On May 10, 2025, Shanghai International Studies University (SISU), Shanghai, China, and Khazar University, Baku, Azerbaijan, signed a Memorandums of Understanding (MoU) to establish a robust partnership aimed at fostering academic excellence, research exchange, and professional development.

Two Memorandums of Understanding were signed to formalize the partnership: one signed by Prof. Acad. Hamlet Isakhanli, Founder and Chairman of the Board of Directors and Trustees of Khazar University, and Prof. Li Yansong, President of Shanghai International Studies University; the other one by Dr. Milana Abbasova, Head of the Department of English Language and Literature, Khazar University and Prof. Hu Kaibao, Assistant President, Institute of Language Science, Shanghai International Studies University.

The agreement outlines a comprehensive framework for cooperation in key academic and research areas, joint interdisciplinary research projects and publication, faculty and doctoral student exchanges to promote research collaboration, co-hosting of international conferences, symposia, and workshops, development of dual-degree and joint supervision programs, collaboration on grant applications and research funding initiatives, establishment of joint research centers.

By prioritizing research-driven collaboration, this partnership aims to foster academic excellence, advance global scholarship, and strengthen institutional capacity through shared knowledge and innovation.