March 6, 2024, Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Jahun Bayramov, met with a delegation headed by Vice President of the World Bank for Europe and Central Asia Antonello Bassani.
During the meeting, the prospects for cooperation between Azerbaijan and the World Bank were discussed, as well as issues arising from the 29th session of the conference of the parties to the UN Framework Convention (COP29), which will be held in Azerbaijan this year.
The Minister noted that successfully implemented and ongoing projects in the areas of economics, agriculture, energy security, transport and communications, infrastructure, etc. contribute to the development of cooperation. It was brought to the attention that cooperation within the framework of the World Bank, in turn, gave impetus to the expansion of the relations of our country with other regional and international financial organizations.
Bayramov informed the guests in detail about the progress of subject negotiations held as part of the chairmen of Azerbaijan on COP29, as well as preparations for the 29th session. In this regard, it was noted that the World Bank can play an important platform role in terms of establishing contacts with states, as well as international financial institutions in order to determine the possible contribution to this process.
Speaking about large-scale recovery and construction work carried out in the territories freed from occupation in the post-conflict period, the Foreign Minister of Azerbaijan noted that the work carried out is aimed at the effective use of the alternative energy potential of Karabakh and the Eastern Zangesur, and that a number of foreign partners are already involved in relevant projects in this direction.
Antonella Bassani congratulated Azerbaijan on the occasion of the chairmanship on COP29 and expressed confidence that Baku would demonstrate successful experience of the chairmanship, and will expand cooperation with international financial institutions in accordance with the priorities of the chairman. In particular, the importance of taking steps on the practical implementation of global obligations that will be determined within the framework of COP29 was noted, and it is emphasized that the World Bank is ready to support the initiatives in this direction.
The meeting also took an exchange of views on other issues representing mutual interest.