Baku: Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova met with the Speaker of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, who had arrived in Azerbaijan to participate in the 15th plenary session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, the Press and Public Relations Department of the Milli Majlis told APA. The meeting highlighted the high standards of the event in Baku and its role as a platform for addressing global issues and facilitating discussions among Member States.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, this visit marked Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf’s first to Azerbaijan, and confidence was expressed that it would enhance bilateral relations. The shared historical, religious, and cultural values between Azerbaijan and Iran were emphasized as the foundation of their current and future relations.
Speaker Sahiba Gafarova recalled President Ilham Aliyev’s principles of foreign policy, which emphasize amity, non-interference, adherence to international obligations, and mutual respect. She highlighted the importance placed by the Head of State on good neighborly relations and mutually beneficial cooperation. Gafarova noted that mutual trust and collaboration within the region are advantageous for all parties, as evidenced by the current state of Azerbaijan-Iran relations. Recent visits and negotiations underscore the extensive bilateral cooperation agenda.
Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf expressed gratitude for the warm reception and emphasized the significance of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly session in Baku. He reiterated Iran’s interest in developing relations with neighboring countries, particularly Azerbaijan. Ghalibaf expressed confidence in expanding cooperation across various sectors.
The meeting also focused on the expansion of parliamentary contacts and cooperation within international parliamentary organizations. Discussions included new opportunities in the South Caucasus region and the ‘3+3’ cooperation format initiated by Azerbaijan. Both leaders agreed that external involvement in the region is undesirable.
Ghalibaf reiterated Iran’s support for the ‘3+3’ platform, expressing confidence that it would strengthen regional peace, stability, and cooperation. The importance of regional transport communications, including the North-South Transport Corridor and the East Zangazur-Nakhchivan transport artery, was also highlighted. Other matters of shared concern were discussed during the meeting.