On 11 April 2016, a Delegation led by Deputy Speaker of the Houses of Representatives of the Parliament of Malaysia, YB Datuk Seri Dr. Ronald Kiandee, made a four-day visit to Azerbaijan. YB Dr. Kiandee, in his capacity as the Chairman of Malaysia-Azerbaijan Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group (MAIPFG) came to Baku accompanied by the MP for Jasin (Melaka), YB Datuk Ahmad Hamzah and MP for Paya Besar (Pahang), YB Datuk Abdul Manan Ismail. The visit was at the invitation of the Azerbaijan-Malaysia Inter-Parliamentary Friendship Group (AMIPFG).
YB Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee started his working visit by laying flowers at the tomb of Azerbaijan’s national leader, founder and architect of the modern Azerbaijan state, Heydar Aliyev. The delegation then visited the Alley of Martyrs and the Eternal Flame monument as well.
YB Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee visited the Milli Majlis of Azerbaijan to discuss ways of developing cooperation between the two countries’ legislative bodies. The First meeting was held with members of the AMIPFG. During the meeting, Mr. Mahir Aslanov, Chairman of the AMIPFG, talked about the different levels of official visits of both countries have had and stated that these visits have a great importance in terms of the development of bilateral relationship, as well as, inter-parliamentary relations.
The delegation also met with the Chairman of the Milli Majlis, Mr. Ogtay Asadov. He expressed his confidence that the visit of the MAIPFG would give a new thrust to the development of inter-parliamentary ties. He underlined the significance of the high-level reciprocal visits and meetings in expanding cooperation and described the political relations between Azerbaijan and Malaysia as excellent.
On the same day, unexpectedly and away from the official programme, YB Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee, had a courtesy call on the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev. President Aliyev, mentioned that he had been informed that the working visit was taking place and had wanted to welcome the MAIPFG personally himself, as a signal of his high regards for the Azerbaijan-Malaysia Bilateral relationship. He recalled the visit of YAB PM to Azerbaijan and fruitful discussions that was held during the meetings. He also mentioned that the bilateral relations between Azerbaijan and Malaysia are of pivotal importance for both countries, H.E. President Aliyev noted that these ties had developed in various fields, including political, economic and others.
On the next day of the working-visit, YB Dr. Ronald and delegation, met with the Deputy Foreign Minister of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E Mr. Mahmud Mammadguliyev. The Deputy Foreign Minister welcomed the delegation to Azerbaijan and informed that Azerbaijan and Malaysia has always been in good relations and that the meeting of the Deputy Speaker with the President of Azerbaijan is testament to this.
The visit of YB Datuk Seri Ronald Kiandee and delegation marks another milestone in the excellent bilateral relation between Malaysia and Azerbaijan.
Embassy of Malaysia
Baku, Azerbaijan
20 April 2016
