On May 18, during a working visit to Moscow, Oleg Bartsits, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia visited MGIMO University. During the visit, the Minister met with MGIMO Rector, Academician Anatoly Torkunov.
Also present at the meeting were staff from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia and the Embassy of the Republic of Abkhazia in the Russian Federation, as well as Stanislav Surovtsev, MGIMO Vice-Rector for Youth Policy, Social Work, and International Relations.
During the meeting, the parties discussed the development of bilateral cooperation in higher education and science, the training of qualified personnel for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Abkhazia, and prospects for expanding academic programs and internships.
Oleg Bartsits emphasized that deepening partnerships in education is one of the key areas of interstate cooperation between Abkhazia and Russia.
The Minister noted that MGIMO is one of the most elite and dynamically developing universities with a rich history and expressed gratitude to the rector for the opportunities provided to the country, specifically the provision of study quotas for citizens of the Republic of Abkhazia and advanced training courses for the leadership of the Abkhaz Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"MGIMO is a recognized center for training of highly qualified specialists in international relations. For Abkhazia, cooperation with such a university opens new opportunities for the professional growth of our young diplomats," noted Oleg Bartsits.Anatoly Torkunov, for his part, expressed MGIMO's readiness to further develop its partnership with the Abkhaz side, including the implementation of joint educational programs and expert exchanges.
Following the meeting, agreements were reached to develop specific proposals for expanding cooperation. In particular, an agreement was reached to sign a memorandum of cooperation, which will formalize the formats of professional development courses for MFA employees, as well as visiting courses for MGIMO experts in the Republic of Abkhazia for a wider audience and open lectures for Abkhaz students.
Oleg Bartsits and Anatoly Torkunov agreed to erect a bust of the eminent writer Fazil Iskander on the university campus.
At the end of the meeting, which took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere, the parties exchanged commemorative gifts.
Following Oleg Bartsits's visit, a meeting with students, including members of the MGIMO Abkhaz Community was held in the MGIMO Rector's Hall.
Oleg Bartsits briefed the students on the key areas of the MFA's work, discussed the Republic of Abkhazia's current foreign policy challenges and the geopolitical situation in the South Caucasus region, and answered numerous questions from the audience.
