(MENAFN- Trend News Agency) BAKU, Azerbaijan, April 30. COP29 can become aplatform for cooperation with Central Asian and Arab countries inalternative energy, climate-smart agriculture, and disaster riskresearch, Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov said duringhis speech at the 3rd session of the Arab Economic and CooperationForum with the countries of Central Asia and the Republic ofAzerbaijan, the Azerbaijani Ministry told Trend .
Discussing the potential growth of diplomatic and economic tieswith Central Asian and Arab nations, Bayramov highlighted thehistorical and cultural connections Azerbaijan shares with theseregions. He noted that discussions within the forum facilitated theformulation of a concrete roadmap for cooperation spanning varioussectors, including energy security, transportation, tourism,agriculture, and high-tech industries.
It was emphasized that Azerbaijan remains steadfast in itsreadiness to engage in collaborative efforts aimed at fostering arobust regional economy and addressing global challenges. Thestrategic positioning of Azerbaijan in the Eurasian landscape wasunderscored as a focal point for advancing regional cooperation andconnectivity. Azerbaijan, possessing significant potential inalternative energy, prioritizes incentivizing investments in thissector, with successful joint ventures already realized withcompanies such as Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) andSaudi Arabian ACWA Power.
Referring to initiatives like the promotion of the Black Seasubmarine cable, which can bolster Azerbaijan's contribution toalternative energy exports and European energy security, theAzerbaijani minister highlighted the potential for participationfrom other Caspian basin countries in such projects.
Discussing Azerbaijan's preparations for hosting the 29thsession of the Conference of the Parties to the UN FrameworkConvention on Climate Change (COP29), Bayramov highlighted thecountry's utilization of its experience in chairing the Non-AlignedMovement during this event. He emphasized the potential for COP29to serve as a platform for collaboration with Central Asian andArab nations in areas such as alternative energy, climate-resilientagriculture, and disaster risk assessment.
The minister provided a comprehensive overview of the currentsituation in the post-conflict South Caucasus region, detailing theextensive reconstruction and construction efforts underway in theliberated territories of Azerbaijan. He highlighted the persistentthreat posed by landmines to these activities, along with theongoing process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan andArmenia. Bayramov underscored the efficacy of bilateral peacenegotiations advocated by Azerbaijan, citing recent agreementsreached by delimitation commissions as evidence of theireffectiveness in achieving sustainable peace and stability in theSouth Caucasus.
Highlighting deep concerns over the ongoing tensions in theMiddle East, the Minister stressed the importance of seeking a justand sustainable resolution to the conflict based on the two-stateformula. He underscored the country's commitment to alleviating thehumanitarian fallout for the Palestinian people.
Additionally, the minister emphasized the significance of theArab League-Central Asia-Azerbaijan format, as recognized in theDeclaration from the 3rd meeting of the Arab Economic Forum andCooperation-Central Asia-Azerbaijan in Doha. It was acknowledged asa valuable platform for advancing bilateral and multilateralcooperation on mutual concerns, emphasizing the necessity of aproblem-solving approach without duplicating efforts across variousdomains.
The Declaration highlighted the significance of the delimitationagreement allowing for the return of four Azerbaijani villages,supported the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia,and pleaded for the swift conclusion of the agreement on peace.
It highlighted the UAE's membership in the UN Security Councilfrom 2022 to 2023, calling for mutual support and coordinationbased on common interests within international organizations. Thesatisfaction was also expressed for Azerbaijan's chairmanship ofthe Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures inAsia (CICA) from 2024 to 2026, along with support for jointprojects and activities between CICA and the Arab League. TheDeclaration voiced deep concern over the mine problem threateningpeace, stability, and security in several countries, includingAzerbaijan, urging the UN, Member States, and other stakeholders toprovide support in combating this threat.
Furthermore, it welcomed Azerbaijan's election as chair of COP29and expressed support for the fight against climate change withinthis framework, while also wishing success in global solidarityefforts in this direction. The Declaration underscored theimportance of the green energy corridor connecting Azerbaijan andCentral Asia in combating climate change and transitioning to greentechnologies.
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