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Latvia and Azerbaijan are brought together by friendly relations and dynamic parliamentary dialogue, particularly through the close ties between the parliamentary cooperation groups of both countries. “We are keen on furthering our successful transnational cooperation,” said Ināra Mūrniece, Speaker of the Saeima, at the main building of the Saeima on 2 February, while meeting Sahiba Gafarova, Chair of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, who is on an official visit to Latvia, accompanied by a delegation.

The speakers of parliament discussed strengthening the relations between Azerbaijan and the European Union. Speaker Gafarova attested that establishing relations with the European Union was among the top priorities of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy. Speaker Mūrniece highlighted the Eastern Partnership as the EU’s instrument for cooperation with partner countries, prioritising individual approach.

The Speaker of the Saeima underlined that Latvia views the Eastern Partnership initiative as an important mechanism for improving Azerbaijan-EU relations, and emphasised that cooperation should be based on programmes that are relevant and adapted to national interests. Latvia supports continuing the rule of law, good governance, and corruption prevention reforms, and is ready to share its experience in these matters.

While discussing the current security situation, both speakers agreed that the foreign policy of any country should first and foremost ensure peace and security within the country and the closest region. Speaker Mūrniece expressed Latvia’s support for stable and peaceful relations within the South Caucasus region.

Addressing the geopolitical situation in the Baltic region, Speaker Mūrniece stated that there was a breeze of the Cold War in the air, with security matters becoming a top priority. During the meeting, the Speaker of the Saeima pointed out the escalated situation near the Ukrainian-Russian border, as well as the hybrid-attacks near the Eastern border of the EU, carried out by Alexander Lukashenko’s regime.

The relations between NATO and Azerbaijan were praised as mutually beneficial and stable. Latvia greatly appreciates Azerbaijan’s contribution to Euro-Atlantic security by supporting the peacekeeping missions lead by NATO.

Addressing the cooperation of both countries in various formats, the Speaker of the Saeima called on Azerbaijan to support Latvia’s candidature in the upcoming United Nations Security Council elections in 2025.

Chair of the Milli Majlis invited the Speaker of the Saeima to visit Azerbaijan.

The conversation with the delegation of the Parliament of Azerbaijan, held today at the Saeima, was also joined by Rihards Kols, Chair of the Foreign Affairs Committee, Juris Rancāns, Chair of the Defence, Internal Affairs and Corruption Prevention Committee, Romāns Naudiņš, Chair of the group for promoting cooperation with the Parliament of Azerbaijan, and Raimonds Bergmanis, member of the same group.

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Saeima Press Service