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On Friday, 2 December, Edvards Smiltēns, Speaker of the Saeima, met with Elnur Sultanov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Latvia, and suggested seeking new opportunities for cooperation and expanding dialogue in areas of high added value.
The Ambassador stressed the importance of the parliamentary dimension in the relations between the countries, and Speaker Smiltēns noted that the Latvian Parliament was currently establishing groups of MPs for cooperation with parliaments of other countries.
Turning to Russia's brutal war in Ukraine, the Speaker of the Saeima stressed that our cooperation was particularly important at this time. "Like-minded countries need to stand firmly together," said Smiltēns, expressing the hope that Azerbaijan will actively advocate in international organisations for Russia to stop the war and take responsibility for the crimes committed. The Ambassador noted Azerbaijan's contribution to humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.
The Speaker of the Saeima and the Ambassador also discussed strengthening the European Union's energy independence from Russia. Speaker Smiltēns underlined the important role of Azerbaijan in this process.
Regarding the situation in the South Caucasus, the Speaker of the Saeima stressed that stability in this region is very important, and therefore we look forward to a speedy peace agreement between Azerbaijan and Armenia. Edvards Smiltēns also expressed support for the European Union's efforts to mediate dialogue.
The Speaker of the Saeima and the Ambassador both praised the bilateral cooperation between Latvia and Azerbaijan. Latvia is interested in developing dialogue with Azerbaijan also in education and agriculture.
The Ambassador stressed the importance of the diaspora in bringing Latvia and Azerbaijan closer, noting also the contribution of Latvian artists and cultural workers to the development of Azerbaijan in the early 20th century.
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Saeima Press Service