The inaugural Uzbekistan-Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Forum is underway in Khiva.
The forum aims to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries and elevate interparliamentary dialogue to a qualitatively new level, The Caspian Post reports citing UzA.
Held on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Uzbekistan and Azerbaijan, the event brings together members of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, as well as representatives of the youth parliaments of both countries and the media.
Chairperson of the Senate of the Oliy Majlis Tanzila Narbayeva emphasized that the first Uzbekistan - Azerbaijan Interparliamentary Forum is not only an essential milestone in the history of bilateral relations, but also a starting point for a new phase of interparliamentary cooperation.
“We must make full use of the available opportunities and elevate our bilateral relations to a new level by establishing an Interparliamentary Commission”, Ms. Narbayeva said. “This forum is yet another vivid testament to Uzbekistan’s openness and its foreign policy focus on friendship and sustainable development”.
Speaker of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan Sahiba Gafarova emphasized that a new chapter of cooperation is opening in the interparliamentary format, grounded in the political will of the leaders of both states.
“I believe that our parliaments will contribute to the comprehensive development of interstate relations”, Ms. Sahiba Gafarova stated. “My speech is dedicated to supporting small and medium-sized businesses and improving the investment climate in our countries. This topic lies at the intersection of legislation, business, and the economy. These issues are directly related not only to economic growth, but also to social stability, and addressing them is one of the most important tasks facing our parliaments”.
The forum is addressing the development of joint legislative initiatives, the expansion of friendship group activities, and their elevation to the level of interparliamentary commissions, as well as cooperation in the economy, education, healthcare, digital transformation, and environmental protection.
A significant step is the introduction of a mechanism for exchanging experience between regional representative bodies, the strengthening of interparliamentary cooperation, and the enhancement of practical approaches to social and economic development. This will create favorable conditions for positive change in each region.
Panel sessions will cover topics such as the role of parliaments, oversight of law enforcement, improving the business environment and investment climate, digital reforms, cooperation in culture and tourism, and the roles of women and youth in society.
