ABU DHABI, 6th May 2025 (WAM) -- Saqr Ghobash, Speaker of the Federal National Council (FNC), held official talks with Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan, and her accompanying delegation, as part of her official visit to the UAE at the invitation of the FNC.

The meeting underscored the importance of advancing parliamentary relations in parallel with the growing bilateral ties between the UAE and Azerbaijan, supported by the strong commitment of both nations' leaderships to deepen cooperation across various sectors.

The FNC and the National Assembly of Azerbaijan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to enhance frameworks for cooperation, coordination, and dialogue on issues of mutual interest. It also encourages increased communication between the two legislative bodies, including exchange of visits, joint parliamentary events, and bilateral coordination in regional and international parliamentary forums.

The agreement reflects shared interests in promoting security, peace, sustainable development, future foresight, innovation, and diplomatic knowledge exchange between the two nations, reinforcing their collaboration on key global issues.

At the outset of the meeting, Saqr Ghobash welcomed Dr. Gafarova and her delegation, noting that this first official visit by the Speaker of the National Assembly of Azerbaijan marks a new chapter in the evolution of parliamentary relations between the two countries.

Ghobash also highlighted the UAE's achievements in women's empowerment, particularly in parliamentary representation.

He noted that, thanks to the support of the UAE's leadership, women now comprise 50 percent of the FNC's membership, reflecting the nation's longstanding commitment to gender equality since its founding.

Dr. Gafarova expressed her pleasure at visiting the UAE and the FNC. She also commended the UAE's notable accomplishments, especially its progress in promoting women's participation in parliamentary and public life.

Several FNC members attended the meeting.