The participation of the Republic of Azerbaijan at the Council of Europe as a specially invited guest from June 28, 1996, allowed it develop the working mechanism for improving our national legislation and adapt it to the European standards. It should be noted that hundreds of laws, resolutions and other legal acts were adopted by the Republic of Azerbaijan in 1996-2001 in accordance with the requirements of the European standards and norms of international law.
The session of the PACE on June 28, 2000 recommended the Committee of Ministers to admit Azerbaijan to the Council of Europe as a full member. On January 17, 2001 the Republic of Azerbaijan became a full member of the Council of Europe, while the official ceremony was held on January 25. Thus, the Azerbaijani diplomacy achieved a great victory in joining the European integration and proved that Azerbaijan is an integral part of Europe.
The admission of Azerbaijan into the Council of Europe in 2001 thanks to the efforts of Heydar Aliyev significantly strengthened the position of Azerbaijan in the international arena.
“90 Instants of the Great leader”, Heydar Aliyev Heritage research center, “Sharq-Qarb”, Baku-2013, p.179