Azerbaijan welcomes European leaders for crucial climate talks at COP29 PHOTO

High-profile dignitaries and leaders from across Europe have converged in Azerbaijan to participate in the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The summit, hosted in Baku, underscores Azerbaijan’s pivotal role in global climate discourse and its commitment to sustainable development.

Keir Starmer, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom, arrived in Baku on November 11 and was received at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by Azerbaijan's Minister of Health, Teymur Musayev, and Azerbaijani Ambassador to the UK, Elin Suleymanov, among other officials. His visit highlights the UK's enduring support for international climate initiatives and the role of COP29 in advancing climate policy, Caliber.Az reports.

On November 11, Viktor Orbán, Prime Minister of Hungary, was welcomed by Sahil Babayev, Azerbaijan's Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population. His participation demonstrates Hungary’s commitment to regional cooperation in addressing pressing environmental issues.

Also arriving on November 11 was Pedro Sánchez, President of the Government of Spain, who was received by Teymur Musayev, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Health. Sánchez’s visit underscores Spain’s support for collaborative climate action and resilience efforts.

Representing Poland, President Andrzej Duda touched down on November 12 and was greeted by Anar Karimov, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population. The Polish president’s presence at COP29 reaffirms Poland's engagement with the international community on climate matters.

Prime Minister of Denmark, Mette Frederiksen, was also among the early arrivals, welcomed by Murad Huseynov, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Culture. Frederiksen’s attendance signals Denmark’s proactive stance on environmental policies and climate diplomacy.

Nikos Christodoulides, President of Cyprus, reached Baku on November 11, where he was welcomed by Majnun Mammadov, Azerbaijan's Minister of Agriculture. The Cypriot leader's involvement reflects Cyprus's commitment to regional climate initiatives.

The Holy See is represented at COP29 by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, the Vatican’s Secretary of State, who arrived on Monday and was welcomed by Hasan Hasanli, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Science and Education. The Vatican’s participation emphasizes the moral dimension of climate action.

From the Czech Republic, Prime Minister Petr Fiala was welcomed by Minister Sahil Babayev. His attendance underscores the Czech Republic’s dedication to the global climate agenda.

Edi Rama, Prime Minister of Albania, arrived on November 11, greeted by Adil Karimli, Azerbaijan's Minister of Culture. His participation highlights Albania's support for the multilateral approach to climate policy.

Bulgarian President Rumen Radev also arrived on November 11 and was welcomed by Minister Teymur Musayev and Azerbaijani Ambassador to Bulgaria Huseyn Huseynov. Bulgaria's involvement at COP29 signifies its commitment to collective climate solutions.

On November 12, Maia Sandu, President of Moldova, arrived in Azerbaijan to attend COP29. She was welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by Anar Karimov, Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of Population, along with other officials. Sandu’s participation underlines Moldova’s dedication to climate issues and regional cooperation.

The arrival of these leaders underscores the significance of COP29 as a platform for constructive dialogue on sustainable development, climate resilience, and cooperation. COP29 is expected to yield critical discussions on reducing emissions, adaptation strategies, and new climate initiatives to address the growing climate crisis.