Majlisi Namoyandagon (Tajikistan’s lower chamber of parliament) Speaker Mahmadtoir Zokirzoda yesterday met in Baku with Chair of the Milli Majlis (Azerbaijan’s unicameral parliament), Mrs. Sahiba Gafarova, on the sidelines of the PAECO 3rd general conference.

The Majlisi Namoyandagon press center says the parties discussed inter-parliamentary cooperation between the countries.

Zokirzoda and Gafarova reportedly also pointed the necessity of increasing the volume of the bilateral trade between Tajikistan and Azerbaijan.

The current legal foundation bilateral cooperation between Tajikistan and Azerbaijan includes 59 agreements based on the Treaty on Friendship and Cooperation between Tajikistan and Azerbaijan signed on March 16, 2007.  

Meanwhile, Azerbaijani news agency APA says Gafarova told Zokirzoda that their parliamentary delegations’ participation in such international events was very much needed and important in terms of discussing the issues concerning both sides. 

According to her, the proximity of the cultural pillars of the Azerbaijani and Tajik peoples guarantees that their relations will go on progressing.

Azerbaijan reportedly intends to continue intensifying the relations with Tajikistan in diverse areas. 

“There are fine opportunities today to continue broadening our economic, cultural and humanitarian cooperation,” Mrs. Gafarova was quoted as saying by APA.

Zokirzoda for his part, reportedly noted that Tajikistan wishes to expand not only political but also economic, cultural and humanitarian ties with Azerbaijan whilst the progress of the inter-parliamentary links can prove helpful in achieving that goal, “therefore, it is highly commendable that our delegations are engaged in the work of influential international entities and that the two sides are exchanging visits.”