Bangkok:<Text>

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has been elected as the President of the 82nd session of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP) during his working visit to Bangkok, Thailand. Azerbaijan will assume the presidency of UNESCAP for the next year.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, during the session's opening ceremony, FM Bayramov conveyed President Ilham Aliyev's message to participants, emphasizing the impact of global geopolitical tensions on international peace and security while reaffirming the significance of sovereignty and territorial integrity. The message also highlighted Azerbaijan's progress in normalization with Armenia, the Great Return program, landmine threats, sustainable development, the Middle Corridor, and contributions to energy security and regional connectivity.

President Aliyev's message underscored Azerbaijan's expanding international engagement, noting its leadership in organizations such as the Organization of Turkic States and CICA, hosting of COP29, and membership in the D-8. It also mentioned the upcoming World Urban Forum and other initiatives.

As the session President, Jeyhun Bayramov articulated Azerbaijan's priorities, which include inclusive development, digital transformation, green energy, regional connectivity, and multilateral cooperation. He stressed that inclusiveness remains essential in a rapidly evolving world and is a cornerstone of the "Azerbaijan 2030: National Priorities for Socio-Economic Development", aiming to foster a knowledge-based, competitive economy.

The Foreign Minister highlighted digital technologies, e-services, and AI's role in enhancing governance and stressed renewable energy's importance for climate and economic resilience. He pointed out the historic agreements reached within COP29 in Baku, including a commitment to mobilize at least 300 billion US dollars annually for climate finance, emphasizing the need for practical implementation.

Transport, trade, and logistics were identified as key drivers of inclusive development, with Azerbaijan's strategic location between Europe and Asia playing a crucial role, alongside the significance of the Middle Corridor for regional cooperation and resilience. The speech also focused on peacebuilding, South-South cooperation, and multilateral diplomacy.

Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev also addressed the session, emphasizing the importance of inclusive and sustainable development, social equality, and widespread societal involvement in development.

Azerbaijan's leadership of UNESCAP reflects the international community's confidence in the country, highlighting its growing global stature and active participation in regional and global processes. UNESCAP serves as a vital UN regional platform for promoting economic and social cooperation in Asia and the Pacific, with an emphasis on sustainable dev elopment, inclusive growth, and social welfare.