Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received Dmytro Shlapachenko, the newly appointed United Nations Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, as reported by APA.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, during the meeting, Dmytro Shlapachenko presented his credentials to President Aliyev. The discussions touched upon the strong relationship between Azerbaijan and the United Nations. President Aliyev highlighted Azerbaijan’s role in hosting significant UN events, such as COP29 and the World Urban Forum. Additionally, he mentioned the upcoming Forum on Intercultural Dialogue, which will be collaboratively organized with the UN Alliance of Civilizations.
Dmytro Shlapachenko acknowledged Azerbaijan’s standing as a ‘middle power’ state and its involvement in prestigious UN events. He emphasized the ongoing 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku and the upcoming UN Climate Week in Azerbaijan. Shlapachenko appreciated Azerbaijan’s support for UN activities and expressed readiness to assist in Azerbaijan’s development programs, particularly in the reconstruction of Garabagh and East Zangezur.
The conversation also addressed the mine issue in Azerbaijan. Shlapachenko assured the UN’s willingness to offer support and expertise in demining activities, acknowledging the challenges posed by mines to restoration and construction efforts. President Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan’s ongoing demining operations despite such obstacles.
Shlapachenko announced his plans to visit Garabagh soon, where a significant event is scheduled at Garabagh University for United Nations Day. The meeting further discussed environmental concerns, including the condition of transboundary rivers in the South Caucasus and the declining water levels of the Caspian Sea.