Azerbaijan, WB discuss acceleration of work on AZURE project azerbaycan24.com
Day: April 5, 2024
Today’s meeting between Nikol Pashinyan, Anthony Blinken and Ursula von der Leyen in Brussels could have historical significance. This meeting, aimed at increasing #Armenia‘s economic resilience, will bring great opportunities. It’s a chance for Armenia to make a more decisive… pic.twitter.com/0VAsxew8Zl
— Robert Ananyan (@robananyan) April 5, 2024
In recent years, Azerbaijan has focused on developing its non-oil economy and is striving for economic diversification. Hikmet Hajiyev, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Head of the Foreign Policy Affairs Department of the Presidential Administration, highlighted the significance of solar power plants in the country during an interview with China’s “Phoenix” TV channel. He emphasized that this development signifies a crucial stage in the cooperation between China and Azerbaijan in the realm of green energy.
The upcoming COP29 conference in Azerbaijan was also discussed during the interview. It was noted that climate financing, which lacked progress in previous conferences, will take center stage in Baku.
Moreover, Azerbaijan was acknowledged as a guarantor of European energy security, exporting oil and natural gas to many European countries. The close cooperation between China and Azerbaijan in the energy sector, with Chinese participation in oil and gas projects, was emphasized. Hajiyev underscored Chinese companies’ role as valuable partners in Azerbaijan’s economic diversification, particularly as the country prioritizes the green transition.
Hajiyev expressed delight in seeing China at the forefront of global green transformation and looked forward to collaborating actively with Chinese counterparts at COP29 and beyond.
Qaiser Nawab, a global climate youth leader and international expert, commented on Hajiyev’s statement, highlighting the pivotal role of solar power plants in advancing Azerbaijan’s sustainable development agenda and promoting economic diversification. Nawab stressed that the collaboration between China and Azerbaijan in green energy signifies mutual benefits, including investment in renewable energy infrastructure.
“These plants represent a tangible commitment to green energy and signify the evolving cooperation between China and Azerbaijan in this crucial field. By embracing solar power, Azerbaijan not only reduces its carbon footprint but also strengthens its energy security and contributes to global efforts to combat climate change. The collaboration between China and Azerbaijan underscores the mutual benefits of investing in renewable energy infrastructure. With COP29 being hosted in Azerbaijan, the spotlight is on the country’s commitment to addressing climate change and advancing climate financing discussions. This event provides an opportunity for Azerbaijan to showcase its efforts in green energy and to foster international partnerships, including with China, in driving the transition to a sustainable future. Azerbaijan’s role as a guarantor of European energy security further underscores the importance of its efforts in diversifying its energy portfolio and embracing green technologies. The close cooperation between China and Azerbaijan in energy projects, including participation in oil and gas ventures, highlights the potential for further collaboration in the renewable energy sector. Hikmet Hajiyev’s emphasis on Chinese companies as valuable partners in Azerbaijan’s economic diversification underscores the strategic alignment between both nations in prioritizing the green transition. China’s leadership in global green transformation serves as a model for other nations, including Azerbaijan, inspiring confidence in the feasibility and benefits of transitioning to renewable energy sources. Overall, Azerbaijan’s embrace of solar power, coupled with its collaboration with China, not only contributes to its own sustainable development goals but also sets an example for international cooperation in addressing climate change and transitioning to a greener future.”
According to him, Azerbaijan views Chinese companies as valuable partners in the diversification of its economy, especially within the context of prioritizing the green transition, for several reasons.
“Azerbaijan recognizes Chinese companies as vital partners in transitioning to green energy due to their expertise and technology transfer in renewable energy, particularly solar power. This collaboration aids Azerbaijan’s shift away from traditional sectors like oil and gas towards sustainable alternatives. Chinese investment in renewable energy infrastructure, including solar power plants, not only diversifies Azerbaijan’s economy but also enhances energy independence and resilience.”
“Partnering with Chinese firms grants Azerbaijan access to global green energy markets and facilitates learning and growth opportunities in the emerging green economy. China’s commitment to sustainability aligns with Azerbaijan’s goals, accelerating the implementation of renewable energy projects. Azerbaijan prioritizes diversifying energy sources, investing in renewable energy infrastructure, promoting energy efficiency, and fostering international collaboration, including with China, to advance its green energy agenda. Collaborating on joint renewable energy projects, technology transfer, policy exchange, and business partnerships with China during and beyond COP29 aims to expedite Azerbaijan’s transition to green energy, achieve sustainable development goals, and combat climate change,” he concluded in the end.
This article was originally published on Azernews on April 5, 2024.
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“Western countries will also benefit from the restoration of peace in the South Caucasus. It is imperative that Western countries support the peace process in the South Caucasus, which is a vital global gateway,” said the Head of the delegation of the Turkish Grand National Assembly to the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, former foreign minister Mevlud Cavusoglu, according to Azerbaijan in Focus, reporting AzerTac.
“We stand by dear Azerbaijan in peacetime just as we did during the 44-day war. In order to establish lasting peace in our region, it is necessary to sign a peace agreement,” Cavusoglu mentioned.
“It is true to say that a number of Western nations, most notably France, wish to either impede or slow down this process. However, we have forewarned France about this. We appeal to the patrons of Armenia, who are delaying the peace process as a whole: Azerbaijan is not alone and will never be alone,” the former Turkish FM emphasized.
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On April 4, Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission, made a phone call to Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, according to Azerbaijan in Focus, reporting Trend.
During the telephone conversation, the parties discussed the prospects for the development of cooperation between Azerbaijan and the European Union, particularly highlighting such areas of cooperation as renewable energy, transportation connections, energy security and others.
During the conversation, they underscored the importance of the Memorandum of Understanding on a Strategic Partnership in the field of energy, signed between Azerbaijan and the European Union in 2022.
They noted that COP29 to be held in Baku under Azerbaijan’s presidency provides favorable opportunities for cooperation in climate action and the green transition.
The President of the European Commission emphasized the readiness of the European Union to support Azerbaijan in the humanitarian demining efforts.
The issue related to the trilateral meeting to be held in Brussels on April 5 was raised during the phone conversation. President Ilham Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s stance on this meeting, similar to the discussions with U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, and emphasized the necessity of regional inclusivity.
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Finland announced that it has indefinitely extended the closure of its border crossing with Russia, according to Azerbaijan in Focus, reporting Daily Sabah.
In February, Helsinki had ordered the closure of the border until April 14, a measure which has now been extended until further notice.
The indefinite closure means that migrants will still not be able to apply for asylum at the border crossings.
In addition, the sea crossings on the island of Haapasaari, in the port of Nuijamaa and on the island of Santio will be closed to leisure shipping from April 15.
Finland wants to prevent the threat of targeted migration from Russia in the spring by closing the harbors to maritime traffic.
Finland, which borders Russia to the east over a distance of more than 1,300 kilometers, began gradually closing the frontier crossings in November.
The Finnish authorities accuse Moscow of deliberately bringing undocumented asylum seekers to the posts to cause problems for the EU and NATO country. The Kremlin denies this.
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Israel says it has approved the opening of two humanitarian routes into Gaza, to allow more aid into the territory, the BBC reports.
The Erez Gate in northern Gaza will be temporarily re-opened for the first time since the start of the war and Ashdod Port will also be opened for humanitarian deliveries.
More aid from Jordan will be allowed to enter via the Kerem Shalom Crossing.
It comes hours after Joe Biden spoke with Israel’s PM for the first time since seven aid workers were killed.
According to a readout of a phone call between the US president and Benjamin Netanyahu, Mr Biden warned that Israel must take steps to prevent civilian harm and humanitarian suffering if it wanted to maintain US support.
Mr Biden essentially gave the Israeli government an ultimatum – take concrete steps to prevent civilian harm and ensure safety for aid workers or US policy in respect of Gaza would change.
Seven people working for the food aid charity World Central Kitchen (WCK) were killed in an Israeli strike in Gaza on Monday.
The WCK convoy they were travelling in was hit by an Israeli air strike as it travelled south along the Israeli-designated coastal aid route, just after they had unloaded more than 100 tonnes of food from a barge at a warehouse in Deir al-Balah.