BAKU, Azerbaijan, July 21. The Ministry of
Foreign Affairs of Burkina Faso posted information on its official
Facebook page regarding a Memorandum of Understanding signed with
the Baku Initiative Group (BIG).


The ministry’s official social media account notes that the
document was signed on July 11, 2026, in Baku by INHEI Director
General Philippe Sandwidi and BIG Executive Director Abbas Abbasov,
and entered into force in accordance with the norms of
international law.


Moreover, it is noted that the memorandum establishes the legal
framework for long-term cooperation between the parties in the
areas of scientific research, education, academic exchange, and
strategic dialogue. The document provides for the organization of
exchanges of experts and researchers, the implementation of joint
research projects, and the holding of seminars, training programs,
conferences, and expert discussions for students, diplomats, and
INHEI faculty.


In addition, it is reported that this cooperation will create
new opportunities to expand INHEI’s ties with international schools
and research centers, as well as to enhance the professional
competencies of the institute’s staff.


INHEI Director General Philippe Sandwidi noted that the
partnership established with BIG is fully in line with the policy
of Burkina Faso’s top leadership to diversify international
partnerships and will help strengthen the country’s diplomatic
efforts on the international stage.


According to reports, as part of the implementation of the
memorandum, the parties will regularly keep each other informed
about their ongoing work.


The cooperation was noted as an important step in expanding the
BIG’s geographic reach toward Africa. It was reported that,
although the BIG had previously signed cooperation agreements with
political parties and movements in various countries, this marks
the first time it has entered into formal cooperation with a
government agency of another country.


The Ministry emphasized that the memorandum will lay the
foundation for strengthening scientific and practical ties between
the BIG and countries of the Global South, as well as for
developing effective cooperation with leading research institutes
and civil society organizations in African countries. It was noted
that the Global South Youth Platform, established at the initiative
of the BIG, will also be active in this area.


As part of this cooperation, there are plans to prepare joint
analytical reports and policy papers on issues arising from
colonialism, neocolonial governance, the exploitation of natural
resources, mechanisms of economic dependence, and reparations, and
to disseminate them to a wide audience through international
organizations.


The memorandum also provides for the participation of BIG
experts in events held in African countries, as well as the
implementation of exchange and training programs for young
researchers.