OSCE PA calls for assistance to Azerbaijan in demining efforts and rehabilitation

An Azerbaijani delegation led by MP Gaya Mammadov participated in the Annual Session of the OSCE Parliamentary Assembly (OSCE PA) held in Porto, Portugal, from June 28 to July 3, Report informs.

The delegation included MPs Azay Guliyev, Sevinj Fataliyeva, and Tural Ganjaliyev. The Permanent Representative of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the OSCE, Rovshan Sadigbayli, and Ambassador to Portugal Ilgar Mukhtarov also accompanied the delegation.

The OSCE Parliamentary Assembly's session in Porto focused on security and cooperation in Europe, including discussions on the impact of artificial intelligence, human rights, and economic and environmental concerns. The session adopted the Porto Declaration and elected new leadership.

The Azerbaijani delegation actively participated in the plenary and committee meetings of the Assembly to engage in in-depth discussions. In their remarks, they provided detailed information on the country’s efforts to promote peace and cooperation in the region, as well as on international collaboration in environmental protection, particularly the historic decisions adopted at COP29 thanks to the efforts of the Azerbaijani leadership and the country’s current role as COP29 Presidency. They also shared their perspectives on pan-European security concerns.

The members of the Milli Majlis updated the Assembly about the damage inflicted on Azerbaijan during the conflict and the ongoing threat of landmines, stressing the need to facilitate the return of Azerbaijanis displaced from Armenia.

At the proposal of the head of the delegation, Gaya Mammadov, the Parliamentary Assembly adopted a resolution calling on the international community to provide assistance to Azerbaijan in demining efforts, reconstruction, and rehabilitation in the liberated territories.

MP Azay Guliyev was re-elected as Chair of the OSCE PA Committee on Economic Affairs, Science, Technology, and Environment.

At the session, the Armenian delegation submitted anti-Azerbaijani amendments to the draft final document of the Assembly (including calls for the unconditional release of Armenian nationals currently on trial and allegations of the destruction of Armenian heritage in Azerbaijan). However, as a result of the diplomatic efforts of the Azerbaijani delegation, these amendments were rejected by a vote of the Assembly.

On the sidelines of the session, the head and members of the Azerbaijani delegation held numerous meetings with the newly elected OSCE PA President Pere Joan Pons, Vice-Presidents, and delegates from other countries.

The discussions held at the OSCE PA session in Porto – one of the most important international dialogue platforms on European security – once again demonstrated that the independent, resolute, and principled policy of the President of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, and the resulting prospects for lasting peace and development in the region, are recognized and appreciated by the international community.