More world leaders arrive in Azerbaijan for COP29 summit on climate action PHOTO

Azerbaijan has become the centre of global attention as prominent world leaders gathered in Baku for the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. The high-profile summit, aimed at addressing pressing issues around climate change and environmental sustainability, is set to bring together key players from across the globe.

On November 11, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrived in Azerbaijan, welcomed at Heydar Aliyev International Airport by Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov and other dignitaries. Erdogan’s presence underscores Türkiye’s commitment to environmental initiatives and reflects the strong ties between Türkiye and Azerbaijan, Caliber.Az reports.

Also arriving in Baku was Binali Yildirim, Chairman of the Council of Elders of the Organization of Turkic States. Yildirim was met by Azerbaijani Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan Cahit Bagci, and other officials, signalling the regional cooperation that the Turkic states aim to bring to global environmental discussions.

Pakistan’s Prime Minister Muhammad Shehbaz Sharif touched down in Baku for the summit, where he was greeted by Azerbaijani Minister of Defense Industry Vugar Mustafayev and other representatives. Sharif is expected to address Pakistan’s role in climate action and sustainable development as a crucial part of the South Asian region’s response to environmental challenges.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev was welcomed by Azerbaijani Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov, marking Uzbekistan’s engagement in the COP29 dialogue and highlighting Central Asia’s shared environmental goals.

Kyrgyzstan’s President Sadyr Japarov arrived and was greeted by Azerbaijani Minister of Health Teymur Musayev. Japarov’s participation reflects the increasing attention Central Asian nations are giving to climate resilience and cross-border environmental cooperation.

President Emomali Rahmon of Tajikistan was met by Azerbaijani Minister of Labor and Social Protection Sahil Babayev. Rahmon’s arrival emphasizes Tajikistan’s dedication to tackling the shared environmental challenges of the region.

Additionally, Nechirvan Barzani, head of the Iraqi Kurdistan Region, arrived in Azerbaijan to take part in COP29, where he was welcomed by Azerbaijani Minister of Culture Adil Karimli. Barzani’s attendance highlights the involvement of the Middle Eastern region in global climate policy discussions.

The gathering of these leaders at COP29 reflects Azerbaijan’s role as a convening force for addressing environmental challenges. Over the coming days, attendees are expected to discuss strategies for sustainable development, green technology adoption, and collaborative responses to the global climate crisis. The summit aims to solidify commitments that will pave the way for concrete actions on climate resilience and environmental protection on a global scale.

By Vugar Khalilov