The Azerbaijan State News Agency

OFFICIAL NEWS

President Ilham Aliyev participated in High Level Segment of 15th Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin VIDEO

Berlin, April 26 April, AZERTAC

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev attended the High Level Segment of the 15th Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin, Germany.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was welcomed by Olaf Scholz, Germany’s Federal Chancellor, and Annalena Baerbock, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

Then, the event participants posed for a family photo.

The host: Now we will hear the speech of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, His Excellency Ilham Aliyev.

Speech by President Ilham Aliyev

- Dear Mr. Chancellor.

Dear Madame Minister.

Ladies and gentlemen.

First of all, I’d like to express my gratitude to Mr. Chancellor for inviting me to attend the Petersberg Dialogue. It’s a big honor for me to be with you today. As the host of COP29, Azerbaijan is in an active phase of preparation for this global event. We have less than one year for preparation. So, we are doing all our best in order to deliver good results.

Being elected by unanimous decision as the host country for COP29 is really a big honor for us. We consider it as a sign of respect from the international community to Azerbaijan and what we're doing, in particular, in the area of green energy. Definitely, it's a huge responsibility because we not only need to organize a good event but also deliver good results. I think that Azerbaijan's international connections and active involvement in different international organizations will allow us to build bridges or strengthen bridges, and solidarity between the countries of different continents.

I mean that we have held the chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement for several years - for four years - a movement that unites 120 countries. We were elected by unanimous decision, and our chairmanship was extended by unanimous decision for one year. During our chairmanship, we established very fruitful relations with many members of the Movement. Our chairmanship coincided with COVID-19. So, we acted in a very responsible way and provided humanitarian, financial, and technical assistance to more than 80 countries. So, this international platform, I hope, will allow us to engage countries of the Global South in the common agenda. At the same time, relations with many European countries are also developing successfully. With nine EU members, Azerbaijan signed or adopted agreements and declarations on Strategic Partnership. So, saying that, I hope that these international connections will allow us to strengthen solidarity. That's mainly what we need. We need finance. We need solidarity, and we need shared responsibility.

As a country rich in fossil fuels, Azerbaijan is a member of the OPEC+ platform. I think that this is also an additional advantage. Because we think that a country rich in natural resources, particularly oil and gas, should be at the forefront of those addressing the issues of climate change. So, these different layers, I think, will create a good spirit of solidarity and will allow us to reach our goals. As we were elected as the host country of COP, the main focus of some media outlets was on our energy portfolio and energy background. I have always said that having oil and gas deposits is not our fault. It's a gift from God. We must not be judged by that. We must be judged based on how we use these reserves for the development of the country, to reduce poverty and unemployment, and on what our targets are with respect to the green agenda.

Our oil and gas will be needed for many more years, including in European markets. In 2022, the EU and Azerbaijan signed the Memorandum of Understanding on Strategic Partnership in the field of energy, and our natural gas supplies to the European Union are growing. This was the request of the European Commission. We responded positively to that. Currently, half of our natural gas exports, specifically 12 billion cubic meters, are going to the European Union market. Based on the mentioned Memorandum, our exports to the EU should reach 20 billion cubic meters by 2027. We all understand that this is a sign of responsibility of Azerbaijan in this geopolitical situation. Because we are largely investing in increasing our gas production. Because Europe needs more gas from new sources. At the same time, our green agenda started to materialize prior to being awarded COP29.

We have already started huge projects for green transition with our foreign partners and investors. This year in Azerbaijan was declared the “Green World Solidarity Year”. Only this year, the groundbreaking ceremony for power stations will be held, allowing us to produce 1300 megawatts of solar and wind energy. By the end of 2027, we hope and actually assured - because contracts have been signed – that we will have 2000 megawatts of green solar and energy operational. There will be nine power stations, and by 2030, an additional 10 solar and wind power stations will produce 5000 megawatts (five gigawatts) of electricity. Using this potential, we will largely substitute our gas consumption for electricity production. As for the volumes, I think that at least an additional five billion cubic meters of gas will be exported to Europe. So, it's actually a win-win situation. We have created a very good investment climate. All these green energy projects I mentioned are financed by foreign investors.

Azerbaijan just provides its infrastructure and a very friendly investment climate. We will save a lot of natural gas, which Europe needs. At the same time, we are currently in the final stage of a feasibility study to build integrated transmission lines from Caspian offshore wind farms to Europe, including a subsea cable under the Black Sea. This will allow Azerbaijani green energy, a volume of four gigawatts, to be exported to Europe. Our proven reserves of offshore wind energy are 157 gigawatts. So, this is an illustration of the potential. For many years, wind has caused certain discomfort for Baku inhabitants, but now wind energy will generate a lot of activity, cooperation, partnership, and will strengthen energy security. So, my final point is that energy security should definitely be treated as a matter of national security of the countries. There should be no discrimination. As the head of a country rich in fossil fuels, of course, we will defend the right of these countries to continue investments and production because the world needs it. But at the same time, countries with fossil fuels, as I have already mentioned, should be among those demonstrating solidarity with respect to issues related to climate change.

Once again, Mr. Chancellor, Madame Minister, thank you for the invitation. It's a big honor and pleasure to be among you. I wish you successful discussions. Thank you.

x x x

Addressing the event, Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany, said:

- Dear President Aliyev. I am pleased to welcome you, the organizer of the next Climate Conference, as our guest.

Dear Ms. Annalena Baerbock, dear ministers.

Ladies and gentlemen, I am very pleased to welcome you all to Berlin.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz emphasized the importance of the High-Level Segment of the 15th Petersberg Climate Dialogue held in Berlin in addressing the challenges related to climate change. He highlighted the importance of combining efforts from all countries in transitioning to green energy. The Chancellor noted that 78 states had already established concrete cooperation in this area.

Olaf Scholz stated that following COP28 held in Dubai, consistent measures in this area were further reinforced. He said: “We are proud of the success of the international Climate Conference held in Dubai. At the same time, we aim to connect the achievements of today's conference with those in Baku this November and Belen next year. Our goal is to contribute to this through the Petersberg Climate Dialogue.”

The German Chancellor expressed confidence that substantial progress would be achieved in the world in the area of climate change by 2030. He said continuous work would be done before COP29 to be held in Azerbaijan to solve the tasks ahead.

“The United Arab Emirates, Azerbaijan, and Brazil, acting as a Troika, have set a goal to jointly present nationally determined contributions towards COP29 and COP30. The long-term format is commendable, and I welcome it. The federal government will support this with all whatever it can. Ladies and gentlemen, Germany is already moving in this direction,” he said.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz said that according to preliminary calculations, approximately 2.4 trillion dollars would be needed for the proper implementation of climate change measures. He emphasized the need to further strengthen joint efforts to successfully cope with the transition to green technologies and address numerous other tasks.

“At the conference to be held in Baku, climate financing will remain a primary topic of negotiations beyond 2025. We no longer use the technology of the future as a harness, as we did 15 years ago. We have already succeeded in making it possible to finance and distribute technologies at the global level and at reasonable prices,” he noted.

Share news on social media

Follow us on social network

VIDEO

President Ilham Aliyev participated in High Level Segment of 15th Petersberg Climate Dialogue in Berlin VIDEO

Chancellor Scholz slams US vice president for German election interference

Opening ceremony officially kicks off Baku Grand Slam

Azerbaijan, Guinea explore collaboration opportunities in various sectors

Earthquake strikes Russia's Altai region

To His Excellency Mr. Aleksandar Vučić, President of the Republic of Serbia

Turkish foreign minister discusses Syria, Gaza, Ukraine with US counterpart in Munich

Amazon accused by Italy of evading €1.2bn in VAT payments

SOCAR and Asian Development Bank discuss potential cooperation opportunities

Azerbaijani oil price falls below $77

Six killed, 10 injured as van collides with trawler in Pakistan

Pakistan approves collaborative venture between PSO and SOCAR Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani, Serbian FMs discuss strategic partnership in Munich

Azerbaijani FM meets with Secretary General of Council of Europe

Azerbaijani, Israeli FMs discuss regional matters

Trial of Armenians accused of crimes against peace and humanity, war and other grave crimes continues VİDEO

Azerbaijan, Kuwait hold political consultations

Azerbaijan, ADB explore cooperation

Azerbaijan Air Force military unit marks establishment anniversary

Azerbaijan makes successful start at Baku Grand Slam 2025

Azerbaijan’s Central Election Commission announces general voting results of municipal elections

Munich Security Conference kicks off as Ukraine, Middle East top agenda

President Ilham Aliyev congratulates Syria’s transitional President

Azerbaijani athletes ready for action in Balkan Athletics Indoor Championships

To His Excellency Mr. Ahmad al-Sharaa, President of the Syrian Arab Republic for transitional period

Study finds that people who entrust tasks to AI are losing critical thinking skills

Press Release of the Secretariat of the State Commission on the Delimitation of the State Border between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia

Cyclone Zelia makes landfall in Western Australia

Bayern Munich's Jamal Musiala signs new contract until 2030

Japanese gov't to release 210,000 tons of rice reserves

President Ilham Aliyev signs order on conscription

Mirza Gadim Iravani’s 200th anniversary to be celebrated- ORDER

® Azerbaijan Business Case Competition, held with Birbank’s sponsorship, has officially started

Kazakhstan and EU discuss cooperation plans at key EU institutions

Rachel Reeves comes under fire for retail banking career expenses and CV changes

Azerbaijani judokas ready for action in Samorin Cadet European Cup 2025

Head of Presidential Administration introduces new Chairman of Board of “Icherisheher” State Historical-Architectural Reserve Administration to staff

Norway to open protected rivers to hydropower plants

Pope being admitted to hospital with bronchitis

Bulgaria-Romania talks held on eve of TTR tourism fair in Bucharest

Naz Reid’s 27 points help lead short-handed Timberwolves past West-leading Thunder 116-101

Mbappe will return to France squad in March, confirms Deschamps

“ASAN Khidmet” model to be applied in Columbia

® Kapital Bank recognized as the top taxpayer in the non-oil sector

6 dead in Busan hotel construction fire in South Korea

9th Xposure International Photography Festival to convene on February 20-26 in Sharjah

® akart continues promoting Azerbaijan’s cultural heritage

Climate change is coming for your chocolate, study finds

Azerbaijan’s Air Force holds the Warrant officers training course’s graduation ceremony

Fenerbahce beats Anderlecht 3-0 in UEFA Europe League play-off

Over 825,000 displaced Syrians return to their homes: UN

11 people killed, six others injured in Pakistan explosion

Loneliness and social isolation linked to increased risk of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, study finds

President of Somalia concludes his visit to Azerbaijan

Azerbaijani oil price falls below $77

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan concludes Pakistan visit

Court hearings on criminal case against Ruben Vardanyan underway VIDEO

China lauds Trump-Putin phone call, reiterates peaceful end to Ukraine war

Azerbaijani U15 table tennis players reach final of WTT Youth Contender Cappadocia 2025

Baku hosts "Tax Service – 25: Sustainable Development and Effective Transformation" Forum

Junior Azerbaijani taekwondo fighters bring home six medals from UAE

Baidu to make AI chatbot Ernie Bot free of charge from April 1

Azerbaijan National NGO Forum makes appeal to US President and Head of US Department of Government Efficiency regarding USAID

2,413 Azerbaijani nationals work for bp

People's Writer Magsud Ibrahimbeyov's 90th anniversary to be celebrated -ORDER

® Farid Huseynov: “Birbank is at the center of the Bir ecosystem, and it is the beginning of a transformative journey”

4 Nigerien soldiers injured, 27 terrorists captured during military operations in Niger

Excavation near Jerusalem finds 9,000-year-old six-fingered Neolithic shaman woman

Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Parliament and Somali President hold working lunch

2024 interim agreement sees Bulgaria supplying Greece with water from Arda River in exchange of electricity

Injuries as car plows into crowd in German city of Munich

Arab, Mediterranean states to create network to combat wildfires

ADB to provide $222mln to finance investment projects in Kyrgyzstan

At least 24 dead in Zimbabwe bus-truck collision

South Caucasus Pipeline spends $81 million in operating expenditure and $20 million in capital expenditure

Israel launches three new medical schools to address shortage of doctors

Somali President visits commando military unit in Azerbaijan

ASCO discloses volume of transferred waste for past year

Sangachal terminal exported about 225 million barrels of oil and condensate in 2024

Baku’s ADA University and partners to host 2025 ICPC World Finals

Acting NASA chief says DOGE to review space agency spending as hundreds take buyout

President of Somalia visits Sangachal terminal

High-energy cosmic neutrino detected under Mediterranean Sea

Over 10 injured in grenade explosion in France

Highest-paid athletes in the World: Ronaldo leads 12 stars at $100M+

President Ilham Aliyev received credentials of incoming ambassador of Paraguay to Azerbaijan VIDEO

Central Bank fully covers $36.2 million demand at FX auction

President Ilham Aliyev received credentials of incoming ambassador of Belarus to Azerbaijan VIDEO

BTC pipeline transported more than 4.4 billion barrels of crude oil to world markets since its commissioning

Azerbaijani taekwondo fighters claim three more medals in Türkiye

Azerbaijani President: We are building a strong state, and its citizens should take pride in paying taxes

President Ilham Aliyev received credentials of newly appointed Turkish ambassador to Azerbaijan VIDEO

President Ilham Aliyev: Karabakh and East Zangezur regions will make substantial contributions to our country’s overall economic potential

Azerbaijan’s oil exports exceeded 2 million tons in January 2025

Incoming Turkish Ambassador visits Alley of Honors and Alley of Martyrs

Azeri-Chirag-Gunashli produced 125 million barrels of oil last year, bp Azerbaijan

bp and its co-venturers spent about $1,293 million in capital expenditure on ACG activities in 2024

February 13 marks World Radio Day

Shah Deniz field produces around 28 billion standard cubic metres of gas in 2024

Arsenal’s Kai Havertz may miss rest of the season

Azerbaijan files statement of claim with Permanent Court of Arbitration against Armenia