Baku: President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has addressed the participants of the 20th Session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, which is currently being held in Baku.

According to Azeri-Press News Agency, the address was delivered by Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova.

In his address, President Aliyev warmly welcomed the participants and emphasized the significance of the conference as a platform that brings together legislative bodies from OIC member states. He highlighted Azerbaijan's 35-year membership in the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the country's steadfast role in promoting Islamic solidarity. Aliyev praised the OIC's support during Armenia's occupation of Azerbaijani territories and expressed gratitude for the organization's resolutions condemning the occupation and supporting Azerbaijan's sovereignty.

The President lamented the destruction of Islamic cultural heritage by Armenia, describing it as a manifestation of Islamophobia. He called for global attention towards combating Islamophobia and underscored Azerbaijan's commitment to organizing international conferences addressing the issue. Aliyev reiterated Azerbaijan's dedication to protecting Islamic values and promoting interfaith and intercultural dialogue.

President Aliyev also touched upon Azerbaijan's initiatives to foster Islamic solidarity, citing successful events hosted in Baku and other cities. He announced that Azerbaijan will host the 16th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference in 2027 and will take on the OIC chairmanship, pledging to deepen cooperation among member states.

Concluding his address, President Aliyev expressed optimism about the session's theme of promoting sustainable economic development in OIC member states through parliamentary cooperation, hoping it would lead to new opportunities and enhanced collaboration.