bp and the Ministry of Education of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic of the Republic of Azerbaijan today signed a cooperation agreement establishing a framework for collaboration on education and skills development in Nakhchivan through potential joint initiatives, Report informs.
The agreement reflects bp's continued commitment to supporting skills and capacity building in Azerbaijan through long term partnerships.
The document was signed in Nakhchivan by Elkhan Najafov, Minister of Education of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, and Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli OBE, bp vice president for the Caspian region.
The agreement sets out the basic principles for reviewing, discussing, and agreeing on the scope of work for potential joint projects. Prospective areas of cooperation include bp's support for:
• talented students in mathematics, computer science, physics, and chemistry, helping them prepare for local and international Olympiads;
• selected English language teachers who require methodological guidance for their professional development;
• the establishment of new or the upgrade of existing chemistry laboratories in educational institutions;
• the enhancement or creation of training workshops in vocational education institutions.
Elkhan Najafov, Minister of Education of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, highlighted the importance of the agreement signed within the framework of a public private partnership, saying: "This initiative is the first step as a public private cooperation for the Ministry of Education of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic. Our cooperation with bp will create new opportunities for the early identification of gifted students and for preparing them for international Olympiads. Supporting teachers" professional development and strengthening the facilities and resources of educational institutions will also contribute to further enhancing the quality of education in Nakhchivan."
"We are pleased to sign this agreement with the Ministry of Education of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, marking the start of our cooperation and reflecting the importance we attach to long term skills and capacity development in this region. The agreement lays the foundation for us to work together, exploring new initiatives that will support gifted students, strengthen teaching and learning capacities, and enhance educational and vocational facilities in line with local needs and priorities," Bakhtiyar Aslanbayli, bp's vice president for the Caspian region, said.