Azerbaijan stressed the importance of strengthening its strategic partnership with Saudi Arabia, especially in trade, economy, and renewable energy, to boost regional and international cooperation.
Azerbaijani Deputy Foreign Minister Yalchin Rafiyev said both countries are exploring new opportunities for cooperation, particularly in renewable energy and climate.
Rafiyev highlighted the annual consultations between Riyadh and Baku as an important way to strengthen bilateral ties.
Speaking to Asharq Al-Awsat on the sidelines of the COP 16 climate conference in Riyadh, Rafiyev said he discussed joint projects with Saudi officials.
Rafiyev also pointed to the success of renewable energy cooperation, with Saudi firm ACWA Power leading a 240-megawatt offshore wind farm project in Azerbaijan.
At the conference, ACWA Power signed an agreement with UAE’s Masdar and Azerbaijan’s SOCAR Green to develop 3.5 gigawatts of offshore wind in the Caspian Sea, the first such project in Azerbaijan.
He added that Azerbaijan is becoming a key regional hub, linking the Gulf to Central Asia, and plays an active role in international climate finance, having led the Non-Aligned Movement for over four years.
Azerbaijan is working to expand its partnerships with Saudi Arabia, capitalizing on its strategic location and growing role in the global economy, said Rafiyev.
At the COP 16 climate conference in Riyadh, Rafiyev highlighted the importance of the recent COP29 conference in Baku, which helped strengthen ties between the two countries.
“The conference succeeded with Saudi support, leading to a new vision for cooperation that is currently being explored,” he said.
Rafiyev emphasized Azerbaijan’s role as a gateway for Gulf countries to Central Asia, playing a key part in linking these regions.
He also pointed to Azerbaijan’s contribution to international climate negotiations, securing a $300 billion financial target from developed nations to support developing countries.
Reflecting on Azerbaijan’s global influence, Rafiyev noted the country’s leadership of the Non-Aligned Movement for over four years.
“During our leadership, we showed our ability to play a significant global role,” he said.
He also spoke about Azerbaijan’s efforts during the COVID-19 pandemic, where the country helped unite developed and developing nations.
“We turned pandemic challenges into opportunities for cooperation, gaining unanimous support for a resolution at the UN,” Rafiyev added.
