Azerbaijan, Ukraine discuss enhancing parliamentary ties amid regional developments

Ruslan Stefanchuk, Chairperson of the Parliament of Ukraine, held a phone conversation with Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, reaffirming the two countries’ commitment to inter-parliamentary dialogue and regional cooperation.

“I held a phone conversation with the Speaker of Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova. I deeply appreciate the words of solidarity and support expressed by my colleague during our discussion,” Stefanchuk wrote on X, highlighting the friendly and constructive nature of the discussion.

The two leaders exchanged views on key international developments, including recent efforts to promote peace in the South Caucasus.

Stefanchuk noted: “We exchanged views on key international developments, particularly the signing of the Joint Declaration between Azerbaijan, the United States, and Armenia in Washington. This is a significant step towards lasting peace in the South Caucasus. Ukraine supports initiatives grounded in the principles of the UN Charter, international law, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of states.”

Addressing issues of regional security and Ukraine’s sovereignty, Stefanchuk emphasised the country’s stance on international decision-making: “I stressed that any decisions about Ukraine made without Ukraine’s participation are decisions taken against peace. It is unacceptable to discuss the future of a European state without Europe and Ukraine itself. Our position remains clear: Russia must stop the killings and agree to a ceasefire.”

The Chairperson also conveyed Ukraine’s support for Azerbaijan in light of recent hostile actions: “I also expressed Ukraine’s solidarity with Azerbaijan in light of the repressions against Azerbaijanis in Russia and the attacks on SOCAR facilities in Ukraine. These acts are part of a broader chain of aggression that we firmly condemn.”

Looking ahead to further bilateral cooperation, Stefanchuk extended an invitation to Speaker Gafarova: “I invited Ms. Gafarova to undertake an official visit to Ukraine and take part in the Fourth Parliamentary Summit of the Crimea Platform, scheduled for November 23–24 in Stockholm. I also appreciate the invitation to visit Baku to enhance the inter-parliamentary dialogue between our capitals.”

Concluding the discussion, Stefanchuk reaffirmed the commitment of both countries to continued collaboration: “Ukraine and Azerbaijan will continue to develop political dialogue and cooperation at the inter-parliamentary level.”

By Aghakazim Guliyev