Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova met with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran, on the sidelines of the 20th Session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States held in Baku.
Fondly recalling her previous meetings with Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis noted the important role of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States and stated that this conference provides a good opportunity to discuss both multilateral and bilateral relations. Sahiba Gafarova expressed confidence that the visit of the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran would contribute to the development of interparliamentary ties.
During the conversation, the sides hailed the current level of relations between Azerbaijan and Iran. Speaker Sahiba Gafarova expressed confidence that relations would continue to develop in line with the ties between the two friendly and neighboring countries. They noted that various projects are currently being implemented between the two countries and that new avenues for cooperation are being explored, adding that all of this would give impetus to the further development of bilateral collaboration.
Recent developments in the region were also discussed during the meeting. Sahiba Gafarova expressed hope that the ongoing talks would help reduce tensions in the region and ensure lasting peace and stability. At the same time, it was highlighted that, on the instruction of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan was the first country to send humanitarian aid to Iran during the recent events. The Speaker of the Milli Majlis noted that President Ilham Aliyev visited the Iranian Embassy and signed the book of condolences, and that he was the only head of state to visit an Iranian embassy abroad.
During the meeting, the sides noted that interparliamentary relations play a distinct role in the ties between the two countries and expressed interest in further expanding cooperation in this sphere.
The conversation also touched upon the telephone conversations between President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and President of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as other contacts at various levels. Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf highly appreciated President Ilham Aliyev’s visit to the Embassy of Iran in Baku to express condolences over the death of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, and numerous civilians, as well as his signing of the book of condolences. He expressed gratitude for this gesture. The Iranian Speaker also thanked the Azerbaijani government and people for the steps taken and humanitarian assistance provided during the war, emphasizing that these were highly valued by the Iranian people.
The Speaker of the Iranian Parliament noted that his visit to Azerbaijan and participation in the event were also an expression of this gratitude. He thanked the President, the government, and the people of Azerbaijan for the support and assistance provided.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf highlighted that relations between Azerbaijan and Iran had developed significantly over the past year, particularly through the regular contacts between the presidents of the two countries.
The Iranian Speaker also commended the successful organization of the 20th Session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States and wished Sahiba Gafarova success in her activities as Chair of the OIC Parliamentary Union for the next term. He noted the importance of relations among Muslim countries in the region.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed satisfaction with the current level of relations between the legislative bodies and stated that the further expansion of ties would have an important impact on the development of interparliamentary cooperation.
The meeting also featured an exchange of views on other issues of mutual interest.
