Baku:President of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Thongloun Sisoulith, visited Baku State University (BSU) on October 13 and engaged with its students.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the event was opened by BSU Rector Elchin Babayev, who spoke about the long-standing friendship between Azerbaijan and Laos, noting that many Lao students had pursued their education in Azerbaijan during the Soviet era. He also expressed the university’s interest in forming partnerships with leading Lao universities to enhance educational cooperation.
Azerbaijani Minister of Science and Education, Emin Amrullayev, highlighted that around 2,000 Lao citizens had studied at Azerbaijani higher education institutions during the Soviet period. He urged young Lao individuals to consider educational opportunities in Azerbaijan and discussed the benefits of the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant. Amrullayev emphasized the significance of expanding university and research institution cooperation, as well as facilitating exchanges of students and academic staff between the two nations.
President Thongloun Sisoulith shared insights on Laos’s efforts to overcome the consequences of war, promote national development, and enhance the well-being of its populace. He underscored the importance of strengthening relations with Azerbaijan and exploring new avenues for cooperation between the countries.
During the meeting, students had the chance to interact with President Sisoulith and pose questions, which he addressed. The event concluded with BSU Rector Elchin Babayev presenting gifts to the Lao President and a cultural programme featuring musical performances.