At the invitation of the Romanian Bar Association (RBA), a delegation led by Anar Baghirov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Bar Association (ABA), visited Bucharest and took part in the Annual Conference of the Romanian Bar Association on 12 December 2025.

The conference was opened by Traian Briciu, Chairman of the Romanian Bar Association, who warmly welcomed the delegation and expressed his sincere appreciation to the leadership of the Azerbaijan Bar Association for accepting the invitation and visiting Bucharest. He emphasized the importance of developing cooperation between the institutions of the two countries.

Addressing the conference, Anar Baghirov thanked the hosts for their hospitality and warm reception. He highlighted the significance of the existing cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Romanian bar associations, noting that such meetings play an important role in strengthening professional relations between lawyers of both countries. He also expressed confidence that cooperation between the two institutions would continue in a more systematic, targeted, and expanded format in the future.

As a special gesture of respect toward the delegation, a presentation titled “The Digital Future of Justice” was delivered in the Azerbaijani language during the conference.

Following the conference, a broader bilateral meeting was held between the two bar associations.

During the meeting, Chairman Anar Baghirov provided detailed information on the judicial and legal reforms implemented in Azerbaijan in recent years and the large-scale initiatives carried out by the Azerbaijan Bar Association as part of these reforms. He highlighted the significant increase in the number of lawyers, the enhanced prestige of the legal profession, and the alignment of professional practice with modern standards. He also spoke about transparent and objective admission mechanisms to the profession, the expansion of electronic services, efforts to ensure the financial independence of the Bar Association, and support provided to young lawyers.

The Chairman further emphasized the importance of continuous professional development programs for lawyers and discussed state-funded and free legal aid services, social projects, support for vulnerable groups, strengthening of the material and technical base, as well as the activities of the Legal Aid and Training Centers and other relevant institutions.

In addition, Mr. Baghirov highlighted the progressive and comprehensive amendments made to the Law “On Lawyers and Advocacy Activities,” stressing that these changes serve to further strengthen the bar institution and organize legal practice in line with modern requirements. He shared Azerbaijan’s positive experience in this area with the participants.

Mr. Baghirov also noted that following the liberation of Azerbaijani territories from 30 years of Armenian occupation, the country’s internationally recognized borders, territorial integrity, and sovereignty have been fully restored. He informed participants that large-scale reconstruction and development projects are currently underway in the liberated territories, new residential areas are being built, and the return of former internally displaced persons to their native lands is being ensured. It was emphasized that, alongside expanding regional and international cooperation and growing trade and economic relations between the two countries, efforts will also focus on providing high-quality legal assistance, organizing legal services, and strengthening mutual cooperation.

Subsequently, Gozal Huseynzade, Head of the International Cooperation Department of the Azerbaijan Bar Association, delivered a presentation on the Association’s activities and key areas of work.

The meeting concluded with an extensive exchange of views, during which the parties discussed ways to further deepen bilateral cooperation and expressed their mutual interest in exploring opportunities for future joint initiatives.

As part of the meeting, gifts were exchanged between the participants, followed by a formal reception.

The broad-format meeting was also attended by Gudsi Osmanov, Ambassador of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Romania.