Azerbaijani speaker outlines country's stance at South Africa conference PHOTO

31 July 2026 19:57

Speaker of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis (Parliament) Sahiba Gafarova has presented Azerbaijan's position on strengthening parliamentary diplomacy and international cooperation during a conference of parliamentary leaders in South Africa.

The Public Relations and Press Department of the Parliament said Gafarova participated in the Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments in Midrand as part of her visit to South Africa, with the event organised by the Pan-African Parliament, Caliber.Az reports.

It noted that the conference brought together speakers of national and regional parliaments from African countries, as well as heads and representatives of international parliamentary organisations.

Addressing the conference, Gafarova said that at a time when confidence in international institutions is facing growing pressure, parliaments cannot remain on the sidelines of global decision-making processes.

She made it clear that parliaments represent the will of their citizens, convey national realities to the international community, and help translate political commitments into legislation and practical action.

Gafarova also highlighted the role of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement, which brings together the parliaments of more than 70 countries, including the legislatures of most African states. She stressed that the network has evolved into a respected international platform for parliamentary cooperation, making an important contribution to strengthening interparliamentary ties.

The speaker also called for closer cooperation between the Inter-Parliamentary Union and regional parliamentary organisations, stressing the need for broader African representation in international institutions and parliamentary diplomacy.

Concluding her remarks, Gafarova expressed solidarity with the Pan-African Parliament and the parliaments of African countries, emphasising the importance of strengthening Africa's role in the international system.