Azerbaijan secures key resolution on demining at OSCE Assembly PHOTO

Azerbaijan achieved a key diplomatic success at the Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) in Porto, Portugal, by securing the adoption of a resolution calling for international support in its demining and reconstruction efforts.

Led by MP Gaya Mammadov, the Azerbaijani delegation actively engaged in high-level discussions from June 28 to July 3, highlighting the country's post-conflict challenges, regional peace initiatives, and leadership in global environmental diplomacy, Caliber.Az reports per local media.

The delegation included Members of Parliament Azay Guliyev, Sevinj Fataliyeva, and Tural Ganjaliyev. They were accompanied by the Permanent Representative of Azerbaijan to the OSCE, Rovshan Sadigbayli, and Ambassador to Portugal Ilgar Mukhtarov.

The Porto session of the OSCE PA addressed key issues concerning security and cooperation in Europe. The agenda included pressing topics such as the implications of artificial intelligence, human rights protection, and economic and environmental challenges. At the conclusion of the session, the Assembly adopted the Porto Declaration and elected new leadership.

The Azerbaijani delegation played an active role in both plenary and committee meetings, contributing to extensive deliberations. In their interventions, Azerbaijani MPs highlighted the country’s ongoing efforts to promote peace and regional cooperation. They also underscored Azerbaijan’s leadership in advancing international environmental initiatives, particularly referencing the historic decisions taken at COP29 under Azerbaijan’s presidency.

Delegates from Azerbaijan shared insights on broader European security matters and informed the Assembly of the extensive damage Azerbaijan endured during the conflict. They also emphasized the persistent threat posed by landmines and advocated for the rights of Azerbaijanis displaced from Armenia to return to their homes.

At the initiative of Gaya Mammadov, the Assembly adopted a resolution urging the international community to support Azerbaijan in its demining operations, as well as in the reconstruction and rehabilitation of liberated territories.

MP Azay Guliyev was re-elected Chair of the OSCE PA Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology, and Environment—affirming Azerbaijan’s active and continuing role in key areas of parliamentary diplomacy.

The Armenian delegation, meanwhile, submitted several anti-Azerbaijani amendments to the draft final document of the Assembly. However, due to the diplomatic efforts of the Azerbaijani delegation, the amendments were decisively rejected in a vote by the Assembly.

On the sidelines of the Assembly, members of the Azerbaijani delegation held bilateral meetings with newly elected OSCE PA President Pere Joan Pons, Vice-Presidents, and representatives from various member states.

By Vafa Guliyeva