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Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova met with Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russian Federation Valentina Matviyenko on 16 April on the sidelines of the 152nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) held in Istanbul.
Speaker Sahiba Gafarova underscored the significance of such international platforms as the IPU and the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM PN).
The Speaker of the Milli Majlis spoke of the existing extensive opportunities to continue developing the links between the two countries and then addressed the role of inter-parliamentary relations. She said that a very efficient manner of co-operation has been built between the legislative bodies to date, adding that our parliaments both are actively involved in bilateral events and demonstrate positive interaction under the auspices of international organisations. At the same time, another as crucial vector is represented by the activities within the IPA CIS. There, the interaction advances that covers many material issues. According to the Speaker of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, the Co-operation Commission between the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Federal Assembly of Russian Federation plays a key role in our inter-parliamentary relations, too.
Valentina Matviyenko brought up the joint statement of the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of Russia and Azerbaijan made yesterday regarding the disaster of the Azerbaijani aeroplane in the vicinity of Aktau on 25 December 2024, touching upon the importance of resolving the consequences of the tragedy and once again offering her condolences. The Chairwoman of the Federation Council also thanked Azerbaijan for the assistance provided for safe evacuation of Russian citizens from Iran where a war is apace.
Recalling then fondly her meetings with President Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva, Chairwoman of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia Valentina Matviyenko shared the impressions she had from those encounters. Satisfaction was expressed with the level of relations between our countries and the considerable role of the two Heads of State in advancing the bilateral links was emphasised.
As the conversation continued, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova stressed the significance of the latest statement by the Ministries of Foreign Affairs of the two countries.
Also, the meeting broached the cultural and humanitarian ties between our nations; it was said, besides, that it is necessary to continue developing the mutual contacts.
The parties also exchanged views upon other matters of shared interest.
