KFU opens Center for African Studies

The Center was unveiled at the opening ceremony of the 4th International Scientific Forum Russia – Africa: Politics, Economics, History and Culture; the forum takes up 19 – 21 October.

The event was visited by Representative of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Kazan Radik Vakhitov, First Vice-Rector Dmitry Tayursky, Deputy DIirector for Research of the Institute of International Relations Rafaev Valeev, Professor of the Department of African Studies of Moscow State University Eleonora Lvova, and Counselor for Media Relations of the Strategic Vision Group Russia – Islamic World Anna Belikova.

The Vice-Rector noted that KFU has now been training African studies experts for ten years. It’s important that they have everyday interactions with their peers from Africa, of which there are currently 350 at the University.

There are over 80 listed contributions at the forum, including 30 reports by schoolchildren and students. On the opening day, Professor Lvova presented her views on the Russia – Africa ties in the last 600 years.

At the Center for African Studies’ ribbon cutting ceremony, Associate Professor of KFU’s Department of Arabic, Islamic, African and Asian Studies Ramil Yuzmukhametov noted, “We have been walking this path for ten years, and we are ready. It’s time to gather all the researchers and interested parties in one place. At this Center, they will discuss pertinent issues and undertake scientific and educational activities.”

The Center will also feature a student club for African studies.

Apart from thematic breakout sessions, the forum comprises lectures, contests, an expo and a festival of Arabic culture.