Budva: The First Summit of Speakers and Presidents of Parliament of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean (PAM) Member and Partner States took place in Budva, with Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis, in attendance. During her address, Gafarova articulated the significance of PAM as a platform that has facilitated interparliamentary cooperation and dialogue to promote peace and stability for the past two decades.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Gafarova highlighted Azerbaijan's active engagement with the Mediterranean and Gulf regions, despite not being geographically part of the Mediterranean. She underscored the country's contributions to energy security through diversified routes and its pivotal role in East-West transport links, particularly the Middle Corridor, which supports cooperation and economic resilience.
Gafarova further noted the increasing importance of parliaments in international relations, emphasizing that parliamentary diplomacy complements traditional diplomacy by fostering dialogue, transparency, and trust. She stressed the need for inclusivity, adherence to international law, and democratic principles, advocating for parliamentary diplomacy as a platform for constructive cooperation even amidst disagreements.
The Speaker of Azerbaijan's parliament reaffirmed the Milli Majlis's commitment to multilateral parliamentary cooperation, acknowledging the recent decision to grant observer status to the Azerbaijani and Armenian parliaments. Gafarova viewed this as a step toward fostering dialogue and confidence-building between the two nations, which are seeking peace after longstanding conflict. She emphasized the potential of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Mediterranean to serve as a crucial platform for this constructive cooperation.
In conclusion, Gafarova reiterated Azerbaijan's active participation in international parliamentary activities, asserting that enhanced interparliamentary cooperation is vital for achieving peace, stability, and sustainable development.