A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on cooperation has been signed between the Agricultural Research Center (ARC) operating under the Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Council for Agricultural Research and Economics (CREA), a leading agricultural research organization operating under the supervised by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forests (Masaf) of the Italian Republic. The document was signed by Rashad Huseynov, Director of the Agricultural Research Center, and Andrea Rocchi, President of CREA.
During the online signing ceremony, Rashad Huseynov provided information about the activities of the Agricultural Research Center, noting that the Center focuses on the scientific justification of agrarian policy and the development of an analytical framework, and that, as a policy-oriented “Think tank,” it attaches particular importance to international cooperation. He also emphasized the Center’s significant role in conducting scientific research in the agrarian sector and in training researchers.
Regarding institutional cooperation, the Director stated that this partnership should be built upon historical experience and existing scientific potential, creating new opportunities for innovation for researchers. In this context, he highlighted the identification of joint research topics, the exchange of knowledge and expertise, and the creation of a sustainable innovation environment as key objectives.
CREA President Andrea Rocchi also provided a brief overview of the institution’s activities, noting that CREA is a leading research organization that promotes and conducts fundamental research in the fields of agriculture, agri-industry, food security, rural development, and economics. The organization’s scientific work covers agricultural crops, livestock, fisheries, forestry, agri-industry, food science, and socio-economic aspects.
It was emphasized during the ceremony that the overall objective of the Memorandum of Understanding is to contribute to social welfare and economic development.
According to the Memorandum, joint work plans will be developed over the next three years. The parties will enhance cooperation in areas such as the exchange of data and research materials, exchange of research staff, joint organization of meetings and conferences, preparation and implementation of joint research projects related to the development of agriculture and agri-industry, as well as participation in training and scholarship programs.
