BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 31. Speaker of Azerbaijan's Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova, attended the Conference of Speakers of National and Regional Parliaments in Midrand, South Africa, on July 31 as part of her official visit to the country.
The conference, organized by the Pan-African Parliament, brought together speakers of national and regional parliaments from across Africa, as well as heads and representatives of international parliamentary organizations.
Addressing the conference, Gafarova highlighted the profound transformations taking place in the international system, ongoing conflicts, economic inequality and the challenges posed by climate change. She stressed that, at a time when confidence in international institutions is under increasing pressure, parliaments must play a greater role in global decision-making.
She said parliaments represent the voices of citizens, bring national realities to the international agenda and help translate political commitments into legislation and practical action.
Gafarova also emphasized the growing role of parliamentary diplomacy, noting that modern parliaments are not only legislative institutions but also important contributors to international cooperation.
Speaking as Chair of the Non-Aligned Movement Parliamentary Network, she said the organization now brings together the parliaments of more than 70 countries, including the majority of African states, and has become an influential platform for parliamentary cooperation.
The Speaker reaffirmed Azerbaijan's commitment to strengthening relations with African countries based on equality and mutual respect, while expressing support for Africa's growing role in international institutions and global parliamentary diplomacy.
She also underlined the importance of enhancing cooperation between the Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) and regional parliamentary organizations such as the Pan-African Parliament to ensure broader representation and more inclusive global parliamentary governance.
At the conclusion of her remarks, Gafarova expressed solidarity with the Pan-African Parliament and the parliaments of African countries, stressing the importance of giving Africa a stronger voice in the international system.
