Azerbaijani Parliament Speaker, Cuban counterpart discuss multifaceted cooperation PHOTO

Speaker of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (Parliament) Sahiba Gafarova met with President of the National Assembly of People's Power of Cuba Juan Esteban Lazo Hernandez within the framework of her working visit to the Republic of Cuba.

Welcoming the Head of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Mr. Hernandez thanked her for participation in the G77+China summit held in his country, Reports informs, citing the Public Relations and Press Department of Milli Majlis.

Mentioning the friendly ties between Azerbaijan and Cuba, he emphasized that the hospitality shown to Cuban Vice President Salvador Antonio Valdes Mesa in Azerbaijan this year was a clear example of this. It was noted that the number of official visits from Cuba to Azerbaijan has increased in recent years, and this year the countries mark the 31 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Despite the geographical distance between them, Azerbaijan and Cuba are united by traditional ties of friendship and have good political ties. Hernandez highlighted his country's appreciation of Azerbaijan's support in international organizations.

Emphasizing the centenary of Heydar Aliyev celebrated in Azerbaijan this year, Juan Hernandez recalled the friendly ties between the Great Leader and former Cuban leader Fidel Castro. Cuban students who studied in Azerbaijan in 1970-80s were mentioned, which in itself speaks of friendship between the nations. The opening of Azerbaijan's embassy in Cuba was received with satisfaction by the Cuban side as a fact contributing to the progress of relations, according to the official.

"The Cuban government is interested in developing relations with Azerbaijan, especially since there is great potential here, including good opportunities for cooperation in health care, agriculture and other areas. The Cuban parliament will spare no effort to support this interaction, and steps will be taken to develop inter-parliamentary relations in this regard. Visits between parliamentary friendship groups and expansion of ties - in general, and between the committees of the two parliaments - are possible," he said.

Expressing gratitude for the hospitality, Milli Majlis Speaker Sahiba Gafarova emphasized the importance of the summit held in Cuba, adding that the G77 is an important platform for promoting multilateral cooperation and mutual support among the member states of the group. The Speaker of the Milli Majlis expressed confidence that her visit to Havana will serve to further strengthen friendship between the countries and their peoples.

According to Gafarova, Azerbaijan and Cuba have always supported each other in international organizations in general and in the UN and Non-Aligned Movement in particular. For example, Cuba has always voted in favour of the initiatives put forward by Azerbaijan in the role of NAM chairmanship. Referring also to Azerbaijan-Cuba cooperation within the NAM Parliamentary Network, Gafarova mentioned the participation of the Vice President of the National Assembly of Cuba in the first conference of the Parliamentary Network held in Baku last year.

"Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel visited Azerbaijan in 2019, while Vice President Salvador Antonio Valdes Mesa visited Azerbaijan in March this year. Visits of such a high level contribute to the development of bilateral relations," Safarova emphasized. She also recalled her meeting with the Cuban Vice President.

Noting that parliaments play an important role in the progress of bilateral interstate relations, Sahiba Gafarova added that the increasing contacts between friendship groups, counter visits and regular dialogue serve as a bridge between the legislative assemblies.

Hernandez was informed about the current situation in the South Caucasus region, Azerbaijan's peace initiatives and Armenia's military-political provocations. The Head of the Cuban Parliament noted the awareness of the Cuban side about the situation in the region and emphasized the importance of restoring peace and stability in the region.

It was noted that cooperation in the spheres of culture, science and education is also important in strengthening ties between the two nations and promoting contacts. The Speaker of Milli Majlis reminded that in 2010 Days of Azerbaijani Culture were held in Cuba, the other side can continue this positive trend, and various joint cultural events can be organized.

Gafarova added that Azerbaijan, in accordance with the presidential decree signed in July this year, aims to provide student scholarships to students from CIS, Non-Aligned Movement and Developing Small Island States within the framework of the Heydar Aliyev Grant Program for International Education. Cuban students can also participate in this program.

Other issues of mutual interest were also discussed at the meeting.