Speaker of Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova has had a meeting with First Deputy Chairman of  the Federal National Council of  the United Arab Emirates Tariq Altayer who is in our country for the 14^th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

Speaker Sahiba Gafarova remarked that the Asian Parliamentary Assembly was a useful platform to broaden dialogue and co-operation amongst its Member States, and mentioned the fruitful discussions going on at the Plenary Session in progress in our capital city.

Having highlighted  the elevated level of relations between Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates then, the Chair of the Milli Majlis brought up the substantial role that the reciprocal visits and meetings of the Heads of State play in the dynamic advancement of our linkage. The close co-operation between our countries in the political, economic, humanitarian and other areas, and the existence of fine opportunities to deepen those connexions further were mentioned as well.

The hands-on interaction of our countries in international organisations was touched upon, too. Azerbaijan and the UAE support each other in the UN, the Non-Aligned Movement and the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation.

It was emphasised as the conversation continued what important roles our parliaments had in the bilateral relationship. The collaboration of the legislative bodies of Azerbaijan and the UAE was commended in this context. Then, it was said that our legislatures co-operated bilaterally as well as in international parliamentary organisations. The contributions to addressing certain active interaction issues in such organisations as the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement, established at the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan, and the APA and the OIC PA were mentioned duly. It was also noted that the friendship groups operating in the parliaments of both countries serve as a bridge in the development of relations. The interlocutors then exchanged views on further deepening our ties and on co-operation between parliamentary committees.

Expressing his congratulations to the Azerbaijani side on the victory of President Ilham Aliyev in the extraordinary presidential election held in Azerbaijan on 7 February, the First Deputy Chairman of the Federal National Council said that his country intended to further expand the co-operation with Azerbaijan in many fields.

The guest also congratulated on the upcoming COP29 in Azerbaijan this year, saying that holding such an event to be hosted by our country was a manifestation of the international community's trust in Azerbaijan. He reminded that his country had hosted this important event last year and therefore had vast organisational experience in this field, being ready to provide the friendly and brotherly Azerbaijan with all possible support.

Then, there was an exchange of opinions about other matters of common interest at the meeting.

The Press and Public Relations Department
The Milli Majlis