Manama: During her official visit to Bahrain, Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova met with Chairman of the Council of Representatives of Bahrain Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam on January 25.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Chairman Ahmed bin Salman Al-Musallam expressed Bahrain's interest in advancing relations with Azerbaijan, emphasizing the Kingdom's commitment to expanding cooperation in political and economic spheres, as well as within international organizations.

Speaker Sahiba Gafarova expressed gratitude for the hospitality, noting her first official visit to Bahrain as Speaker coincides with the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations. She highlighted that the opening of the Azerbaijani Embassy in Bahrain last year marks a new developmental phase in bilateral ties. Her participation in the 16th Plenary Session of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly during this visit was seen as a vital contribution to broadening inter-parliamentary cooperation.

The meeting underscored the role of political dialogue and high-level consultations in deepening the partnership, highlighting opportunities for growth in trade, investment, tourism, and education. In terms of humanitarian ties, the high-level organization of the 'MAMA - Mother Nature' exhibition in Manama last year was noted as an example of the strong cultural relationship between the countries.

Speaker Gafarova praised the collaboration within international and regional bodies such as the UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, and the Non-Aligned Movement, appreciating Bahrain's support of Azerbaijan's position on these platforms. She lauded the active cooperation between the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Bahrain both bilaterally and within international parliamentary networks, including support for Bahrain's candidacy for the chairmanship of the Asian Parliamentary Assembly.

The meeting concluded with an exchange of views on other mutual interests.