Abu Dhabi: 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.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, Saqr Ghobash welcomed the Azerbaijani Speaker warmly, expressing confidence that Gafarova’s visit would bolster relations between the two countries and their legislative bodies. He emphasized the UAE’s commitment to enhancing cooperation with Azerbaijan, particularly highlighting progress in economic collaboration.
Speaker Sahiba Gafarova noted her appreciation for the hospitality extended to her and the Azerbaijani delegation during her first visit to the UAE as Speaker of the Milli Majlis. She acknowledged the historical, religious, and cultural ties binding the two nations and praised the ongoing bilateral relationship defined by brotherhood, mutual respect, trust, and support. Discussions underscored the pivotal role of leadership efforts and high-level reciprocal visits in elevating the relationship to a strategic partnership.
The meeting also touched upon the cooperative dynamics within international organizations, with both countries supporting each other in bodies such as the United Nations, the Organisation of Islamic Co-operation, and the Non-Aligned Movement. Gafarova highlighted the establishment of the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement, initiated by Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev, and expressed satisfaction with the UAE Parliament’s involvement in its activities.
Saqr Ghobash congratulated Gafarova on her re-election as Chairwoman of the Parliamentary Network, underscoring the Network’s potential role amidst current global tensions. He reiterated the UAE’s commitment to collaboration within this platform.
Both speakers noted the positive trajectory of inter-legislative links, emphasizing fruitful cooperation both bilaterally and through international parliamentary institutions. Gafarova fondly recalled previous encounters with Ghobash, noting that such engagements, including reciprocal visits, have significantly advanced the relationship. She highlighted the valuable role played by friendship groups in strengthening inter-parliamentary ties and appreciated the consistent participation of UAE Parliament Members in international events organized by the Milli Majlis.
The dialogue also recognized the successful cooperation between the Azerbaijani COP29 Chairmanship and the UAE COP28 Chairmanship, with emphasis on the participation of UAE delegates in the COP29 Parliamentary Meeting and the exchange of experiences in event organization.
The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on other shared concerns.