Azerbaijan shows that it's ready to be a leader in the region, as the county’s hosting of COP29 is a very good initiative in the current global situation, Mikhaylo Podolyak, advisor to the head of the Ukrainian Presidential Office, said in an interview with Report.
According to Podolyak, Azerbaijan has the potential to play a global role:
"I always appreciate initiative-taking countries that demonstrate their regional leadership. Azerbaijan shows that it's ready to be a leader in the region. This looks completely effective and real. Just as Türkiye often shows its readiness to be a regional leader in the Black Sea, Azerbaijan is doing the same."
Podolyak believes this has very good prospects:
"Particularly, in my opinion, Azerbaijan has the opportunity to take very important roles in energy traffic and energy transit, and accordingly play a more global role today. Of course, this should be applauded."
The Ukrainian official also emphasized his confidence in the development of relations between the two countries:
"I have absolutely no doubt that bilateral relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan, as well as between Ukraine and Türkiye, will develop in an extremely positive direction. Why is this beneficial? This can help Ukraine build its relations with the region most precisely in terms of energy, regional influence, etc. Therefore, Azerbaijan's hosting of COP29 is a very good initiative in the current global situation. I think Ukraine's representation will be at the highest possible level. Because it is extremely important for us to participate in such projects," he added.