Azerbaijani Speaker, Belgian Ambassador Discuss Expanding Bilateral and Interparliamentary Cooperation
Baku, The Gulf Observer: Speaker of the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan, Sahiba Gafarova, met with Julien de Fraipont, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Azerbaijan, to explore avenues for enhancing bilateral cooperation and interparliamentary engagement.
The meeting highlighted the growing importance of Azerbaijan-Belgium relations, with both sides referencing the visit of the Belgian Prime Minister to Baku during the COP29 Summit last year and his productive meeting with President Ilham Aliyev as a significant step forward in diplomatic ties.
Speaker Gafarova conveyed Azerbaijan’s interest in fostering closer interparliamentary collaboration with the Belgian Parliament. She recalled her previous meetings with former Belgian parliamentary leaders and stressed the value of reciprocal visits and ongoing dialogue in promoting mutual understanding and cooperation. She also underlined the role of parliamentary friendship groups in strengthening bilateral relations.
Ambassador de Fraipont expressed his appreciation for the hospitality he has received in Azerbaijan and reiterated the importance of the Belgian Prime Minister’s visit, which served not only as participation in COP29 but also as an opportunity to deepen bilateral discourse. He noted the strong potential for expanding cooperation in key sectors, including the economy, transport, logistics, and maritime affairs.
The Belgian envoy also acknowledged Azerbaijan’s strategic role in contributing to Europe’s energy security and affirmed support for further developing the partnership between Azerbaijan and the European Union.
Speaker Gafarova took the opportunity to brief the Ambassador on recent regional developments, including Azerbaijan’s post-conflict reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories, ongoing demining operations, and other pressing matters of national and regional significance.
Both sides expressed readiness to continue their collaborative efforts and build on the positive momentum in Azerbaijan-Belgium relations across multiple spheres.
