Azerbaijan and WHO mull joint healthcare projects

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov met with WHO Regional Director for Europe Hans Kluge, who is visiting Azerbaijan for COP29, Report informs, citing the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry.

The parties discussed cooperation in healthcare, COVID-19 pandemic response, joint post-conflict projects, and Azerbaijan's chairmanship of COP29.

They emphasized the importance of Azerbaijan's initiatives during the pandemic to strengthen international efforts in fighting coronavirus and supporting developing countries, especially regarding vaccine access. In this context, they particularly noted the adoption of the resolution "Ensuring equitable, affordable, timely and universal access to COVID-19 vaccines" initiated by Azerbaijan as chair of the Non-Aligned Movement.

The importance of continuing cooperation within international organizations in medicine and healthcare was noted, with special emphasis on interaction and experience exchange between medical universities.

The parties also discussed the significance of joint projects implemented by Azerbaijan and WHO.

Jeyhun Bayramov provided detailed information about the country's chairmanship of COP29, ongoing negotiations, and achievements. Important decisions were highlighted, such as agenda approval, agreement on articles 6.4 and 6.8 of the Paris Agreement, increase in annual climate financing commitments by financial institutions from $75 billion to $170 billion, and full operational readiness of the Loss and Damage Fund.

Considering the connection between climate change and health, it was noted that Azerbaijan is ready to cooperate with WHO in this regard within its COP chairmanship.

During the meeting, views were also exchanged on other bilateral and regional matters of mutual interest.