Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova has met with the visiting delegation led by the Chairman of the Chinese People’s Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries Yang Wanming.

It was said at the meeting that the relations between Azerbaijan and the People’s Republic of China stood out for their intensive development dynamics and had attained a very high level. Especially, our relations have been progressing demonstrably energetically of late.

The Speaker of the Milli Majlis said that the relations between Azerbaijan and China were a strategic partnership by nature, mentioning then our countries’ fruitful co-operation in many areas. The two states support each other over topics of special import to them without fail. Azerbaijan has always supported the ‘whole China’ policy as well as China’s territorial integrity and sovereignty unconditionally. Speaker Sahiba Gafarova lauded China’s support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our country as well. Our states’ mutual backing in international organisations was mentioned, too.

It was also said at the meeting that the high-level political dialogue of the two Heads of State, based on mutual trust, is a solid pledge of development of bilateral ties in all spheres. It was noted that the first official visit of national leader Heydar Aliyev to China in 1994 laid the foundation for our relations. President Ilham Aliyev's visits to China and his meetings with President of the People's Republic of China Xi Jinping gave great impetus to the growth of relations.

The essential role of parliaments in deepening relations between the two countries was also brought up duly. It was emphasised that these ties have become closer in recent years. Reciprocal visits contribute to the further development of relations. In addition, the friendship groups in our parliaments serve as a bridge between us. There are opportunities to expand inter-parliamentary ties both in the bilateral format and within the framework of international organisations.

Chairman of the Chinese People’s Association Yang Wanming said that the relations between our countries have covered a path of healthy, stable development under the leadership of the heads of state. According to him, the personal friendship existing between our Presidents are favourable for the relationship. Referring to the currently high-level links between the two countries, Yang Wanming emphasised that his country attaches great importance to ties with Azerbaijan and shows great respect for Azerbaijan's development path. China's support for our country's territorial integrity and sovereignty, and appreciation of Azerbaijan's position on the ‘One China’ policy were also emphasised.

As he was talking about the momentousness of the inter-parliamentary connexions, the guest said that the Chinese People’s Association was contributing to the progress of the links with the parliaments of other countries. The Association undertakes various arrangements to that end. Yang Wanming said he, an MP, is a member of the friendship groups. He stressed the immense importance he attaches to that work and indicated the intention to strike up closer co-operation with the Azerbaijani Parliament. According to Mr Wanming, a continued expansion of the inter-parliamentary co-operation will contribute across the board to the progress of the strategic partnership founded by the Heads of State.

It was further said that a deepened humanitarian and cultural co-operation would bring about a continued progress of the ties between our nations, and that there are sound opportunities of co-operation in the areas of science, culture and youth policy. Besides, the linkage between the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Chinese People’s Association was referred to as the main driving force behind the cultural and humanitarian exchange. The projects they carry into life jointly help bring our peoples closer and strengthen our ties.

Saying that the Association he is heading co-operates with more than 500 institutions in 150 countries, Yang Wanming stressed that the Heydar Aliyev Foundation was the Association’s closest partner in this region.

According to Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova, not only does the Heydar Aliyev Foundation led by First Vice President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mehriban Aliyeva undertake projects of utmost importance in our country but it also carries out significant operations in many other countries.

There was then an exchange of views upon other matters of shared interest.

The Press and Public Relations Department
The Milli Majlis