critical challenge.

“Within the framework of COP29, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Azerbaijan Jeyhun Bayramov met with the UN Under Secretary-General and UNOPS Chief Jorge Moreira da Silva to discuss issues stemming from Azerbaijan-UN cooperation agenda, as well as the COP29 presidency of Azerbaijan.

The sides focused on Azerbaijan's efforts to tackle the landmine threat in the liberated territories, and the role of enhanced cooperation in this regard was emphasized,” the post by the ministry reads.

By Vafa Guliyeva