On May 12-13, the Second International Symposium on the topic "The South Caucasus in the Context of Socio-Economic and Political Development in the Post-Cold War Period" was held with the joint organization of the Academy of the State Customs Committee (ASCCA) and the EGE University, Institute of Turkish World Studies.   along with the representatives of both higher education institutions, the scientists and researchers from Uzbekistan, Georgia, Russia and Ukraine participated in the two-day symposium with sessions in an online format.

At the beginning of the event, the martyrs of Azerbaijan and Turkey who sacrificed their lives for their motherland were commemorated with a minute of silence and the national anthems of both countries were played.

Professor Aydin Ibrahimov, a lecturer at the Department of International Relations, Faculty of Economics and Management of Ege University, delivering an opening speech in the symposium organized with the purpose of reviewing the latest events in the South Caucasus and solving problems on a scientific platform welcomed the participants and talked about the importance of the event. Aydın Ibrahimov emphasized that international paradigms in the South Caucasus changed radically after the collapse of the USSR, and he stressed that the new stage of relations between Azerbaijan and Turkey began after 1991. Speaking about the factors that increase tension in the region, he also pointed out that Azerbaijan's great victory in the 44-Day War created new realities in the South Caucasus and led to the beginning of a different stage in the region. At the end of his speech, Aydin Ibrahimov expressed his confidence that the event would make a significant contribution to the world of science and thanked all who facilitated the organization of the event.

Then, the Head of the Department of Social Economy and Political Relations of Turkish World Studies Institute of Ege University, Prof. Vefa Kurban and the Deputy Rector of Ege University Prof. Mehmet Ersoy made a speech and noted the geopolitical role of the South Caucasus is of unique importance due to its potential and geostrategic position, and said that the region had historically been an area of political, religious and cultural conflicts and struggles.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the event, the Head of the Academy, Major-General of Customs Service Gulu Novruzov noted that the event coincided with the eve of the 99th anniversary of birth of national leader Heydar Aliyev and said that the organized symposium would contribute to the development of new partnership relations with Ege University. Gulu Novruzov spoke about the history and progress of the Karabakh conflict, which was artificially created at the end of twentieth century and was raised in contrary to international law, the approach of the Western states to this conflict with double standards, gaps in international law and other issues.

The Head of the Academy emphasized that the law and justice were restored with the 44-Day Patriotic War, and that this glorious victory won at the cost of the lives and blood of our heroic sons under the leadership of our victorious Supreme Commander-in-Chief, the President Ilham Aliyev, strengthened the national identity and solidarity not only in Azerbaijan but in the Turkish world in general. Also, pointing out the important role of the development of science and technology in our modern era, he stressed the purposeful work done in our country for many years in the direction of building our army, providing our army with the most modern weapons and military equipment were important factors that had determined the successful performance of combat missions during the 44-day Patriotic War.

At the end of his speech, the Head of the Academy thanked everyone who contributed to the organization of the event and wished success to the work of the conference.

Afterwards, the two-day symposium continued its work with sessions.