On June 17, Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis, met with Afrim Gashi, Speaker of the North Macedonian Assembly, during his official visit to Azerbaijan.

Gashi was first introduced to the plenary session hall of the Milli Majlis and later visited the Heydar Aliyev Museum, where he signed the guest book.

During the meeting, Gafarova hailed the progress in bilateral relations over the 30 years since diplomatic ties were established, emphasizing that these ties are rooted in genuine friendship and mutual respect. She underscored the significance of Gashi’s visit – the first at the parliamentary speaker level – expressing confidence that it would strengthen ties between the two nations and their legislatures. She also highlighted the importance of the North Macedonian delegation’s participation in the 65th General Assembly of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation during their visit, noting its role in enhancing cooperation.

The discussion reviewed the current state and future prospects of bilateral relations across political, economic, cultural, humanitarian, educational, and scientific domains. The critical role of high-level reciprocal visits in bolstering interstate ties was emphasized, with particular mention of North Macedonian President Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova’s official visit to Azerbaijan in March and the productive talks held. Gafarova fondly recalled her meeting with the president, noting its contribution to advancing bilateral relations.

The meeting also highlighted the importance of inter-parliamentary cooperation in shaping bilateral and multilateral relations. Both sides stressed the need to intensify contacts between parliamentary working groups, deepen collaboration between committees and administrative bodies, and exchange legislative expertise.

Gashi expressed delight at his first official visit to Azerbaijan, praising Baku’s charm and Azerbaijan’s recent economic achievements and dynamic development, which reflect the resilience and dedication of its people. He noted North Macedonia’s commitment to expanding ties with friendly nations and recognized Azerbaijan’s geopolitical significance in its region, affirming interest in deepening cooperation. Gashi added that stronger parliamentary ties would spur more frequent government-level contacts and visits, fostering closer bonds between the two peoples, who share similar histories and values, and further enriching bilateral relations. He emphasized that such cooperation would not only strengthen ties between the two countries but also promote regional peace, stability, and collaboration.

Gafarova spoke about Azerbaijan’s historic victory in the 44-day Patriotic War, which ended Armenia’s 30-year occupation and restored Azerbaijan’s territorial integrity and sovereignty. She noted that Azerbaijan had long faced violations of international law and double standards but, in 2020, enforced relevant UN Security Council resolutions to end the occupation. She also briefed the guests on the post-conflict situation, including extensive reconstruction efforts in liberated territories, and reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to peace, which she said would ensure lasting regional stability and security.

The guests were also informed about the history, structure, and functions of the Milli Majlis.