From 27 to 29 May 2026, a delegation led by Anar Baghirov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Bar Association (ABA), paid a visit to Ljubljana, the capital of the Republic of Slovenia.

In addition to Chairman Anar Baghirov, Elchin Usub, a member of the Presidium of the Bar Association, also took part in the visit.

As part of the visit, the delegation attended the plenary session of the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), as well as an event of the organization’s PECO Committee (Platform for Exchange, Cooperation and Support).

The plenary session and committee meeting brought together heads of bar associations and law societies from various countries, representatives of international organizations, government officials, and members of civil society institutions.

During the opening ceremony of the plenary session, Janez Starman, President of the Slovenian Bar Association, Nataša Pirc Musar, President of the Republic of Slovenia, Damjan Oroz, President of the Supreme Court of Slovenia, and Urška Kežmah, President of the Judicial Council of Slovenia, welcomed participants. In their remarks, they emphasized the importance of upholding the rule of law, advancing international legal cooperation, and strengthening institutional ties among members of the legal profession.

During the session, the CCBE leadership provided updates on the organization’s current activities, upcoming priorities, and strategic development directions. Financial matters and the organization’s calendar of activities for the forthcoming period were also approved. Participants reviewed recent developments within the CCBE and discussed draft documents of strategic importance. In addition, the draft CCBE Guide on greenhouse gas emissions and climate change for bar associations, law societies, law firms, and lawyers was considered.

Speaking at the PECO Committee meeting, ABA Chairman Anar Baghirov noted that the legal profession in Azerbaijan has experienced dynamic growth in recent years and that the number of lawyers has increased significantly as a result of ongoing reforms. He emphasized that advocacy has become one of the country’s most respected and promising legal professions.

Mr. Baghirov also highlighted the expansion of the Bar Association’s cooperation with higher education institutions and noted that the LEGIS Law Forum, implemented jointly with PASHA Holding, has made a significant contribution to legal awareness, professional dialogue, and the development of the legal community. He further stressed that consistent measures are being undertaken to enhance lawyers’ professional qualifications through cooperation with both local and international partners.

Continuing his remarks, Mr. Baghirov stated that Azerbaijan is actively represented on international legal platforms and announced that the country will host the Autumn Conference of the European Young Bar Association (EYBA) in October this year, with preparations currently underway.

During the meeting, heads of bar associations from various countries delivered reports on developments in their national legal systems and legal professions, outlining reforms undertaken and recent achievements.

Following the presentations, participants engaged in discussions, exchanged views, and addressed questions raised during the sessions.

In addition, Chairman Anar Baghirov held a number of bilateral meetings with representatives of international organizations and heads of bar associations from several countries to further strengthen cooperation. The meetings focused on the exchange of experience and prospects for future collaboration.

At the conclusion of the event, an official reception was held for participants at Ljubljana Castle.

Furthermore, during the visit, the delegation paid tribute to Mehdi Huseynzade, Hero of the Soviet Union and National Hero of Slovenia, by visiting his grave at the brotherhood cemetery in the village of Čepovan. The delegation also visited a monument erected in his honor and a museum established in the town of Šempas to preserve his memory.