Aliyev criticises Western nations' stance on fossil fuels at COP29 opening speech

Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev opened the COP29 climate summit with a scathing critique of Western nations, accusing them of buying Azeri gas while at the same time criticising the country’s fossil fuel-dependent economy.

Delivering the first of two days of scheduled speeches by world leaders, Aliyev lashed out at Western media, climate activists, and critics of Azerbaijan's oil and gas industry, calling them 'hypocritical" since the United States is the world's biggest oil producer.

“It is not fair to call Azerbaijan a ‘petrostate,’” Aliyev said, pointing out that the country accounts for less than 1% of global oil and gas production.

“Oil and gas are a gift from God, just like the sun, wind, and minerals".

"Every natural resource, whether its oil, gas, wind, sun, gold, silver, copper, all that are natural resources. Countries should not be blamed for having them, and should not be blamed for bringing these resources to the market," Aliyev said.

"As president of COP29, of course we will be a strong advocate for a green transition and we are doing it. But at the same time, we must be realistic," he continued.

The Azeri president’s speech sparked mixed reactions among COP29 attendees.

Kingbadantee Sabir, Communications Lead at Global Shapers Dhaka Hub, acknowledged the president’s point but highlighted the need for balance.

"The fact that he has pointed out the hypocrisy is something we should appreciate. It is true. But at the same time, we cannot deny that fossil fuels are harmful. So what do we do in return? We really have to make sure that the green energy transformation also gathers traction," Sabir told Euronews.

Asad Rehman, from the NGO War on Want, agreed with some of Aliyev’s points but emphasised the importance of action from major polluters.

"The only way progress can be made is if it’s done fairly," Rehman said. "He’s right that the signals for change must come from the largest polluters".

"Countries that have been polluting for over a century — like the United States, the European Union, and the UK — have a crucial role to play. What they do matters, as it sends a powerful signal to the rest of the world," he added.

Aliyev’s speech set the tone for the leaders gathering ahead of the tough negotiations on the details of the final agreement.