An international parliamentary conference themed “Parliamentarism: Traditions and Perspectives” concluded on Saturday at Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis.

The event, attended by nearly 100 representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries and international organizations, explored the role of parliaments in global processes, the development of parliamentary traditions, the opportunities of parliamentary diplomacy, and the potential contributions of parliamentary discussions to humanity in the context of modern global challenges.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Parliament, noted that the traditions and practices of parliamentarianism, formed over many years in various countries, have a significant influence on the current activities of parliaments.

“Speaking about the traditions of parliamentarianism in Azerbaijan, I would like to particularly highlight the Parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic established in 1918. In this context, it is no coincidence that our conference began today, on December 7, as the first session of the Azerbaijani Parliament was held on this very day,” the Speaker noted.

Sahiba Gafarova emphasized that the Parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was the first legislative body in the entire Muslim East of that time, formed on the basis of the most progressive democratic principles. She noted that although it was active for only 17 months, the Parliament took crucial steps to strengthen national statehood and independence, establishing a legal framework in political, economic, cultural, scientific, and other fields.

“Azerbaijan’s gaining its independence in 1991 marked the beginning of a new era in the history of our Parliament,” Gafarova underscored.

Fuat Oktay, Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, expressed his congratulations and best wishes on the occasion of the 106th anniversary of Azerbaijan’s Parliament.

“The solidarity between our countries during the Second Karabakh War in 2020 played a crucial role in reshaping the power balance in the region. The Shusha Declaration, signed in the aftermath of the 44-day Patriotic War, is the key indicator of Türkiye’s and Azerbaijan’s will to forge a joint future. The Shusha Declaration goes beyond a simple alliance as it outlines a clear perspective and roadmap for the future of our relationship. The brotherhood and solidarity we consistently demonstrate, both bilaterally and within all platforms such as the Organization of Turkic States, is the assurance of our joint future,” Fuat Oktay added.

“Türkiye and Azerbaijan have always stood by each other. This solidarity is evident in every sphere, particularly during the Karabakh Victory,” Samil Ayrim, member of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye and Chairman of the Türkiye-Azerbaijan Parliamentary Friendship Group, noted.

Highlighting the expulsion of Western Azerbaijanis from their lands in 1988, Samil Ayrim emphasized the necessity of their return in accordance with international law.

The conference participants hailed the activity of Azerbaijan’s Parliament and its contribution to the development of inter-parliamentary relations.

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