Azerbaijani FM discusses climate and migration challenges with global leaders at COP29 PHOTO

Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Philemon Yang, the President of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, within the framework of the World Leaders Summit on Climate Action at the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

Discussions focused on cooperation between Azerbaijan and the United Nations, as well as topics related to Azerbaijan's chairmanship of COP29, the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry’s press service told Caliber.Az.

It was noted that Azerbaijan closely monitors the consequences of climate change for both the region and the world. In response, the Azerbaijani side has adopted a national-level approach to transitioning to green energy and actively promotes multilateralism in tackling existing challenges at regional and global levels.

The meeting also highlighted various regional and international projects and initiatives implemented by Azerbaijan. One significant point was the announcement of the Agreement on Strategic Partnership between the Governments of the Republic of Azerbaijan, the Republic of Kazakhstan, and the Republic of Uzbekistan in the Field of Development and Transfer of Green Energy, signed during COP29.

Providing details about Azerbaijan's chairmanship of COP29 and the ongoing negotiation process, Minister Jeyhun Bayramov emphasized the success achieved in climate finance. He explained that, through Baku's active engagement, significant progress has been made toward a new financial structure involving international financial organizations.

President Philemon Yang congratulated Azerbaijan on its COP29 chairmanship and expressed gratitude for the high level of organization of the session. He underscored the importance the UN places on combating climate change and reiterated the UN’s readiness to support initiatives in this area.

Both sides also exchanged views on additional issues of mutual interest.

Separately, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with Amy Pope, Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), during the same summit. The discussion centered on prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the IOM across various areas, and on potential partnership opportunities within the context of Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of COP29.

Minister Bayramov gave a detailed account of Azerbaijan's preparations for and leadership in COP29, highlighting the extensive collaboration with the UN and its specialized agencies. He emphasized the significance of Azerbaijan's role in coordinating global climate change efforts and its commitment to sustainability. He also noted that environmental protection has been a key part of Azerbaijan's national development strategy, even before assuming the COP29 chairmanship. Now, as chair, Azerbaijan aims to contribute further to global climate efforts.

Director General Amy Pope congratulated Azerbaijan on assuming the COP29 chairmanship and wished the country success. She pointed out that climate change-induced migration, which affects large numbers of people, is a priority for the IOM. The organization focuses on helping these individuals adapt and recover from climate-related damage. Pope highlighted the importance of Azerbaijan’s emphasis on climate finance as a means of addressing these challenges.

The two leaders also exchanged views on other issues of shared interest.

Earlier, Bayramov addressed a high-level roundtable discussion on Climate Finance within the COP29 framework. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reported on this event, which was attended by Prime Minister of Pakistan Muhammad Shahbaz Sharif, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, and other high-ranking officials, including representatives of international financial institutions, investors, and financial experts.

During his speech, Minister Bayramov elaborated on the priorities of Azerbaijan’s COP29 chairmanship, emphasizing efforts to advance the climate finance agenda. He highlighted that COP29, organized under the theme Solidarity for a Green World in Baku, presents a valuable opportunity to transform the climate finance landscape. He expressed hope for successful outcomes from COP29 in this area.

By Tamilla Hasanova