At IMO International Maritime Law Institute (IMLI) I pursued studies leading to the degree of Master of Laws (LL.M.) in International Maritime Law during the 2008-2009 academic year. I am grateful to IMLI and to the Nippon Foundation for the support and trust. At that time of my studies was already employed at the State Maritime Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Studying at IMLI opened for me new horizons and allowed me to gain knowledge in international maritime law. The IMLI studies assisted me in my future career to grow as a professional in shipping law, ratification of conventions, their application into national legislation and implementation of obligations arising from them. That played an ultimate role in understanding the mechanism of ratification and implementation of IMO Conventions. Besides, in taking a leading role in the organization of academic and non-academic events, I became acquainted with the culture, history and traditions of the classmates which led to the close relationship we have until nowadays.
After graduation I was promoted twice at my job and became Head of the Law, Human Resources and International Relations Department. In this position I encouraged my employees to continue their education at IMLI. Moreover, in 2017, I was appointed as the IMO’s Ambassador for the Republic of Azerbaijan and in the same year, in accordance with the International Maritime Organization Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS), was appointed as an auditor of the Member States to IMO. I am very grateful to IMLI, the Nippon Foundation and to our lecturers for their continuous support in training professionals in the maritime sector.