‘Azerbaijan extended invitation to Japanese Prime Minister for COP29’

Azerbaijan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Elnur Mammadov recently visited Japan from May 20 through May 24, 2024. During his visit, Mammadov extended an invitation on behalf of President Ilham Aliyev to Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to participate in the upcoming World Leaders’ Climate Action Summit, which will precede COP29.

Mammadov also discussed Azerbaijan’s activities as the chair of COP29 with Japanese officials, including Deputy Assistant Foreign Minister Masaki Ikegami. The discussions focused on various areas of cooperation between the two countries, such as trade, economy, tourism, energy, and humanitarian issues.

The cooperation in important oil and gas projects between Azerbaijan and Japan was positively evaluated, with an emphasis on joint activities in green energy initiatives. Japanese companies were invited to participate in the implementation of concepts like “Smart City,” “Smart Village,” and “Green Energy Zones.”

Furthermore, discussions took place on transport corridors passing through Azerbaijan, particularly the East-West International Transport Corridor. Mammadov also met with several Japanese officials, including Hideki Murai and Kenichiro Sasae, to discuss bilateral relations and opportunities for further cooperation.

During his visit, Mammadov gave an interview to the news agency Jiji Press. It was also announced that Azerbaijan will host COP29 in November, with an expected attendance of 70-80,000 foreign guests. The COP is the highest legislative body overseeing the implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, with 198 countries as parties to the Convention.

Overall, Mammadov’s visit to Japan aimed to strengthen cooperation between Azerbaijan and Japan in various fields, highlighting the importance of green energy initiatives and mutual economic interests.