By Akbar Novruz

The Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Sudan, H.E. Mr. Mustafa Abdel Haleem, expressed deep gratitude to the government of Azerbaijan and President Ilham Aliyev for the successful organization of COP29.

During a statement, he commended Azerbaijan for its excellent management of the conference, emphasizing the critical role the country is playing in addressing global climate change challenges.

"Despite being notified late about its role as host, Azerbaijan delivered an impeccably organized COP29," Mr. Haleem said. He highlighted the nation’s instrumental contribution to global negotiations, particularly in climate finance—a key challenge for many parties—and in advancing the implementation of Article 6 of the Paris Agreement. "Azerbaijan is bridging gaps between parties and fostering a shared understanding of the importance of climate finance," he noted.

M.A.Haleem also praised Azerbaijan's role in organizing major international conferences, citing its history of hosting significant events like the Non-Aligned Movement summits and numerous regional and international gatherings.

"As a long-time friend of Azerbaijan, we are immensely proud of this achievement," he added, emphasizing the success of COP29. The Chargé d'Affaires spoke on behalf of the Sudanese government, thanking President Aliyev for his leadership. He mentioned several productive meetings with Azerbaijani officials, including a key conversation between Sudan’s president and President Aliyev on the sidelines of COP29.

In response to Azernews' questions about potential cooperation between Sudan and Azerbaijan on climate change and green funding, the Chargé d'Affaires acknowledged that while formal partnerships are not yet in place, Sudan strongly supports Azerbaijan’s initiatives, particularly those related to climate finance and adaptation to climate change impacts.

"Sudan, like many other countries, is highly vulnerable to climate change, especially due to its reliance on agriculture," said Haleem.

"The changing patterns of rainfall and the fluctuating Nile river levels directly affect our agricultural output and water resources."

He also pointed out that Sudan faces additional challenges from conflicts, which exacerbate the impacts of climate change, such as displacement and environmental degradation. He praised Azerbaijan's leadership at COP29, noting that the country successfully brought attention to the environmental impacts of conflict, particularly regarding landmines.

"We fully support Azerbaijan’s efforts to highlight the connection between conflict and climate change," M.A. Haleem said, emphasizing Sudan's alignment with Azerbaijan's initiatives. Existing Bilateral Cooperation While there are currently no formal climate change partnerships between Sudan and Azerbaijan, he emphasized the robust and longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries.

"Sudan and Azerbaijan enjoy strong political coordination, and we support each other in various international organizations, including the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), and UNAM," he explained.

"We also have cultural ties, with Sudanese students studying at Azerbaijani universities, further strengthening our historical and diplomatic relations."

He concluded by reaffirming Sudan’s commitment to continue fostering cooperation with Azerbaijan across various sectors, including climate action, and reiterated the shared understanding of the importance of addressing climate change on a global scale.