Azerbaijan receives Armenia's support for hosting the COP29 climate conference
Armenia's decision not to block Azerbaijan's candidacy to host the COP29 United Nations climate conference next year reflects a cautious step towards normalization amid the ongoing conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. This decision, while not an outright endorsement, can be seen as part of recent moves towards dialogue and peace efforts between the two countries.
The proposal for Azerbaijan to host COP29 was agreed upon by both countries on December 7, 2023. This decision comes after a series of mutual goodwill gestures aimed at promoting reconciliation between Armenia and Azerbaijan. The neighbors view this as a historic opportunity to achieve peace in the region.
Although Azerbaijan is set to host COP29 in late 2024, Armenia chose not to formally obstruct this, even while the international community criticized Azerbaijan for using the platform to "greenwash" its image despite ethnic cleansing allegations and ongoing disputes involving the Armenian population in Nagorno-Karabakh. Armenia’s choice to not block Azerbaijan’s hosting bid likely signals a pragmatic acceptance of Azerbaijan’s emerging diplomatic role in the region and a recognition of the importance of engaging in broader international frameworks, despite the fraught legacy of conflict.
This move came against a backdrop of recent peace initiatives, such as the Armenia-Azerbaijan leadership meeting in August 2025 facilitated by the U.S., which aimed at normalizing relations and stabilizing the region under Russian-brokered ceasefire terms from 2020. By not blocking Azerbaijan’s bid for COP29, Armenia might be signaling willingness to participate in multilateral engagements that could facilitate dialogue beyond the direct conflict, even as criticism of Azerbaijan’s human rights record continues internationally.
It is important to note that the conflict between Armenia and Azerbaijan over Nagorno-Karabakh has been ongoing for more than three decades. Nagorno-Karabakh had gained independence from Azerbaijan's control in a bloody ethnic conflict that occurred during the 1991 collapse of the Soviet Union. Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan had previously verbally recognized Nagorno-Karabakh as part of Azerbaijan, in line with international practice.
In a joint statement, both administrations mentioned the release of 32 captured Armenian service members by Azerbaijan and the freeing of two Azerbaijani soldiers by Armenia. Both countries have expressed their intention to normalize relations and reach a peace treaty. Discussions will continue on implementing more confidence-building measures.
The COP28 forum is currently underway in Dubai, while the future of the COP29 conference in Azerbaijan remains uncertain due to ongoing international criticism and the complexities of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. However, Armenia's decision not to block Azerbaijan's bid for COP29 is significant as it illustrates a nuanced diplomatic posture that balances the pursuit of peace and regional cooperation with the ongoing challenges of conflict, displacement, and geopolitical competition in Nagorno-Karabakh.
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