Concept of the Chairmanship of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM

(1 January – 31 December 2024)

 

On January 1, 2024, the Republic of Azerbaijan assumed the Chairmanship of the Organization for Democracy and Economic Development – GUAM until December 31, 2024.

Chairmanship of Azerbaijan will be conducted based on common interests, challenges, and perspectives in the GUAM region and will spare no efforts to enhance cooperation and achieve progress in priority areas.

Building upon the cooperation framework already existing and functioning within the GUAM, the Chairmanship will also promote mutual activities and cooperation in the fields of demining, post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction.

Chairmanship of Azerbaijan will further continue to coordinate joint efforts of the GUAM Member States within international platforms, particularly UN, OSCE, Council of Europe and other international organizations, with the purpose to increase visibility of the Organization, as well as to promote partnerships in the project-oriented deeds covering economic and humanitarian spheres. Along with the visibility, Chairmanship will also focus on increasing the viability of the GUAM.

Chairmanship of Azerbaijan will strive to contribute to the implementation of the objectives of the Organization by inter alia, focusing on the following areas of cooperation:

  • exchange of experience and sharing knowledge in the fields of demining and post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction
  • strengthening cooperation in the area of transport connectivity and taking concrete steps for the implementation of the GUAM Transport Corridor project, including enhanced collaboration with external partners;
  • encouraging activities in the field of digitalization, with special focus on digitalization of transport corridors, border crossing and digital trade;
  • fostering cooperation in the fields of energy security and sustainable, just and climate resilient energy transition, including, decarburization, renewables, transitional fuels, energy efficiency and clean energy investments issues;
  • enhanced cooperation and dialogue among GUAM Member States on climate action, including issues related to mitigation, adaptation, and means of implementation and convening GUAM event on the sidelines of the 29th UNFCCC Conference of the Parties (COP29) to be held in Baku in 2024.
  • promoting cooperation among Diplomatic Academies of the GUAM Member States;
  • enhancing collaboration among consular departments of GUAM Member States, focusing on the implementation of the GUAM Consular Convention;
  • strengthening cooperation in the field of combating crime and organization of the meeting of the relevant Working Group;
  • promoting free trade issues in the region, including implementation of the Protocol on the Rules of Origin to the Agreement on the Establishment of Free Trade area of GUAM;
  • Increasing interaction within GUAM Parliamentary Assembly and enhancing cooperation between GUAM PA and other international inter-parliamentary organizations.
  • intensifying existing cooperation with GUAM Partners and development of new collaborations with possible partners in GUAM+ formats.

In 2024 Chairmanship of Azerbaijan will also organize meetings of the Council of National Coordinators (CNC) and the Council of Foreign Ministers (CMFA).

The above-mentioned areas of cooperation are indicative. Chairmanship of Azerbaijan will spare no efforts to foster cooperation and dialogue in other areas of mutual interest for sustainable and resilient development and shared prosperity in the region.