BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 1. Azerbaijan has
expressed readiness to provide political and technical support for
the inclusion of the cultural heritage of Small Island Developing
States (SIDS) in UNESCO, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Republic of Azerbaijan Yalchin Rafiyev said at the opening of
“BEA–COP31: High-Level Energy Transition” during a visit to Paris,
France, Trend reports
via Azerbaijani MFA.


During the visit, Deputy Minister Rafiyev, at the invitation of
Fatih Birol, Executive Director of the International Energy Agency,
delivered a keynote address at the opening session of the
“BEA–COP31: High-Level Energy Transition” event, jointly organized
by the International Energy Agency and the COP31 Presidency.


In his speech, Rafiyev provided information on COP29 energy
initiatives, the preparation process for COP31, and current global
challenges related to climate change.


In the course of the visit, a dedicated event marking April 25,
the International Day of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), was
also held, organized by the Permanent Mission of the Republic of
Azerbaijan to UNESCO. Speaking at the event, Rafiyev noted the high
level of relations between Azerbaijan and SIDS and emphasized that,
on the instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan attaches
particular importance to small island developing states and
continues to provide support in international development
assistance. As a new direction of cooperation, Azerbaijan is ready
to provide political and technical support for the inclusion of the
cultural heritage of SIDS countries in UNESCO.


Permanent representatives of SIDS countries to UNESCO
participating in the event highlighted the importance of the
decisions adopted at COP29 under Azerbaijan’s presidency for
climate-vulnerable countries and expressed appreciation for
Azerbaijan’s support. They also underlined the risks posed by
climate change to the cultural heritage of SIDS and welcomed
Azerbaijan’s initiative, expressing support for it.


An agreement was reached on the preparation and implementation
of a joint program by Azerbaijan, UNESCO, and the SIDS group,
comprising 39 states, aimed at addressing the identified
challenges.


Moreover, Rafiyev also met with the leadership of the Turkish
COP31 presidency, where discussions focused on preparations for
COP31 to be held in Antalya.