President Aliyev Approves Strategic Science and Higher Education Cooperation Agreement Between Azerbaijan and Morocco

President Ilham Aliyev approves a major science and higher education cooperation agreement between Azerbaijan and Morocco. Read about the new academic pact here.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 31, 2026, 5:34 AM EDT

Source: The information in this article was sourced from APA Reports

Bilateral Academic Synergy Formalized by Presidential Decree

A new chapter in Trans-Caspian and North African relations was solidified on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, as President Ilham Aliyev officially approved the "Agreement on cooperation in the field of science and higher education." This agreement represents a high-level partnership between the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Ministry of Higher Education, Scientific Research and Innovation of the Kingdom of Morocco. The decree serves as the final domestic legal hurdle, following the initial signing of the document in Rabat on February 16, 2026.

Institutional Mandates for Implementation and Notification

The presidential decree outlines specific responsibilities for two major government bodies to ensure the agreement's success. The Ministry of Science and Education has been explicitly tasked with the execution of the agreement's provisions, which are expected to include student exchange programs, joint scientific research initiatives, and institutional knowledge sharing. Simultaneously, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is responsible for the diplomatic protocol of notifying the Moroccan government that Azerbaijan has fulfilled all domestic legal requirements to bring the treaty into active force.

Wider Regional Context and Diplomatic Activity

The approval of the Morocco agreement comes amidst a flurry of diplomatic and legislative activity in Baku. The same legislative cycle saw the Azerbaijani presidency engaging in high-level calls with regional neighbors and international bodies, including conversations with the Iranian presidency and the European Council. These activities highlight Azerbaijan's multi-vector foreign policy, seeking to balance strategic partnerships in Western Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa.