Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met with Achim Steiner, the Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme, who is on a visit to the country to attend the 11th Global Baku Forum.

The meeting focused on the agenda of cooperation within the UN Development Programme, current prospects, issues arising from the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, as well as the regional situation in the post-conflict period.

FM Bayramov hailed the positive outcomes of the longstanding collaboration between Azerbaijan and the UN Development Programme, stressing the importance of sustaining this partnership.

He also reiterated Azerbaijan’s preparations for COP29, noting the substantive negotiations conducted with various parties to ensure the successful implementation of the COP29 Presidency, alongside necessary organizational measures.

Highlighting Azerbaijan’s large-scale restoration and reconstruction efforts and peace initiatives during the post-conflict period, Jeyhun Bayramov underscored the threat posed by Armenia’s widespread mining of Azerbaijani territories and its refusal to disclose information about mined areas, which endangers the lives and health of Azerbaijani citizens, including those engaged in ongoing restoration works. He emphasized the necessity of mobilizing international efforts in demining.

Achim Steiner praised Azerbaijan's remarkable achievements, stating that the UN Development Programme prioritizes addressing the mine threat, including discussions on initiatives to address the issue.

“As the President of COP29, Azerbaijan's position and approach are commendable. Recognized as a country rich in hydrocarbon resources, Azerbaijan's leadership in this process is admirable, and we wish Azerbaijan a successful chairmanship,” Achim Steiner said.

They also discussed other issues of mutual interest.