Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova had a meeting on 2 May with Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of Italy Giorgio Mulé.

They were discussing the significance of the Interparliamentary Conference The Role and Best Practices of the Legislature in the Protection of Cultural Heritage held on the format of the VI World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue. The Speaker of the Milli Majlis remarked that such fora mattered for the preservation of cultural heritage, build-up of intercultural dialogue and discourse on aspects and issues of bilateral and multilateral co-operation. She said also that Italy was one of the European countries with the richest culture and a state amiable towards Azerbaijan.

The progress of the bilateral relations in diverse areas was mentioned with appreciation as the meeting went on. It was said that Azerbaijan and Italy are close friends and strategic partners. Two-way visits and high-level talks played an important role in achieving this level of relations. In addition, the essential role of parliaments in the development of relations was emphasised. The recent years have seen close co-operation being established between the Milli Majlis and both chambers of the Italian Parliament.

Also, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis shared her thoughts about intensifying the work done by the inter-parliamentary friendship groups and the import of such a tremendous event as the COP29 which Azerbaijan will be hosting eventually.

Further, Speaker Sahiba Gafarova criticised the double standards and prejudiced stance of some Western structures towards Azerbaijan. In particular, she told the interlocutor about France's attempts to disrupt the on-going peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia and to seek its own interests in the region.

Vice President of the Chamber of Deputies of the Parliament of Italy Giorgio Mulé thanked for the hospitality extended to him and expressed his contentment with the participation in the VI World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue.

The guest presented his considerations regarding the modern Azerbaijan’s progress and achievements, the activities of the inter-parliamentary friendship groups and the forthcoming hosting by Azerbaijan of such a formidable event as the COP29 happens to be.

Besides, they exchanged opinions about other matters of shared interest at the meeting.

The Press and Public Relations Department
The Milli Majlis