Baku: A memorandum of understanding focused on developing a system of services for socially vulnerable groups has been signed between the DOST Center for Inclusive Development and Creativity under Azerbaijan's Ministry of Labour and Social Protection of the Population and the Office of the First Lady of Ethiopia.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the online meeting where the document was signed featured Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Protection of the Population, Hidayat Abdullayev. He highlighted the growing relations between Azerbaijan and Ethiopia, emphasizing the necessity of expanding cooperation to include social welfare areas.

The agreement was signed by Hidayat Abdullayev and Menbere Gebreal, Head of the Ethiopian First Lady's Office. It aims to lay the groundwork for bilateral cooperation on topics of shared interest, including identifying and nurturing the creative potential of vulnerable groups. The memorandum also focuses on integrating children needing special care into general education, developing training programs for educators, and collaborating on legislative initiatives to improve conditions for vulnerable populations.

Hidayat Abdullayev reiterated the importance of strengthening Azerbaijan-Ethiopia ties, particularly in social sectors. He also highlighted the DOST Center's role in fostering an inclusive society, noting its inauguration in October 2021 with the presence of President Ilham Aliyev, First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva, and their daughter Leyla Aliyeva. The Center was established under the initiative of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva.

Menbere Gebreal commended efforts to enhance bilateral relations and described her office's initiatives for supporting vulnerable groups. She stated the significance of the meeting in broadening the scope of bilateral cooperation between the two nations.