Asaf Hajiyev

News

PABSEC Participation in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum organized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Turkey, 18-19 June 2021

Ms. Zinaida Greceanii, PABSEC President, President of the Parliament of the Republic of Moldova, Mr. Cemal Ozturk, Head of the PABSEC Turkish Delegation and Mr. Asaf Hajiyev, PABSEC Secretary General, participated in the Antalya Diplomacy Forum under the theme “Innovative Diplomacy: New Era, New Approaches”, which took place at the Nest Congress Center in Antalya on 18-19 June 2021 under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Turkey.

The Forum was attended by the heads of state and government from 10 countries, foreign ministers of foreign affairs from 42 countries, as well as former heads of state and government, representatives of international structures, high officials, businessmen, public figures and scientists from different countries.

At the opening of the Forum, Mr. Recep Tayyip Erdogan, President of the Republic of Turkey, addressed the participants, stressing the importance of diplomacy as a factor in preventing conflicts and disagreements in the world. In his address, Mr. Mevlut Cavusoglu, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey, noted that at present the international negotiating platforms like the Antalya Diplomacy Forum acquire special significance.

The two-day Forum was held in the format of panel discussions and round tables on such important issues as global governance, strengthening regional cooperation, transatlantic partnership, the situation in the South Caucasus, refugees and migrants, the Middle East and North Africa, the role of women in strengthening peace, cooperation in the Mediterranean, economic diplomacy, the fight against terrorism, energy cooperation, the future of Europe, the importance of parliamentary diplomacy, the role of academic community, etc.

The PABSEC President and the PABSEC Secretary General took part in the panel discussion on “How can we increase efficiency of regional organizations”. In her speech, the PABSEC President stressed that the international and regional organizations provide legal framework for cooperation and establish mechanisms for transformation of decisions into concrete actions. Regional structures are valuable platforms for closer dialogue as well as for strengthening cooperation between the states. She also noted that there are new opportunities for development, and it is necessary to avoid artificial barriers. She also stressed that countries need to work together to tackle common problems on an equal footing. The Secretary General highlighted the importance of effective and efficient cooperation between the countries, especially when they have bilateral problems. He stressed the particular importance of countries' respect for decisions and documents that are adopted within the framework of the organization in which they are members.

The PABSEC President, the Head of the PABSEC Turkish Delegation and the PABSEC Secretary General took part in the round table on “Parliamentary Diplomacy”. The PABSEC President stressed the particular role and importance of parliamentary diplomacy in modern international relations. She noted that parliamentary diplomacy makes a significant contribution to the preservation and implementation of a multi-vector and balanced foreign policy, since the legislative branch represents political forces of different orientations. She emphasized that countries should find solutions to topical problems, strive for economic growth and the well-being of peoples. Mr. Ozturk spoke about the structure and activities of the PABSEC and noted the importance of parliamentary diplomacy in the process of resolving existing differences between the member states. The PABSEC Secretary General emphasized the important role of parliamentary diplomacy in addressing topical issues, including transportation, strengthening political stability in the region, the problems of migration, as well as in improving the legislative framework.

The PABSEC Secretary General also took part in the panel discussion on “Southern Caucasus: New Opportunities for Regional Peace and Cooperation”. The Secretary General noted the importance of the participation of all countries in the regional processes based on respect for the principles of international law.

Within the framework of the Forum, the PABSEC Secretary General met with Mr. Faruk Kaimakci, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Turkey. The PABSEC Secretary General informed about the current and planned activities of the Parliamentary Assembly and noted the constructive role of the Turkish delegation. Mr. Kaymakchi expressed interest in the activities of the PABSEC and in participating in the future meetings.

On the sidelines of the Forum, the PABSEC Secretary General had short meetings with Mr. Michael Christides, Secretary General of the BSEC PERMIS, Mr. Altynbek Mamayusupov, Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Turkic Speaking Countries (TURKPA), and participants in the Forum from the PABSEC countries.