Uncertainty looms over Armenia’s COP29 participation as climate talks continue

As the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) enters its third day, Armenia's participation in the conference remains uncertain. Despite being invited to attend, the country has not yet confirmed its involvement, leaving its stance on the event unclear.

Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) press service head, Aykhan Hajizada, stated that Armenia had been invited to COP29, but as of now, there is no information regarding their participation, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

"Climate change is one of the major issues threatening the world. Contributing to such discussions should be a top priority for every member state. We will refrain from commenting on Armenia's participation in COP29, as the invitation has been sent and the issue of participation in the event is their own choice. Undoubtedly, participation in such discussions is important for each state," Hajizada said.

The spokesman told journalists that Armenia's discharge of harmful substances into transboundary rivers has led to pollution of the Caspian Sea.

Hajizada pointed out that during the conflict, Armenia significantly polluted transboundary rivers shared with Azerbaijan, citing the example of the Okhchuchay River. He emphasized that Armenia continues to dump waste and harmful substances into these rivers. As a result, Azerbaijan has initiated an arbitration process to hold Armenia accountable, and relevant actions are underway.

He also noted that there has been no information regarding any cooperation between Azerbaijan and Armenia on transboundary rivers involving specialists from both countries. While international organizations, including the OSCE, have made some efforts over the past 30 years, Hajizada stressed that Azerbaijan’s primary demand is to prevent the pollution of these rivers. He explained that the waters from these rivers ultimately flow into the Caspian Sea, contributing to its pollution.

Earlier, President Ilham Aliyev also discussed Armenia’s absence from the summit during a conversation with Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo.

Aliyev confirmed that Azerbaijan had invited Armenia to COP29, but added, "Whether Armenia participates in COP29 or not is up to this country."

Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Department of the Presidential Administration, expressed disappointment over Armenia’s decision not to attend COP29.

Speaking to journalists during the event, Hajiyev clarified that Azerbaijan, as a member of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, had extended invitations to all parties, including Armenia. Despite these efforts, Armenia chose not to participate in the conference.

"Although Armenia has registered, there is still no information regarding the participation of its representatives. The Armenian side has chosen not to participate in the event, yet continues to talk about regional cooperation and interstate relations. This once again highlights that Armenia uses such occasions for one-sided propaganda. Armenia received an invitation and had the opportunity to attend the conference. Ultimately, it was their decision. I want to emphasize once again that Azerbaijan, as a member of the convention, fully met its obligations and created the necessary conditions for fruitful discussions for all states. However, instead of engaging in the conference, Armenia and its allies are actively involved in anti-Azerbaijani propaganda," Hajiyev said.

It should be noted that COP29 President-designate Mukhtar Babayev sent an invitation to Armenia to attend COP29 in July.

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 the first time COP is being held in Azerbaijan. 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 Tamilla Hasanova