As part of the current working visit to the Republic of Uzbekistan, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova has held a meeting in Toshkent with Speaker of the Senate of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani.

Their meeting saw a broad exchange of opinions about the relations between our friendly and brotherly countries and parliaments. It was emphasised that the strategic relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan are built on the principles of friendship and brotherhood. Reciprocal visits by the Heads of State have ensured the further expansion of these ties. Our countries successfully co-operate bolaterl and consistently support each other on all international platforms.

Also, they mentioned the two states' legislative assemblies' substantial contribution to the on-going progress of the inter-state links. Speaker Sahiba Gafarova fondly recalled the meeting with the Head of the Senate in Baku in February this year before stressing that the close ties and positive dialogue promoted a more intense kind of co-operation between our legislatures.

Satisfaction was expressed with the co-operation and mutual support within international parliamentary organisations. Speaker Sahiba Gafarova informed her counterpart about the activities of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, founded upon the initiative of President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, as well as the steps taken towards the institutional development of the organisation. Confidence was expressed that the Network’s fourth conference, to be held in Toshkent, would serve as a platform for important discussions and lead to successful outcomes in terms of the organisation’s future development.

Speaker Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani lauded the work done in the Parliamentary Network under the presidency of Azerbaijan. Pakistan attaches great importance to the relations with Azerbaijan, he said, also emphasising that Pakistan and Azerbaijan are the two fraternal countries always supporting each other. Besides, Speaker Gilani underscored the importance of the contacts between the two peoples. The significance of a continued broadening of the inter-parliamentary collaboration was underlined in this context.

Other matters of shared concern were talked of at the meeting as well.

The Press and Public Relations Department

The Milli Majlis