“Hosting COP31 in fraternal Türkiye is, above all, a source of pride for our country, and it creates an opportunity to once again draw the international community’s attention to the region’s climate challenges, following Azerbaijan’s lead. Türkiye is also implementing numerous global climate initiatives. In particular, the Zero Waste initiative launched by Türkiye’s First Lady Emine Erdoğan has gained international recognition, and its wider promotion at COP31 is important for both Türkiye and Azerbaijan. COP31 will serve as a key milestone for Azerbaijan’s more active engagement in climate diplomacy, and negotiations will be held with Türkiye to coordinate the agenda,” Azerbaijan’s Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and COP29 Lead Negotiator Yalchin Rafiyev told AZERTAC.

Rafiyev noted that Azerbaijan has gained significant experience through its participation in COP29 and emphasized that the country is fully ready to share its positive experience with its fraternal nation, given that Türkiye will host COP31 for the first time.

“Azerbaijan has expressed its readiness at both ministerial and team levels. Türkiye is expected to formally invite the Azerbaijani delegation to share its COP29 experience in the near future. Following this visit, areas of joint cooperation will be more clearly defined,” he said.

The full interview will be published on the AZERTAC website shortly.