An international roundtable themed ‘The Role of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy: The Azerbaijan and Türkiye Example’ was held at ADA University on 7 December.

The event began with welcoming remarks by First Vice Speaker of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ali Ahmadov and Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye (GNAT) Fuat Oktay. The speakers addressed the friendly and brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, emphasising the importance of deepening their strategic partnership. They highlighted the crucial role of public diplomacy in strengthening interstate relations, deepening mutual understanding between peoples and fostering intercultural dialogue in the modern era.

Whilst talking about the progress of friendly and brotherly relations between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, Ali Ahmadov emphasised that the restoration of Azerbaijan's independence, whilst a historical blessing for our people, also held great importance for strengthening the brotherly relations between the two countries. He said, ‘This process has opened up opportunities not only for deepening relations between the two countries, but also for increasing their influence in the system of international relations, as well as for adopting a more active position on the global stage.’

Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Fuat Oktay stated in his speech that the brotherly and strategic ties between Azerbaijan and Türkiye transcend all political issues and are viewed within the framework of national interests. These relations contribute significantly not only to the two countries but also to the entire Turkic world. Fuat Oktay emphasised the need for further development of the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, as well as continuing joint efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the region. He pointed out that another important event of this year, alongside the 106^th anniversary of the Azerbaijani Parliament, was the conduct of the first elections in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories.

‘This is an important stage in the democratic development of the country. For the first time, the will of the people was reflected in the elections in the liberated territories. This process holds particular significance in terms of strengthening Azerbaijan's statehood and the triumph of democratic values,’ he added.

The event continued under the moderation of Member of the Milli Majlis Fariz Ismayilzade who is also Deputy Chairman of the Committee on Science and Education, and Vice Rector of ADA University.

The main presentation of the panel ‘The Role of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy’ was by Deputy Speaker of the Milli Majlis Ziyafet Asgarov who emphasised the importance of the event and thoroughly analysed the key role that parliaments play in public diplomacy in the modern world. Other speakers on the panel included Deputy Speakers of the Milli Majlis Rafael Huseynov and Musa Gasimli, Chairman of the International and Inter-Parliamentary Relations Committee Samad Seyidov, Deputy Chairwoman Nigyar Arpadarai, Deputy Head of the Azerbaijan-Türkiye Parliamentary Friendship Group of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Orhan Erdem, Deputy Co-chair of the Joint Parliamentary Committee Türkiye-European Union Konur Alp Koçak as well as the MPs Nurhayat Altaca Kayışoğlu, Ali Öztunç, Metin Ergun and Büşra Paker. They all expressed their views on interstate co-operation and the role of parliaments in public diplomacy.

The roundtable thoroughly discussed the practices of the Azerbaijani and Turkish parliaments in the field of public diplomacy, as well as exchanged views on initiatives that promote co-operation. The participants' speeches paved the way for an effective exchange of opinions and the identification of new avenues for collaboration.

In conclusion, the parliamentarians emphasised that further strengthening the friendship and strategic partnership between the two countries, enhancing the role of legislative bodies in public diplomacy, and continuing co-operation in this area could make a significant contribution to ensuring regional and global stability. The participants agreed on expanding co-operation and implementing new projects, noting that the roundtable serves as an important platform for discussing the prospects of future collaboration and formulating an action plan.

The Press and Public Relations Department  

The Milli Majlis