Speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova held a meeting on 17 June with Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia Afrim Gashi who is in Azerbaijan on an official visit. 

The Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia familiarised himself with the plenary session hall of the Milli Majlis initially.

Subsequently, the guests visited the Heydar Aliyev Museum at the Milli Majlis. 

Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia Afrim Gashi also signed the Memorial Book.

As the meeting went on, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova voiced satisfaction with the development of the relations between our countries across all areas over the 30 years since the establishment of our diplomatic ties, saying also that the inter-state relations are grounded in sincere friendship and mutual respect. Emphasising the significance of the guest’s visit, the Speaker of Parliament pointed up the fact that it is the first visit by a Head of Parliament, then expressing confidence that it will provide impetus for deepening the ties between the two countries and their legislative assemblies. It was said then that the participation of the North Macedonian Assembly delegation in the 65^th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Co-operation in the course of their visit to our country is significant for further strengthening co-operation.

The conversation addressed the current state and prospects for the development of bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and North Macedonia that encompass political, economic, cultural-humanitarian, educational and scientific spheres. The exceptional role of reciprocal visits at various levels in strengthening the inter-state ties was underscored, as was the significance of the official visit by President of the Republic of North Macedonia Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova to our country in March this year and the fruitful discussions held during it. Speaker Sahiba Gafarova recalled fondly her meeting with the distinguished guest, noting the importance of this visit for the development of the inter-state relations.

Also, the Speakers underlined the importance of inter-parliamentary interaction one of the key factors significantly influencing bilateral and multilateral relations between Azerbaijan and North Macedonia. The necessity of intensifying contacts between the working groups on inter-parliamentary relations operating within the legislatures was duly noted, and so was the importance of deepening co-operation between specialised committees and parliamentary apparatuses, and of conducting exchanges of law-making experience.

Speaker of the Assembly of the Republic of North Macedonia Afrim Gashi witnessed pleasure with his first official visit to our country and his time at the Milli Majlis, adding that he is captivated by Baku. He particularly mentioned that the economic achievements and high developmental momentum attained by Azerbaijan in recent years demonstrate the Azerbaijani people’s ability to overcome challenges through exceptional resolve and outstanding efforts. According to Speaker Gashi, North Macedonia pursues a policy of expanding ties with friendly nations; he highlit Azerbaijan’s being amongst the countries of significant geopolitical importance in her region, expressing then interest in deepening the co-operation with our country. Afrim Gashi further stated that the growth of the inter-parliamentary relations will facilitate intensified government-level contacts and bring about an increase in reciprocal visits and meetings, which, in turn, will foster closer bonds between our peoples sharing similar histories and values, and deepen our countries’ relationship. It was also said that strengthening the bilateral relations will not only reinforce ties between our nations but also contribute to promoting regional peace, stability and co-operation ambience.

As the conversation continued, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova brought up the historic Victory achieved by Azerbaijan in the 44-day Patriotic War and emphasised that our country ended Armenia’s 30-year occupation, having restored her territorial integrity and sovereignty. She added that Azerbaijan faced violations of international law standards and principles as well as the use of double standards for many years, yet in 2020 she independently ensured the implementation of the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions and put paid to the occupation. Then, information was provided about the regional situation in the post-conflict period and the extensive restoration and reconstruction efforts underway in the territories liberated from occupation. The Speaker underscored that Azerbaijan advocates for peace and that achieving peace will contribute to ensuring sustainable stability and security in the region.

The guests were also versed in the history, structure and operations of the Milli Majlis.

The Press and Public Relations Department

The Milli Majlis