Azer Tag, Azerbaijan
May 20 2004
EDUCATION MINISTERS MEET IN STRASBOURG
[May 20, 2004, 19:01:54]
Education ministers of the South Caucasus countries gathered for a
conference at the headquarters of the Council of Europe to discuss
existing problems in this sphere, May 17-18. Minister of Education
of Azerbaijan Misir Mardanov inducted the participants into the
ongoing education reforms and cooperation with the Council of Europe.
Touching upon the regional conflicts, he told of the consequences of
the Armenia’s aggression against Azerbaijan and plight of displaced
people.
Delegation of Azerbaijan reported on the work done towards integration
of Azerbaijan into the European education area, adoption of education
laws corresponding to European standards and implementation of reforms
in line with Bologna process conditions.
In conclusion, conference participants adopted a Declaration, framework
cooperation program for 2005-2006.
During the meeting with COE secretary General Misir Mardanov positively
assessed the relationship between Azerbaijan and COE. Minister stated
that existing conflicts retard the overall cooperation and hoped for
the soonest resolution of the conflicts.
The meeting between Mr. Mardanov and director of the COE secretariat on
education, culture, youth and sports issues Gabriella Bataini-Dragoni
dealt with bilateral cooperation initiative, teaching of history and
education projects for IDP’s children.
Minister also met his Georgian counterpart Alexander Lomaya and
discussed cooperation of both countries with the COE.
The meetings were attended by ambassador of Azerbaijan to COE Agshin
Mehtiyev.