Anar Baghirov awarded the “20th Anniversary of the Georgian Bar Association” Jubilee Medal

On November 8–9, 2025, a delegation led by the Chairman of the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan (BA), Mr. Anar Baghirov, made an official visit to Tbilisi at the invitation of the Georgian Bar Association (GBA) to participate in the international conference and other jubilee events dedicated to the 20th anniversary of the GBA. The conference was held under the theme “The Convention on the Protection of Lawyers – An Effective Instrument for Safeguarding the Rule of Law.”

The delegation also included the Vice-Chairman of the Bar Association, Mr. Parviz Alekbarov, and the ABA’s International Cooperation Coordinator, Ms. Gozal Huseynzade.

The event brought together representatives from the Council of Bars and Law Societies of Europe (CCBE), the Law Association for Asia and the Pacific (LAWASIA), the Council of Europe, as well as heads of bar associations and law societies from various countries, prominent international organizations, state officials, and civil society representatives.

In his opening remarks, Mr. David Asatiani, Chairman of the GBA, welcomed the participants and guests, highlighting the significance of the conference.

During the conference, Mr. Anar Baghirov delivered a speech on the topic “The Role of Self-Governing Bar Associations in Ensuring the Independence of the Legal Profession and the Quality of Justice.” He spoke about the reforms and significant developments carried out in Azerbaijan in recent years aimed at strengthening the independence of the legal profession.

Mr. Baghirov noted that, as a result of these reforms, there has been a substantial increase in the number of lawyers in Azerbaijan, and special attention has been given to improving access to legal aid for citizens, as well as enhancing the quality and state support for legal assistance funded by the government.

He further emphasized that the Bar Association is currently represented in the Judicial-Legal Council, the Judges’ Selection Committee, and other relevant state bodies of the Republic of Azerbaijan. According to Mr. Baghirov, this demonstrates that the legal profession is recognized not only for its defense function but also as an essential contributor to the effective functioning of the judiciary.

Mr. Baghirov also highlighted that the Bar Association submits expert opinions on all cases reviewed by the Constitutional Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan. He added that this process reflects the Association’s independent role in shaping the country’s legal positions and improving the practice of law application.

Continuing his remarks, the Chairman underlined that the long-standing friendship and mutually beneficial cooperation between the Azerbaijani and Georgian Bar Associations are highly valued by Azerbaijani lawyers.

At the conclusion of the conference, a formal reception was held for participants. During the event, Mr. David Asatiani presented Mr. Anar Baghirov with the “20th Anniversary of the Georgian Bar Association” Jubilee Medal in recognition of his contribution.

In return, Mr. Baghirov presented Mr. Asatiani with the “Honorary Lawyer” diploma of the Azerbaijani Bar Association and a symbolic lawyer’s robe. Commemorative gifts were also presented to several representatives of the GBA.

As part of the visit, the Azerbaijani Bar delegation held meetings with leaders of international organizations and bar associations from various countries to discuss expanding cooperation, exchanging professional experience, and exploring prospects for future collaboration.