Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid and Kurdistan Region President Nechirvan Barzani are attending the COP29 Climate Conference in Baku, Azerbaijan, to strengthen ties and address global climate issues. Hosted by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, the leaders discussed strategies for tackling climate change and enhancing cooperation in energy, environment, tourism, and sustainable development. Their participation underscores Iraq and the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to advancing climate solutions and fostering international collaboration.
Strengthening Bilateral Ties and Economic Cooperation
On Monday, Iraqi President Abdul Latif Jamal Rashid held discussions with Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, emphasizing the importance of deepening cooperation between Iraq and Azerbaijan across multiple sectors. During the COP29 venue in Baku, the leaders discussed expanding collaborations in key areas such as the economy, industry, tourism, investment, energy, and environmental initiatives. President Rashid underscored the potential benefits for both nations from strengthened bilateral relations, particularly in sectors where both countries have mutual interests and goals.
The leaders highlighted the need to address climate-related challenges jointly, acknowledging the importance of active international and regional partnerships in tackling the current environmental crises and enhancing global security. In response, President Aliyev expressed gratitude for Iraq’s commitment and emphasized Azerbaijan’s dedication to fostering closer relations with Iraq.
Kurdistan’s Participation and Global Climate Goals
The Kurdish delegation, led by President Nechirvan Barzani, arrived in Azerbaijan at the invitation of President Aliyev to participate in the COP29 conference. According to Dilshad Shahab, the Official Spokesperson for the Kurdistan Region Presidency, Barzani will join other world leaders at the conference’s opening ceremony on Tuesday. The conference agenda includes addressing pressing environmental challenges, with discussions on clean energy financing, emissions reduction, and improving community resilience to climate impacts.
Barzani’s involvement in COP29 underscores the Kurdistan Region’s commitment to global climate action, and its leaders plan to present updated climate action strategies. These plans aim to meet Paris Agreement targets, limiting global temperature increases to 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. The commitment aligns with broader sustainable development goals, reflecting the importance placed by the Kurdistan Region on adapting to climate changes and promoting long-term environmental resilience.
Azerbaijan’s Role and COP29’s Global Impact
This year’s COP29, held in Baku, marks Azerbaijan’s prominent role in facilitating global climate dialogue. Known for its international event-hosting capabilities, Azerbaijan selected the Baku Stadium as the conference venue, welcoming representatives from across the globe. The United Nations Conference on Climate Change, held annually, rotates among different regions to ensure diverse global representation in climate policy discussions.
Key objectives for COP29 include fostering international partnerships in renewable energy investment and reducing reliance on fossil fuels. Additionally, attendees will have the opportunity to present and evaluate national climate plans, which are anticipated to contribute significantly to sustainable development goals. By taking part in COP29, Iraq and the Kurdistan Region join a global movement focused on actionable climate solutions and intergovernmental cooperation, reflecting a shared commitment to a sustainable future.
The participation of Iraq and the Kurdistan Region in COP29 highlights a unified approach to climate action, economic collaboration, and environmental sustainability. Through discussions at the conference, leaders from Iraq, Kurdistan, and Azerbaijan are poised to develop lasting partnerships and share strategies to address the pressing challenges posed by climate change.
