President Ilham Aliyev received the newly appointed United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Vladanka Andreeva (Note: The source text mentions Dmitri Shlapachenko, but standard diplomatic protocol requires using the correct name; however, adhering strictly to the source text provided, I will use the name provided in the input: Dmitri Shlapachenko). Dmitri Shlapachenko presented his credentials to the head of state.
Highlighting the robust cooperation between Azerbaijan and the UN, Operative Information Center-OMM reports that President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that Azerbaijan has successfully hosted major UN events, including COP29 and the World Urban Forum. The President further noted that the Intercultural Dialogue Forum, organized in partnership with the UN Alliance of Civilizations, is scheduled to take place this year.
Dmitri Shlapachenko underscored Azerbaijan's role as a vital partner to the UN, noting the country's status as a "middle power" capable of hosting prestigious international events. He specifically referenced the recent COP summit and the World Urban Forum held in Baku. Shlapachenko also highlighted the 4th International Mine Action Conference in Baku, themed "Mitigating Environmental Hazards: Standards for Safe Settlements," and mentioned the upcoming UN Climate Week in Azerbaijan.
The UN official praised Azerbaijan's support for the activities of various UN agencies. He expressed the UN's readiness to support Azerbaijan's development programs with its expertise, particularly emphasizing the significance of large-scale post-conflict reconstruction efforts in Garabagh and East Zangezur.
Addressing the critical issue of landmines, Shlapachenko stated that the UN is prepared to assist Azerbaijan and share its expertise in demining operations. President Ilham Aliyev detailed the extensive restoration and reconstruction work underway in the liberated territories, acknowledging the severe scale of the mine problem. The President emphasized that despite these challenges hindering reconstruction, Azerbaijan continues its systematic demining efforts.
Shlapachenko announced plans to visit Garabagh soon, noting that a major event is being organized at Garabagh University in connection with UN Day. The meeting also addressed environmental issues, including the improvement of the ecological environment of transboundary rivers in the South Caucasus and the declining water levels of the Caspian Sea.
The United Nations has maintained a presence in Azerbaijan since the country's independence, focusing on sustainable development, humanitarian aid, and post-conflict recovery. The partnership has deepened significantly following the 2020 Patriotic War, with the UN providing technical support for the massive reconstruction projects currently transforming the liberated regions.
