Baku: On January 22, Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis, held a meeting with Radmila Shekerinska, NATO Deputy Secretary General, according to the Press and Public Relations Department of the Azerbaijani Parliament as reported by APA. The meeting focused on the longstanding cooperation, spanning over three decades, between Azerbaijan and NATO, with Speaker Gafarova highlighting the Alliance's significant role in maintaining global peace and security.
According to Azeri-Press News Agency, both officials emphasized the value of the constructive political dialogue that exists between Azerbaijan and NATO. They noted that recent interactions, including President Ilham Aliyev's visit to NATO Headquarters and former NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg's visit to Azerbaijan in 2024, have revitalized the partnership between Azerbaijan and NATO. Additionally, Azerbaijan's contribution to the Alliance's energy security was acknowledged, as the nation currently supplies natural gas to ten NATO member states and two partner countries.
Sahiba Gafarova also highlighted Azerbaijan's strategic transit role in the Middle Corridor, which plays a crucial part in promoting stability and cooperation in the region. The dialogue also touched upon the Azerbaijan-Armenia peace process, where the Speaker emphasized Azerbaijan's restoration of sovereignty under President Ilham Aliyev's leadership and the creation of new regional dynamics. She noted Azerbaijan's commitment to advancing the peace agenda and strengthening cooperation with Armenia post-Washington Summit.
NATO Deputy Secretary General Radmila Shekerinska reiterated the Alliance's commitment to developing relations with Azerbaijan and praised the robust political dialogue between the two parties. She expressed optimism about further strengthening these ties through the new Partnership Program and congratulated Azerbaijan on its progress in normalizing relations with Armenia.
The meeting further highlighted the significance of the relationship between the Milli Majlis and the NATO Parliamentary Assembly, with discussions on potential future cooperation avenues.