Twinning ties discussed at KazanForum with KFU’s participation
Within the framework of the Russia – Islamic World KazanForum 2024, which is held at the Kazan Expo from 14 to 19 May, Rossotrudnichestvo’s session The Islamic World and the Development of Twinning Ties: What’s Next? was held.
The session was moderated by the Head of Rossotrudnichestvo Yevgeny Primakov; the speakers were Mayor of Kazan Ilsur Metshin, Mufti – Head of the Spiritual Assembly of Muslims of Russia Albir Krganov, Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Dmitry Volvach, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of KFU Timirkhan Alishev, Chairman of the International Institute of Advanced Islamic Studies, former Minister of Education of Malaysia Maszlee Malik, Deputy Director for Research of the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences Vasily Kuznetsov, and Chairwoman of the Expert Council of the Russian Union of Cities Alexandra Ignatyeva.
During the discussion the participants talked about how Russian regions develop with the help of international contacts, the prospects of twinning, and what role education plays in the development of twinning ties.
During his speech Mayor Metshin told how the strengthening of ties with other countries and exchange of experience positively influences the development of the capital of Tatarstan. In addition, he said that Kazan will host the Founding Assembly of the Association of BRICS Cities on 21 June 2024.
“Our duty is to preserve and develop traditions of peaceful coexistence, mutual respect for cultures, peoples, religions, strive to harmonize religious relations. The Islamic world, I hope, will become a reliable partner of Russia on fundamental issues of security development,” Mufti Krganov said at the session.
Timirkhan Alishev reminded that Eastern studies in Russia were born in Kazan, at Kazan University. As of now, 24 foreign languages, including rare African languages, are taught at the university.
“Tatarstan is in the third place in terms of attractiveness for foreign students after Moscow and St. Petersburg. More than 22 thousand foreign students study in our Republic,” the Vice-Rector informed.
Dr Alishev added that a quarter of Indonesian students studying in Russia choose universities in Kazan.
“This is due to the quality of education, comfort of the urban environment, and safety,” he noted.
The Vice-Rector spoke about overseas branches.
“In 2022 a branch was opened in the city of Jizzakh in Uzbekistan. After that the Republic of Uzbekistan decided to open a technology park there. In parallel, an industrial site is being formed, with Uzbekistani, Tatarstan and Russian enterprises becoming residents. Kazan University now trains personnel for the enterprises that work there,” he said.
It was also noted that KFU has signed a number of agreements with various foreign cities and universities.
“When one mentions that agreements have been signed with these or those cities, a completely different format of relations with the city and university leadership is formed, because they realize that there is a certain trust, certain administrative framework in which we work,” the University executive noted.
The Vice-Rector stressed that the university develops cooperation not only within the framework of various programs, but also opens educational and cultural centers of the Qayum Nayiri Institute in the twin cities at Russian and foreign universities. Their task is to popularize Tatar and Russian culture and languages.