KAZAKHSTAN AND AZERBAIJAN: EXPANDING COOPERATION IN HIGHER EDUCATION

Today in Baku on the basis of ADA University a round table with the participation of the Ministers of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan and Azerbaijan was opened. The main purpose of the event was to strengthen and develop partnership between the universities of the two countries. The round table was attended by the Ministers of Science and Higher Education of both republics, the Ambassador of Kazakhstan to Azerbaijan, as well as heads of more than 30 universities.

During his speech, Minister of Science and Higher Education of Kazakhstan Sayasat Nurbek emphasized the importance of expanding academic cooperation and noted the prospects of creating an international educational hub:

-We have solid research universities joining our educational space, creating satellite campuses, branches, joint programs, and we have really good universities. We could use your resources and you could use ours to optimize efforts. We have come with a proposal to the brotherly nation – to join efforts within the framework of exchange of experience and knowledge,” the Minister noted.

Minister of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan Emin Amrullayev expressed readiness for cooperation and emphasized that development of universities is one of the key priorities of both countries.

Rectors of universities presented their ideas on strengthening academic ties. Rector of the Kazakh National Women’s Pedagogical University Gulmira Kanai noted the prospects of cooperation within the framework of the “Orkhun” program. Rector of Baku State University Elchin Babayev emphasized the need to expand access to scientific information and joint use of research infrastructure.

An important part of the meeting was the speech of Adil Kusmanov, Chairman of JSC “Center for International Programs”, who presented the program “Study in Kazakhstan”. He spoke about the positive trends in attracting foreign students:

-Communicating in this way, we learn from our partners, learn about quality guarantees, research offices, technology parks, academic links and other initiatives, – said Adil Kusmanov.

The importance of increasing human capital was also emphasized, which contributes to the development of innovation, strengthening the business environment and creating a sustainable labor market in Kazakhstan and beyond.