Baku:President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thongloun Sisoulith, visited Azerbaijan and met with Sahiba Gafarova, the Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis. This visit marks the first official trip by a Lao head of state to Azerbaijan, coinciding with the upcoming CICA Summit in Baku.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Sahiba Gafarova welcomed the Lao delegation and emphasized the significance of Laos’s participation in the CICA summit. She expressed optimism that this visit would foster a new era in bilateral relations between the two countries. The meeting highlighted the importance of high-level contacts in furthering these ties, with particular attention to President Thongloun Sisoulith’s meetings with President Ilham Aliyev, where crucial discussions and document signings took place.
The conversation also covered interparliamentary relations, noting the role of legislative cooperation in strengthening bilateral relations. Both countries’ parliaments actively engage within international organizations such as the Inter-Parliamentary Union and the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network.
President Thongloun Sisoulith, reflecting on his previous visit to Azerbaijan 44 years ago, remarked on the remarkable development the country has achieved. He praised National Leader Heydar Aliyev for his significant contributions to the relationship between Azerbaijan and Laos. The Lao President reiterated his country’s commitment to expanding bilateral ties and sharing expertise in various sectors, including education, technology, agriculture, and tourism.
The discussion further noted the importance of reciprocal visits by parliamentary delegations, promoting cooperation between parliamentary committees, and enhancing coordination on international platforms.