Adapted from a report published by the Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences (ANAS) on 26 September 2026.

A CORE Academy delegation led by its President, Professor Di Zhang, met with Sadig Gurbanov, Chair of the Committee for Natural Resources, Energy and Ecology of Azerbaijan’s parliament, the Milli Majlis, on 25 September. The meeting explored opportunities for cooperation in energy, scientific research and innovation, including through the International Eurasian Laboratory (IEL).

Participants highlighted the close relations and mutual trust between Azerbaijan and China as a foundation for expanding cooperation. Discussions addressed collaboration within the Belt and Road Initiative, with an emphasis on translating scientific advances into industrial applications, commercialising research findings and integrating innovative technologies into economic activity.

The development of the IEL was a central topic of discussion. Participants noted that such a platform could strengthen cooperation in energy, research and innovation by drawing on advances in science and technology, including artificial intelligence. The exchange highlighted opportunities to connect scientific expertise with practical needs through international collaboration.

The meeting brought together representatives from Azerbaijan’s parliament and scientific community. Alongside Gurbanov, participants included Member of Parliament Rovshan Muradov; Academician Arif Hashimov, Academician-Secretary of ANAS; and Orkhan Aliyev of the Institute of Physics under Azerbaijan’s Ministry of Science and Education.

Professor Zhang, a member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and Chair Professor at Shanghai Jiao Tong University, was accompanied by Professor Lei Li, Member of the Executive Board of CORE Academy; Raymond J. Wu, Executive Deputy Secretary-General; and Mei Liu, a member of the CORE Academy Secretariat.

Held during CORE Academy’s visit to Azerbaijan, the meeting provided an opportunity for dialogue between researchers and parliamentary representatives on the role of scientific cooperation in technological innovation and economic development.

Source and further information

• Original report: Azerbaijan National Academy of Sciences, “Azərbaycan və Çin nümayəndə heyətləri arasında görüş keçirilib” [Meeting held between Azerbaijani and Chinese delegations], 26 September 2026. (https://science.gov.az/az/news/open/37223)