Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova met with the Ambassador of the Italian Republic to Azerbaijan Luca Di Gianfrancesco on Monday.

They noted that the existing energy and economic ties provide significant opportunities to expand cooperation in other areas as well.

They underscored the necessity of continued development of the relations between the parliaments. They pointed out that inter-parliamentary relations foster closer connections between the two nations, which share similar values, and strengthen bilateral ties. The role of friendship groups in enhancing contacts was also highlighted. The conversation covered issues related to cooperation between the parliaments on international platforms and the importance of strengthening coordination and mutual support in line with the strategic partnership between the two countries.

Speaker Gafarova fondly recalled her official visit to Italy, noting that reciprocal visits have positively contributed to the ongoing expansion of ties. She also mentioned the participation of Italian MPs in monitoring the presidential and parliamentary elections in Azerbaijan earlier this year and their involvement in the Parliamentary Meeting held on the margins of COP29.

Sahiba Gafarova reaffirmed that Azerbaijan remains a sovereign, independent, democratic, and developing state, despite the 30-year-long occupation and the presence of more than one million refugees and internally displaced persons. However, she pointed out that some Western countries continue to spread falsehoods and slander about Azerbaijan, with these campaigns being particularly intense ahead of COP29. She condemned the adoption of biased resolutions by certain national parliaments and international organizations, stressing that such actions harm the reputation of these bodies. She also emphasized that double standards regarding territorial integrity, sovereignty, and border inviolability are unacceptable.

The Speaker provided the ambassador with an update on the current situation in the region and ongoing restoration projects in Garabagh and East Zangazur, criticizing attempts by several Western countries to destabilize the situation.

Ambassador Luca Di Gianfrancesco congratulated Azerbaijan on the successful hosting of COP29 and mentioned that the Prime Minister of Italy had led a delegation to the event.

The Italian diplomat also discussed the multifaceted cooperation between Italy and Azerbaijan, highlighting the Embassy’s efforts to ensure continued progress in strengthening these ties.

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