Baku: Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 has significantly advanced the nation's climate diplomacy efforts and bolstered its international relations, according to Elchin Allahverdiyev, Director of the Climate Diplomacy Department of Azerbaijan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Allahverdiyev, who is also the Vice-President of the COP31 Bureau and a member of the Adaptation Fund Board, made these remarks during a panel session at the Fourth Climate Week (CW4) of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, APA reports.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Allahverdiyev emphasized Azerbaijan's extensive history in diplomatic endeavors, noting that the country has been actively engaged in various diplomatic platforms for the past three decades. He stated that hosting a COP is a complex undertaking that extends beyond mere organizational and logistical tasks, requiring extensive interaction and cooperation. He highlighted Azerbaijan's serious commitment to this role, emphasizing the country's engagement with both parties and non-party stakeholders, as well as international organizations, to ensure an inclusive process from the outset. This approach, he noted, helped build trust among the diverse stakeholders involved.

Elchin Alakbarov further elaborated on Azerbaijan's ability to bridge gaps and resolve disagreements among parties during COP29. He explained that despite differing priorities, ambitions, and expectations among the participants, Azerbaijan succeeded in fostering trust and transparency, which facilitated decisive progress in the negotiations.

Allahverdiyev also pointed out that Azerbaijan's prior diplomatic experience provided a solid foundation for its climate diplomacy initiatives during COP29. The relationships and expertise developed in previous diplomatic activities were instrumental in building on past successes and advancing climate diplomacy efforts.