Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova has met with the Speaker of the Federal National Council of the UAE Saqr Ghobash on 6 May during her official visit to the United Arab Emirates.

Welcoming the Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament cordially, Saqr Ghobash spoke of his confidence that the current visit would contribute to the development of the relations between the two countries and their legislatures. He emphasised the great importance that the UAE attaches to enhancing co-operation with Azerbaijan and spoke appreciatively of the progress achieved in the field of economic collaboration.

Speaker Sahiba Gafarova remarked that this was her first visit to the United Arab Emirates in her capacity as Speaker of the Milli Majlis and expressed her gratitude for the warm welcome and high level of hospitality extended to the Azerbaijani delegation.

It was said at the meeting that our countries are united by historical, religious and cultural ties, whilst the bilateral relations continue to develop in a spirit of brotherhood, mutual respect, trust and support. The discussion also hovered on the important role the joint efforts of the two countries’ leaders as well as high-level reciprocal visits had played in elevating the relationship to the level of strategic partnership.

The co-operation of the sides within international organisations was brought up, too. It was said that our countries successfully collaborate and support each other in international and regional bodies such as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation and the Non-Aligned Movement. The Speaker of the Milli Majlis told about the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement, established on the initiative of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. It was said that the events held under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship contribute to the institutional development of the organisation and the strengthening of its international standing. The Speaker expressed her satisfaction with the participation of representatives from the United Arab Emirates’ parliament in the activities of the Parliamentary Network.

Speaker of the Federal National Council Saqr Ghobash congratulated Sahiba Gafarova on her re-election as Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement, remarking that the Network could play an important role in the context of the current polarisation and tensions in international relations. He also emphasised that his country attaches great importance to cooperation within this platform.

It was said then that the links between the two legislatures advanced as confidently and in the spirit of the inter-state relations. This co-operation, be it bilateral or through international parliamentary institutions, provides for the positive results in the concerned area. Speaker Sahiba Gafarova recalled fondly her previous encounters with the Speaker of the Federal National Council, pointing out that such contacts, including reciprocal visits, contributed favourably to the progress of the relationship. The important role that efforts of the friendship groups play in the strengthening of the inter-parliamentary ties was broached as well. Sahiba Gafarova voiced appreciation of the steady involvement of Members of the UAE Parliament in the international events arranged by the Milli Majlis.

A very successful co-operation between the Azerbaijani COP29 Chairmanship and the UAE COP28 Chairmanship was mentioned as well. It was stressed that three delegates of the UAE Parliament had taken part in the Parliamentary Meeting on the COP29 sidelines and that there had been an exchange of experience in staging that event between the two sides.

The conversation also saw an exchange of views upon other matters of shared concern.