Azerbaijan’s position as an international diplomatic hub was once again confirmed through the successful hosting of another prestigious event. The 20th Session of the Parliamentary Union of the OIC Member States, held in Baku, was a significant occasion both in terms of advancing inter-parliamentary cooperation and developing a unified approach to the pressing challenges facing the Islamic world. The decision to hold the session in Baku reflects the high regard for Azerbaijan’s consistent policy of strengthening Islamic solidarity.

Konul Nurullayeva, Member of the 6th and 7th convocations of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan, provides her analysis for EDnews.

As noted in the message addressed by the President of Azerbaijan to the participants of the session: “Thirty-five years have passed since Azerbaijan became a member of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). We can proudly state that throughout these years, our country has contributed to strengthening Islamic solidarity, played an active and responsible role in the activities of the OIC, remained committed to its goals and principles, and actively participated in enhancing its international standing.”

In recent years, Azerbaijan has launched important initiatives in promoting international dialogue, intercultural cooperation, and multilateral diplomacy. Baku has become a venue for major global political, economic, and humanitarian platforms. The fact that the landmark 20th Session was held in Azerbaijan demonstrates the country’s growing influence in the Islamic world and its status as a reliable partner.

Within the framework of the session, extensive discussions were held on expanding the opportunities of parliamentary diplomacy, deepening political dialogue among member states, economic cooperation, sustainable development, preservation of cultural heritage, humanitarian issues, and regional security. At a time when global political processes are becoming increasingly complex and cases of selective application of international law are on the rise, it is particularly important for Islamic countries to speak with a united voice. In this regard, the Baku Session made a significant contribution to strengthening inter-parliamentary coordination in defending the common interests of member states.

One of the key outcomes of the event was the emphasis placed on enhancing the role of parliamentary diplomacy in the international system. Active participation of parliaments in interstate relations helps strengthen mutual trust, foster ties among peoples, and create additional opportunities for resolving conflicts through political dialogue. In this respect, the Baku Session once again demonstrated that parliamentary diplomacy is an effective platform for cooperation.

One of the main topics discussed during the session was the security and humanitarian challenges faced by Muslim countries. Particular attention was devoted to ongoing conflicts in certain regions, humanitarian crises, refugee and internally displaced persons issues, as well as efforts to combat Islamophobia and discrimination. Developing common approaches to these issues is of great importance for strengthening Islamic solidarity.

For Azerbaijan, the session was also significant because it provided an opportunity to present to the international community the new realities that emerged in the region following the 44-day Patriotic War, the country’s peace agenda, and its reconstruction and development efforts. The Baku platform created additional opportunities to communicate Azerbaijan’s position, based on international law, to a broader audience.

The session also demonstrated Azerbaijan’s capacity to successfully host major international events. In recent years, the organization of prestigious gatherings in Baku, including the COP29 conference, the World Urban Forum, the Annual Meetings of the Islamic Development Bank, and other international events, has further strengthened the country’s role as a global center for cooperation.

The Baku Session provided new momentum for the development of parliamentary diplomacy in the Islamic world, contributed to strengthening solidarity among member states, and confirmed the continued growth of Azerbaijan’s international prestige. The event once again showed that Azerbaijan is one of the key countries promoting dialogue, cooperation, and mutual trust throughout the Islamic world.

In 2027, Azerbaijan will host the 16th Session of the Islamic Summit Conference and will assume the Chairmanship of the OIC. As stated by the President of Azerbaijan: “During our chairmanship, we will spare no effort to promote the common interests of member states, deepen cooperation within the Organization, strengthen Islamic solidarity, and mobilize joint efforts to transform it into a greater force.”