Azerbaijan, Lithuania pledge closer economic, cultural cooperation PHOTO

Azerbaijan’s Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova, welcomed Lithuanian Prime Minister Inga Ruginienė during her official visit to Baku, as the sides discussed ways to deepen bilateral relations. The meeting highlighted opportunities for enhanced cooperation across economic, humanitarian, defence, and security sectors, while emphasizing the role of parliamentary dialogue and high-level visits in strengthening the longstanding ties between the two nations.

The sides exchanged views on the current state of and future prospects for Azerbaijan–Lithuania relations. The Prime Minister’s visit was described as a clear demonstration of both countries’ intention to further expand longstanding friendly ties and cooperation, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

Speaker Gafarova highlighted the historically established connections between Azerbaijan and Lithuania, noting that the strong relations between the peoples of both nations provide a firm foundation for advancing bilateral cooperation. She emphasized the importance of high-level visits and political dialogue in strengthening collaboration.

“The agreements signed between our countries form a robust legal framework for cooperation,” Gafarova said, stressing the need to further develop the treaty and legal base. She also underscored the potential for expanding economic and trade relations, pointing to additional opportunities for growth in these areas.

On humanitarian cooperation, Gafarova highlighted the significance of cultural and educational exchanges in deepening people-to-people ties. The discussion also addressed interparliamentary cooperation, with both sides noting that mutual visits and the work of parliamentary friendship groups contribute to dialogue between legislative bodies and the strengthening of cooperation among relevant committees.

Prime Minister Ruginienė expressed her gratitude for the warm reception and reaffirmed Lithuania’s commitment to enhancing bilateral ties. She highlighted broad opportunities for collaboration in economic, humanitarian, defence, and security spheres.

As a member of the Azerbaijan friendship group in the Lithuanian Parliament, Ruginienė stressed the legislature’s role in fostering bilateral relations, emphasizing the importance of expanding working group activities and encouraging continued reciprocal visits.

The meeting concluded with a tour of the Milli Majlis plenary hall and the Victory Corner in the parliament foyer, followed by a commemorative photo session.

By Vafa Guliyeva