Azerbaijani speaker, Iranian FM discuss strengthening inter-parliamentary links

On December 8, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, Sahiba Gafarova, held a meeting with a delegation led by Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Seyed Abbas Araghchi.

During the meeting, both sides emphasised that the visits of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian to Azerbaijan this year, along with other reciprocal high-level visits and meetings, are crucial for the advancement of bilateral relations, Caliber.Az reports, citing Azerbaijani Parliament.

They also noted that the signed agreements reflect the breadth of the intergovernmental cooperation agenda.

The discussion highlighted that strengthening ties and expanding cooperation across political, economic, trade, transport, cultural, and humanitarian spheres contribute significantly to deepening bilateral relations.

The speakers also noted the important role of the Inter-State Commission for Economic, Trade, and Humanitarian Cooperation between Azerbaijan and Iran, as well as ongoing joint projects.

An exchange of views focused on the importance of cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies, recognising it as a key factor in enhancing bilateral relations. Speaker Gafarova recalled her visit to Iran, stating that the meetings held during that visit had positively contributed to parliamentary relations.

Both sides also underscored active collaboration within bilateral frameworks and through influential international parliamentary organisations, including the Inter-Parliamentary Union, the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, the Parliamentary Union of OIC Member States, and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Economic Cooperation Organisation. Gafarova stressed the need to continue joint efforts to expand these ties and enhance the role of parliamentary working groups.

Minister Araghchi noted Iran’s strong commitment to developing relations with Azerbaijan, highlighting the close political dialogue between the two countries. Reflecting on his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev, he described it as conducted in a sincere and constructive spirit, praising the high level of political and economic relations and emphasising the importance of strengthening ties between both peoples and parliaments.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on the current state and future prospects of inter-parliamentary cooperation.

By Aghakazim Guliyev