BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 28. Azerbaijan and
the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) discussed ways to
expant bilateral cooperation during a meeting today in Baku.


This was reported by the press and public relations department
of the Azerbaijani Parliament.


The discussions were held during the meeting between Speaker of
Azerbaijan’s Parliament Sahiba Gafarova with a delegation led by
Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Secretary-General Hissein
Brahim Taha, who is visiting Azerbaijan.


Congratulating Taha on his election as OIC secretary-general,
Gafarova wished him success in his new role. She noted that
Azerbaijan was among the first countries he had visited since
taking office, describing this as a reflection of the strong ties
between Azerbaijan and the OIC. She expressed confidence that the
visit would help strengthen bilateral cooperation.


Gafarova highlighted the discussions held during Taha’s meeting
with President Ilham Aliyev, as well as his participation in the
7th World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue and the third high-level
meeting of heads of law enforcement agencies responsible for
combating corruption in OIC member states, both held in Baku.


She said the World Forum on Intercultural Dialogue aims to
promote dialogue, mutual trust and understanding, build bridges
between different cultures and religions, and foster respect for
the values of others. Gafarova noted that, since its inception at
the initiative of President Ilham Aliyev, the forum had become one
of the leading global platforms for intercultural and interfaith
dialogue.


The meeting also highlighted Azerbaijan’s important role in the
OIC. Participants noted the organization’s consistent support for
Azerbaijan both during the period of occupation of its territories
and in the post-conflict period, with numerous OIC resolutions and
decisions reflecting this support and solidarity.


Gafarova briefed the guest on the history, modern structure and
international activities of the Parliament. She noted that the
Azerbaijani parliament actively participates in the work of
numerous international parliamentary organizations and currently
chairs three of them.


The speaker also highlighted the 20th session of the
Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States (PUIC), held in Baku
in June, during which she served as chair. She shared her views on
prospects for cooperation between the PUIC and the OIC.


Taha thanked Azerbaijan for its support for the OIC’s activities
and for successfully hosting the World Forum on Intercultural
Dialogue in Baku. He shared his impressions of his meeting with
President Ilham Aliyev, the president’s address at the forum and
the development he had witnessed in Azerbaijan.


He said Azerbaijan was setting an example for the world in
preserving peace and stability. Taha also highlighted the
significance of Azerbaijan hosting the 16th session of the Islamic
Summit Conference and chairing the OIC in 2027. He expressed
confidence that Azerbaijan’s chairmanship would further strengthen
the organization’s work.


Speaking about the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, Taha
reaffirmed the OIC’s consistent support for Azerbaijan’s
territorial integrity and sovereignty. He also conveyed his
congratulations on the upcoming Victory Day and praised the work
carried out in Azerbaijan’s liberated territories.


The meeting included an exchange of views on strengthening
Islamic solidarity, promoting intercultural dialogue, further
expanding cooperation between Azerbaijan and the OIC, and other
issues of mutual interest.