BAKU, Azerbaijan, May 6. Azerbaijan is one of
the first countries to consistently support Tajikistan’s
initiatives, Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Ambassador of the
Republic of Tajikistan to Azerbaijan Ilkhom Abdurahmon, told
Trend on the
sidelines of the briefing dedicated to the preparation for the 4th
High-Level International Conference in Dushanbe within the
framework of the International Decade for Action "Water for
Sustainable Development" (2018–2028).


According to the ambassador, bilateral relations between
Tajikistan and Azerbaijan in the domains of water resources and
climate policy have consistently evolved along a positive
trajectory.


“All initiatives advanced by Tajikistan have consistently
received Azerbaijan’s support. In turn, Tajikistan also endorses
Azerbaijan’s climate initiatives. Over the past decade, Tajikistan
has introduced multiple water-related initiatives within the United
Nations framework, all of which have been adopted by consensus. We
place particular emphasis on mutual support, reflecting the high
level of trust between our presidents,” he noted.


The ambassador further underscored that both countries actively
promote and support each other’s initiatives concerning ecology,
water resources, and climate policy on international platforms,
including the United Nations.


He also expressed gratitude to Azerbaijan for endorsing Tajik
initiatives and for its proactive engagement in the briefing held
at the Center for Analysis of International Relations, which
included representatives from relevant ministries and agencies.
According to Abdurahmon, Azerbaijan will be represented at a high
level at the upcoming Dushanbe conference, with ministerial
participation and a sizable delegation.


Ilkhom Abdurahmon highlighted that Azerbaijan traditionally
engages actively in international events hosted by Tajikistan,
while the Tajik side similarly participates at a high level in
climate forums in Azerbaijan, including COP29, attended by
President Emomali Rahmon.


The ambassador concluded by emphasizing that water-related
issues now represent a critical global challenge.


"A shortage of water resources is observed in many regions of
the world, including African countries. The melting of glaciers,
including in Tajikistan, poses a serious threat, leading to climate
change and natural disasters. The international community,
including Western countries and regional states, is paying
increased attention to this issue," he said.


He recalled that an international conference dedicated to the
issue of glacier melting was held in Tajikistan last year, also
attended by the Azerbaijani side.


In conclusion, the ambassador expressed confidence that the
level of bilateral relations will continue to strengthen.