Azerbaijani Speaker Sahiba Gafarova Chairs Coordinating Meeting of Asian Parliamentary Assembly in Geneva

Baku, The Gulf Observer: Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova chaired the Coordinating Meeting of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA), held in Geneva, Swiss Confederation, as part of her working visit to attend the 151st Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU).

In her opening remarks, Speaker Gafarova emphasized the vital role of the Coordinating Meeting in deepening cooperation and coordination among APA member states on international issues of mutual concern. She noted that such gatherings offer an effective platform to fully utilize the Assembly’s potential for open dialogue and the exchange of views on pressing global challenges—an endeavor that has become particularly important in the current complex international environment.

The Speaker highlighted that next year marks the 20th anniversary of the establishment of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly, which has evolved into a key mechanism for fostering interparliamentary cooperation, constructive dialogue, and solidarity among Asian nations. “The Assembly unites the parliaments of its member countries under one umbrella, amplifying their collective voice and contributing to the realization of shared goals,” she said.

Providing an overview of the Assembly’s progress under Azerbaijan’s chairmanship since 2024, Gafarova underscored that significant efforts have been made to strengthen cooperation and enhance the institutional effectiveness of the APA. She noted that Azerbaijan has set clear priorities for the organization’s continued development, including the expansion of its membership, the improvement of the efficiency of its existing bodies, and the enhancement of its institutional capacity.

During this period, the Assembly’s membership has grown, with the Majlis A’Shura of the Sultanate of Oman joining as a full member, while the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus received observer status. Additionally, the number of international organizations with observer status increased, as the Association of Secretaries-General of Arab Parliaments was granted observer status.

Speaker Gafarova further highlighted that under Azerbaijan’s leadership, consensus was reached on the formation of the APA budget — a milestone achievement that will contribute to strengthening the Assembly’s operational framework and financial sustainability.

Addressing current global developments, Gafarova stressed that the complex challenges facing the world today cannot be overcome without collective commitment and joint action. Referring to the recent ceasefire agreement reached on Gaza, she expressed hope that all stages of the accord would be implemented effectively, and that the outcomes of the Middle East Peace Summit would help advance a just and lasting peace in the region.

The Speaker also noted that the APA chairmanship will be handed over to the Kingdom of Bahrain next year. She expressed confidence that under Bahrain’s leadership, the Assembly will continue to reinforce interparliamentary cooperation across Asia and contribute to promoting peace, solidarity, and sustainable development in accordance with the APA’s shared objectives.

The meeting continued with discussions on the items of the agenda, focusing on strengthening collaboration and advancing the Assembly’s strategic priorities.