Education Minister Misir Mardanov warmly welcomed the guest and expressed his pleasure at meeting him at the Ministry. Talking about the existing relations between Australia and Azerbaijan, he underlined the importance of promoting further education cooperation between two countries. The Minister estimated the election of Azerbaijan as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council while the country is celebrating the 20th anniversary of its independence as a significant event for Azerbaijan, and gave information on constructive activities implemented in the country, particularly, on achievements gained in the education field. Talking about Azeri youth studying at the top universities in the world within the ‘State Programme for the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad in the years of 2007/2015,’ the Minister emphasized 21 Australian universities have been added to the ‘List of higher education institutions selected for the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad’ approved in accordance with the Programme. According to him, currently, there are some Azeri students studying at universities of Australia. Moreover, the Minister talked about opportunity to acquaint the country with Australian universities, and stressed that this work will have a positive effect on the number of Azeri students wishing to study at universities of Australia. The Minister expressed his conviction that the cooperation between two countries in the various stages and fields of education and organization of mutual visits will contribute to the cooperation. Ambassador of the Commonwealth of Australia to Azerbaijan Ian Biggs has thanked the Minister for the warm welcome. He noted the importance of promoting education cooperation between Australia and Azerbaijan, and effectiveness of this area. He highly praised the study of Azeri students at universities of Australia within the relevant State Programme, and underlined its role in strengthening bilateral educational ties. The guest said he attaches importance to the inter-university cooperation, and mutual visits of experts. In conclusion, there were exchanged views on other issues of cooperation.  

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Education Minister Misir Mardanov warmly welcomed the guests and expressed his pleasure at meeting them at the Ministry. He congratulated the Ambassador on his new appointment and wished him every success in his future activities. The Minister talked on existing relationship between the United Kingdom and Azerbaijan in many areas, including measures taken to promote the cooperation in the education field. Noting there is great interest in learning English at secondary schools of Azerbaijan, the Minister underlined the role of British Council in establishing effective and useful educational ties. Talking about a wide range of projects carried out by the British Council in Azerbaijan, the Minister highly praised the works done by the organization. He gave information on positive results of works jointly implemented by the Ministry of Education and British Council, and stressed the contribution of Programmes manager Gulshan Huseynova to appropriate projects. The Minister also touched upon projects that carried out by Azerbaijan English Language Teachers Association (AzETA), which serve the promotion of relations, and noted the feasibility of expanding the activity of organization in regions. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Great Britain to Azerbaijan Peter Bateman thanked the Minister for the warm welcome. He spoke on relations existing between Azerbaijan and the UK, as well as noted that steps taken to promote the educational collaboration will be successfully continued. He gave information on the World Education Forum which will be held in the UK in January next year. Paul Clementson, Country Director of the BC, thanked the Minister for the support provided by him for projects implemented by the Council. He talked on the ways to improve the existing corporation and expressed their intention to launch new projects in the country. He added that these projects will help to promote the work of English language teachers. At the meeting, there were held an exchange of views on other issues concerning the promotion of educational ties.

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Monitoring, which was attended by media representatives, has been conducted to check the attendance of pupils. It was carried out at schools No. 278 and 285 of Surakhani district of Baku at the option of the media. During the inspection, there was revealed a high percentage of pupil attendance. Moreover, the questions asked by the journalists were responded. The monitoring will be held until the end of the year.

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The conference was attended by representatives from Turkey, Russia, France, Ukraine and Georgia, as well as universities of the country. At first, the attendees have visited Heydar Aliyev Centre established at the Institute. The event was opened by the Rector of Azerbaijan Teachers Institute Agiya Nakhchivanli. She welcomed the participants and gave information on the history and activity of the Institute headed by her. In her speech she also touched on problems existing in this field, and from this viewpoint, underlined the value of the conference. Speaking at the event Education Minister Misir Mardanov stressed the importance of holding such as international-level conference at the Azerbaijan Teachers Institute. Noting the conference is devoted to the current issues in teacher training, the Minister underlined that the future of each country depends on the ability of school and teacher to respond to the current global challenges. According to him, there are important tasks in front of the universities to develop a latest and effective model for training new generation of teachers and professional development of pedagogical staff. The Minister also stressed the importance of conducting serious research to apply new innovations in the teacher training field using modern advances in science and information technology. Misir Mardanov highlighted the stat care provided for the education and teachers of the country, and gave information on steps taken to stimulate teachers. Moreover, since 2008, the Best Teacher and Best School competitions have been held by the appropriate orders of the President in order to develop their innovative activity. He also talked about measures taken on teacher training field for the last few years and existing problems. The conference was also attended by Prof. of Eurasian Open Institute (Moscow), academician of International Academy of Psychological Sciences Alexander Morozov, who gave a presentation on the theme of “Shaping a new type of teacher as a main factor in the development of modern education.” Next, a film about the history and activity of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine was demonstrated at the event. After the break, the conference has continued its work at sessions.

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The issues concerning the accreditation of Astara Pedagogical College, Baku State Communication and Transport College and Mingechevir Tourism College were discussed at the meeting. Moreover, at the meeting were discussed the criteria for determining compliance of activity of general-education institution with state education standards. Speaking at the opening of the meeting, Education Minister Misir Mardanov stressed the importance of works done for accreditation of higher and secondary special-education institutions.  He asked to speak the Chairperson of Commission of Astara Pedagogical College, chairperson of Foreign Language Commission of Baku Humanities College Sadagat Gafarova to give more information on accreditation of Astara Pedagogical College. Talking on criteria for determining compliance the activity of Astara Pedagogical College with state education standards and its status S. Gafarova informed the participants on the management of institution, its content and structure of curriculum, organization of training process, as well as number of teachers working at the college, work provision for its graduates and, etc. Commission Chairman for accreditation of Baku State Communication and Transport College, Head of Switching Systems and Postal Services Department of Azerbaijan Technical University Elchin Gozalov stressed that the content of educational programs of the College submitted for accreditation complies with the relevant indicators, and gave detailed information on monitoring conducted at the institution. He also touched upon issues concerning its teaching staff; the signature stamp printed teaching materials for every 10 teachers over the past 5 years, Internet provision of the college and, etc. Chairman of the Accreditation Committee, Dean of Faculty of Education of Azerbaijan Teachers Institute Razim Mammadov gave information about the results of accreditation held at Mingachevir Tourism College and presented the conclusion made by the Committee. Next, there have been given answers to questions concerning each college, also voiced some opinions and suggestions. At the end, the Accreditation Council has estimated the activity of each education institution as “satisfactory,” and granted to Astara Pedagogical College 70 out of 100 points required by the relevant indicators of criteria set for the status of the college, Baku State College of Communications and Transport received 61, and Mingachevir Tourism College 65 points, and has been made a decision on accreditation of relevant specialties. Moreover, the ‘Criteria set for determining compliance of activity of general-education institution with state education standards’ has been approved at the meeting of the Accreditation Council, as well as underlined the appropriateness to consider some of the proposals.

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The conference was attended by government representatives, ambassadors of the foreign countries to Azerbaijan, employees of international organizations, foreign and local oil-gas companies and international experts. Speaking at the opening of the conference, Executive Director of State Oil Fund of Azerbaijan Republic (SOFAZ) Shahmar Movsumov gave detailed information on the activity of SOFAZ, which was established by the executive order of national leader Heydar Aliyev to gather, manage and pass the oil revenues to the next generations. He noted that the earnings of SOFAZ have increasing every year, and hailed this fact as growing financial and, overall, economic power of Azerbaijan. He also spoke about the measures taken, and projects implemented by SOFAZ.   The conference has continued in 4 sessions devoted to the themes of “State Oil Fund as an inseparable part of the national oil strategy”, “Investment policy of Oil Fund: basic principles, existing directions and future priorities”, “Projects funded by State Oil Fund: goals and results” and “Application of Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative: current achievements and future outlook.” A number of reports have been heard during the sessions. The Minister of Education Misir Mardanov gave a report on the theme of “State Programme for the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad as a transfer mechanism of black gold to human capital.” Noting the national leader Heydar Aliyev had always attached great importance to the education of Azerbaijani youth abroad, the Minister stressed that this work is successfully continued by the President Ilham Aliyev. According to him, the policy for “transfer black gold to human capital” is being implemented under the leadership of the President, Azerbaijani youth is receiving an overseas education and the State Programme is being executed by the Ministry of Education. He noted that around 1200 students have been sent to 160 top universities of 24 countries within the State Programme for the Education of Azerbaijani Youth Abroad in the years of 2007-2015, financed by SOFAZ, and gave a statistical data regarding the programme. According to the Minister some of the students sent abroad are continuing their education at the next level; others have been working for the various state –owned organizations and private sectors. He gave analysis of statistics of students studying abroad by years and education levels. According to him, the number of youth wishing to study abroad has been increasing each year. Moreover, the Minister also expressed his satisfaction with the cooperation established between the Ministry of Education and State Oil Fund, and touched upon the successful results of joint collaboration. At the end of its speech, the Minister stressed the role of oil strategy in improving the social welfare of people, promoting the culture and developing all fields of economy.  Executive Director of Social Development Fund for Internally Displaced Persons Ayaz Orujov, Executive Director of Azerbaijan State Investment Company Afgan Isayev, Head of Administrative Department of the Ministry of Transport Javid Najafov made a speech at the session devoted to the theme of “Projects funded by State Oil Fund: goals and results.” Moreover, at the session was held an exchange of views on discussed issues, as well as responded to the questions taken from participants.

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Having warmly welcomed the guests, Education Minister Misir Mardanov noted a special role of educational ties in the development of cooperation between two countries. Noting the particular interest of Azerbaijan in the development of international cooperation in the education field, the Minister expressed his belief that there will be established further effective relationship with Argentina in this field as well.   The Minister reminded the recent meeting with the president of the National Council of Scientific and Technical Research of Argentina (CONICET) Marta Rovira and stressed that the mutual visits will contribute to the development of cooperation between two countries. Noting the possibility to send Azerbaijani students to universities of Argentina within ‘State Programme for the Education of Azerbaijani Youth Abroad in the years of 2007-2015’ the Minister highly praised the meeting in terms of its contribution to the development of further cooperation.  Minister of Science, Technology and Innovative Production of Argentina Lino Baranao thanked the Minister for the warm welcome underlining his satisfaction with the visit to Azerbaijan. Noting that both countries are rich in the national resources, the guest stressed the importance to transfer them to scientific potential, and build the knowledge-based economy. He stressed the importance of applying new technologies in the modern world, as well using the strength of youth in this regard. The guest gave information on the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovative Production of Argentina, which was established in 2007. He expressed their interest in establishing cooperation with Azerbaijan noting that the cooperation in the field of student exchange will be very useful. Minister Mardanov talked on achievements gained by the country during the years of independence, and the development path of the education field of the country. Noting the negative impact of Armenia – Azerbaijan Nagorno – Karabakh conflict on the development of education, the Minister expressed his assurance that due to the growing influence of the country in the international community this problem will find the fair solution soon.    The Minister also touched upon the successful policy of President Ilham Aliyev implemented to transfer the oil capital into human capital and gave information on implemented reforms and gained achievements. Noting more than 80% of scholars of the country are working in the education field of the country, the Minister underlined the possibility to arrange the bilateral visits and joint scientific conferences.   Next, the sides held an exchange of views on various issues of common interest. The meeting was also attended by the Ambassador of Azerbaijan to Argentina Mammad Ahmadzade.

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Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov warmly welcomed the guests and expressed his pleasure at meeting them at the Ministry of Education. He noted that a Minute of Agreement on Educational Cooperation for the years 2010/2011 between the Ministry of Education of Azerbaijan and Ministry of Education of Belarus has been confirmed by the appropriate order of the President of Azerbaijan Republic. Noting the Minute provides the organization of mutual trip to get familiar with the vocational and secondary education system of both countries and implementation of joint projects, Deputy Minister underlined, in this regard, the creation of Working Group and selection of pilot initial vocational education establishment.   Noting the initial vocational education of the country has progressed in recent years, Gulu Novruzov talked about works done to strengthen the logistic base and refurbish the initial vocational education establishments, which have been implemented within the State Programme for the development of vocational education of the Republic of Azerbaijan (2007-2012 years). G. Novruzov underlined the role of this field in the economic growth and talked about joint projects done in collaboration with several countries. He expressed his belief that the ties with Belarus in this direction could be very important as well. Head of Vocational Education and Training Department of the Ministry of Education of Belarus Eduard Ganchar thanked the Deputy Minister for the warm reception. He gave detailed information on current situation and steps taken in vocational education field of Belarus. The guest also underlined that the necessary support will be rendered to implement joint projects. Next, Rector of Republican Institute for Vocational Education of Belarus Arcady Shklyar gave information on vocational education personnel training, relevant textbooks, scientific and methodical materials and Resource Centre operating at the Institute headed by him. He put forward his ideas for implementation of joint project in the vocational education field, and expressed his opinions on specialties that will be taught at the pilot school. At the meeting, there was noted that specialties that will be taught at the pilot school are defined, and discussed the prospects for further cooperation. Moreover, there were exchanged views on preparation of the concept of this school, development of its curriculum, retraining of engineering and teaching staff, and organization of mutual visits.

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Speaking at the opening of the event, Deputy Education Minister Gulu Novruzov passed on congratulations of the Education Minister Misir Mardanov to event attendees. He gave detailed information on chess tournament and noted that the contest, which was held by participation of 244 chess players from 48 cities and districts of the country, was conducted by Swiss system in 7 rounds. Noting the contest was organized at a high level G. Novruzov thanked trainers and referees for holding the contest in an impartial and transparent way, as well as staff of the Republican Sport Centre “Education” for their contribution to the tournament. According to him, the number of chess schools and pupils playing chess has increased every year, and achievements in this field have continuously risen. Noting that there are serious discussions on teaching chess at schools as a subject to make chess a mass sport Gulu Novruzov underlined that pupils, who are playing chess, have made progress in their all-round development and gained many achievements in their study. At the end, G. Novruzov wished every success to distinguished pupils and presented diplomas and medals to 30 winners of 5 age groups.

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1992 queries were received by phone, 264 by e-mail. A majority of them is inquiries concerning pre-school, general education, initial vocational, secondary special and higher education institutions, admission procedures for teachers through competitive examinations, provision of pupils with textbooks, age limits used for teachers at education institutions, private universities, as well as recognition of education documents, school uniforms and other issues. Some queries (140) have reflected shortcomings and problems existing at preschool, general education, initial vocational, secondary special and higher education institutions. They were investigated and appropriate measures were taken to eliminate these problems. Moreover, 7 queries have been received from the preschool education establishments of Baku last month. The queries were concerned with delivery of a high quality food on time, admission of children to kindergartens, etc. Inquiries received in October were mostly concerned with the comprehensive schools. Thus, there were received 70 inquires from schools of Baku, 3 from Ganja , 2 from Sumgayit. Moreover,  5 queries were received from Absheron, 4 from Jalilabad and Yardimli, 3 from Sheki, Barda and Lerik, 2 from Kurdemir, Goygol, Dashkesen, Neftchala, Tovuz and 1 from Imishli, Masall;. Jabrayil, Agstafa, Kalbajar, Shabran. Shamkir, Khachmaz and Agsu districts respectively. The heads of education institutions, where were identified shortcomings in the management, have received appropriate instructions based on the calls received by the Hotline Service. The directors of schools, which have been monitored, were recommended to promote spiritual and psychological well being, and increase control over the labor discipline adherence. Furthermore, some teachers have received an administrative penalty for shortcomings made by them at work. Thus, the teacher of Baku school #74 has received a reprimand and the contract of employment signed with the teacher of school #249 was abolished for the absenteeism. Moreover, the Hotline Service received some 17 queries concerning the delay in issuing scholarships to students of higher, secondary special and initial vocational education institutions, the transfer of tuition fees for students studying at state – owned and private universities, as well as scholarships to students studying at the relevant overseas university. All queries were redirected to the respective structural units of the Ministry and were resolved in a timely manner.

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