London, June 22, AZERTAC

Azerbaijani Ambassador to the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Tahir Taghizade has visited Wales for the purpose of exploring and promoting opportunities of mutually beneficial cooperation between Azerbaijani universities and Aberystwyth University. The Ambassador held a series of meetings with the leadership of Aberystwyth University and representatives of its institutes and faculties.

During his meeting with Vice-Chancellor of Aberystwyth University Elizabeth Treasure, Ambassador Taghizade highlighted education reforms conducted in Azerbaijan as well as state-of-the-art educational institutions established due to the attention of the country`s leadership to this area. He said that according to a Memorandum of Understanding to be signed between ADA and Aberystwyth universities this year, 10 ADA University students will study English language and agriculture at Aberystwyth University in 2019.

Vice-Chancellor Elizabeth Treasure said she supports the expansion of cooperation with ADA University and believes that this cooperation can cover a number of areas. Elizabeth Treasure said Azerbaijan has already become a world-renowned country and that large-scale events improve the country’s international image.

During the meeting with head of the Department of Computer Science of Aberystwyth University, professor Bernie Tiddeman, the Ambassador provided an insight into Azerbaijan`s education system. Professor Bernie Tiddeman expressed his positive attitude towards prospects of cooperation with Azerbaijani universities.

Ambassador Tahir Taghizade held a meeting with representative of the Department of International Politics Warren Dockter, and they discussed the events that took place in the South Caucasus during the First World War, the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic, the British Army’s arrival in Azerbaijan and its consequences, development of relations between Azerbaijan and the UK after the collapse of the USSR. They also exchanged views over the current state of bilateral relations between the two countries. Ambassador Taghizade invited professor Warren Dockter to attend the International Humanitarian Forum to be held in Azerbaijan.

Following the meetings, Ambassador Taghizade viewed modern art samples at the Aberystwyth Arts Centre and spoke with Azerbaijani students studying at the university.

The Ambassador then met with Director of the Institute of Arts and Humanities Tim Woods and International Relations Office Director Ruth Owen to inform them of Azerbaijan and its culture as well as the cultural events recently hosted by the country. Professors Tim Woods and Ruth Owen said that the presentation of Azerbaijani culture in the UK, particularly in Wales, would arise great interest among the local public. Both sides emphasized the importance of reciprocal visits in this regard.

The Ambassador also met with the leadership and leading specialists of the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS) at Aberystwyth University.

Tahir Taghizade then familiarized himself with the National Plant Phenomics Centre and the BEACON Biorefining Centre of Excellence.

Aynura Taghiyeva

Special Correspondent