BAKU, Azerbaijan, December 7. An international parliamentary conference on the theme "Parliamentarism: Traditions and Prospects" has been held at the Azerbaijani Parliament, Trend reports.
Close to one hundred representatives from the parliaments of 13 countries, along with international organizations, have participated in the event.
The conference encompassed discussions regarding the role of parliaments in contemporary global processes, the evolution of parliamentary traditions, the advantages of parliamentary diplomacy, and the prospective contributions of ongoing parliamentary debates to tackling the global challenges of the modern era.
Addressing the participants, Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament, pointed out that the activities of modern parliaments are significantly shaped by the longstanding traditions and practices of parliamentary government established over numerous years in several nations.
"In discussing Azerbaijan's parliamentary traditions, I would like to particularly highlight the work of the Parliament of the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, established in 1918. In this context, it is no coincidence that our conference is taking place today, as the first session of Azerbaijan's Parliament was held on December 7," she said.
In turn, Ilyas Umakhanov, First Deputy Chairman of the Committee of the Federation Council of Russia on Science, Education, and Culture, pointed out that the conference held today will significantly contribute to the advancement of Azerbaijani parliamentarism and the enhancement of the diverse relations between Russia and Azerbaijan.
Umakhanov noted that hosting this international conference is not just a reflection on the roots of Azerbaijani parliamentarism or a tribute to the pioneers of democratic reforms in the country. It serves as a bridge between the present and the past, highlighting the continuity of generations—an essential foundation for securing a future.
Secretary of the Kazakh Parliament's Committee on International Relations, Defense and Security Darkhan Kydyrali noted that participation in international forums plays an important role in the development of bilateral cooperation, including within the framework of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic-Speaking Countries (TURKPA).
"My congratulations to Azerbaijan on the successful hosting of the recently held COP29 and today’s parliamentary conference. I'm sure that these events will contribute to further strengthening and advancing our relations," Kydyrali added.
Chairman of the Committee on Social Issues, Health, Science, Education, Culture and Youth and Women's Policy of the Supreme Assembly of Tajikistan Mehmedshoh Gulzoda added that Azerbaijani-Tajik interparliamentary cooperation serves as a successful example of dialogue and interaction.
"The Parliamentary Group for Friendship and Cooperation contributes to the exchange of experience, the discussion of current issues, as well as the search for solutions that meet the interests of the peoples," he said.
A roundtable on "The Azerbaijani and Turkish Examples of Parliaments in Public Diplomacy" will also be held as part of the conference.
Participants will also visit the liberated territories of Azerbaijan from Armenian occupation to learn about the ongoing construction and reconstruction efforts in the mentioned areas.
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