The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday, with a package of climate agreements reached after multilateral negotiations among nearly 200 parties. Given the increasing threat of climate change, China has made significant efforts, including ramping up its green energy development and promoting sustainable practices under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to contribute to the global fight against climate change. How does Azerbaijan view China’s role in COP29 and its overall contribution to the global effort to combat climate change? What further cooperation does Azerbaijan seek with China in terms of green development? Global Times reporter Xie Wenting (GT) spoke with Ambassador of Azerbaijan to China Bunyad Huseynov (Huseynov) on these topics.
Editor’s Note:The 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) concluded in Baku, Azerbaijan, on Sunday, with a package of climate agreements reached after multilateral negotiations among nearly 200 parties. Given the increasing threat of climate change, China has made significant efforts, including ramping up its green energy development and promoting sustainable practices under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), to contribute to the global fight against climate change. How does Azerbaijan view China’s role in COP29 and its overall contribution to the global effort to combat climate change? What further cooperation does Azerbaijan seek with China in terms of green development? Global Times reporter Xie Wenting (GT) spoke with Ambassador of Azerbaijan to China Bunyad Huseynov (Huseynov) on these topics.GT: The COP29 just concluded in Azerbaijan. It attracted worldwide attention given the increasing threat from climate change. How will cooperation with China contribute to the COP29 goals?Huseynov:In late 2023, by the unanimous decision of the states worldwide, the Republic of Azerbaijan was honored to be chosen as the host of COP29. It showcases the recognition of Azerbaijan’s efforts to address climate change on a national, regional, and global scale. The goal of COP29 was to set out clear plans to keep 1.5 C within reach and leave no one behind while also putting in place the finance we need to deliver. Climate finance was also an important part of the negotiations at COP29. Considering China’s unique contribution to the world green agenda and its rich knowledge, solid experience, and the availability of advanced technologies in renewable energy sources, Azerbaijan attaches particular importance to cooperation with China in this direction. This year, Azerbaijan’s Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, the President-designate of COP29, visited China twice. We were also honored and pleased to have Chinese President Xi Jinping’s special representative Ding Xuexiang, also China’s vice premier, in Baku, Azerbaijan for COP29. GT: How do you assess the cooperation between Azerbaijan and China in the field of green energy and sustainable development over the years? What role do you believe China and Azerbaijan can play in the global fight against climate change?Huseynov: Azerbaijan views China as one of its key partners in the green energy, transition, and renewable energy spheres. Chinese technology is already widely used, and it is essential to mention the professionalism of Chinese companies in implementing EPC projects in Azerbaijan in this field. China’s experience and advanced technology in alternative energy are especially in demand in Azerbaijan. At the same time, opportunities for cooperation in integrating renewable energy capacities into the network and the transfer of green energy are being considered. All these issues can provide a great opportunity
