Baku Initiative Group, Burkina Faso to cooperate in scientific research

Burkina Faso and the Baku Initiative Group (BIG) have formalised cooperation in scientific research, academic exchange and strategic dialogue under a Memorandum of Understanding signed earlier this month, in what is being described as a significant step in the organisation’s expansion into Africa.

Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced on its official Facebook page that the agreement was signed on July 11 in Baku by BIG Executive Director Abbas Abbasov and Philippe Sandwidi, Director General of the Institute of Advanced International Studies (INHEI), which operates under the ministry.

According to information provided by BIG to local media, the memorandum has entered into force in accordance with international law.

The document establishes a legal framework for long-term cooperation between the parties across several areas, including scientific research, professional training, academic exchange and strategic dialogue. It provides for the organisation of exchanges involving experts and researchers, as well as the implementation of joint research projects.

In addition, the agreement предусматривает the holding of seminars, training programmes, conferences and expert discussions. These activities are intended to involve students, diplomats and members of the INHEI faculty, thereby integrating educational, diplomatic and research-oriented components into the partnership.

The signing of the memorandum is regarded as an important step toward expanding the activities of the Baku Initiative Group across the African continent, reflecting a broader effort to deepen its international engagement.

Until now, the Baku Initiative Group has primarily entered into cooperation agreements with political parties, liberation movements and civil society institutions in various countries. The memorandum concluded with the Institute of Advanced International Studies of Burkina Faso’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs marks the first time that BIG has formally established institutional cooperation with a government body of a foreign state.

By Tamilla Hasanova