President Aliyev discusses climate change challenges with world leaders COP29 in Baku / PHOTO

On the sidelines of the COP29 conference, President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan held a series of significant bilateral meetings with leaders from various countries, highlighting Azerbaijan’s expanding diplomatic and economic partnerships, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azertag.

Meeting with Montenegro's President Jakov Milatović

Montenegro’s President Jakov Milatović congratulated President Aliyev on the successful organization of COP29, which saw participation from over 80 heads of state and government. He praised Azerbaijan for showcasing its achievements to the world and reiterated Montenegro’s unwavering support for Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Milatović also commended the large-scale restoration efforts in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, describing the country's development as "great and rare." In response, President Aliyev noted the challenges Azerbaijan faced during its COP29 presidency, including a campaign of misinformation aimed at discrediting the country’s environmental efforts.

He highlighted Azerbaijan’s resilience and independent policy, while recalling the successful leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement from 2019 to 2023. Both leaders expressed their commitment to enhancing bilateral cooperation, particularly in tourism and investment, and extended mutual invitations for official visits.

Talks with Bangladesh’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus

In another key meeting, President Aliyev welcomed Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the Interim Government of Bangladesh. Yunus reminisced about his past visits to Azerbaijan and collaboration with the Nizami Ganjavi International Center. He lauded Azerbaijan for becoming a hub for major international events and praised the swift organization of COP29.

The conversation also touched on educational exchanges, digital development, and the Fourth Industrial Revolution, with Yunus emphasizing opportunities for Bangladeshi students in Azerbaijan. Both sides explored expanding bilateral relations, with President Aliyev noting the potential for sharing Azerbaijan’s ASAN and DOST public service models with Bangladesh. The two leaders also discussed cooperation within international organizations and agreed on the need for further delegation exchanges.

Engagement with North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova

President Aliyev’s meeting with North Macedonia’s President Gordana Siljanovska Davkova was marked by discussions on cultural diplomacy and economic ties. Davkova expressed her admiration for Azerbaijan’s cultural presentation during the COP29 opening ceremony and highlighted the broad prospects for cooperation.

Aliyev underscored Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening relations with Balkan nations, particularly in investment, agriculture, tourism, and education sectors. Both leaders exchanged invitations for future visits, aiming to further deepen their bilateral ties.

Dialogue with Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel

President Aliyev also met with Nepal’s President Ramchandra Paudel, who expressed gratitude for Azerbaijan’s warm hospitality. Paudel praised Azerbaijan’s rapid development and its high-level organization of COP29. The discussion focused on climate change challenges, with Paudel highlighting Nepal’s vulnerability despite its low carbon footprint.

Both presidents acknowledged the potential for collaboration in tourism and hydropower, as Nepal looks to attract foreign investments during its phase of sustainable development. They also emphasized the importance of mutual support within the United Nations and other international platforms. President Paudel presented a keepsake to President Aliyev, symbolizing the growing friendship between the two nations.

Conversations with Brazil’s Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin

The series of meetings concluded with a discussion between President Aliyev and Brazil’s Vice-President Geraldo Alckmin. Conveying greetings from President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, who was unable to attend due to health reasons, Alckmin congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful hosting of COP29 and admired the beauty of Baku.

The dialogue centred on enhancing economic and trade relations, with a focus on agriculture, investment, and tourism. Both sides discussed establishing a working group to explore joint production ventures and direct air connections, reflecting a mutual interest in strengthening bilateral ties.

Meeting with Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie

President Aliyev also held a meeting with Ethiopia’s President Taye Atske Selassie, who conveyed greetings from Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali. Selassie praised Azerbaijan’s organization of COP29 and expressed admiration for the country’s “ASAN Service” public service model, which he aims to replicate in Ethiopia. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed between Azerbaijan’s State Agency for Public Service and Ethiopia’s Federal Civil Service Commission.

The Ethiopian President highlighted potential collaboration in free trade zones, tourism, and agriculture. President Aliyev emphasized the importance of solidarity among developing countries and reiterated Azerbaijan’s readiness to share its public service expertise with Ethiopia. Both leaders discussed renewable energy cooperation, the establishment of an intergovernmental economic commission, and expanding ties within international organizations. Mutual invitations for official visits were also extended, marking a new chapter in Azerbaijan-Ethiopia relations.

By Khagan Isayev