The international parliamentary conference themed ‘The Constitution as the Foundation of State Independence and Sovereignty in the Modern World’ and dedicated to the 30^th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan was held at the Milli Majlis on 29 October.

Parliamentary delegations from approximately 20 countries and delegates of 5 international organisations attended the event.

Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova opened the conference with an introductory speech, in which she emphasised the deep symbolic significance of an international parliamentary conference dedicated to the topic such as ‘The Constitution as the Foundation of State Independence and Sovereignty in the Modern World’ being held in Azerbaijan. This year we mark the 30^th anniversary of the adoption of the first Constitution of our independent state. 2025 has been declared the ‘Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty’ in Azerbaijan in this regard.

The history of Azerbaijani statehood is a history replete with severe trials and brilliant victories. Azerbaijan found itself in a difficult position politically, economically, militarily and in other respects with the restoration of her national independence in 1991. An armed aggression against our country and an internal crisis struck to create a threat of losing state independence.

It was under such conditions that the historic mission implemented by the National Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev with resolve allowed for the resolution of the problems our country was facing, the stabilisation of the situation, the restoration of the rule of law and the creation of the foundations of a modern state. The Constitution prepared under his leadership and adopted in 1995 set the country's development strategy out, defined the principles of popular sovereignty, the supremacy of law, the separation of powers as well as it provided guarantees for the protection of human rights and freedoms. In this sense, the main law of our state is not only a legal document but also a symbol of a new period in our national history – a period of faith in the future and construction.

The Speaker of the Milli Majlis said that the progress along the trail blazed by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev is continuing successfully under the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Mr Ilham Aliyev. The last twenty-two years have gone down in the history of Azerbaijani statehood as a period of dynamic and comprehensive development. It was during this period that the real power of the Constitution was tested in practice.

As you may know, 20 per cent of the territory of our country recognised as such internationally remained under Armenian occupation for almost thirty years. The Constitution served as the legal, moral and philosophical foundation of our state's struggle for territorial integrity and sovereignty in that period. The main law of our country underpinned our diplomatic efforts in the struggle to put paid to the armed aggression and establish peace.

Azerbaijan restored the force of international law as a result of the historic victories achieved in the Patriotic War of 2020 and the anti-terrorist operation of 2023. The principles laid down in the Constitution of Azerbaijan found their materialisation in real life with the restoration of our state's territorial integrity and sovereignty.

It was further said that the Constitution of our country, whilst staying true to the universal human values, also proclaimed as one of its main goals life in friendship, peace and security with all the peoples of the world as well working jointly to achieve such goals. At the same time, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Mr Ilham Aliyev presented peace and development based on international law, non-interference in the internal affairs of states, mutual respect and co-operation as Azerbaijan's approaches in his address at the 80^th session of the UN General Assembly in September this year.

All of Azerbaijan's endeavours, regionally and globally, and including the large-scale energy and transport projects she is implementing, the promotion of dialogue between civilisations and cultures, the efforts in the struggle against various challenges encroaching upon the world today, reflect these intentions and approaches invariably.

The Speaker stressed particularly that it was Azerbaijan that immediately after the conclusion of the Patriotic War came forward with a peace initiative notwithstanding the 30-year occupation period. The five basic principles constituting the foundation of peace and the draft peace treaty were, too, presented by Azerbaijan. The signing by the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Prime Minister of the Republic of Armenia through the mediation of the President of the United States of America of the Joint Declaration in Washington, D.C. in August of this year as well as the initialling of the peace treaty between the two countries put an end to the period of confrontation and opened the path to long-term peace and stability in our region.

It was put to the conference participants that it was precisely constitutional order that helped states remain steady and develop on the basis of national interests to the backdrop of the current global geopolitical dynamics. Besides, Azerbaijan’s experience demonstrates vividly that Constitution becomes a powerful force uniting society and safeguarding a state’s independence when it draws its strength from the will of the nation and the national value whilst ensuring an accord between power and people.

The Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan reflects our people’s historical experience and their will to freedom. It strengthens our national unity and promotes a stable growth of the society.   

Political, economic, legal and humanitarian ties between modern states are becoming increasingly intensive and dynamic. Particular significance lies in strengthening of such international principles as sovereign equality and independence of states, non-interference in internal affairs and respect for territorial integrity in the light of this. Thus, the role of inter-parliamentary co-operation is also increasing.

As Sahiba Gafarova remarked in her address, parliamentary diplomacy has become one of the most important instruments of soft power nowadays. The bridges of mutual understanding are built through parliamentary contacts and the most acute issues are resolved on the basis of legal equality and mutual respect. We do believe that parliamentary diplomacy, which successfully complements traditional diplomacy, can play an even greater role in strengthening peace and mutual understanding.

It was said that humanity faces various new threats in the modern era, ranging from the spread of disinformation and hybrid attacks to encroachments upon the cultural and ideological independence of peoples. Our response to these threats must be resolute and principled. We must strengthen our sovereignty by relying on the supremacy of law and respect for the Constitution. Only through joint efforts can we counter new challenges and threats and strengthen peace and stability across the world. On the other hand, the protection of national interests and the safeguarding of human rights and freedoms also depend significantly on our fidelity to constitutional values.

Constitutional principles play a fundamental role in harmonious interaction amongst countries in that they give rise to the conditions supporting the strengthening of mutual respect and trust in international relations. The state and the parliament of the Republic of Azerbaijan consistently implement precisely this approach.

Concluding her address, the Speaker of the Milli Majlis said confidently that this conference will create conditions for a comprehensive exchange of opinions in the name of peace, justice and the well-being of states as well as for strengthening mutual understanding between our peoples and parliaments. We are certain that constructive dialogue and joint efforts can help find ways to further strengthen constitutional values.

Sahiba Gafarova wished the forum participants efficient work and interesting discussions on behalf of the Parliament of Azerbaijan.

Then, the conference participants shared their views on the role of the constitution in strengthening the legal foundations of the state and on issues of protecting the sovereignty and national independence of states.

Chairman of the Federal National Council of the United Arab Emirates Saqr Ghobash who spoke at the event conveyed his congratulations on the occasion of the 30^th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and underlined the role of the Constitution in strengthening the country's sovereignty and ensuring sustainable development. He observed that comprehensive development had been manifest in the Republic of Azerbaijan over the past 30 years thanks to national will and political foresight. According to him, the experience of the Republic of Azerbaijan is a vivid demonstration that the Constitution is a document that regulates relations between society and the state, defines the constitutional system of the state, reflects the country's economic, political, and social specificities, and also determines her position in regional and international relations.

Saqr Ghobash emphasised that laudable successes had been achieved in all the areas of life in the Republic of Azerbaijan, including in education, healthcare, environmental protection and ensuring energy security. He expressed confidence in further strengthening of the co-operation between the United Arab Emirates and the Republic of Azerbaijan on the basis of on mutual respect. He also spoke about the substantial role of the legislative bodies of both countries in implementing constitutional values and principles, and wished the Azerbaijani State and its people continuous progress and prosperity.

A speech was then delivered by Chairman of the Senate of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Syed Yusuf Raza Gilani who voiced his satisfaction at participating in the event marking the significant occasion for the Republic of Azerbaijan – the 30^th anniversary of the adoption of the country's Constitution. He said that the Constitution bridges state and people whilst being the supreme document in which matters of ensuring justice in society, establishing the foundations of statehood, as well as human rights and freedoms are defined. He particularly pointed out the exceptional services of the National Leader Heydar Aliyev in the preparation and adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan which rests upon democratic principles. The Chairman of the Senate of Pakistan lauded highly the important steps taken by President Ilham Aliyev in the field of protecting the sovereignty and independence of the Azerbaijani State, ensuring its territorial integrity and strengthening her international standing. He stressed that the declaration of 2025 as the 'Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty' in the Republic of Azerbaijan is an example of our Leader's commitment to the values. He also praised the work that the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan had done to build a fair and modern society in our country on the basis of the supremacy of law as well as to develop multiculturalism and tolerance and to strengthen peace, stability and security in the region.

Chairman of the Majlisi Namoyandagon of the Majlisi Oli of the Republic of Tajikistan Fayzali Idizoda spoke the conference to offer his congratulations on the 30^th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and to say that the Constitution is the supreme legal document constituting the legal, political and social foundation of every independent state and confirming its sovereignty. He mentioned the bonds of friendship between Tajikistan and the Republic of Azerbaijan, all reliant upon the deep historical roots as well as the shared cultural values and traditions. He emphasised the great significance of reciprocal visits and regular contacts between the Heads of State in strengthening the relations between our countries. As he broached the role of parliaments in developing bilateral ties, Mr Idizoda mentioned the Co-operation Agreement signed between the legislative bodies of both countries and spoke about its importance for the further expansion of co-operation between our states in political, economic, scientific-technical, socio-cultural, humanitarian and other spheres.

According to Fayzali Idizoda, the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan as the country's primary political and legal document has incorporated the most valuable and progressive elements, strengthened state independence, sovereignty and international authority. He stressed that this document has enshrined solid foundations for sustainable development, national unity and internal stability, which contributes to strengthening the country's progressive development and its successful advancement under new historical conditions.

Chairman of the Senate of the Parliament of Romania Mircea Abrudean stressed in his speech at the event the importance Romania attaches to her relations with the Republic of Azerbaijan. He described the celebration of the 30^th anniversary of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a significant event in the country's life. As he said, the Constitution is important for strengthening state traditions, ensuring the foundations of the country's political system, protecting territorial integrity and sovereignty, the supremacy of law and the observance of human rights and freedoms. He said that the holding of the International Parliamentary Conference dedicated to the 30^th anniversary of the Constitution is clear proof of co-operation between legislative bodies. Besides, he emphasised that the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan plays the role of a solid foundation for the future development of our country and our people.

Speeches were delivered at the conference also by Deputy Chairman of the Council of the Republic of the National Assembly of Belarus Vladislav Tatarinovich; Deputy Chairman of the Parliament of Georgia Nino Tsilosani; Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly of Serbia Jovan Janjić; Second Deputy Chairman of the National Assembly of Cambodia Sot Vong; members of the Grand National Assembly of Türkiye Hasan Turan and Şamil Ayrım; Committee Chairman in the Senate of the Oliy Majlis of Uzbekistan Abdulhakim Eshmuratov; Member of the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of Russia Natalya Kuvshinova; Member of the National Assembly of Pakistan Sophia Said Shah; Member of the Mazhilis of the Parliament of Kazakhstan Aidos Sarym; Member of the Chamber of Deputies of Italy Eugenio Zoffili; Member of the Senate of Malaysia Mohd Hatta bin Ramli; and Member of the National Assembly of South Africa Werner Horn, all of whom offered their sincere congratulations on the 30^th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan and expressed their gratitude to Speaker of the Milli Majlis Sahiba Gafarova for the invitations and the high level of the event’s organisation. It was said that this Conference is a bright token of the triumph of constitutional heritage and, at the same time, creates an effective platform for a useful exchange of opinions and co-operation between legislative bodies.
          The speakers drew parallels between the constitutional histories of their own countries and that of the Republic of Azerbaijan, pinpointing the similar historical experience of the struggle for independence and sovereignty.
          It was said that the Constitution of the Republic of Azerbaijan took shape as an expression of the people's aspirations and the national will, thusly forming a legal basis for the strategic goals defined by the Great Leader Heydar Aliyev and building a solid foundation for the policy being implemented under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev.

The conference participants stated that the Republic of Azerbaijan is today experiencing a new historical period, crowned by the Victory in Garabagh. It was emphasised that Azerbaijan is now celebrating the triumph not only of her territorial integrity but also of her constitutional system and her sovereignty.

The further conference speakers were Chairman of the Global Council for Tolerance and Peace Ahmed Al Jarwan; President of the Turkic Culture and Heritage Foundation Aktoty Raimkulova; Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Co-operation Asaf Hajiyev; and Deputy Secretary General of the Parliamentary Assembly of Turkic States Muhammed Alper Hayali.

They pointed out that the strengthening of constitutional principles is not only the preservation of a state's history and heritage but also the guarantee of a long-term sustainable future. Only co-operation guided by the principles of mutual respect and the observance of sovereignty and built on equality, friendship and mutual benefit between peoples constitutes the foundation of peace and progress.

The speakers at the conference praised the contribution of the Republic of Azerbaijan to peace, progress and co-operation highly and witnessed their contentment with the co-operation with the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan. They declared their confidence that Azerbaijan will achieve even greater heights and stressed their belief that inter-parliamentary co-operation will serve the peace and well-being of humanity.

The Press and Public Relations Department

The Milli Majlis