Rasi Signs Memorandum on Parliamentary Cooperation During Visit to Azerbaijan

Baku/Bratislava, 13 May (TASR) - House Chair Richard Rasi (Voice-SD) and his Azerbaijani counterpart Sahiba Gafarova signed a memorandum of understanding during his visit to Baku on Wednesday to lay the groundwork for closer cooperation between both parliaments, TASR has learnt from the Parliament's Office on the same day. Rasi also announced that the Slovak delegation managed to negotiate more concrete terms of cooperation in the defence industry between the two countries. The memorandum of understanding institutionalises the strategic partnership, establishes a direct framework for cooperation in terms of economy, investments and industry, while at the same time defining clear rules and targets for mutual cooperation in the coming years. It also envisages intensive cooperation between parliamentary committees and a regular exchange of delegations and experience between administrative bodies of both parliaments. Rasi also described it as a practical tool for cooperation that brings stability and predictability to mutual relations, now also with a focus on the young generation. "For me personally, it's extremely important that this document contains a commitment to active engagement with the younger generation, which is what I consider to be a top priority in my role as parliamentary speaker. Investing in relationships between the young people of our two nations is an investment in our shared future," stated Rasi. He also highlighted the benefits of his visit for the Slovak-Azerbaijani relations as regards strategic security, noting that Slovakia has a strong ally in the Caspian region and remains a balanced and constructive partner for Azerbaijan within the European Union. According to Rasi, the memorandum allows both countries to coordinate their activities in energy more effectively, which is crucial for Slovakia in terms of diversifying its energy sources. jrg