Azerbaijan, Baku. 22 february / Trend / President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev was given the title of Honorary Professor of the Moscow State University (MSU) at a ceremony held at this world-famous higher education institution on Thursday.
In his welcome speech, Rector of the University Viktor Sadovnichiy spoke about the main phases of life and political activities of the Azerbaijani President, including his accomplishments in the international arena.
He also shared remembrances of his meetings with national leader of Azerbaijan Heydar Aliyev, stressing the care the outstanding political figure had taken of the Moscow State University.
The Rector read out the University Academic Council's decision to give the title of Honorary Professor of the Moscow State University to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev for his outstanding contribution to strengthening ties between Russia and Azerbaijan, development of education and science for the welfare of the two countries, and fruitful cooperation between Azerbaijan and MSU.
President Ilham Aliyev called Azerbaijan-Russia relationships many-sided, adding both countries` leaders regard them as a guarantee of peace, security and sustainable development in the region.
He said since 2000, the bilateral relations have entered a new stage - the stage of strategic partnership.
The Azerbaijani leader also dwelt on humanitarian cooperation issues, pointing out the fact that Slavic University as well as Russian schools are functioning in Azerbaijan, and that newspapers in Russian language are published in the country.
President Ilham Aliyev said the Azerbaijani society has strong traditions of internationalism and tolerance.
He noted that opening of Moscow State University`s branch in Baku will be another step towards making the two countries` people closer.
According to the President, education is second, after defense, priority in Azerbaijan`s state budget.
The country has adopted the State program for education of Azerbaijani students abroad in 2007-2015.
Over the last few years, 1,200 schools have been built and equipped with modern computers in Azerbaijan.
President Ilham Aliyev expressed wish to intensify cooperation between scientific and educational circles of Azerbaijan and Russia.