Baku, July 31, AZERTAC
As part of her visit to the Republic of South Africa, Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova attended the Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments in Midrand on July 31.
The event, hosted by the Pan-African Parliament, was attended by speakers of national and regional legislatures from African countries, as well as officials and representatives of international parliamentary bodies.
Addressing the event, Sahiba Gafarova highlighted global transformations, ongoing conflicts, economic inequality, and climate challenges. She stressed that parliaments must have a role in global decision-making, particularly at a time when confidence in international institutions is under increasing strain.
She noted that parliaments represent citizens, connect national priorities with the international agenda, and help implement political commitments through legislation and practical action.
Sahiba Gafarova highlighted the increasing role of parliaments in addressing global challenges, noting that they contribute not only to national legislation but also to international collaboration.
The Speaker added that the Parliamentary Network of the Non-Aligned Movement, bringing together more than 70 countries, has become a significant platform for advancing parliamentary cooperation.
In her remarks, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova highlighted the importance of multilateral cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy in addressing global challenges, emphasizing the role of the Pan-African Parliament in advancing the objectives of “Agenda 2063.”
She noted that Azerbaijan highly respects this vision, attaches great importance to its relations with African countries, and supports mutually beneficial cooperation based on equality and mutual respect. Gafarova further stressed that Africa today should be recognized globally not only for its demographic potential, but also for its ideas, priorities, and leadership.
Highlighting the prospects of multilateral cooperation and parliamentary diplomacy, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova emphasized the strategic importance of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) as a global parliamentary platform fostering dialogue among diverse political systems and regions.