Azerbaijan Secures Hosting Rights for COP29 Climate Conference

Bulgaria has withdrawn its bid to host COP29, the global climate summit, clearing the way for Azerbaijan to become the likely host. Armenia also backed Baku's bid, breaking a political deadlock. Azerbaijan, heavily dependent on oil and gas sales, is now the only remaining candidate. The country's bid still requires formal approval, but it is expected to receive backing from Russia. The decision has disappointed some who hoped for a greener host. The conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh, which forced many to flee their homes, will likely loom over COP29 if Azerbaijan is confirmed as the host.