By bne IntelliNews French Ecology Minister Agnes Pannier-Runacher has pulled out of the COP29 climate summit in Baku, Azerbaijan, following remarks by Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev accusing France of “colonialist crimes” in its Pacific territory of New Caledonia.

Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev defended his country's oil and gas industry at the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC COP 29), criticising Western nations for their stance on fossil fuels, reported Reuters.

The UN Climate Change Conference host, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, has accused Western "fake news media" and environmental organizations of a slander campaign against his country, in his address to fellow leaders.

The UN Climate Change Conference host, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, on Tuesday launched into a defence of his country's fossil fuel resources, as the UN warned that time was running out to curb climate change.

Oil and gas are 'gift from God', Azerbaijan president tells Cop29 climate summit - ‘Countries should not be blamed for bringing these resources to the market, because the market needs them’ - Ilham Al

Latest: Key leaders skip Cop29 as they navigate net-zero backlash UAE President Sheikh Mohamed will attend the Cop29 Climate Summit as part of a working visit to Azerbaijan. Sheikh Mohamed was welcomed by Azerbaijan's Defence Minister Vugar Mustafayev on arrival at Heydar Aliyev International Airport on Monday.