Upon completion of his mission in Latvia, Ambassador Javanshir Akhundov paid a farewell courtesy call on the Speaker of the Latvian Saeima Ms. Inara Murniece on 6th of August 2021.

Welcoming Ambassador J. Akhundov, Mrs. I. Murniece expressed satisfaction with the high level of Azerbaijani-Latvian relations. Appreciating the ambassador's efforts in this direction, and especially his personal contribution to strengthening the political dialogue between the two countries, the speaker noted that during his tenure, contacts between the two countries, including mutual visits and meetings, have become regular. ...

Recalling with pleasure her last visit to Azerbaijan and fruitful meetings with the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, as well as the Speaker of the Milli Mejlis and other state officials, the speaker shared her most gratifying impressions of Azerbaijan.

During the conversation, Ms. Speaker recalled the invitation of the Speaker of the Milli Majlis (parliament) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ms. Sahiba Gafarova, to the Republic of Latvia, and noted that the Latvian side is actively preparing for this visit, asking to once again convey her invitation to her colleague.

Expressing satisfaction with the development of inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries, the speaker emphasized the close cooperation of the parliamentary working groups of the two countries, highly appreciating the services of the chairman of the Saeima’s group for promoting cooperation with the parliament of Azerbaijan, Mr. Roman Naudinsh. “This confirms our mutual interest in the development of an active parliamentary dialogue both on a bilateral level and in various international organizations,” the Speaker of the Saeima said.

Ms. Murniece mentioned about the strengthening of relations between the European Union and Azerbaijan, and also noted the importance of the Eastern Partnership policy. I.Murniece also expressed hope that the work on the Comprehensive Agreement between the European Union and Azerbaijan will be completed soon.

She also noted the interest of her country in the development of trade and economic relations between the two countries, and stressed the importance of regular contacts between the business circles of the two countries.

 In his turn, Ambassador Javanshir Akhundov thanked Ms. Murniece for the high assessment of his work in the Republic of Latvia. Mr. Ambassador noted that he has developed constructive and friendly relations in Latvia, and he is leaving the country with positive impressions. Referring to the visits and meetings of heads of state, speakers of parliaments, foreign ministers and other high-ranking officials of the two countries, as well as recalling the important agreements signed between the two countries, the ambassador stressed that high-level contacts played a significant role in the development of bilateral relations.

The Ambassador highly appreciated the international support of the Latvian side to the just voice of Azerbaijan, especially at the level of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Defense of the Republic of Latvia, Mr. Artis Pabriks, and other state and parliamentary officials, including the deputies of the Latvian Saeima Mr. Roman Naudinsh, Mr. Armand Krauze and Alexander Kirshteins and others, who spoke out for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Republic of Azerbaijan during the Patriotic War, as  an indicator of the high level of bilateral relations. He also informed Ms. Murniece about large-scale reconstruction, transport and industrial-infrastructure projects, currently being implemented in the territories of Azerbaijan, liberated as a result of the victory in the 44-day Patriotic War under the leadership of the President of Azerbaijan, Mr. Ilham Aliyev, and stressed the importance of the recent visit of a group of Latvian parliamentarians to the liberated territories of Azerbaijan, thanks to which the Latvian and world community received reliable information about the facts of Armenian vandalism they have witnessed.

 At the end of the conversation, the Ambassador once again expressed gratitude for the invitation of Ms. Sahiba Gafarova to the Republic of Latvia.