On cooperation in the fields of science, vocational and higher education

02.07.2025

Agreement

between the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan

The Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan and the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan, hereinafter referred to jointly as “the Parties” and individually as “the Party”,

Striving to strengthen existing relations between the States of the Parties,

Desiring to develop cooperation in the fields of science, vocational and higher education based on the principles of equality and mutual benefit,

Considering the existing national legislation of the States of the Parties in the fields of science, vocational and higher education,

have agreed as follows:

Article 1

The Parties in accordance with the national legislation of their respective States shall develop cooperation in the fields of science, vocational and higher education between two States based on mutual interest and mutual benefit.

Article 2

The Parties promote and strengthen cooperation in the following areas within their competences and in accordance with the national legislation of their respective States:

1. Exchange of information on innovations and legislation in the fields of science, higher and vocational education;

2. Establishment of direct relations and implementation of joint projects between scientific, vocational and higher education institutions;

3. Exchange of students and their mutual participation in competitions, contests, conferences and other events;

4. Exchange of educators and researchers, implementation of trainings and joint projects in the field of their professional development and skill enhancement;

5. Implementation of dual degree programs between higher education institutions;

6. Exchange of experience in the development of teaching-methodological tools, educational programs, and new technologies and innovative projects applied in education;

7. Mutual participation in seminars, conferences and other events held in the territories of the States of the Parties, organization of joint events;

8. Mutual teaching of Uzbek and Azerbaijani languages;

9. Exchange of information on the recognition of qualifications concerning higher education;

10. Stimulation of joint scientific research, including innovations in the fields of engineering and technology, and implementation of joint projects in these fields;

11. Other areas mutually agreed upon by the Parties.

Article 3

Starting from the 2026-2027 academic year, each year the Parties allocate 10 quotas on a reciprocal basis for studying at the bachelorʼs, masterʼs and doctoral (doctor of philosophy program) levels of higher education within the period determined by the educational program.

Issues related to the selection of candidates, duration of study, and funding of their studies shall be determined through the exchange of letters between the Parties via diplomatic channels.

Article 4

The competent authorities of the Parties in connection with the implementation of this Agreement are as follows:

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan — the Ministry of Science and Education;

On behalf of the Government of the Republic of Uzbekistan — the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Innovations.

The Parties shall inform each other in writing through diplomatic channels in the event of any changes to the competent authorities.

Funding of the activities within the framework of this Agreement shall be conditional upon the available budget of both Parties.

Article 5

In order to implement this Agreement, the Parties may create appropriate working and expert groups, adopt action plans and other cooperation programs.

The Parties may exchange information and coordinate activities using email, video conferencing or other means of communication.

The Parties may decide to invite relevant experts or organizations, to provide information to meetings of the Parties.

Article 6

This Agreement shall not affect the rights and obligations of the Parties, arising from other international agreements to which their States are Parties.

Article 7

Any disputes that may arise from the interpretation or application of this Agreement shall be amicably resolved by negotiations and consultations between the Parties.

Article 8

The Parties on the basis of written mutual consent may make additions and amendments to this Agreement in the form of separate Protocols being an integral part of this Agreement and entering into force in accordance with Article 9 of this Agreement.

Article 9

This Agreement is concluded for a period of 5 (five) years and shall enter into force on the date of receiving of the last written notification of the Parties through diplomatic channels, confirming the completion of the respective internal procedures required for the entry into force of this Agreement.

Unless one of the Parties notifies the other Party in writing through diplomatic channels of its intention to terminate this Agreement at least 6 (six) months before the date of its expiration, the Agreement shall automatically be extended for subsequent five-year periods.

The termination of this Agreement shall not affect the activities and projects already in progress or executed.

Done at Baku on July 2, 2025, in two original copies, each in the Uzbek, Azerbaijani and English languages, all texts being equally authentic.

In case of any divergence in interpretation of this Agreement, the English text shall prevail.

(signatures)