Azerbaijan to rebuild Syrian schools under ICESCO strategic partnership

2026-02-17 - 20:22

Azerbaijan formalized its commitment to Syrian educational recovery Tuesday, signing a tripartite Strategic Partnership Agreement with the Syrian Education Ministry and the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization at ICESCO headquarters in Rabat, Morocco. The accord provides the legal framework for Baku's assistance in reconstructing and extensively repairing schools damaged or destroyed during Syria's prolonged conflict. Scope of Reconstruction Commitment Under the agreement signed by Azerbaijani Science and Education Minister Emin Amrullayev, Syrian Education Minister Muhammad Abdulrahman Turko, and ICESCO Director-General Salim bin Muhammad Al-Malik, Azerbaijan will support restoration of educational infrastructure through construction of approximately 10 new school buildings and major repairs to roughly 100 damaged schools. Amrullayev emphasized the initiative's importance in "creating a safe and modern educational environment for children and youth," highlighting Baku's humanitarian focus on education as a foundation for Syria's future. Islamic World Cooperation ICESCO Director-General Al-Malik welcomed the agreement as a contribution to restoring Syrian educational infrastructure while strengthening cooperation among Islamic world nations. The partnership reflects growing engagement by Muslim-majority countries in Syria's post-conflict rehabilitation, with Azerbaijan positioning itself as a significant contributor to educational rebuilding efforts. The initiative aligns with broader international support for Syria's recovery while demonstrating Baku's commitment to humanitarian assistance beyond its immediate region.