Alibala Maharramzade: We were the only parliamentary delegation to go to Ukraine during the height of the war
The visit of the Azerbaijani parliamentary delegation to Kyiv at a time when the war in Ukraine continues has attracted attention. During the meetings held within the framework of the five-day visit, inter-parliamentary relations between the two countries, Ukraine's reconstruction process, and Azerbaijan's post-war experience were discussed.
Speaking to Modern.az on the matter, Alibala Maharramzade, head of the Milli Majlis working group on inter-parliamentary relations with Ukraine, stated that the visit lasted a total of five days. According to him, the delegation first went to Moldova and then crossed into Ukraine by car.
"We traveled by car for eight and a half hours. We were on the road for almost two days, and stayed in Ukraine for three days. But since we also held meetings on the first and last days, we had quite productive and interesting meetings over five days."
The MP noted that one of the main goals of the visit was to demonstrate Azerbaijan's support for the Ukrainian people in wartime conditions.
"Our presence with them during these difficult days had a special meaning. Frankly, they were very surprised that no parliamentary delegation from any other country except Azerbaijan had come at such a time. This is also an indicator of the positive attitude towards us. In all meetings, it was once again emphasized that Azerbaijan supports the territorial integrity of Ukraine. We noted everywhere that Azerbaijan always recognizes the territorial integrity of Ukraine. As President Ilham Aliyev said, we never reconciled with the occupation. We fought until our territorial integrity was restored, and this experience is also of interest to Ukraine today."
According to the MP, Ukraine is studying not only Azerbaijan's military experience but also its post-war reconstruction experience. According to him, the reconstruction work carried out in Karabakh, psychological rehabilitation programs, and the reintegration of war participants and veterans into society are among the areas of particular interest to the Ukrainian side.
The MP also stated that the scene he witnessed in Kyiv was severe. He noted that on one of the days of his visit, the city was attacked with dozens of ballistic missiles and hundreds of unmanned aerial vehicles.
"From 11 PM to 7 AM, almost every hour 8-10 ballistic missiles were fired. Everyone lives with the threat of losing their lives. Despite this, people do not leave the city, they leave the shelter in the morning and go to work, and life goes on. The main targets are civilian infrastructure and residential buildings. However, he said that the belief in victory is maintained in Ukrainian society."
A. Maharramzade reminded that Azerbaijan also felt the effects of the war.
"Our embassy was hit, a SOCAR gas station was hit. The question arises, why was SOCAR specifically targeted? Why was our embassy hit by a missile? These raise serious questions."
As soon as the phone signal came, we went down to the shelter
Alibala Maharramzade stated that during their stay in Ukraine, the delegation faced air raid sirens many times and had to stay in shelters for safety.
"This is a constant process there. On the day I was there, 75 ballistic missiles were fired within 24 hours. In addition, nearly a thousand drone attacks were recorded. Of course, we also went down to the shelter every time a signal came. Even a few minutes' delay during an air raid creates a serious risk to human life. If you are five minutes late, there is really a danger of death. Even being three minutes late is dangerous. There is a special application on phones. As soon as the signal comes, everyone immediately runs to the shelter."
According to him, although Ukrainian citizens have already adapted to these conditions, living with the threat of death every day creates serious psychological tension in people.
"People practically live in shelters. They go out in the morning to work, and when the signal is given again in the evening, they return to the shelters."
He also highly appreciated the activities of Azerbaijan's diplomatic mission in Ukraine.
"The employees of our embassy are working in full force. They are truly acting heroically. Continuing their work in wartime conditions requires great sacrifice."
The MP stated that a meeting was also held with the leadership of the Ukrainian parliament during the visit. According to him, the invitation of the Speaker of the Milli Majlis, Sahiba Gafarova, was once again conveyed to the Ukrainian side.
"The leadership of the Ukrainian parliament welcomed the invitation. I believe that reciprocal visits will be possible in November or later."
Finally, A. Maharramzade emphasized that Azerbaijan's main wish is for the war to end as soon as possible.
"Our greatest wish, and that of our state leadership, is for the war to end as soon as possible. The international community must also do everything in its power for this."
