Story by ZBC Reporter
SPEAKER of Parliament Advocate Jacob Mudenda has reinforced Zimbabwe’s parliamentary diplomacy during a four-day working visit to Azerbaijan, with both countries committing to deepen cooperation in trade, investment, energy, education and legislative affairs.
Advocate Mudenda held high-level talks with Speaker of the Azerbaijani Parliament (Milli Majlis), Professor Sahiba Gafarova, as the two leaders explored ways to strengthen bilateral relations and expand parliamentary cooperation.
The discussions reaffirmed the longstanding cordial ties between Zimbabwe and Azerbaijan, anchored on shared commitments to peace, sustainable development, sovereignty and multilateralism.
The engagements built on previous interactions at the COP29 Parliamentary Meeting in Baku in 2024, the G20 Parliamentary Speakers’ Summit in South Africa in 2025 and the Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Türkiye earlier this year.
During the visit, Advocate Mudenda toured Azerbaijan’s modern parliamentary chamber and commended the country’s progress in digital parliamentary systems, including the use of electronic voting, multimedia technology and simultaneous interpretation facilities.
He also reaffirmed Zimbabwe’s commitment to the principles of the United Nations Charter, respect for international law and peaceful coexistence.
Advocate Mudenda endorsed Professor Gafarova’s candidature for the Presidency of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, citing the importance of rotational leadership among geopolitical groups.
The two Speakers reviewed progress made through the Azerbaijan-Zimbabwe Parliamentary Friendship Association following the visit of the Azerbaijan-Zimbabwe Working Group to Zimbabwe in May last year.
While acknowledging the strong political relations that have existed since diplomatic ties were established in 2008, both sides expressed concern over the absence of resident embassies in Harare and Baku.
The meeting also welcomed Zimbabwe’s election as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the 2027-2028 term, noting Azerbaijan’s support during the election.
