President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the newly appointed United Nations (UN) Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan, Dmitri Shlapachenko, on September 2.

Operativ Media reports that Dmitri Shlapachenko presented his credentials to the head of state.

Touching upon relations between Azerbaijan and the UN, President Ilham Aliyev highlighted that large-scale UN events such as COP29 and the World Urban Forum are held in Azerbaijan, adding that the Forum on Intercultural Dialogue will also be organized this year in partnership with the UN Alliance of Civilizations.

Emphasizing that Azerbaijan is an important partner of the UN and hosts prestigious events of the organization as a "middle power" state, Dmitri Shlapachenko recalled the organization of COP and the World Urban Forum in Baku in this regard. Noting that the 4th International Conference on Mine Action under the theme "Humanitarian Mine Action for Urban Reconstruction: Setting Standards of Excellence for Safe Settlements" is being held in Baku today, he also mentioned that a UN Climate Week event will take place in the country.

Dmitri Shlapachenko highly appreciated Azerbaijan's support for the activities of relevant UN bodies.

He stated that the UN is ready to support Azerbaijan's ongoing development program with its expertise, pointing out the importance of the large-scale post-conflict work being carried out in Karabakh and East Zangezur in this regard.

Highlighting the landmine problem, Dmitri Shlapachenko said the UN is ready to support Azerbaijan and share its experience in this matter.

The head of state spoke about the large-scale restoration and reconstruction work carried out in the liberated territories and noted the scale of the landmine problem facing the country. President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that despite this hindering the restoration and reconstruction efforts, Azerbaijan continues its consistent activities in the field of mine clearance.

Dmitri Shlapachenko stated that he would soon visit Karabakh, noting that a major event is planned to be held at Karabakh University in connection with UN Day.

The meeting also discussed environmental issues, such as improving the ecological environment of transboundary rivers in the South Caucasus region and conducting monitoring in this area, as well as the declining water levels of the Caspian Sea.