Sumgayit State University joined the PETRA project of the European Union"s Erasmus + program on the basis of a project presented in 2017 in order to build and improve education in accordance with European standards. Employees of the university participated in the courses at Debrecen University of Hungary, Ankara Gazi University of Turkey, Vienna Applied Sciences University of Austria, Jyväskylä University of Finland, Valencia Polytechnic Universities of Spain, and held trainings and seminars at Sumgayit State University for teachers and students on the basis of gained experience.

At the next stage of the project, a Training Center and an Electronic Laboratory were put into operation at Nakhchivan State University. Speaking at the opening of the center, the rector of the university, associate professor Elbrus Isayev hailed the guests and expressed his pleasure to see them at the university. The rector said that the aim of the project is to give priority to teaching and training. Meeting the pedagogical and technological needs of teachers, strengthening the capacity to develop the teaching and learning process, promoting research, improving quality teaching through the application of innovative technologies are among the special goals of the project.

During the meeting, Javier Orozco from the Polytechnic University of Valencia in Spain expressed his satisfaction with the opening of the center. Parviz Bagirov, director of ERASMUS + Azerbaijan Office, said that the Training Center created within the framework of the project will enhance the professionalism of university teachers, their ability to work with modern teaching methods, quality and effectiveness of the educational process.

It should be noted that the following representatives attended the opening ceremony, held at Nakhchivan State University: Elena de la Poza from Valencia Polytechnic University of Spain, from Sumgayit State University -Natig Talibov, vice-rector for Teaching Organization and Training Technologies, Naib Hajiyev, vice-rector for Economic Affairs, Gafar Atayev, vice-rector for International Relations, head of the Department of International Cooperation and International Students PhD in history Samira Mammadova and the delegations of Azerbaijan University, Khazar University, Azerbaijan State Pedagogical University, Baku Slavic University, Azerbaijan University of Languages, Ganja State University.

Then the guests were informed about the material and technical base of the University, the existing opportunities. The guests toured the faculties of the university, visited the ICT, Media, Distance Learning, Career Centers.

They also visited the places with tourist potential of the Autonomous Republic - Duzdag Physiotherapy Center, Khan Palace, Open-Air Museum, Nakhchivan Business Center, Momine Khatun Tomb, Ashabi-Kahf religious sanctuary.

At the end of the 3-day event, the project staff was presented with a university certificate.