As we have reported, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova is in the Swiss Confederation on a working visit. The Speaker of Parliament delivered a speech ‘The Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in Strengthening Peace, Dialogue and Sustainable Development’ at the University of Geneva as part of the visit.

Speaker Sahiba Gafarova broached in her address the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in strengthening peace, dialogue and co-operation in international relations. She remarked that parliaments represent a substantial platform for elimination of differences not confrontationally but by way of discussion and within rules and responsibilities. The Speaker of the Milli Majlis stressed that parliaments are granted considerable capabilities to overcome existing discords amongst countries, understand the other party’s position better and continue a dialogue.

She said that parliamentary diplomacy is implemented in various forms, including meetings of Heads of Parliament, reciprocal visits of delegations, co-operation amongst committees and participation in regional and global parliamentary fora. 

Having noted parliamentary diplomacy gaining special significance in times of tensions in relations, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis observed that parliaments promote preservation of bonds and continuation of parties’ communication in such situations. Though no dialogue solves all the problems instantly, complete silence and severance of contacts might result in a continued escalation of tensions. She mentioned the opportunity at the disposal of parliamentarians to clear out mutual misunderstandings, shed light upon causes of concern and find common points round which discussions can be continued.

Sahiba Gafarova described dialogue as the foundational factor of parliamentary diplomacy. It was observed that a true dialogue does not consist merely in stating positions but, rather, also in the ability to hear the opposite side, understand the concerns underlying its stance and build mutual trust.

She proceeded to emphasise that the concept of peace is not constrained by discontinuation of conflict and violence. According to the Speaker of Parliament, it is essential for a steady peace that there should be functioning institutions, fair opportunities, social prosperity and people’s confidence in their tomorrow. Peace and sustainable development are closely intertwined in this regard.

As she was saying that sustainable development provides a substantial foundation for strengthening peace, Sahiba Gafarova remarked that inequality, unemployment, social isolation and weak institutions reduce public trust and lead to instability. Parliaments contribute to solving those problems by means of the instruments at their disposal, she pointed out.

The Speaker remarked that inter-parliamentary co-operation serves to form trust between countries. Parliamentarians can expand co-operation opportunities by exchanging experience, discussing solutions for the problems encountered by individual countries and by benefitting from each other’s experience.

The Speaker of the Milli Majlis said that parliamentary diplomacy contributes massively to the continuation of dialogue and co-operation amongst countries even in the presence of disagreements. Parliamentarians are able to learn from each other, eliminate misunderstandings and form mutual trust by exchanging experience. This kind of co-operation is of great importance and not only in bilateral relations but also upon regional and global platforms.

She pointed out that not only political accords but also the security of people, their opportunities, social prosperity and confidence in public institutions matter for the maintenance of a steady peace. Parliamentary diplomacy affords the opportunities to dialogue whilst dialogue, in turn, creates conditions favouring stronger peace-building. International co-operation amongst parliaments is one of the crucial means for peace and sustainable development therefore.

Concluding her address, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova emphasised that parliamentary diplomacy should not be appraised only by major agreements. According to the Speaker, parliamentary diplomacy manifests its significance also in the prevention of crises from steepening, elimination of misunderstandings and preservation of relationships in difficult periods.

The Press and Public Relations Department

The Milli Majlis