ISLAMABAD - As host of the first Trilateral meeting of the Speakers of the Parliaments of Azerbaijan, Pakistan & Turkey, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis (Parliament) of Azerbaijan, Ms Sahiba Gafarova gathered the speakers of the three brotherly countries in Baku, the capital of Azerbaijan.

The meeting underlined the importance of existing relations between Azerbaijan, Pakistan and Turkey which were based on brotherhood, historical and cultural ties, mutual respect and trust, said a press release issued by National Assembly Secretariat on Wednesday, as per communique received from Baku, Azerbaijan.

The forum also recognised the necessity of enhancing the parliamentary dialogue and cooperation between the three countries for further deepening of the existing relations between the brotherly states and nations. It was unanimously agreed that the Second Trilateral Speakers Conference will be held in Islamabad in 2022.

Addressing the Plenary Session of the Conference, NA Speaker Asad Qaiser congratulated the leadership and people of Azerbaijan on their great victory in the 44 day patriotic war. The liberation of occupied territories through sheer determination, perseverance and collective will of the people was no easy task, he added.

While thanking the governments of Azerbaijan and Turkey for their support towards Pakistan on the issue of Indian Illegally Occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IIOJK), Asad Qaiser said that very soon the IIOJK will be liberated from the foreign occupation.

The President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev also received the NA Speaker and delegation of Pakistan at his residence. During the meeting, the two sides discussed an array of issues of mutual interest. The Speaker proposed establishment of a Trilateral Forum of the Ministries of Commerce in order to enhance trade and commercial ties between the three brotherly countries.