Baku: Azerbaijan's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jeyhun Bayramov, emphasized the significance of Azerbaijan's transformation into a donor country during a conference marking the 15th anniversary of the Azerbaijan International Development Agency (AIDA). He noted that as Azerbaijan developed and strengthened its state institutions, its tradition of individual philanthropy evolved into a systematic national policy encompassing humanitarian assistance and development partnerships.

According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, Minister Bayramov highlighted the continuity of this tradition, particularly in education. He pointed out that during the second half of the 20th century, tens of thousands of students from Asia, Africa, and Latin America pursued higher education in Azerbaijan. This legacy continues through initiatives such as the Heydar Aliyev International Education Grant Program, programs for students from member states of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and the Non-Aligned Movement (NAM), and training programs for foreign diplomats.

Bayramov further mentioned that students from over 120 countries have studied or are currently studying in Azerbaijan. He underscored the importance of Azerbaijan's emergence as a donor country during a time when its territories remained under occupation, highlighting the resilience and commitment of the nation to foster international educational and developmental cooperation.