Kobakhidze: COP29 will strengthen Azerbaijan's role in climate agenda

Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze expressed his enthusiasm for Azerbaijan hosting COP29, highlighting that it will significantly elevate the country's global standing and strengthen its position on the climate agenda, during his remarks at the climate conference in Baku.

"I must note that President Ilham Aliyev delivered an excellent speech yesterday," he added, praising the COP29 conference in Baku as outstanding, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

When asked about the possibility of offering a platform for peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia, Kobakhidze highlighted that Georgia takes pride in its friendly relations with both countries.

"If the need arises for us to play a more active role in advancing negotiations, we are ready to do so," he said.

Meanwhile, Kobakhidze expressed regret that ongoing armed conflicts not only lead to severe humanitarian crises but also hinder and slow down efforts to combat global climate change. 

"The growing impacts of climate change, including the rapid melting of glaciers and rising sea levels, are causing serious damage to the economies of developing countries and threatening livelihoods, particularly in vulnerable nations and local communities. Unfortunately, Georgia is also facing the harsh consequences of climate change," he added.

Notably, COP29 is considered one of the largest and most prestigious climate conferences in the world. This year’s event in Baku, which will run until November 22, is being held in Azerbaijan for the first time.

The country has signed a Host Country Agreement and other key documents with the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change Secretariat, cementing its role as a leader in climate change discussions.

By Aghakazim Guliyev