Reflecting the bonds of brotherhood that unite the eastern and western regions of the Islamic world, the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO), the Ministry of Science and Education of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and the Ministry of Education of the Syrian Arab Republic signed a promising tripartite strategic partnership agreement aimed at rehabilitating 100 damaged schools and constructing 10 new educational facilities in Syria, with a total budget of USD 30 million, in support of the country’s recovery efforts.

The agreement was signed on Tuesday, 17 February 2026, at ICESCO’s headquarters in Rabat by Dr. Salim M. AlMalik, ICESCO Director-General; Mr. Emin Amrullayev, Minister of Science and Education of Azerbaijan; and Dr. Mohammed Abdulrahman Turko, Syrian Minister of Education and Chairman of the National Commission for Education, Science and Culture.

The signing ceremony opened with remarks by Dr. AlMalik, who emphasized that the occasion reflects a spirit of genuine cooperation and a shared commitment to generously supporting the reconstruction of Syrian schools and strengthening a partnership that places education at the heart of development, expressing his deep appreciation to H.E. Ilham Aliyev, President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and to the Azerbaijani government for this noble initiative that demonstrates a deep understanding of the value of education and its impact on social stability and on shaping the future.

ICESCO’s Director-General noted that Syria is moving with unwavering determination toward rehabilitating its educational institutions and enhancing their readiness to serve future generations, particularly after the severe damage to more than seven thousand schools. He praised the national Syrian efforts under the leadership of H.E. President Ahmed al-Sharaa, as well as the contributions of brotherly and friendly countries supporting these efforts, particularly the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Republic of Azerbaijan, alongside support from several international organizations concerned with educational development.

For his part, Mr. Amrullayev affirmed that ICESCO and the Azerbaijani Ministry of Science and Education enjoy close cooperation built on mutual trust, noting that the partnership agreement reflects a shared commitment to advancing education, expanding access to knowledge, and achieving sustainable development, as supporting Syria in strengthening its educational infrastructure aligns with his country’s firm belief that education is the driving force of development and social progress.

Dr. Mohammed Abdulrahman Turko expressed his deep appreciation to ICESCO, describing it as a civilizational beacon carrying out the cultural mission of the Islamic world, and commending the Organization’s relentless efforts in serving educational causes.

The Syrian Minister also extended profound gratitude to the Republic of Azerbaijan, its government, and its people for their noble support, which reflects the highest meanings of Islamic solidarity and human compassion, reaffirming his country’s unwavering belief that education is the key to sustainable development and the true bridge toward building a new Syria.

The agreement, which extends to 31 December 2030, establishes a strategic partnership among the three parties. Azerbaijan will provide financial support, while ICESCO will oversee the implementation of the agreement’s provisions in cooperation with the relevant Syrian authorities, with the goal of revitalizing the educational sector through rehabilitating its infrastructure and strengthening its institutions.