Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova met with Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who had arrived in our country to participate in the 15^th plenary

session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly. 

  It was said at the meeting that the event in Baku had been arranged to high standards. It was added that such events not only served as important discussion platforms addressing a number of serious global issues but also provided fine opportunities for discussing relations amongst the Member States. 

  It was also mentioned that this was Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s first visit to the country and confidence was expressed that this visit would contribute to the development of bilateral relations. 

  They emphasised that the peoples of Azerbaijan and Iran share common historical, religious, and cultural values. This serves as the foundation of the current relations between the two countries and provides a strong basis for the further expansion of those relations.

  Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova recalled recalling President Ilham Aliyev’s views upon the principles of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy and his perspective on the modern system of international relations, and noted that those principles included amity, non-interference in each other’s internal affairs, adherence to international obligations and the demonstration of mutual respect. 

  According to Speaker Sahiba Gafarova, the Head of State places great importance on good neighbourly relations and mutual understanding with neighbouring countries as well as on joint efforts and mutually advantageous co-operation. Mutual trust and collaboration amongst the countries situated within the same region are advantageous for all parties. The current state of Azerbaijan-Iran relations serves as confirmation of this fact. It was further stressed that an analysis of visits, meetings, and negotiations over the past month highlights the extensive nature of the bilateral co-operation agenda. All these contacts and discussions provide a significant impetus for the development of bilateral relations.

  Head Iran’s Islamic Consultative Assembly Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed his gratitude for the warm reception and hospitality extended to him. He proceeded to underscore the significance of the 15^th plenary session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly held in Baku under the aegis of the Milli Majlis, and spoke about the importance of the decisions adopted at it. 

  The guest also said that his country is keen on developing relations with all neighbouring states, with Azerbaijan holding a special place in this approach. He expressed confidence that further efforts would be made to expand co-operation between the two countries across various sectors. 

  The two legislature leaders also addressed the expansion of parliamentary contacts and co-operation within international parliamentary organisations as a key aspect of interstate relations.

  The conversation also touched upon the new opportunities and prospects currently present in the South Caucasus region. In this context, the importance of the ‘3+3’ co-operation format, initiated by Azerbaijan, was highlighted. It was emphasised that the involvement of external forces from outside the region does not bode well. 

  Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, in turn, reiterated Iran’s complete support for the ‘3+3’ platform, saying then that he was confidence: this format would contribute to strengthening peace and stability in the region, as well as fostering political and economic co-operation. It was stressed that the involvement of external states in regional affairs is unacceptable.

  They also highlighted the significance of the region’s transport communications including the North-South Transport Corridor and the transport artery to connect East Zangazur and Nakhchivan.

  Other matters of shared concern were talked over as well.

The Press and Public Relations Department

The Milli Majlis