Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov Visits Azerbaijani Parliament, Highlights Commitment to Strengthening Bilateral and Interparliamentary Ties
Baku, The Gulf Observer: A high-level delegation led by Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, Chairman of the Halk Maslahaty (People’s Council) of Turkmenistan, visited the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan on Tuesday as part of his official visit to the country.
The visit began with a tour of the Milli Majlis’s plenary session hall. At the memorial hall dedicated to National Leader Heydar Aliyev, Chairman Berdimuhamedov and the accompanying delegation viewed exhibits showcasing significant moments from the life and political career of the founder of modern Azerbaijan. Berdimuhamedov also signed the official guest book, leaving a message of goodwill and respect.
Following the tour, an expanded meeting was held between the Turkmen delegation and Azerbaijani parliamentary representatives.
Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova, welcomed the delegation and expressed confidence that the visit would play a constructive role in further deepening and strengthening the relations between Azerbaijan and Turkmenistan. She highlighted the shared historical, cultural, linguistic, religious, and family values that bind the two nations, noting that these commonalities have served as a solid foundation for comprehensive and fruitful cooperation since both countries gained independence.
Gafarova emphasized the importance of high-level reciprocal visits and sustained dialogue in enhancing bilateral and intergovernmental ties. She praised the ongoing collaboration between the two nations within international organizations, particularly Turkmenistan’s steadfast support for Azerbaijan’s initiatives during its chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement.
The Speaker also underlined the strong potential for expanding economic cooperation, especially in the fields of energy, transportation, and other strategic sectors. She stressed the growing importance of humanitarian collaboration, highlighting cultural and educational exchange programs.
On interparliamentary relations, Gafarova noted that consistent engagement between lawmakers — including mutual visits and joint participation in international parliamentary platforms — serves as a powerful catalyst for bilateral cooperation. She commended the work of interparliamentary friendship groups as effective instruments for fostering dialogue and advancing joint initiatives.
Chairman Berdimuhamedov expressed satisfaction with his visit to Azerbaijan and praised the outcomes of his meeting with President Ilham Aliyev. He described the Azerbaijani-Turkmen relationship as one of brotherhood rooted in Turkic solidarity, and highlighted the active contributions both nations are making to the international political landscape.
He congratulated Azerbaijan on being selected to host the 29th UN Climate Change Conference (COP29), commending the country’s leadership in addressing global environmental challenges.
In his remarks, Berdimuhamedov also touched upon a broad range of issues, including regional dynamics, youth and gender policies, economic partnerships, the work of the Intergovernmental Commission, and the role of parliamentary diplomacy.
The meeting concluded with a fruitful exchange of views on matters of mutual interest, reaffirming the shared commitment to strengthening bilateral cooperation across political, economic, and parliamentary domains.
