COP29 set to unify: Israel's attendance marks diplomatic win over black PR tactics Setback for anti-Azerbaijani narratives

According to reports from Israeli media, President Isaac Herzog is set to represent Israel at the upcoming UN climate conference, COP29, in Baku. During a meeting at the Presidential Palace, Herzog emphasized the critical importance of addressing climate change and highlighted the necessity of enhancing regional cooperation, which is particularly pertinent for Israel in the current geopolitical context.

This decision holds significant implications for Azerbaijan, which is currently the target of a black PR campaign orchestrated by various external actors aiming to leverage the hosting of COP29 in Baku to further their own agendas. A key player in this smear campaign is France, under President Emmanuel Macron, which is making concerted efforts to tarnish the image of COP29. In this scenario, a rather paradoxical situation unfolds: French politicians from various factions, including members of the European Parliament who have been passing numerous trivial and inconsequential anti-Azerbaijani resolutions, seem to overlook a glaring fact: the Armenian government has consented to the COP29 conference taking place in Baku.

Moreover, Armenian media outlets have suggested the potential attendance of Ararat Mirzoyan, Armenia's Foreign Minister, at the conference in Baku. While this information has yet to receive official confirmation, one can easily envision the awkward position in which French politicians — from President Macron to Nathalie Loiseau, Vice-Chair of the European Parliament’s delegation for relations with South Caucasus countries — would find themselves if Mirzoyan or any other representative from Yerevan were to attend the COP29 conference as a guest.

I would like to add another point regarding this matter. In October, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant referred to Emmanuel Macron as “a disgrace to the French nation” following the French government’s decision to prohibit Israeli companies from showcasing their weapons at the Euronaval exhibition. It is evident that the French head of state has significantly strained relations with Israel. Against this backdrop, the impending visit of Israeli President Isaac Herzog to Baku assumes considerable importance.

The question arises: how will the French government respond? In reality, it appears to have little to offer in terms of a response. The representatives of the French leadership have already demonstrated an excessively anti-Azerbaijani stance. Notably, French Energy Minister Olga Givernet has participated in a panel session in Baku as part of the preliminary UN Conference of Parties on Climate Change (pre-COP29).

Therefore, whether Givernet or any other French official attends COP29 in Baku — or whether France decides to withhold its delegation — seems to matter little to Azerbaijan. The conference will proceed with an impressive lineup of delegates, including presidents and prime ministers from various countries around the world.

It is now confirmed that UN Secretary-General António Guterres will attend the COP29 conference in Baku. Although he has faced criticism on numerous occasions, including being declared persona non grata by Israel, the status of the UN Secretary-General — head of a leading international organization — adds significant weight to his visit, representing a notable advantage for the host country.

Moreover, the uniqueness of COP29 lies in its participants, many of whom maintain, to put it mildly, strained relations. Baku is demonstrating a unifying and constructive role, drawing unprecedented attention from the global community. Currently, approximately 30,000 attendees have registered for the event, including 2,700 media representatives from around the world. These journalists will convey the reality of Azerbaijan to an international audience — the very truth that adversarial forces, intent on tarnishing Azerbaijan’s reputation, fear.

It is evident that these malign efforts will prove futile. Azerbaijan will once again present itself to the world as a hospitable host capable of organizing significant global events. Furthermore, the country will be recognized for its role in addressing pressing global challenges, including climate change. Ultimately, Azerbaijan will emerge as a genuinely independent nation, pursuing a balanced policy centred on defending its national interests, one that remains impervious to blackmail and pressure from various regional and global powers.