Azerbaijani speaker rallies support for parliamentary multilateralism in Uzbekistan

Azerbaijani Milli Majlis (Parliament) Speaker Sahiba Gafarova is continuing her official visit to Uzbekistan, where she took part in debates at the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) on April 7. 

The session focused on “Parliamentary Action for Social Development and Justice,” according to the public relations and press department of Milli Majlis, Caliber.Az reports.

The president of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, addressed the Assembly, highlighting the importance of the session’s theme and the role of legislative bodies in promoting social development.

He also underscored the contribution of inter-parliamentary cooperation and global parliamentary organisations in tackling international challenges.

As part of her visit, Gafarova also spoke at the meeting of the Coordinating Council of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly and chaired the fourth conference of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement.

In addition, she held a series of bilateral meetings with counterparts from other national legislatures.

To recap, the 150th Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU), currently underway in Tashkent, has brought together hundreds of parliamentarians from across the globe to address pressing international issues. The five-day gathering, which began on April 5, is being hosted by Uzbekistan and runs through April 9.

All statutory IPU bodies are convening during the Assembly, including the Governing Council, the Standing Committees, and the Committees on the Human Rights of Parliamentarians and on Middle East Questions. The Forums of Women Parliamentarians and Young MPs are also holding sessions, contributing to the inclusive and diverse nature of the event.

The General Debate has so far provided a key platform for delegates to exchange views and coordinate parliamentary responses to social development challenges and calls for justice. High-level interventions have underscored the role of legislatures in bridging inequalities, promoting inclusive governance, and enhancing public trust.

Resolutions are being discussed on two critical subject items:

• The role of parliaments in advancing a two-state solution in Palestine (Standing Committee on Peace and International Security)

• Parliamentary strategies to mitigate the long-lasting impact of conflicts, including armed conflicts, on sustainable development (Standing Committee on Sustainable Development)

An emergency item is also on the agenda, with delegates currently negotiating its final wording. The Assembly is expected to culminate in the adoption of an outcome document reflecting the deliberations on the General Debate’s theme.

By Aghakazim Guliyev