On April 1–2, the Chairman of the Georgian Bar Association (GBA), Irakli Kandashvili, paid an official visit to Azerbaijan.

Within the framework of the visit, a Memorandum of Cooperation was signed between the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Georgian Bar Association. The document provides for the exchange of professional experience and methodological recommendations, sharing of information in the field of advocacy, organization and holding of joint conferences, seminars, practical trainings, working meetings, as well as discussions on advocacy-related issues on other possible platforms.

On the first day of the visit, the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Kamran Aliyev, received Irakli Kandashvili. During the meeting, it was particularly emphasized that the friendly relations between Azerbaijan and Georgia are dynamically developing thanks to the joint efforts and political will of the heads of state.

During the meeting, an exchange of views took place on a number of issues of mutual interest, including reforms implemented in the legal and legislative system and newly introduced legal institutions.

Subsequently, the Chairman of the GBA visited the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Welcoming the guest, the Chairman of the Supreme Court and the Judicial-Legal Council, Inam Karimov, noted that cooperation between Azerbaijan and Georgia has reached a high level in the legal field, as in all other areas.

During the meeting, the parties discussed prospects for the development of legal cooperation between the two countries, the role of the legal profession, mutual exchange of experience in the judicial-legal field, and other related issues.

On April 2, a meeting was held with Irakli Kandashvili at the Bar Association of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

Opening the meeting with introductory remarks, the Chairman of the Bar Association, Anar Baghirov, warmly welcomed the guest and emphasized the importance of the friendly and good-neighborly relations between the peoples of Azerbaijan and Georgia. During his speech, he provided detailed information about the activities carried out by the Bar Association in recent years, the work done towards the development of the legal profession, and the consistent and systematic reforms implemented.

Noting the importance of expanding international relations, the Chairman spoke about the effective cooperation established with foreign legal organizations. At the same time, Anar Baghirov provided information on the current state of cooperation between the Bar Association and local law enforcement bodies and the judicial system, admission procedures to the Bar, the implementation of electronic services, as well as support mechanisms for young lawyers.

At the meeting, the Head of the International Relations Department of the Bar Association, Gozel Huseynzade, presented a detailed report on the institution’s activities in recent years, highlighting the positive impact of these efforts on the increase in the number of lawyers and the growing prestige of the profession in society.

In addition, the Head of the Finance and Supply Department of the Bar Association, Farhad Farajov, delivered a presentation on the order stamp system implemented within the institution. During the presentation, the essence of the system, its application mechanisms, and its role in enhancing transparency, accountability, and control in the provision of legal aid were explained in detail.

Expressing his gratitude for the reception, Irakli Kandashvili highly appreciated the cooperation established between the GBA and the Bar Association of Azerbaijan and particularly emphasized the achievements made by the latter in recent years. Noting that Azerbaijan was his first official foreign visit as Chairman of the GBA, he stated that he had closely familiarized himself with the country’s legal system. He also emphasized that the strong relationships between the legal profession, law enforcement agencies, and the judiciary are of great importance for further strengthening and developing mutual cooperation.

During the continuation of the meeting, the parties exchanged views, discussed a number of issues of mutual interest, including future cooperation prospects, and presented mutual gifts.

Later, the guest visited the Legal Aid Center and the Training Center of the Bar Association and became acquainted with the working conditions created there.

Within the visit, the Director of the Legal Aid Center, Afet Gaziyeva, provided detailed information on the organization and implementation mechanisms of free and state-funded legal aid, as well as the institutional measures taken and the results achieved in this field. Information was also provided about social initiatives aimed at increasing legal awareness among citizens and support programs for vulnerable population groups.

The Director of the Training Center, Amir Aliyev, presented detailed information on the continuous training system, advanced training programs, and modern training mechanisms implemented to enhance the professional knowledge and skills of lawyers, emphasizing the importance of these initiatives.

Furthermore, the guest was informed about the activities of the Disciplinary Commission and the Qualification Commission of Lawyers, the work carried out, and the tasks ahead. Particular attention was given to the importance of adherence to ethical rules in legal practice, improvement of professional qualifications, enhancement of admission procedures, and raising professional standards.

Irakli Kandashvili noted that such cooperation would significantly contribute to the expansion of experience exchange in legal aid, training, disciplinary, and qualification areas, the professional development of lawyers, and the strengthening of international legal relations.

During the visit, Irakli Kandashvili also visited the administrative building of the “Kamandar Nasibov and Partners” Law Office. It was noted that lawyer robes from more than 100 countries are currently collected there, and with the support of the Bar Association, the world’s first exhibition titled “World Lawyer Robes and Attributes” has been held and a museum has been established.

In addition, the guest visited the Azerbaijan National Carpet Museum, where he was informed in detail about the ancient carpet-weaving art of the Azerbaijani people, its history, and traditions.

Irakli Kandashvili also visited ADA University. At the university, he delivered a lecture for Azerbaijani law students on the topic “The Role of a Lawyer in an Effective and High-Quality Judicial System.”