COP29: President Aliyev and heads of top organisations advance strategic partnerships New agreements reached

On the sidelines of the COP29 conference, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan engaged in a series of high-level bilateral meetings, further solidifying Azerbaijan's international partnerships across various sectors.

The discussions highlighted the country's commitment to climate action, sustainable development, and strengthened diplomatic ties, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azertag.

Meeting with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe

President Aliyev began the day with a meeting with Alain Berset, Secretary General of the Council of Europe. Berset praised Azerbaijan for its efficient organization of COP29, especially given the limited timeframe, noting that while host countries typically have up to two years for preparation, Azerbaijan completed all arrangements within just 11 months. President Aliyev highlighted significant progress made during the COP29 negotiations, particularly on Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, which had been under discussion for over a decade. He expressed optimism about establishing a new financial target for climate action, emphasizing the high expectations of developing countries.

Berset reiterated the Council of Europe's focus on addressing environmental crimes and climate change, emphasizing the importance of diversity among its member states. The two leaders also discussed Azerbaijan’s participation in 76 Council of Europe conventions and the significance of the Baku Process, which fosters dialogue between the Council of Europe and the Organization of Islamic Cooperation.

Talks with Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly

In a subsequent meeting, President Aliyev welcomed Philemon Yang, President of the 79th Session of the UN General Assembly. Yang underscored Azerbaijan’s strong commitment to the UN Charter and lauded the nation’s rapid green transition efforts. He highlighted the impressive organization of COP29, noting that preparing such a large-scale event within an 11-month timeframe was a testament to Azerbaijan’s capabilities.

President Aliyev shared the progress made during COP29, particularly regarding new financial targets set by international financial institutions. He also addressed the ongoing propaganda campaign against Azerbaijan, emphasizing the country's resilience and diversified diplomatic relations. The Azerbaijani leader called for increased solidarity among Global South countries and advocated for changes in the current geopolitical architecture to promote greater global justice.

Engagement with Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Islamic Development Bank

President Aliyev also held a strategic meeting with Muhammad Al Jasser, Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB). The two leaders attended a signing ceremony for several critical agreements, including the Agency Agreement and Reverse Linkage Technical Assistance Grant Agreement between Azerbaijan and IsDB. These agreements pertain to the "Construction of the Main Irrigation Canal from the Maiden Tower Reservoir" project, aimed at bolstering Azerbaijan’s agricultural infrastructure.

The collaboration underscores the IsDB’s support for Azerbaijan's sustainable development initiatives, with the new irrigation canal project set to enhance the country’s water management capabilities.

By Khagan Isayev