Speaker of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye, Numan Kurtulmuş, met with Speaker of Iran’s Parliament, Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf, on the sidelines of the 20th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (PUIC) in Baku on Wednesday.

The meeting brought together the two senior parliamentary leaders for discussions on bilateral relations, regional security developments, and cooperation within the Islamic world at a time of heightened geopolitical challenges across the Middle East and neighboring regions.

During the talks, the two sides emphasized the importance of strengthening dialogue and cooperation between Türkiye and Iran, two key regional powers that share deep historical, economic, and cultural ties. They also exchanged views on developments affecting regional stability, including ongoing conflicts, humanitarian crises, and efforts to promote peace and security through diplomatic engagement.

Kurtulmuş highlighted the role of parliamentary diplomacy in fostering mutual understanding and expanding cooperation among Muslim-majority countries. He stressed the importance of unity and coordination within the Islamic world in addressing common challenges ranging from security concerns to economic development and humanitarian issues.

Ghalibaf, for his part, underscored the significance of maintaining close consultation between Tehran and Ankara on regional matters. He also emphasized the need for stronger cooperation among member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) to confront shared challenges and defend the interests of Muslim nations.

The meeting took place on the margins of the 20th Conference of the Parliamentary Union of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, an event bringing together parliamentary leaders and lawmakers from across the Islamic world to discuss political, economic, and social issues facing member states.

Observers note that parliamentary contacts between Türkiye and Iran complement ongoing diplomatic engagement between the two countries, which continue to cooperate on trade, energy, transportation, and regional security issues despite differences on some regional matters.

The discussions in Baku are seen as part of broader efforts by both countries to maintain dialogue and coordination amid evolving regional dynamics and growing calls for greater cooperation among Islamic nations. (ILKHA)