New york: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev met with United Nations Secretary-General Ant³nio Guterres at the UN headquarters on September 25. The meeting underscored the ongoing collaboration and mutual initiatives between Azerbaijan and the United Nations.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, President Ilham Aliyev began his visit by signing the UN book of distinguished guests before posing for photographs with Secretary-General Guterres. The Secretary-General congratulated President Aliyev on advancing the peace agenda between Armenia and Azerbaijan, emphasizing the historic results achieved. He recalled his visit to Azerbaijan as the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, noting the past challenges faced by refugees and internally displaced persons, and expressed satisfaction with the progress made in resolving these issues.
Guterres praised Azerbaijan for hosting COP29 and its achievements in promoting the global climate agenda, highlighting the successful organization of the event. He also expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan’s support of UN activities in other regions and the potential for further collaboration in addressing international crises.
The Secretary-General acknowledged Azerbaijan’s active participation in multilateral diplomacy, particularly its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, and valued its role as a donor country supporting various UN institutions. He also recognized Azerbaijan’s initiatives in fostering regional cooperation and establishing transport links with Central Asia.
President Aliyev conveyed his gratitude for the Secretary-General’s congratulations, emphasizing the historic importance of the peace efforts between Azerbaijan and Armenia. He noted the significant shift in relations and the regional situation, marking the end of conflict and the beginning of peace. President Aliyev highlighted the large-scale restoration projects in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, with over 53,000 former IDPs returning to their homes under the ‘Great Return’ Program.
The President further reiterated Azerbaijan’s commitment to contributing to regional and international peace agendas, citing its assistance to over 80 countries during the COVID-19 pandemic. He also mentioned the upcoming UN World Urban Forum in Azerbaijan in 2026, which will showcase Azerbaijan’s expertise in urban planning, particularly in post-conflict scenarios, to the global community.