Head of the working group of the Azerbaijani Parliament on interparliamentary relations of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijani Parliament) with Luxembourg, Nigar Mammadova and member of the working group, MP Elchin Mirzabeyli have paid a visit to Luxembourg, APA reports.
As part of the visit, meetings were held in the Luxembourg's parliament, known as the Chamber of Deputies with Gilles Baum, Head of the Democratic Political Group; Gusty Graas, Committee on Foreign and European Affairs, External Trade and the Greater Region and member of the Democratic Political Group; Véronique Dockendorf, Director of the Political Department of Luxembourg’s Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs; Paul Galles, Chairman of the Committee on Environment, Climate and Biodiversity of the Chamber of Deputies and Member of the Christian Social People's Party (CSV); as well as Alain de Muyser, Luxembourg’s Ambassador to Azerbaijan and productive discussions were held during the meetings on the development of bilateral relations.
Azerbaijan’s Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium, Vagif Sadigov also participated in the meetings.
A favorable basis for the development of diplomatic relations
Head of the working group of the Azerbaijani Parliament on interparliamentary relations with Luxembourg, Nigar Mammadova stated that the 33-year-long diplomatic relations between the two countries have created a favorable basis for the development of bilateral ties: “There is also great potential for the development of interparliamentary relations. Since 2005, the Azerbaijan-Luxembourg interparliamentary working group has been active. During the meetings, I highlighted that the work of the Azerbaijani parliament is based on the principles of transparency and openness, and that our country has deep-rooted parliamentary traditions. I emphasized that today, various political parties and social groups are represented in the Azerbaijani parliament, which contributes to the expression of diverse political views and the development of political dialogue. I also drew attention to the active participation of women in the political sphere, including in parliament. During the discussions, the importance of launching a new phase of cooperation between the parliaments of Azerbaijan and Luxembourg was noted. Azerbaijan and Luxembourg supported the initiative to strengthen parliamentary ties.”
New realities and peace initiative in the South Caucasus
Mammadova also noted that during the meetings, she drew attention to the new realities that emerged in the South Caucasus region after Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity: “I pointed out that, after 30 years, opportunities for lasting peace and security have arisen. As the victorious country, Azerbaijan was also the first to propose a peace initiative. A completely new phase of development has begun in the liberated territories of Karabakh and Eastern Zangezur. I invited our Luxembourgish colleagues to visit our country to get acquainted with these new realities. Luxembourg is also interested in ensuring peace in the South Caucasus, and this point was especially emphasized during the meetings.
The role of Azerbaijan-Luxembourg relations in the EU context
Of course, we also view Azerbaijan-Luxembourg relations in the context of Azerbaijan-European Union cooperation. As is well known, Luxembourg, along with Strasbourg and Brussels, is one of the capitals of the EU and plays a strategic role as a crossroads of Europe. Therefore, the development of Azerbaijan-Luxembourg relations would directly contribute to official Baku’s ties with the European Union.”
Energy security and partnership with the EU
The MP noted that high-level relations exist between Azerbaijan and the European Union: “Azerbaijan is one of the EU’s most reliable partners. Our country is a major guarantor of the EU’s energy security. During the recent visit of the EU’s High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the European Commission, Kaja Kallas to our country, I also mentioned that the development prospects of bilateral relations were in the spotlight.”
COP29 and Azerbaijan's environmental initiatives
Nigar Mammadova added that the Luxembourg delegation also expressed interest in the prospect of mutual visits: “During the meetings, the contribution of COP29 — which Azerbaijan hosted last year — to the fight against climate change was specifically noted. The Luxembourg delegation that attended this prestigious conference agreed that there is significant interest in Azerbaijan’s experience in ecological matters.
Economic relations and transport-transit opportunities
Azerbaijan is also a leading transport and transit hub in the Euro-Atlantic region. In this regard, there are broad opportunities for expanding economic ties between Azerbaijan and Luxembourg. It is no coincidence that during the visit of a delegation led by Véronique Dockendorf, Director of the Department of the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of Luxembourg, to Azerbaijan earlier this year, the importance of developing ties with Azerbaijan was emphasized. New areas of cooperation and the potential for implementing joint initiatives were discussed.
In short, I believe that opening a new chapter in Azerbaijan-Luxembourg relations is in the interest of both sides. I am confident that mutual visits and intensive discussions will yield fruitful results.”
Follow us on Telegram
t.me/apanewsaz
Follow us on Instagram
Follow us on Facebook
Follow us on Twitter
