Azerbaijani parliamentary speaker holds talks with Malaysian officials PHOTO

As part of her official working visit to Malaysia, Azerbaijani Parliament speaker Sahiba Gafarova held a series of high-level meetings with Malaysian officials, focusing on strengthening bilateral and parliamentary ties.

Gafarova met with the Mayor of Kuala Lumpur and former Executive Director of the UN Human Settlements Programme (UN-HABITAT) Maimunah Mohd Sharif. The two leaders praised the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Malaysia and discussed prospects for cooperation between Baku and Kuala Lumpur, Caliber.Az reports via local media. 

During the meeting, speaker Gafarova highlighted the importance of such contacts in deepening ties between the two countries and their parliaments. Mayor Sharif recalled her visits to Azerbaijan, including meetings with President Ilham Aliyev, and praised the country’s progress, particularly in Baku.

She also noted her participation in national urban forums in Aghdam and Zangilan during her tenure at UN-HABITAT, commending the rapid implementation of infrastructure projects in Aghdam, Zangilan, and Fuzuli districts.

In addition, Gafarova met with the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Malaysia, Tan Sri Dato’ Johari Bin Abdul. The Malaysian parliamentary leader expressed appreciation for Azerbaijan’s participation in the 46th ASEAN General Assembly and highlighted ongoing cooperation between the two parliaments within international organisations and the Non-Aligned Movement parliamentary network.

During the discussions, Gafarova briefed her counterpart on developments in the South Caucasus, including the extensive reconstruction work in Karabakh and East Zangezur. 

She also shared perspectives on the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process in the context of the recent working visit of the Azerbaijani president to Washington.

Both meetings concluded with the exchange of views on mutual interests and future avenues for cooperation, reaffirming the commitment of Azerbaijan and Malaysia to strengthen bilateral and parliamentary relations.

By Sabina Mammadli