Azerbaijan, IPU explore enhanced cooperation, regional stability

During a working visit to Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (Parliament), Sahiba Gafarova, met with Martin Chungong, the Secretary General of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) to discuss prospects for bilateral cooperation.

The meeting focused on enhancing cooperation between Azerbaijan's parliament and the IPU, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Both sides discussed the significant role of the IPU as an effective platform for international parliamentary cooperation. Gafarova highlighted Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening ties with the IPU, noting that the Milli Majlis actively engages with international parliamentary bodies on both bilateral and multilateral levels. She emphasized the importance of expanding relations with the IPU, particularly given the successful organization of several joint events, which provide opportunities to deepen cooperation.

The meeting also addressed Azerbaijan’s active and high-level representation within the organization. Both Gafarova and Chungong praised the participation of Milli Majlis members in the governing bodies of the IPU, underscoring the positive impact of Azerbaijan’s involvement in the organization.

A significant portion of the discussions focused on the current regional situation and the ongoing process of normalizing relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Gafarova emphasized that the negotiation process regarding the peace agreement had been successfully completed, and stressed that Armenia must amend its constitution to exclude provisions reflecting territorial claims towards Azerbaijan. She further stated that, following Azerbaijan’s successful liberation of its territories, the Minsk Group should be dissolved. Gafarova reiterated that for Armenia to sign a peace treaty, it must accept two key conditions set by Azerbaijan, which are entirely legitimate.

The meeting also explored the cooperation between the IPU and the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM). Martin Chungong commended the activities of the Parliamentary Network and highlighted the importance of strengthening ties between the two organizations.

The discussions concluded with a shared recognition of the crucial role of parliamentary diplomacy in international relations. Both sides acknowledged its potential to address various global issues and agreed to continue working together on matters of mutual interest.

By Vafa Guliyeva