Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova took part in the Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments in the city of Midrand on 31 July in the format of her visit to the Republic of South Africa. The event organised by the Pan-African Parliament was attended by Speakers of the national and regional parliaments of Africa and leaders and delegates of international parliamentary organisations.

The Speaker of Parliament delivered a speech at the event. In her address, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis broached the profound transformations occurring in the modern system of international relations, persisting conflicts, economic inequality and the challenges posed by climate change. She stressed that parliaments ought not to remain out of global decision-making processes given the current state of affairs when the trust in international institutions comes under the ever-mounting pressure. The Speaker observed that parliaments express citizens’ voice, bring national realia up the international plane and facilitate the inclusion of political obligations in legislations and in specific practical activities.

The Speaker mentioned the growing role of parliaments in addressing global challenges, saying then that parliaments are not merely the institutions discharging legislative functions but are also important actors promoting the growth of international co-operation in the modern period. Sahiba Gafarova emphasised that she was representing there today, first and foremost, the Parliament of Azerbaijan and also the Non-Aligned Movement over which she presides. She let the event participants know that the Network uniting the Parliaments of over 70 countries including the legislative bodies of the majority of the African countries at present has become a reputed international parliamentary co-operation platform through combined effort and is contributing to the progress of inter-parliamentary co-operation massively.

The Speaker of Parliament voiced her firm conviction that parliamentary solidarity is no abstract principle but a practical necessity in the modern system of international relations. She brought up the significance of multilateral co-operation and parliamentary diplomacy against the background of complex challenges. Sahiba Gafarova high-lit the important relevant role of the Pan-African Parliament and said that this organisation reflected the vision of Africa’s unity, development and stronger global stance in the parliamentary dimension. It serves the fulfilment of the goals affirmed in Africa’s Agenda-2063, namely, the realisation of the idea of a peaceful, prosperous and integrated Africa ruled by her own people and playing her well-deserved part in the international community.

The Speaker pointed out Azerbaijan’s profound respect for that vision and mentioned the great importance our country attaches to the relations with the African states as well as her support for co-operation based on equality and mutual respect.

According to the Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Africa today ought to be represented globally not only through quantitative indications but also with ideas, priorities and leadership. Africa is no longer an object of global discussion but is contributing increasingly to the formation of that discussion. The importance of proper reflection of Africa’s elevating role in international institutions including global parliamentary bodies was underlined in this regard.

The Speaker of the Milli Majlis proceeded to touch upon the growth prospects of multilateral co-operation and parliamentary diplomacy. She underlined the special role of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) as a significant parliamentary platform uniting diverse political systems and regions.

Sahiba Gafarova said that true inclusivity stipulates not only all the regions’ representation upon international parliamentary platforms but also they having equal opportunities to participate in the processes of defining priorities, motioning ideas and discharging governance. Strengthening co-operation between the IPU and regional parliamentary organisations such as the Pan-African Parliament is of special gravitas in this context. It is specifically through such co-operation that the IPU can use the experience and political views of regional parliamentary organisations whereas the Pan-African Parliament can employ the IPU global platform to be able to put Africa’s priorities on the international agenda and strengthen the continent’s role in parliamentary diplomacy further. The multilateral parliamentary approach necessitated by the present period should be based on more encompassing representation, closer co-ordinated co-operation and a more sensitive approach to all the regions’ realities.

Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova expressed solidarity with the Pan-African Parliament and with the Parliaments of the African countries in conclusion of her speech. It is important that Africa should have a strong voice and a more active role in the system of international relations, she emphasised.

The Press and Public Relations Department
The Milli Majlis