Taking over the presidency of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) and effectively hosting COP29 is an important achievement and a special result for Azerbaijan. This presents both a challenge and an opportunity for our country.

Axar.az reports that Hikmet Hajiyev, assistant to the President of Azerbaijan - Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration, said this in an interview with the Chinese newspaper "Global Times".

He emphasized that Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 and receiving support from the international community once again shows the international community's respect and trust for official Baku.

"As a fossil fuel exporting country, Azerbaijan has demonstrated a strong will and determination to implement the current transition project and agenda at the local, regional, and global levels. Climate change is a major challenge for everyone and it is important for the global community to unite its efforts against it. aims to achieve greater solidarity and consensus at the global level on its fundamental aspects. Azerbaijan is also trying to create understanding and solidarity between the "Global North" and the "Global South".

H. Hajiyev emphasized that for the success of COP29, not only Azerbaijan as the host country, but the entire international community has an equal obligation:

"As the host country, Azerbaijan will try to develop a real climate finance agenda, which is the subject of COP29."

Regarding the question of how Azerbaijan will ensure that COP29 is inclusive and that all voices, including vulnerable communities, are heard, the head of the department said that inclusivity is one of the priorities at COP29:

"We will work with many international platforms and institutions to ensure closer and active participation of all. In this regard, the international community should pay special attention to small island states. Azerbaijan has already begun to establish contact with small island states that face practical problems in their daily lives. Like the countries of the Global South, they can also see the immediate consequences of climate change. The Group of 77 (G77) and China represent countries in the Global South who want to make their voices heard. We will also work closely with countries in the Global North and contribute to greater dialogue and solidarity between the Global North and the Global South In addition, we are open to active cooperation with international NGOs and international media."

The presidential assistant pointed out that Azerbaijan is open to dialogue and communication with all parties on the fundamental issues of COP29:

"The COP is a global effort and we look forward to working closely with the international media to make the COP more open and understandable for all. Azerbaijan wants to implement more public awareness campaigns about the COP, and ensure inclusiveness and transparency on the main agenda.

Azerbaijan is open to dialogue and communication with all parties on the fundamental issues of COP29. The People's Republic of China is one of the leading countries in the world. Therefore, it is very important for us to conduct initial consultations and discussions to understand China's position in the negotiation process."