Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Parliament, met with Patricia Scotland, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, to discuss cooperation between Azerbaijan and the Commonwealth, Azerbaijan’s hosting of COP29, and the global initiatives introduced by the country as part of its COP29 Presidency.

Recalling fondly her previous meetings with Patricia Scotland, Speaker Gafarova noted that the Secretary-General’s initial visit to Azerbaijan this May paved the way for institutional cooperation between Azerbaijan and Commonwealth countries. She emphasized that this collaboration includes practical support, such as political and financial assistance for Small Island Developing States through the Commonwealth.

Climate change was emphasized as a major area of cooperation, particularly due to the vulnerability of Small Island States to severe climate impacts and existential threats. Both parties highlighted the recent Leaders’ Summit of the Small Island Developing States, held as part of COP29 and focused on climate issues. President Ilham Aliyev delivered a significant address at the Summit, discussing the climate challenges facing these states and detailing Azerbaijan’s practical support efforts. The Summit aims to amplify the voices of these vulnerable nations on the global stage.

Speaker Gafarova also informed Secretary-General Scotland about the upcoming Parliamentary Meeting organized by the Milli Majlis in partnership with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, scheduled for November 16–17 on the sidelines of COP29. She noted that approximately 300 delegates from various national parliaments and international organizations are expected to attend.

Patricia Scotland congratulated Azerbaijan on assuming the COP29 Presidency and expressed her best wishes for its success. She also praised Azerbaijan’s support for Small Island States.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on matters of shared interest.