On February 8^th, Rector of Sumgait State University Associate Professor Rufat Azizov received representatives of Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), Edi Choi, Brian Lee and Joseph Lee, greeted them and expressed his pleasure to see them at the university. Talking about international relations of the university he heads, Rufat Azizov said that SSU attaches importance to the cooperation with foreign universities as well as international companies. Carrying out the reforms in the direction of internationalization, expanding foreign relations, establishing new collaborations, increasing teacher-student mobility and establishing close relations with industrial enterprises are among the priority issues for every higher education institutes.

The rector also pointed out that the relations between Azerbaijan and Korea are developing, that relations in the field of education, especially in the field of information and communication technologies, and implemented projects are of great importance.

Edi Choi, the representative of the Korea International Cooperation Agency, who thanked the university management for the warm reception, informed about the innovative projects implemented by the institution he represents in our country. Then he made a presentation about the ‘Strengthening of potential’ project within the framework of cooperation between the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOCIA) and the agency for innovation and digital development. He gave a detailed speech about the Startup acceleration program (SAP) for students and the Training of Trainers program (TTT) for teachers, as well as the prospects of future cooperation with SSU, and the importance of staff and experience exchange. Professor Joseph Lee, as the dean of Joongbu University's Faculty of Engineering, gave information about what can be done with our university.

At the end of the meeting, issues of cooperation to be established between SDU and KOICA were discussed and suggestions were heard.