Belarus – Azerbaijan: cooperation in the field of youth policy

Youth Days of Azerbaijan in Belarus were held in Brest on October 30-31 in accordance with the joint plan of activities of the Ministry of Education of Belarus and the Ministry of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan in the field of state youth policy for 2018–2019.

Minister of Education of Belarus Igor Karpenko, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan Intigam Babayev, Deputy Chairman of Brest Regional Executive Committee Gennady Borisyuk and Rector of Brest State Technical University Alexander Dragan arrived to Brest State A. S. Pushkin University to participate in the open dialogue with Belarusian and Azerbaijani youth.

After introducing the guests of the student youth, Rector of Brest State A. S. Pushkin University Anna Sender made an excursion into the history of our university, and then gave the floor to Igor Karpenko.

In his greeting, the Minister of Education noted the symbolism of holding the Youth Days in the year of 75^th anniversary of the liberation of Belarus from the Nazi occupation and 1000^th anniversary of Brest, which is significant for the town on the Bug River and the country. “Next year it is planned to launch the Brest-Vladivostok train dedicated to the 75^th anniversary of the Great Victory as part of the Union State” Igor Vasilyevich said.

The Minister of Education said that Belarus and Azerbaijan have strong cooperation ties, which is greatly facilitated by the strong political will of the leaders of both countries, who, by the way, are not just colleagues, but also friends.

Addressing the audience, Intigam Babayev expressed gratitude for the warm welcome and shared his impressions of the visit to the regional center. He described Brest as a modern town with developed infrastructure and rich historical and cultural heritage, and emphasized that young people have a responsible mission to preserve, develop and share it with future generations.

Students took the opportunity to interact with representatives of the executive authorities of both countries and actively asked questions. Economics, education, employment, youth policy and IT field – these and other topics were discussed by students.

Answering a question about what is the main link of cooperation between Belarus and Azerbaijan, Igor Karpenko said: “We were a part of a big country, we have historical roots and ties. It has left its mark on modern relations between our states”. Today's event is a strong confirmation of the warm relations between Belarus and Azerbaijan. “Young people need to strengthen these ties” the Minister of Education of our country said.

The problems of the education system and modern school were discussed during the open dialogue. Igor Vasilyevich explained the attractiveness of education in our republic for foreign citizens by such factors as the high quality of education, mobility, functioning of internationally recognized scientific schools, commitment to humanist traditions, and the peace-loving policy of Belarus.

In connection with the intensive development of volunteer movement in BrSU, the students asked Intigam Babayev about this direction of youth activity in Azerbaijan. Intigam Vagifovich said that National Bank of Volunteers has over 20,000 people in his homeland. “We believe that volunteering is an integral part of patriotic education. It is a good experience when volunteerism, patriotism and civic duty are combined” he said.

Intigam Babayev noted that much attention is paid to youth policy in Azerbaijan. Today's meeting, as well as the forum of Azerbaijani youth held every three years demonstrates this clearly. “Delegates exchange experience, express their wishes which often set directions for the next forums” he said.

The honored guests were pleased with the question of the Azerbaijani student of the university, Famil Agayev. The young man asked about the Belarusian diaspora in his homeland. Intigam Babayev said that although there is no diaspora, there are many Belarusians living in the country, the Belarusian embassy in Azerbaijan is actively working.

At the end of the meeting Rector of BrSU Anna Sender thanked the honored guests for their visit. Deputy Minister of Youth and Sport of Azerbaijan Intigam Babayev left warm wishes in the book of honorary guests. The Youth Days of Azerbaijan in the Republic of Belarus ended with a festive concert in Brest State Regional Center of Youth Creativity.

Yulia Vovk