COP29: President Aliyev enhances cooperation with Commonwealth of Nations, Palau, Russia PHOTO

On November 18, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev held a series of high-level meetings on the sidelines of COP29, underscoring Azerbaijan’s role in addressing global climate challenges and strengthening international partnerships.

Recognition from the Commonwealth of Nations

In a significant engagement, President Aliyev met with Patricia Janet Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth of Nations. During the meeting, Scotland praised Azerbaijan for the outstanding organization of COP29, especially for hosting the first-ever Summit on Small Island Developing States (SIDS) at the event. She expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s leadership in highlighting the climate challenges of SIDS, acknowledging Azerbaijan’s financial assistance and cooperation with the Commonwealth in this area.

Scotland lauded Azerbaijan’s innovative use of space technology to analyze climate issues facing SIDS and the establishment of a dedicated data repository system. The Secretary-General emphasized the mobilization of global space agencies, facilitated by Azerbaijan, as a remarkable achievement during the COP presidency. She expressed keen interest in continuing collaboration with Azerbaijan beyond COP29.

President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to prioritizing the climate challenges of SIDS, emphasizing the solidarity built during Azerbaijan’s leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement, which continues to inform its COP presidency initiatives.

Strengthening Ties with Palau

President Aliyev also met with Surangel Whipps, President of the Republic of Palau. In their first high-level meeting, President Whipps expressed deep appreciation for the warm hospitality extended by Azerbaijan during COP29 and acknowledged the significance of the summit dedicated to SIDS.

Whipps highlighted that small island nations face existential threats due to climate change and commended Azerbaijan’s efforts in bringing global attention to these pressing issues. President Aliyev outlined Azerbaijan’s initiatives to support SIDS, including a special aid program in collaboration with the Commonwealth and the use of Azerbaijan’s space capabilities to address their climate challenges.

During the discussions, President Aliyev also noted the progress achieved at COP29 regarding Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and the operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, marking a crucial milestone after over a decade of negotiations. Both leaders emphasized the global expectations for new financial commitments, particularly from developed nations.

To commemorate the occasion, President Whipps presented keepsakes to President Aliyev.

Bolstering Azerbaijan-Russia Relations 

On the same day, President Aliyev held talks with Anton Siluanov, Minister of Finance of the Russian Federation, and Leonid Slutsky, leader of the Liberal Democratic Party faction in the State Duma. The meeting highlighted the ongoing strength of Azerbaijan-Russia relations, particularly in economic cooperation.

The discussions focused on enhancing trade turnover and increasing the use of national currencies in bilateral transactions, which both sides hailed as indicators of their deepening economic partnership.

These series of meetings reflect Azerbaijan's growing influence on the global stage, especially in the realms of climate diplomacy and international economic cooperation.

By Khagan Isayev