Azerbaijani parliament confirms Ali Asadov as PM

BAKU. Feb 16 (Interfax) - The Azerbaijani parliament confirmed Ali Asadov as prime minister at a plenary meeting on Friday.

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, reelected in the early presidential election on February 7, nominated Asadov for prime minister.

One hundred and five MPs voted for Asadov, one was against, and one abstained.

Asadov's appointment now needs to be confirmed by the president.

Asadov told parliament that the government would prioritize strengthening the army, security and the borders, and raising the welfare of the population in the coming years.

"The main priorities of the government in the coming period will be further strengthening defense and national security, technological development, developing the defense industry, improving the supplies and logistics of the Armed Forces, and ensuring the integrity of our borders," he said.

The government will continue its active work on raising the welfare of the population and improving the social protection system, Asadov said.

Asadov, born in Baku on November 30, 1956, has been serving as Azerbaijani prime minister since October 8, 2019.

In line with the constitution, the Azerbaijani government stepped down on February 14, following Aliyev's inauguration.