Moldova-Azerbaijan interparliamentary friendship group being formed

Azerbaijani Ambassador to Moldova Gudsi Osmanov has met with Moldovan Parliament Speaker Igor Grosu.

Considering the stable situation in the political life of the country, the sides discussed relations between Azerbaijan and Moldova in various fields, especially inter-parliamentary relations, the establishment of a friendship group with the newly formed parliament after the early parliamentary elections on July 11, and the organization of mutual visits and meetings of parliamentary speakers of the two countries.

Grosu is also the chairman of the ruling Party of Action and Solidarity (PAS), led by Moldovan President Maia Sandu, and is close to the country’s president. During the meeting, Osmanov repeated his congratulations on the victory of the PAS in the early elections and expressed confidence that the success of the PAS will contribute to the intensification and development of relations between the two countries. The ambassador conveyed the congratulations of Sahiba Gafarova to the new speaker and expressed interest in expanding cooperation with the Moldovan parliament. He asked about the formation of a friendship group with Azerbaijan in the Moldovan legislature.

Grosu expressed his desire to meet with his Azerbaijani counterpart and inquired about the possibility of organizing a meeting at the European Conference of Presidents of the Council of Europe in Athens on October 21-22. He said establishing a friendship group with Azerbaijan in the parliament would be completed in September. Noting the friendly relations between the two countries, he praised the ambassador’s constant attention both during the tense political processes in Moldova in recent years and after the victory of the PAS in the elections. The speaker noted the importance of political stability in the country, especially for the development of the business sphere, agreed with his interlocutor, and said that it would allow expanding cooperation between the two countries in all areas. Regarding Azerbaijan’s achievements in the energy sector, he stressed the existence of Moldova’s problems in this area and the importance of considering opportunities for cooperation with our country, especially in this area.

In addition to inter-parliamentary relations, Osmanov gave information about the socio-political stability, current economic development, and comprehensive progress of the country. He also spoke about the 44-day war which ended with the victory of our glorious army under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the rapid restoration of our territories destroyed by Armenians, the activities of foreign companies in our liberated regions, construction of new roads and bridges, infrastructure opportunities, especially building of an international airport in the Fuzuli region, and other important points. The ambassador said that given the importance of the Moldovan economy, especially in agriculture, Azerbaijani investors have ample opportunities in this area. The ambassador noted that the last meeting of the Azerbaijan-Moldova Joint Intergovernmental Commission on Economic Cooperation was held in 2012, which means that work should be done to have the next meeting.

He discussed the possibility of updating the legal framework between the two countries, revising old agreements that have lost their relevance, and signing draft documents under consideration.

Grosu stated he watched the 44-day war with concern because Moldova also has a conflict over territorial integrity. In this regard, Moldova has always supported Azerbaijan and Azerbaijani people in the issue of territorial integrity. The chairman emphasized that 30,000 Armenians live in Azerbaijan, which proves Azerbaijan’s tolerant values.

Aware of the construction and restoration work carried out in the liberated areas, the speaker stressed with interest the concept of a “smart village” built to ensure a comfortable life for people. He noted that they are interested in establishing relations with Azerbaijani government officials and leaders because it was important to speed up the implementation of the work. He thanked Azerbaijan for the education and culture center funded by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation in Ceadir-Lunga, Moldova’s Gagauzia Autonomous Region, and added that the center was ready to open.

At the same time, the chairman praised the assistance provided by Azerbaijan to Moldova during the pandemic.

Chairman of the Congress of Azerbaijanis in Moldova (MAK) Elchin Bayramov also attended the meeting. Speaking about the activities of the MAK, he reminded that the active Azerbaijani youth is a member of the PAS, and according to him, in the future more Azerbaijanis are interested in becoming a member of the PAS. In addition, Bayramov invited Grosu to an event dedicated to the activities of the Azerbaijani Diaspora, which will be held on September 3 in Chisinau.