The SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) has announced the top universities from around the world. The leading university locations include China, France, the USA, Germany, and Russia. Azerbaijan is represented in this ranking by three universities - Baku State University (852nd place), Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University (855th place) and Azerbaijan Medical University (899th place). Based on the Eastern Europe regional ranking Baku State University was 177th,  Azerbaijan State Oil and Industry University 180th and Azerbaijan Medical University was 196th place. The SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR) is a classification of academic and research-related institutions ranked by a composite indicator that combines three different sets of indicators based on research performance, innovation outputs and societal impact measured by their web visibility.  ©scimagoir.com  

  Internal procedures required for the entry into force of Protocol No. 1 between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on Amendments to the Agreement between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Republic of Turkey on Mutual Visa Exemption signed on February 25, 2020” signed on December 10 of the last year were implemented by both sides and Protocol will come into force from April 1, 2021. From the mentioned date, citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan can travel to Turkey without visa based on diplomatic, service, and all-citizen passports, as well as biometric identity card of a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Citizens of Azerbaijan who have the above-mentioned valid border crossing documents are exempted from the visa requirement for a period of 90 days to enter, transit, and stay in the territory of the Republic of Turkey. In order to enter third countries from the territory of the Republic of Turkey and from third countries to the territories of the Republic of Turkey the use of passports by citizens of the Republic of Azerbaijan is mandatory. In this regard biometric identity card of the citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan will be used for direct travels from the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Republic of Turkey. As well as the biometric identity card of a citizen of the Republic of Azerbaijan, also other above-mentioned border crossing documents should be valid for at least 30 days from the date of entry into the territory of the Republic of Turkey. At the same time Azerbaijani citizens who want to stay in the territory of the Republic of Turkey for any reason for more than 90 days should apply for a residence permit with a passport valid for at least 60 days longer than the required period. ©mfa.gov.az

  This year’s QS World University Rankings has announced the top universities from around the world, covering 80 different locations. The leading university locations include the USA, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Singapore and China. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Stanford University and Harvard University are unchanged top three. Azerbaijan is represented in this ranking by two universities - Azerbaijan State University of Economics (UNEC) and Baku State University and they share the same range in the ranking (1001+).  ©topuniversities.com

  The Non-Aligned Movement (NAM) is a forum of 120 developing world states that are not formally aligned with or against any major power bloc. Currently there are also 17 states and 10 international organizations holding an observer status. Given the current circumstances concerning the COVID-19 pandemic, the Azerbaijani Chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement will organize the first-ever Online International Model NAM Simulation Exercise from 1 to 5 March 2021. The simulation exercise is dedicated to the 60th anniversary of the Movement. The event will bring together more than 40 young participants performing the roles of high-level dignitaries from the Member States of the Non-Aligned Movement. More detailed information on the Simulation Exercise can be found in the “Events” section of the webpage of the NAM Chairmanship. Note: The deadline for applications has been extended until February 21. ©namazerbaijan.org/