12.11.2025
Dear conference participants,
I sincerely welcome you to the international
conference on “Constitution and the rule of law in modern legal systems”
dedicated to the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the Constitution of the
Republic of Azerbaijan.
Exactly 30 years ago, on November 12, 1995, the people
of Azerbaijan, in continuation of their centuries-old traditions of statehood,
adopted the first Constitution of the sovereign Republic of Azerbaijan through
a nationwide vote, the referendum. At a time when independence had just been
regained, its territories were subjected to military aggression and internal
strife was at its peak, the adoption of this supreme legal document was a major
socio-political milestone in the history of Azerbaijan, marking the beginning
of a new chapter in the country’s state-building.
Drafted by a commission directly led by the National
Leader of the Azerbaijani people Heydar Aliyev and based on universal values
and the constitutional experience of the world's leading democratic states, the
Constitution played the role of a guarantor in the establishment of a modern,
democratic, legal, and secular state, the consolidation of civil society, and
the formation of democratic traditions.
The country’s fundamental law declares the people of
Azerbaijan as the sole source of state power, establishes a balance and
framework of authority between the legislative, executive and judicial branches
in accordance with the principle of separation of powers, and sets forth the
supreme goal of the state – to secure human and civil rights and freedoms and
to ensure a decent standard of living for the citizens of the Republic of
Azerbaijan. Ensuring the independence of the judiciary, supporting political pluralism,
and laying the fundamental groundwork for local self-government are also among
the main priorities enshrined in the Constitution.
Since its adoption, the Constitution has served as a
basis for comprehensive reforms carried out within the country and for its
integration into the globalizing world. It has played an indispensable role in
in ensuring the rule of law, promoting free entrepreneurship and a market
economy, and protecting the historical, national, and cultural heritage of the
Azerbaijani people, demonstrating that the Constitution rests on a sound
foundation.
The rapid socio-economic development of Azerbaijan,
its worthy place as a leading state in the region, and the socio-political
processes taking place in society have necessitated adapting the Constitution
to the challenges of the time. For this purpose, the amendments and additions
introduced to the Constitution in various years have included many important
issues aimed at strengthening the mechanisms for ensuring human rights and
freedoms, deepening the foundations of civil society, and improving public administration.
The rapid socioeconomic development of Azerbaijan, its
worthy place as a leading state in the region, and the public and political
developments taking place in society have necessitated the alignment of the
Constitution with the challenges of our time. For this purpose, the amendments
and additions introduced to the Constitution in various years have included
many important aspects related to strengthening the mechanisms for the
protection of human rights and freedoms, reinforcing the foundations of civil society
and improving public administration.
This year, we also proudly celebrate the fifth
anniversary of the historic Victory we won in the 44-day Patriotic War for the
liberation of our occupied lands. The restoration of the country's territorial
integrity and state sovereignty has laid the foundation for a new historical
milestone in the development of Azerbaijan and necessitated legal reforms,
alongside economic, social and cultural ones. I am therefore quite confident
that the discussions to be held and the results to be achieved on various topical
issues with the participation of renowned constitutional experts will
contribute to ensuring the supremacy of the Constitution and effective
protection of human and civil rights and freedoms.
I warmly welcome you to Baku again and wish the
conference every success.
Ilham Aliyev
President of the Republic of Azerbaijan
Baku, 12 November 2025
