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Ghalibaf in Baku for 20th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

Ghalibaf in Baku for 20th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)

The 20th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), was held in Baku. Among those attending was the Speaker of the Iranian Parliament (Chairman of the Islamic Consultative Assembly of Iran) Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf. On Wednesday (24 June) Ghalibaf also met the Azerbaijan  president Ilham Aliyev Aliyev, emphasized that the fraternal Iranian people have recently experienced enormous suffering, and wished peace to the souls of tallen. Noting that the Azerbaijani people and state stood by the Iranian people and state during the war, Aliyev described telephone conversations with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, as well as other contacts at various levels and manifestations of solidarity, as clear examples of this. Stressing that the suspension of the war was greeted with joy by the Azerbaijani side,  Aliyev said that Baku issued an fficial statement welcoming the end of hostiliities “ I wish there were no wars in the region ,” said President Aliyev, noting that both Azerbaijan and Iran suffered from wars in their time. Recalling with satisfaction Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's previous visits, preisdent Aliyev touched upon the significance of his participation in the 20th session of the Conference of the Parliamentary Union of Member States of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). He expressed hope that this event would contribute to the development of Islamic solidarity. He announced that our country will host the OIC Summit next year and noted that preparatory work has already begun. Aliyev emphasized that Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf's visit will create a good opportunity to discuss issues related to the bilateral agenda. Ghalibaf expressed gratitude for the support provided by Aliyev, the Azerbaijani state and people during difficult times for Iran. He also expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani leader for visiting the Iranian embassy in Bakuand expressing condolences over the death of the Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran Ayatollah Seyed Ali Khamenei and numerous civilians, as well as for the congratulatory message sent to Ayatollah Seyed Mojtaba Hosseini Khamenei on the occasion of his election as Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Noting that the war was a great misfortune and tragedy, the Galibaf emphasized that during that period, our country remained committed to good-neighborly relations with Iran, provided humanitarian aid, and the Azerbaijani people stood by Iran. He added that this will forever remain in the memory of the Iranian people. Emphasizing that Azerbaijan and Iran have always stood by each other, even in difficult times, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf described this as yet another example of the unity and solidarity of our countries. The guest stated that this war also demonstrated to Iran the importance of contacts with Muslim countries. Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf noted that during the war, Iran learned who its friends and enemies were. Azerbaijan, as a friendly country, stood by Iran. During the conversation, confidence was expressed in the even more dynamic development of Azerbaijani-Iranian relations in the future, and it was emphasized with satisfaction that the construction of the Agbend-Kelale bridge has already been completed and that the Araz corridor, which runs through Iran, will also serve to expand transport opportunities in the region. At the meeting, an exchange of views took place on the prospects for bilateral relations, including issues of interparliamentary cooperation, and the activities of the intergovernmental commission were touched upon.
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President of Turkmenistan visits Azerbaijan

President of Turkmenistan visits Azerbaijan

In a short, but highly significant visit, the President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov, arrived in the Fuzuli district on June 23. Serdar Berdimuhamedov was welcomed by President Ilham Aliyev.. During his visit, which lasted only a few hours, the Turkmen president, accompanied by his Azerbaijani host visited Fuzuli and Shusha.. Ilham Aliyev and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov visited Jidir Duzu plain in Shusha. President Ilham Aliyev presented a Garabagh horse named “Merd” to the President of Turkmenistan as a gift..
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Azerbaijan-Armenia Internet Transit Deal Marks New Step in Regional Connectivity

Azerbaijan-Armenia Internet Transit Deal Marks New Step in Regional Connectivity

Azerbaijan and Armenia have signed an agreement allowing the mutual transit of international internet traffic, creating a direct telecommunications link between the two countries for the first time since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The deal, announced on 17 June by AzerTelecom and Telecom Armenia, is intended to improve route diversity and network resilience in the South Caucasus. The development follows a gradual process of normalisation of relations between Baku and Yerevan. Notably, Azerbaijan has repeatedly identified the restoration of transport and communication links as a key component of a future peace settlement. Since the initialling of a peace agreement during a summit in Washington in August 2025, the two sides have taken several important steps, including progress on border delimitation and the easing of certain transit restrictions. The telecommunications agreement is also significant because it was negotiated by private operators rather than government officials. Industry observers note that commercial infrastructure projects can create long-term economic ties and mutual dependencies that are more difficult to reverse than political declarations.
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"Encouraging progress" in the first round of negotiations between the US and Iran in Switzerland

"Encouraging progress" in the first round of negotiations between the US and Iran in Switzerland

The first round of negotiations between the US and Iran to reach a final deal to end the war has concluded with "encouraging progress", mediators Qatar and Pakistan say. The talks began on Sunday in Switzerland, after last week's initial agreement between the two countries. In a joint statement on Monday, Qatar and Pakistan said that a "High Level Committee" had agreed to "a roadmap towards reaching a final deal within 60 days". Technical talks will continue throughout the week. This statement from Pakistan and Qatar reads that the first session of the high-level talks between Iran and the United States has ended. It was a productive session, and they were constructive talks that were held there. Now, they’re going to be building on the MoU and, immediately throughout this week, technical-level talks here in Switzerland are going to continue. They have now formed a high-level committee that is going to be providing political oversight over the mediation and subgroups that will work on the nuclear issue, the sanctions issue, and on monitoring and dispute resolution. The mediators' joint statement said that a "communication line" had been formed "to avoid incidents and miscommunication with the aim of safe passage for commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz". Last week's initial agreement includes a commitment to reach a final deal within 60 days, as well as an end to fighting on "all fronts" - including in Lebanon - and the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.