A meeting was held between Zaur Imrani, Acting Director of the Institute of Geography of the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Doctor of Geographical Sciences and Associate Professor, and Professor Ramazan Cüneyt Erenoğlu, Rector of Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University in Türkiye.

The meeting addressed ways to further develop existing scientific and academic ties between Azerbaijan and Türkiye, conduct joint research in geography, train highly qualified scientific personnel, and establish long-term institutional cooperation between the two institutions.

The parties emphasized the importance of expanding joint research activities in response to current challenges facing geographical sciences, particularly climate change, the efficient management of natural resources, environmental protection, regional development, natural disaster risk assessment, and sustainable development.

One of the main topics discussed was the development of a joint doctoral programme between the Institute of Geography and Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. The participants considered opportunities to organize doctoral students’ research activities by drawing on the academic expertise of both institutions, determine dissertation topics based on shared scientific interests, and appoint co-supervisors from Azerbaijan and Türkiye.

It was noted that establishing such a cooperation model could significantly contribute to the integration of young researchers into the international scientific community, help them acquire modern research methodologies, expand academic mobility, and improve the quality of scientific research.

The discussions also covered prospects for cooperation in developing joint research projects, partnering in international grant programmes, exchanging academic staff and researchers, organizing joint scientific expeditions, holding international conferences and seminars, and publishing co-authored articles in reputable scientific journals.

The parties noted that the shared use of scientific infrastructure and existing research facilities, the exchange of advanced scientific expertise, and the promotion of multidisciplinary research would contribute to strengthening the scientific capacities of both institutions.

At the conclusion of the meeting, preliminary agreement was reached on preparing and subsequently signing a memorandum on scientific and academic cooperation between the Institute of Geography and Çanakkale Onsekiz Mart University. The memorandum is expected to cover joint research activities, doctoral-level cooperation, the establishment of co-supervision mechanisms, academic mobility, and the exchange of expertise.

The preliminary agreement reached at the meeting was considered an important step towards further strengthening ties between scientific research and higher education institutions in Azerbaijan and Türkiye, implementing joint scientific initiatives, and advancing cooperation in the training of young researchers.