BAKU, Azerbaijan, June 24. Azerbaijani
Parliament Speaker Sahiba Gafarova and Speaker of Iran’s Islamic
Consultative Assembly Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf have discussed
bilateral relations and prospects for expanding parliamentary
cooperation during a meeting held in Baku.
The meeting took place on the sidelines of the 20th session of
the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of
Islamic Cooperation (OIC PU), the Azerbaijani parliament’s Press
and Public Relations Department said.
Gafarova welcomed Ghalibaf and recalled their previous meetings
with satisfaction. She highlighted the important role of the OIC
Parliamentary Union, noting that the conference provides an
opportunity to discuss both multilateral and bilateral
cooperation.
The Azerbaijani parliament speaker expressed confidence that
Ghalibaf’s visit would contribute to further developing ties
between the two countries’ legislatures.
The sides expressed satisfaction with the current state of
Azerbaijan-Iran relations and voiced confidence that bilateral ties
would continue to develop in line with the friendly and neighborly
relations between the two countries.
They noted that several joint projects are currently being
implemented, while new areas of cooperation are being explored,
which could further strengthen bilateral ties.
The meeting also included discussions on recent developments in
the region. Gafarova expressed hope that ongoing dialogue would
help reduce tensions and contribute to lasting peace and
stability.
She also noted Azerbaijan’s humanitarian support for Iran during
recent events, saying that, on the instructions of President Ilham
Aliyev, Azerbaijan was the first country to send humanitarian
assistance to Iran. Gafarova added that Aliyev visited the Iranian
Embassy in Azerbaijan to sign a condolence book and was the only
foreign head of state to visit Iran’s embassy abroad for this
purpose.
The sides emphasized the distinctive role of parliamentary
cooperation in relations between the two countries and expressed
interest in further expanding contacts between their legislative
bodies.
During the talks, they also highlighted phone conversations
between Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and Iranian President
Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as other contacts at various levels.
Ghalibaf praised President Aliyev’s visit to the Iranian Embassy
in Baku to offer condolences following the deaths of Iran’s Supreme
Leader Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and civilians, as well as his
signing of the condolence book. He thanked Azerbaijan’s president,
government and people for the support and humanitarian assistance
provided during the period of conflict, saying these actions were
highly valued by the Iranian people.
The Iranian parliament speaker said his visit to Azerbaijan and
participation in the conference also represented an expression of
gratitude for the support provided.
Ghalibaf noted that Azerbaijan-Iran relations had seen
significant development over the past year, particularly
highlighting regular contacts between the two countries’
presidents.
He also praised the successful organization of the 20th OIC PU
Conference and wished Gafarova success in Azerbaijan’s upcoming
chairmanship of the organization. He emphasized the importance of
relations among Muslim countries in the region.
Ghalibaf expressed satisfaction with the current level of
cooperation between the two parliaments, saying that further
expansion of legislative ties would contribute to stronger
bilateral relations.
The sides also exchanged views on other issues of mutual
interest.
