The signing ceremony of the Memorandum of Understanding between the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan and the Lahore State College of Pakistan took place on January 17.

The online ceremony was attended by the President of ANAS, academician Ramiz Mehdiyev, acting First Vice-President of ANAS, academician Arif Hashimov, Vice-President of ANAS, academician Irada Huseynova, Head of the Secretariat of the President of ANAS, Doctor of Philosophy in Political Sciences, Associate Professor Eldar Amirov, Head of the Scientific and Organizational Department of the Presidium of ANAS, Doctor of Philosophy in Physics, Associate Professor Rustam Rustamov, Head of the Department of International Scientific Cooperation of the Presidium of ANAS, Doctor of Philosophy in Biology, Associate Professor Esmira Alirzayeva and Vice-Chancellor of Lahore State University, Professor Asker Zaidi, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Pakistan to Azerbaijan Bilal Hayee, as well as Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Pakistan Khazar Farhadov and other guests.

First, the President of ANAS, academician Ramiz Mehdiyev welcomed the participants of the event and regarded this day as a significant event in the scientific community of our country. The academician noted that this document will create a solid foundation between the two fraternal countries. Noting that the cooperation is based on historical roots between the two countries, ANAS President, academician Ramiz Mehdiyev added that Pakistan, along with Turkey, is one of the first countries to recognize the independence of Azerbaijan and has not yet established any diplomatic relations with Armenia. The head of ANAS drew attention to the fact that Pakistan, standing next to Azerbaijan during the 44-day Patriotic War, once again clearly demonstrated that it is a fraternal country and Azerbaijan will never forget it. According to Academician Ramiz Mehdiyev, over the past period, scientific cooperation ties have been established between the relevant structures of both countries, joint projects have been prepared in the field of biological and medical sciences, humanities and social sciences: “We believe that the Memorandum signed today will open the way to new scientific achievements.”

Then the Vice-Chancellor of the Lahore State College, professor Asker Zaidi, spoke, who expressed the honor of cooperation with ANAS. He noted that his country has demonstrated constant support in bringing the truthful voice of Azerbaijan to the world in the 44-day Patriotic War. He also noted that Azerbaijani students continue their studies in Pakistan and two employees of the Institute of Botany of ANAS are studying at the Lahore State College.

The Vice-President of ANAS, academician Irada Huseynova, who spoke at the meeting, highly appreciated the prepared Memorandum of Understanding and then informed the participants about the scientific ties between the two countries. She noted that at one time, research and scientific ties in the field of molecular biology were established between the two countries. According to the academician, an employee of the Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology became the winner of the doctoral program of the Islamic Development Bank and is now on the verge of choosing a country to continue his education.

In addition, the other guests who spoke noted the high support for relations between the scientific structures of the two countries, as well as the interest of Azerbaijani and Pakistani scientists in conducting joint research. It was noted that the Center of Pakistani Literature, opened at the Institute of Literature named after Nizami Ganjavi of the ANAS, belongs to this tribe. At the same time, it was noted that the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Azerbaijan and Pakistan will be celebrated in the coming months.

Then a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the National Academy of Sciences of Azerbaijan and the Lahore State College of Pakistan.

In conclusion, the President of ANAS, academician Ramiz Mehdiyev expressed hope for carrying out extensive scientific work within the framework of the Memorandum and wished everyone success in this matter.