On July 29, Jeyhun Bayramov, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, met with Saja Farooq Abdullah, Representative of the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) in Azerbaijan, as she concludes her diplomatic mission in the country.

The meeting focused on the ongoing cooperation between Azerbaijan and UN specialized agencies, including UNICEF, as well as joint projects and initiatives implemented both in Azerbaijan and internationally.

Minister Bayramov thanked Saja Farooq Abdullah for her contributions to advancing Azerbaijan–UNICEF cooperation and wished her success in her future endeavors.

The sides highlighted Azerbaijan’s active engagement within the United Nations system, particularly noting its exemplary cooperation with the UN during preparations for the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change. They also expressed hope for continued collaboration during the 13th Session of the World Urban Forum (WUF13), to be hosted by Azerbaijan next year.

The importance of joint initiatives aimed at improving children’s lives, health, and education in Azerbaijan was emphasized, along with Azerbaijan’s donor-supported projects with UNICEF, including the construction of a secondary school in Palestine.

Minister Bayramov also briefed the UNICEF representative on the large-scale restoration and reconstruction underway in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories, including the implementation of “smart city” and “smart village” concepts and efforts to ensure the dignified return of displaced citizens to their native lands.

Saja Farooq Abdullah noted that child well-being indicators in Azerbaijan had improved during her tenure, emphasizing fruitful collaboration with relevant national institutions. She expressed her gratitude for the support extended to her during her mission and voiced hope for further strengthening of Azerbaijan–UNICEF relations.

The meeting also covered other matters of mutual interest.