On 19 February, the opening ceremony of the 15^th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) was held at the administrative building of the Milli Majlis. The session is dedicated to "The Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation in Asia." 

The event was attended by 35 delegations, including approximately 280 delegates. 

The opening of the 15^th Plenary Session featured the performance of the National Anthem of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

As she was delivering a speech at the opening ceremony, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova welcomed the participants of the session and expressed her gratitude to all the representatives of parliaments and international organisations for their participation in the plenary session. To her, that reflected a firm determination and commitment to further developing co-operation and strengthening the platform. The Speaker emphasised that the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan had assumed the chairmanship of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly exactly one year ago. She remarked that, within this chairmanship, a number of priorities had been put forward, aimed at strengthening joint activities further, developing the institutional capacity of the APA, expanding its membership, increasing the activity of existing structures, and enhancing their efficiency.

According to the Speaker of the Milli Majlis, two submissions had been reviewed at yesterday’s meeting of the Assembly’s Executive Council: for the admission of the Shura Council of the Sultanate of Oman to the Assembly as a full member and the granting of observer status in the APA to the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of the Republic of Belarus. 

Sahiba Gafarova remarked noted that the Executive Council had provided the relevant recommendations to the plenary session. She expressed confidence that the plenary session would support both applications, adopt the necessary decisions, and thereby contribute to the expansion of the Organisation’s membership. 

As Chairwoman of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, Sahiba Gafarova thanked both Speakers of Parliament, Sheikh Khalid bin Hilal Al Maawali and Natalya Kochanova, for their sincere intentions and initiatives to contribute to the work of the Assembly.

The Speaker of the Milli Majlis stressed then that the Organisation had made certain progress in terms of reviewing and amending its statutory documents with the purpose of continued optimisation of its institutional potential. She witnessed her pleasure with that process. 

It was said also that we are approaching a consensus also as to the decision to form the APA budget. This is very important for the continued reinforcement and capacitation of the Assembly.

According to Sahiba Gafarova, another achievement made this past year was the revitalisation of the APA Bureau meetings. The proposal to resume the Bureau’s activities had been met with approval. As a result, Bureau meetings are now held as part of every session of the Standing Committees, ensuring a more responsive approach to the Organisation’s needs.  

Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova voiced her gratitude to the APA Secretary General, Mohammad Reza Majidi, and the Secretariat for their continuous efforts in developing the Organisation and advancing its objectives. 

She stressed that the topic of today’s plenary session being ‘The Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in Strengthening Multilateral Co-operation in Asia’ indicated that the issue of multilateral co-operation has never been more critical given the current state of international politics and global affairs. 

Humanitarian crises, conflicts, poverty, climate change, and the rise of discrimination, racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia – all those challenges and the ways to address them inevitably bring to the forefront the effectiveness of today’s international relations system. Unfortunately, the world has become more fragmented and less peaceful, with many questioning the effectiveness of multilateral mechanisms. 

Taking this opportunity, Sahiba Gafarova shared Azerbaijan’s position on this issue with the audience.

Sahiba Gafarova mentioned that Azerbaijan, whose internationally recognised territories had been occupied by neighbouring Armenia for 30 years in violation of all the standards and principles of international law as well as the resolutions and decisions of international organisations, had, unfortunately, become one of the primary victims of the current system’s inefficiency. Azerbaijan independently implemented these norms, principles, and resolutions by liberating its own territories, thereby restoring its territorial integrity and sovereignty. 

For this reason, our country appreciates wholly the urgency and significance of this issue.

Sahiba Gafarova also observed that, as President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev had stressed, the world today is in dire need of full respect for international obligations. 

Indeed, the disregard for international legal norms and principles, the application of double standards and selective approaches, as well as interference in the internal affairs of states, have all given rise to the key sources of contradictions and tensions we face today. But how can this be brought to an end?

Clearly, the most reliable way to eliminate these negative trends and achieve peace, stability and prosperity in the world is to strengthen the multilateral system. There must be a framework in which all countries adhere to the rules, hold each other accountable through collective and lawful mechanisms, provide mutual support, and reject unilateral approaches that prioritise the interests of one state over others. 

Azerbaijan has always been a firm advocate of an effective and inclusive multilateral system based on these principles. During its four-year chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, Azerbaijan demonstrated this commitment by actively working on the institutional development of the Movement and promoting dialogue, co-operation, and solidarity amongst its member states.

As the Speaker of the Milli Majlis remarked, Azerbaijan’s unanimous election by the global community as the COP29 host country, along with the adoption of significant decisions under her leadership, reflects the country’s unwavering commitment to multilateralism. Azerbaijan’s ability to build bridges, unite diverse stakeholders and bring together the Global North and Global South in the fight against climate change, which is a shared threat to Humanity, stands as a testament to this dedication. 

Sahiba Gafarova pointed out that our Parliament’s active engagement in multilateral co-operation is a natural extension of this approach. In collaboration with the Inter-Parliamentary Union, our parliament organised a Parliamentary Meeting on the set of the COP29, thus contributing to multilateral climate action from a legislative perspective. The Speaker expressed her gratitude to the APA member parliaments for their active participation in this meeting. 

Furthermore, she underscored that the Milli Majlis actively participates in various parliamentary organisations and, in addition to the APA, currently chairs four other inter-parliamentary bodies: the Parliamentary Assembly of the Economic Cooperation Organization, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Organization of Turkic States, the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Co-operation and the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement. 

Sahiba Gafarova pointed out that this engagement reflects our parliament’s steadfast commitment to multilateral parliamentary diplomacy. She particularly stressed that the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement was established at the initiative of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, marking yet another significant contribution by our country to the advancement of multilateral co-operation.

One of the truly key aspects of the current stage in the development of parliamentarism is that parliamentary activity is no longer confined to national borders but extends to regional and global levels. This, in turn, reflects an understanding that we as members of parliament and representatives of our peoples ought to play a crucial role in addressing the challenges that concern us all.  Platforms for inter-parliamentary co-operation serve as a clear demonstration of our determination and commitment to working together for a better world. In this context, inter-parliamentary organisations represent a living embodiment of constructive dialogue, co-operation and solidarity. 

In this regard, the Asian Parliamentary Assembly plays a pivotal role as a multilateral institution serving these objectives. The Asian Region is assuming an increasingly significant position in addressing global challenges. The APA, having united us under its banner, ensures that our voices are heard and contributes a parliamentary dimension to our nations' efforts in achieving shared goals.

Concluding her speech, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis said confidently that the full potential of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly would be tapped and that its effectiveness would be maximised through joint efforts. She remarked that today’s plenary session serves as clear evidence of their shared commitment and wished the session every success.

Secretary General of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly Muhammad Reza Majidi took the floor next.

The Secretary General thanked the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan and its Speaker Sahiba Gafarova for the excellent organisational standards of the session and for hospitality. He also mentioned the fruitful continuation of the Azerbaijani presidency in the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

Mohammad Reza Majidi emphasised that effective co-operation is key to achieving the goals set under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship of the Organisation. 

The Asian Parliamentary Assembly places great importance on strengthening peace, security, and trust in the region, and Azerbaijan is firmly committed to contributing to enhanced co-operation amongst member states, said Mohammad Reza Majidi.

The Secretary-General added that the 15^th APA session would address significant issues. Efforts would continue to strengthen ties amongst APA member states, deepen co-operation in various spheres within the Organisation, and expand the Assembly’s reach. 

He also touched upon the tragedies caused by regional conflicts, stressing the need for their resolution. 

Mohammad Reza Majidi underscored the APA’s role as a vital platform for advancing intergovernmental relations in the Asian region. He further underscored the particular importance of parliamentary diplomacy in reinforcing these ties. 

The Secretary-General went on to discuss the necessity of utilising parliamentary diplomacy to support sustainable development, deepen regional and global co-operation, and ensure peace and security in the face of contemporary challenges.

Then, speakers, deputy speakers, and parliamentarians from the Asian Parliamentary Assembly Member States took the floor, including Speaker of the Consultative Council of Bahrain Ali Saleh Abdullah Al Saleh; Speaker of the National Assembly of Bhutan Lungten Dorji; Speaker of the House of Representatives of Indonesia Puan Maharani; Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf; Speaker of the Senate of Pakistan Syed Yusuf Reza Gilani; Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Majlisi Oli of Tajikistan Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda; Speaker of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Tanzila Narbayeva; Speaker of the Consultative Council of Oman Khalid Hilal Nasir Al-Maawali; Speaker of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Natalya Kochanova; First Deputy Speaker of the Federal National Council of the UAE Tariq Humaid Mohd Al Tayer; Deputy Speaker of the National Council of Palestine Ali Faisal; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of the National Assembly of Jordan Ahmed Khamisat; Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives of Thailand Paradorn Prissananantakul; and Member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Abdulkadir Emin Önen. All speakers shared their perspectives on the topic under discussion.

The speeches focused on the high level of arrangement of the event and conveyed confidence that, under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship, the Asian Parliamentary Assembly would achieve significant success. The speakers also discussed the crucial role of the APA in addressing regional challenges and accelerating regional integration, emphasising the organisation’s particular focus on sustainable development, human rights, peace, and stability in the region, as well as the strengthening of multilateral co-operation. The importance of partnerships in achieving shared objectives in these areas was also underscored. 

Moreover, the session participants noted the paramount importance of ensuring security in modern world, adding that this could only be achieved through dialogue and constructive co-operation. Addressing Azerbaijan’s productive chairmanship of the APA, the speakers touched upon the Organisation’s significant role in reinforcing stability and fostering co-operation, as well as its contribution to resolving issues related to peace and prosperity – both within the region and globally.

It was observed that the APA places great importance on fostering mutual trust and solidarity amongst member states, co-operating in the fight against international terrorism, separatism, and extremism, countering cybercrime, ensuring information security, and strengthening regional and bilateral relations. Furthermore, the necessity of protecting the sovereign rights of nations and upholding the principles of social justice and equality in the modern world was emphasised. The Asian Parliamentary Assembly was said to play a key role in reinforcing multilateral co-operation amidst today’s global challenges, such as economic instability and geopolitical tensions. The significance of measures to combat climate change and protect the environment was also discussed. In this context, reference was made to last year’s high-level COP29 conference held in Azerbaijan, where important initiatives were proposed, and significant decisions were adopted.

Alongside the aforementioned points, session participants highlighted the great importance the Assembly places on bolstering collaboration amongst parliamentary structures of member states. The topic brought forward for discussion at the 15th plenary session was acknowledged as both timely and crucial in creating favourable conditions for constructive dialogue. The role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering relations between states, be it within the Organisation and on a bilateral level, was emphasised as well. The significance of exchanging experience between legislative bodies and the value of mutual delegation visits in reinforcing ties were also noted. It was stated that parliamentary diplomacy holds the potential to influence global processes. The necessity for national parliaments to demonstrate a unified stance on pressing regional and global issues was raised. Speakers affirmed their commitment to continuing their valuable contribution to strengthening co-operation amongst Asian nations across all fields, as well as to promoting sustainable development, peace, and stability.

The speeches, besides, broached the Organisation’s links with other institutions, international and regional ones; the speakers discussed the import of the Member States’ collaboration in international entities.

It was reiterated that the APA would certainly continue making efforts to secure economic progress in Asia and to uphold peace and security further.

The plenary session resumed after a break. The agenda was adopted and the APA Bureau Members’ election was held.

Head of the Milli Majlis Delegation to the APA, Chairman of the APA Executive Council Rizvan Nabiyev tabled a report at the session, too.

Secretary General of the APA Muhammad Reza Majidi tabled the Assembly performance report.

Issues of making the Sultanate Oman a full member and granting the Republic of Belarus the observer status were reviewed.

Besides, the session continued discussing the role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening multilateral co-operation in Asia.

Later that same day, as part of the plenary session, meetings of APA’s Standing Committees on social and cultural affairs, as well as on budget and planning, took place, where draft resolutions on relevant issues were discussed.

The 15^th plenary session of the APA will continue its work.

The Press and Public Relations Department
The Milli Majlis