Azerbaijani top official: Armenia should itself decide its level of participation at COP29

Azerbaijani presidential aide Hikmet Hajiyev has stated that it is up to Armenia to decide its level of representation at the upcoming COP29 climate summit.

In comments to journalists, Hajiyev emphasized that the decision regarding Armenia’s participation in the international climate conference is solely within Armenia’s purview, Caliber.Az reports, citing local media.

In July, Azerbaijan extended an invitation to Armenia for the upcoming COP29 climate summit, an initiative that highlights Azerbaijan's commitment to fostering inclusive international cooperation despite ongoing geopolitical tensions between the two countries.

The invitation was sent by COP29 President-Designate Mukhtar Babayev to Armenia's foreign minister.

Azerbaijan was confirmed as the host of COP29 during the COP28 plenary session on December 11, 2023. This decision followed collective support from Eastern European countries, including Armenia.

The Conference of the Parties (COP29) is set to address critical climate issues on the global stage, with various nations shaping their roles and contributions to the discussions.

Baku has reiterated its commitment to the 2015 Paris Agreement, aiming to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 35 per cent by 2030 and further to 40 per cent by 2050. Azerbaijan signed the Paris Agreement in April 2016, committing to its legally binding framework on climate change.

By Khagan Isayev