Azerbaijan National Assembly Speaker Sees Ethiopia as Strategic Gateway for Deeper Africa Engagement

Speaker of Azerbaijan’s Milli Majlis (National Assembly), Sahiba Gafarova, has described Ethiopia as a strategic partner for Azerbaijan’s expanding engagement with Africa.

Speaking at a high-level fireside chat hosted by Ethiopia’s Institute of Foreign Affairs (IFA), Gafarova praised the country’s leadership in promoting dialogue, cooperation, and continental unity.

She reaffirmed Azerbaijan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations with Ethiopia and broadening cooperation with the African continent through parliamentary diplomacy, academic partnership, and regional collaboration.

“Ethiopia plays a significant role in advancing dialogue, cooperation, and unity across Africa. Azerbaijan values Ethiopia as a trusted partner and remains committed to strengthening bilateral relations and expanding cooperation with the African continent,” she said.

 

The event, held under the theme: “Parliamentary Diplomacy, Regional Dynamics, and International Cooperation,” brought together diplomats, lawmakers, scholars, and policy experts to exchange perspectives on enhancing bilateral engagement and addressing shared strategic priorities.

Gafarova emphasized that parliamentary diplomacy has become an increasingly influential instrument in international relations, helping promote transparency, accountability, mutual understanding, and sustainable development.

“Strengthening cooperation among parliaments is not simply an institutional task; it is an investment in our common future,” she said.

“The decisions we make today will shape the world that future generations inherit,” the speaker added.

Reflecting on her official visit to Ethiopia, Gafarova said the trip had deepened her understanding of the country and further strengthened the longstanding friendship between Ethiopia and Azerbaijan.

She recalled her meetings with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Speaker of the House of People’s Representatives Tagese Chafo, describing the discussions as constructive and reflective of both countries’ determination to elevate bilateral relations to a new level.

 

The Azerbaijani parliamentary speaker stressed that cooperation and dialogue are indispensable in an increasingly interconnected world, arguing that countries must work together to address common global and regional challenges.

She also welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Institute of Foreign Affairs and Azerbaijan’s ADA University, saying the agreement would strengthen academic collaboration, expand knowledge exchange, and deepen people-to-people ties between the two countries.

Gafarova noted that her visit to Ethiopia’s Mesob One-Stop Service Center highlighted the government’s commitment to efficient, citizen-centered public service delivery and reflected the country’s ongoing public sector reforms.

 

Highlighting Ethiopia’s broader regional role, she said the country has emerged as a key force in advancing dialogue, cooperation, and unity across Africa, making it a valuable partner for Azerbaijan’s long-term engagement with the continent.