AZERBAIJAN TAKES OVER GUAM PA PRESIDENCY
Enlarged meeting of the GUAM Parliamentary Assembly’s Bureau preceded the event. After approving the agenda, the bureau focused on a number of organizational issues. Then, 3rd meeting of GUAM Parliamentary Assembly kicked off. Along with parliamentary delegations of GUAM member countries, deputy chairmen of Romanian and Lithuanian parliaments, diplomatic corps representatives accredited in Moldova were present at the meeting as well.
Opening the event, chairman of Moldavian parliament Marian Lupu said Moldavian side passes the GUAM PA rotating presidency to the next side. Meeting participants highly appreciated the work done by the Assembly towards democracy, human rights, and in particular, parliamentary diplomacy.
Then, MM chairman, head of Azerbaijan’s delegation Ogtay Asadov thanked the Moldavian side for its role and efforts to organize the 3rd meeting of GUAM PA. MM speaker pointed out that Azerbaijan is developing in the economic, political, cultural and other spheres. Now, Azerbaijan is the member of some international organizations. According to O. Asadov Azerbaijan places a special emphasis on the GUAM and is interested in developing ties with the states acceded to the GUAM. This issue constitutes the main priority of Azerbaijan’s foreign policy.
MM chairman Ogtay Asadov highlighted issues of regional economic ties and security. He said regional stability is of great importance. GUAM member states must pay a special attention to this sphere and strengthen the cooperation. According to him, GUAM countries must step up their joint efforts to protect territorial integrity and fight terrorism and separatism. O. Asadov expressed his hope that GUAM PA will open up new opportunities for its members.
Chairwoman of the Georgian Parliament Nino Burjanadze highly assessed GUAM PA activity saying great progress in cooperation has been achieved. Mrs. Burjanadze expressed her deep gratitude to Azerbaijan and President Ilham Aliyev for the friendly help in a period of hardship caused by energy problems, saying Azerbaijan is a real partner.
Speaking at the event, first deputy chairman of Ukraine’s Verkhovna Rada Adam Mardinyuk, first deputy chairman of Lithuania’s Seym Cheslovas Yursenas, first deputy chairman of Romania’s parliament J. Meleshkanu and others positively assessed the activity of the countries acceded to GUAM PA.
The issues discussed at the meeting included development of cooperation between GUAM member countries, stepping up efforts of international community and GUAM member states to resolve the frozen conflicts, development of interparliamentary cooperation and others. After the break, GUAM PA committees held its meetings to discuss GUAM’s activity in a number of spheres.
Chairpersons of the committees reported at the 3rd meeting of GUAM PA. The date and place of the 4th GUAM PA meeting was set. In accordance with the rules, presidency in the Parliamentary Assembly passes to the Azerbaijani side. Chairman of Moldavian parliament Marian Lupu congratulated MM chairman Ogtay Asadov on this occasion. O. Asadov said, in his turn, that Azerbaijan takes a strong stand in all international organizations and will worthily preside at the GUAM PA, trying to strengthen the organization and expanding the cooperation among member states.
GUAM PA decided to hold its 4th meeting in 2007 in Baku, and then, adopted the official statement including major activities of GUAM PA in the next period.
The event was rounded off with the press conference.
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The same day, President of Moldova Vladimir Voronin met with the heads of delegations, which partook in the 3rd meeting of GUAM PA.
Meeting between Moldavian President and MM speaker O. Asadov focused on the prospects for development of bilateral ties, further strengthening of interparliamentary relations and other issues of mutual concern.
The parliamentary delegation of Azerbaijan headed by MM chairman Ogtay Asadov returned home on October 16. At the Kishinev airport, the delegation was seen off by chairman of the Moldavian parliament Marian Lupu and other officials.
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