Baku hosts event marking inauguration of Baku Arbitration Center
Baku, October 24, AZERTAC
An international event dedicated to the inauguration of the Baku Arbitration Center was held in the Azerbaijani capital.
The event brought together more than 600 participants, including over 70 leading specialists, lawyers, government officials, and distinguished foreign guests.
The event aimed to promote knowledge exchange among professional lawyers engaged in arbitration across different regions of the world, strengthen cooperation between legal professionals in the public and private sectors, and create a dynamic platform for discussions on the development of Azerbaijan’s arbitration system.
In her opening remarks, Chairman of the Baku Arbitration Center Kamala Mehdiyeva said that the Center was established in line with high international standards. Noting that, like other arbitration centers, the Baku Arbitration Center will issue relevant decisions, she emphasized: “The arbitral rules are in effect. These rules will be compiled in Russian, French, and Turkish. We have also launched a journal entitled “Baku Arbitration Law.” This is a specialized legal publication that will be issued twice a year in Azerbaijani and English.”
Chairman of the Supreme Court Inam Karimov, in his remarks, noted that courts and arbitration bodies serve as partners rather than competitors in the pursuit of justice. He emphasized Azerbaijan’s adherence to key international agreements that promote arbitration, including the 1958 New York Convention. Collaboration between relevant institutions and judicial systems is of paramount importance for the successful implementation of arbitration, he underscored.
Minister of Justice Farid Ahmadov stated that a new generation of young and specialized lawyers has been formed in Azerbaijan, deeply familiar with international arbitration processes. He described the establishment of the Baku Arbitration Center as a crucial step towards integrating the Azerbaijani legal system into the international arena and creating fair dispute resolution mechanisms.
Former President of the European Council Charles Michel highlighted the importance of arbitration, saying it enables states, companies, and international investors to resolve disputes privately and fairly through an impartial tribunal, providing a more neutral and secure alternative to national courts. He described arbitration not only as a legal mechanism but also as a symbol of trust, peace, and the rule of law.
Maria Chiara Malaguti, former President of the International Institute for the Unification of Private Law (UNIDROIT), emphasized the importance of creating a reliable legal environment for the development of economic integration, trade, and investment cooperation in the region. She described the establishment of the International Arbitration Center in Baku as a highly significant milestone.
Following the speeches, the event continued with panel discussions.