The 15th plenary session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), themed "The Role of Parliamentary Diplomacy in Strengthening Multilateral Cooperation in Asia," commenced in Baku on Wednesday.
Bringing together 35 parliamentary delegations with nearly 280 participants, the session addressed a range of critical issues. The event began with the performance of Azerbaijan’s National Anthem.
In her opening remarks, Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, described the session as a testament to Azerbaijan’s commitment to fostering cooperation and strengthening this platform.
“The Azerbaijani Parliament assumed the APA chairmanship last year. We have outlined several key priorities to fulfill this honorable mission, including strengthening the APA’s institutional capacities, expanding its membership, revitalizing existing institutions, and enhancing their efficiency,” she emphasized.
Speaker Gafarova noted that the APA Executive Council meeting, held the previous day, discussed granting full membership to the Sultanate of Oman and observer status to Belarus. “We are close to reaching a consensus on adopting a budget for the Asian Parliamentary Assembly,” she added.
The Speaker highlighted that for 30 years, Azerbaijan’s internationally recognized territories were under Armenian occupation, yet the country did not receive the support it was entitled to under international law. “This has been one of the key reasons behind the inefficiency of the current international system. Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, implementing the norms and principles of international law independently. Therefore, we fully understand the relevance and essence of this issue,” Gafarova stated.
Mohammad Reza Majidi, Secretary General of the APA, praised Azerbaijan’s leadership, stating that the country had successfully implemented the Assembly’s agenda.
“Nations and states face numerous challenges worldwide. Parliamentary diplomacy must be strengthened to prevent the collapse of international peace and security. As parliamentarians, we must take all necessary measures,” he emphasized.
The session continued with speeches from parliamentary representatives of APA member states, who underscored the Assembly’s crucial role in fostering inter-country relations in Asia. They highlighted the importance of strengthening mutual trust, cooperation in combating terrorism, separatism, extremism, cybercrime, and information security, as well as deepening regional and bilateral relations. Speakers also emphasized the APA’s key role in enhancing collaboration between parliamentary institutions across member countries.
The plenary session adopted the agenda and elected the APA Bureau.
During the session, Rizvan Nabiyev, Head of the Milli Majlis delegation to APA and Chairman of the APA Executive Council, presented a report.
The session also reviewed Oman’s application for full membership and Belarus’s request for observer status. Additionally, APA’s Standing Committees on Social and Cultural Affairs, Budget, and Planning held their meetings as part of the event.
The plenary session will continue on February 20.
