On March 1st, 2024, a meeting took place between the Azerbaijani Bar Association (ABA) management and a delegation led by Ms Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker, Chairwoman of the Committee of Legal Affairs of the German Bundestag.

Welcoming the guests, Mr Anar Baghirov, the Chairman of ABA, provided detailed information about the recent activities and accomplishments of the institution, highlighting that the number of lawyers has increased more than threefold in recent years.

Mr Baghirov emphasized that ABA operates as an independent organization and discussed fruitful collaborations with various local and international organizations, highlighting the ongoing development of beneficial and reciprocal activities and relationships.

During the meeting, Mr Anar Baghirov expressed concerns regarding the attempt by Mr Frank Schwabe, a member of the German Bundestag, to propose the suspension of Azerbaijan's voting rights at the winter session of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), including the adverse effects of such decisions on Azerbaijan's participation in PACE events this year. He considered this decision baseless and biased, expressing objections on behalf of Azerbaijani lawyers.

Following this, Mr Elchin Usub, a member of the ABA's Board, provided a comprehensive overview of the significant work carried out in various directions in recent years, highlighting achievements such as establishing relations with international organizations, membership in numerous influential organizations, and the implementation of various projects within the framework of close cooperation. He also noted examples of how the international experience gained has contributed to ABA's activities.

Subsequently, Ms Elisabeth Winkelmeier-Becker, the head of the delegation from the Committee of Legal Affairs of the German Bundestag, expressed satisfaction with their visit to Azerbaijan, provided information about the purpose and importance of the meeting, and expressed gratitude for the opportunity to facilitate discussions and dialogue.

Additionally, during the meeting, several other mutually interesting issues were discussed.

At the end of the meeting, the guests were presented with books.

It is worth noting that the meeting was attended by Mr Ralf Horlemann, the Ambassador of Germany to Azerbaijan, Mr Jan Schlichting, Advisor to the Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Deputy Chairmen of the ABA - Mr Aydin Akhundov, Mr Parviz Alakbarov, Mr Shahmar Mammadov, Secretary General of the ABA, Mr Bayram Orujov, member of the ABA, Vice Chairperson for Legal Affairs of Tax, Customs and Legal Affairs Working Group of the German-Azerbaijani Chamber of Commerce (AHK Azerbaijan), Ms Gulnar Gurbanova, and the Head of the International Cooperation Department of the ABA, Ms Narmin Abbasova.