A delegation of Russian parliament members is on an official visit to Baku.
Federation Council Speaker Valentina Matvienko discussed the development of interparliamentary cooperation with Sahiba Gafarova, Speaker of the National Assembly (Milli Mejlis) of Azerbaijan.
The Federation Council Speaker spoke about her recent meeting with President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, describing it as open, relevant and substantive. “I conveyed regards from Russian President Vladimir Putin. Thanks to the efforts and will of the two leaders, our countries have built cooperation of the highest quality in recent years, prompting the development of a strategic partnership and alliance. We remember that Heydar Aliyev stood at the origins of this new stage in our relations.”
Valentina Matvienko noted that 2024 was a dynamic and productive year for the bilateral cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan, naming the first ever state visit by President of Russia Vladimir Putin to Azerbaijan as a key event.
Sahiba Gafarova noted that the two nations are bound by centuries-old links of friendship and neighbourliness. Any difficulties and disputes in bilateral relations have always been resolved based on mutual respect, trust and consideration for each other’s interests.
The Milli Mejlis Speaker added that the Federation Council delegation’s visit to Baku will contribute to the further development of interparliamentary links.
Valentina Matvienko stressed the importance of effective cooperation between the Federation Council and the Milli Mejlis, praising the noteworthy contribution made by the Interparliamentary Commission, co-chaired by Andrey Yatskin and Ali Ahmadov.
The Federation Council Speaker noted the successful and substantive UN Climate Change Conference held in Baku in November 2024. The programme included an ad hoc parliamentary meeting, which Russian parliament members also attended. The Speaker invited a delegation from Azerbaijan to take part in the Neva International Environmental Congress taking place this May in St Petersburg.
Valentina Matvienko believes that region-to-region cooperation, involving more than 70 constituent entities of the Russian Federation, makes a significant contribution to Russia-Azerbaijan relations. The parties agreed that it is important to continue the beneficial practice of holding interregional forums. Last year, the 12th Interregional Forum took place in Russia’s Stavropol Territory.
Valentina Matvienko and Sahiba Gafarova specifically focused on the upcoming events marking the 80th anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War. “We will always remember the contribution of the Azerbaijani people to our shared Victory. It is important that the few remaining veterans of the Great Patriotic War receive all the care they need,” Valentina Matvienko said. The Speaker invited school pupils from Azerbaijan to take part in the Train of Memory cultural and educational project.
As Chair of the CIS Interparliamentary Assembly Council, Valentina Matvienko expressed her gratitude to members of the Azerbaijani parliament for their active efforts in the Assembly.
The meeting also addressed cooperation in trade, the economy, and cultural affairs.
Other meeting participants included First Deputy Speaker of the Federation Council Andrey Yatskin, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on International Affairs Grigory Karasin, Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Defence and Security Vladimir Bulavin, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Science, Education and Culture Iliyas Umakhanov, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Social Policy Zhanna Chefranova, First Deputy Chair of the Federation Council Committee on Economic Policy Ivan Abramov, members of the State Duma, and Governor of the Astrakhan Region Igor Babushkin.
***
Valentina Matvienko presented Sahiba Gafarova with a Russian state decoration, the Order of Friendship. On 10 March 2025, the President of Russia signed an executive order awarding the Speaker of the Milli Mejlis of Azerbaijan for her contribution to strengthening Russia-Azerbaijan relations.
The Federation Council Speaker stressed that Sahiba Gafarova is regarded as a close friend of Russia. “Everything we do together is for the benefit of our nations. The strategic partnership, cooperation and friendship serve our mutual interests. The parliaments are instrumental in putting leaders’ agreements into action and driving mutually beneficial cooperation,” Valentina Matvienko said.
Sahiba Gafarova acknowledged the President’s award with gratitude. “I take it as a gesture of amity between our countries. We must join forces and dedicate ourselves to the well-being of our nations.”
Valentina Matvienko also wrote an entry in the Milli Mejlis Book of Guests of Honour.