Parliament speakers gather in Azerbaijan to address trade, security, climate crisis

Parliament speakers from Iran, Pakistan, Oman, Tajikistan, Indonesia and Uzbekistan have gathered in Azerbaijan’s capital Baku to discuss the issues related to peace, stability, security and other spheres.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf said that Iran is proposing to strengthen preferential trade cooperation among member states of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

Ghalibaf made these remarks during the 15th plenary session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly in Baku, Caliber.Az reports via local media.

He emphasised that Asia is the cradle of many human civilizations and a continent rich in rare resources. "As members of this great family, each of us is deeply committed to peace, equality, and justice," he added.

Ghalibaf also highlighted that regional conflicts, pandemics, colonialism, and the illegal drug trade transcend national borders and have negative consequences for the entire world. Therefore, the world needs a new era of multilateralism, and Tehran advocates for economic synergy and trade diversification.  

During the same event, Pakistan's Senate Chairman Syed Yousaf Raza Gilani said that Pakistan advocates for removing barriers among the countries and fostering economic ties. 

He emphasised that cooperation in such areas as security, combating cybercrime, and education could play a key role in maintaining regional harmony.

"The Asian Parliamentary Assembly has created an excellent platform. To foster dialogue among Asian countries and bridge differences, several sectors must be developed. Peace, inclusivity, and progress are our core principles," he added.  

While expressing his point of view at the same event, Chairman of the Shura Council of the Sultanate of Oman Khalid Hilal Nasser Al Maawali said that Oman, upon joining the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, will advocate for peace, stability, and security. 

In his speech, Al Maawali also emphasised the importance of respecting the rights of the Palestinian people and implementing the relevant UN resolutions. 

"We must adopt a unified position regarding the rights of the Palestinian people. The Palestinian people are an integral part of Asia," he added.    

Speaker of the Chamber of Representatives of the Majlisi Oli of Tajikistan Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda also expressed his opinion during the same event saying that Tajikistan is calling on Asian countries to actively participate in the International Conference on Glaciers' Preservation 2025, which will take place in Dushanbe this May. 

Zokirzoda emphasised that the consequences of the climate crisis, particularly global warming, are having a severe negative impact on the environment, including that in Tajikistan.

"Glaciers continue melting in Tajikistan. Our glaciers provide 60 per cent of Central Asia's water resources. Therefore, large-scale efforts are required to protect these glaciers. We are looking forward to the active participation of Asian countries in the upcoming forum in Dushanbe," he said.  

While expressing her point of view at the same event, Speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia Puan Maharani said that the next 25 years will be a decisive period for realizing the "Asian Century". 

She noted that multipolarity offers more attractive opportunities for all countries.

"Today, we live in a period of great uncertainty. We are facing a challenging period that is causing significant disillusionment with the international relations system. An example of this can be seen in the rivalry of great powers, wars, and natural disasters. Multipolarity should provide more appealing opportunities for all nations. However, it can also lead to instability," she said. 

Maharani emphasised that parliamentary diplomacy must contribute to establishing a just world.

"We must work towards ending the wars in Ukraine and other parts of the world and focus on providing humanitarian aid to the people in Gaza," she added.  

While expressing his point of view at the same event, Turkish MP Abdulkadir Emin Önen said that the peace between Azerbaijan and Armenia will make a significant contribution to strengthening regional cooperation. 

He noted that the liberation of Azerbaijan's territories from occupation which lasted nearly 30 years is a major achievement. This is a significant event not only for Azerbaijan but for the entire region.

In turn, Deputy Speaker of Thailand’s Parliament Paradorn Prissananantakul noted at the same event that Thailand congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful start of its chairmanship in the Conference on Interaction and Confidence Building Measures in Asia (CICA). 

He also expressed satisfaction with Azerbaijan's active role in international organisations. The parliamentarian emphasised that Thailand aims to become a global healthcare hub and is proud of its achievements in this sphere.

"We have vast opportunities in the field of healthcare and medicine, and we are proud to contribute at the global level," he said.

In turn, Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbaeva noted at the same event that Uzbekistan will host the 150th anniversary Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Tashkent, on Uzbekistan's initiative, on April 5-9. 

She highlighted the significance of the 29th session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29), which took place in Baku in November 2024. "This event drew the world's attention to a 'green' future," she added.

By Naila Huseynova