Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev addressed the opening of COP29 on November 12, offering a defense of his country’s strategic energy partnerships and rejecting accusations of political manipulation and misinformation surrounding Azerbaijan’s hosting of the summit.
Aliyev revealed that the idea to sign a “Strategic Partnership” agreement with the European Union did not originate from Baku but was proposed by Brussels. The agreement, signed two years ago between Azerbaijan and the European Commission, marked a significant shift in the region’s geopolitical landscape, with Azerbaijan positioned as a key energy supplier. “This was not our idea. It was a proposal from the European Commission,” Aliyev stated. He explained that European leaders, led by the President of the European Commission, came to Baku seeking Azerbaijan’s support for energy security, particularly the supply of natural gas. Aliyev noted that as a result of the agreement, the number of European countries purchasing Azerbaijani gas has increased from two to eight, and plans are in place to double the gas supply by 2027.
However, Aliyev also aimed at the international criticism directed at Azerbaijan in the wake of its selection to host COP29, calling it a “smear campaign” fueled by “self-proclaimed independent NGOs” and certain Western politicians. He accused these groups of spreading misinformation and engaging in political hypocrisy, describing a “method of operation” in which double standards were applied to Azerbaijan. Despite these challenges, Aliyev pointed out the success of the summit, emphasizing that 72,000 registered participants from 196 countries, including 80 heads of state, had gathered in Baku. “We are saying to the world, ‘Welcome to Azerbaijan!’” he declared.
The president also responded to criticisms about Azerbaijan being labeled an “oil country.” While acknowledging Azerbaijan’s vast natural resources, Aliyev framed these resources as a blessing, not a burden, noting that oil, gas, and other natural resources are global commodities and that countries should not be criticized for capitalizing on them. “This is a gift from God,” he said, reiterating that the country had worked hard to leverage its resources responsibly.
Meanwhile, on November 8, the European Union (EU) issued a statement marking the “Day to End Impunity for Crimes Against Journalists,” highlighting the importance of media freedom and journalist safety for security and democracy. The EU expressed deep concern over the ongoing threats, harassment, arrests, and violence faced by journalists, particularly in conflict zones.
The statement specifically condemned the rising number of politically motivated arrests of independent journalists in Azerbaijan, citing cases involving media outlets like “AbzasMedia,” “Toplum TV,” and others. It called on Azerbaijan to ensure due process and release those detained for exercising their rights. The EU also linked the issue to the COP29 summit in Baku, urging Azerbaijan to demonstrate its commitment to free media.
The EU further called for investigations into the death of Ukrainian journalist Viktoria Roshchyna while imprisoned in Russia and condemned the persecution of journalists in Russian-occupied territories, including Crimea. The statement also criticized journalist arrests in Belarus and Kyrgyzstan. The COP29 summit, which began on November 11, will continue until November 22.
