From October 29 to 31, 2025, an international forum titled “China (Kashgar) Central and South Asia – Rule of Law 2025” was held in Kashgar, Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region of the People’s Republic of China.

The event was organized by the Law Society of Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, the Law Society of Guangdong Province, and the Legal Exchange Center of the China Law Society.

The Azerbaijan Bar Association (ABA) was represented at the forum by Elchin Usub, a member of the Presidium, and Gozal Huseynzade, Head of the ABA’s International Cooperation Department. The ceremony was also attended by representatives of bar associations, judicial and prosecutorial bodies, as well as academic circles from various countries.

The purpose of the forum was to deepen legal cooperation between Central and South Asian countries and to contribute to the high-quality joint implementation of the “Belt and Road” initiative.

In his speech, Elchin Usub delivered a presentation on “Establishing an Integrated Mechanism for the Prevention and Resolution of Disputes under the Belt and Road Initiative”, emphasizing the importance of the forum.

He noted that major projects such as the Baku–Tbilisi–Kars railway and the Baku International Sea Trade Port play a significant role in the development of both Azerbaijan and the Belt and Road Initiative as a whole. The audience was informed that Azerbaijan’s legislation and international treaties to which the country is a party ensure the protection of investors’ rights, while the operation of the Alat Free Economic Zone and Industrial Parks creates a favorable environment for foreign investments.

Continuing his speech, Elchin Usub provided information on Azerbaijan’s transit potential and its role in international legal regulations. He also shared the news about the opening of the Baku Arbitration Center on October 24–25, highlighting it as an important step in the development of alternative dispute resolution mechanisms in Azerbaijan.

Furthermore, the Presidium member stressed the importance of establishing joint mechanisms for the sustainable and effective implementation of Belt and Road projects, and expressed the ABA’s readiness to continue supporting initiatives in this field in the future.

As part of the visit, members of the ABA delegation met with Wang Hongxiang, Vice President of the China Law Society. During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for future cooperation, the development of legal relations, and other issues of mutual interest.

The delegation also met with the head of the Law Society of the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, exchanging views on new opportunities for cooperation.

Within the framework of the forum, participants exchanged gifts, and a formal banquet as well as a city tour were organized.