Rector Lenar Safin discusses pertinent issues with Ambassador of Russia to the People’s Republic of China Igor Morgulov
The talk was organized on 26 October.
Dr Safin mentioned the importance of Sinology for Kazan University, attested by its storied standing in the matter since 1837, when Russia’s first Department of Chinese Language was established here.
“Kazan, without exaggeration, can be called the birthplace of Chinese language teaching in our country. Today, Sinology at Kazan Federal University is represented in various areas of work, including within the framework of a number of basic educational programs. The programs provide for the training of specialists who could teach Chinese, carry out translation activities, work in organizations and agencies responsible for the development of cooperation with China,” emphasized the Rector.
He also spoke about Confucius Institute, which was established in partnership with Hunan Normal University in 2007.
Since 2019, KFU has been offering preparatory courses in high schools of Sichuan Province. In September 2023, our University was one of the co-organizers of ROSTKI Russia-China Forum in Kazan.
“Partnership relations between Russian and Chinese universities are developing in such areas as academic and student exchanges, double degree programs, as well as within the framework of bilateral cooperation involving joint scientific research. Kazan University currently has over 2,000 students from China, and actively develops scientific and innovation partnership with Chinese scientific and educational centers in geology and petrochemistry, information technology, medicine and biotechnology, international relations and pedagogy,” informed Dr Safin.
Igor Morgulov opined on the importance of academic cooperation, “The role of universities in this is extremely important. Universities in Russia and China train competent specialists who are in demand in leading companies of both countries. Kazan University is world-renowned for the quality of education and very strong scientific schools, so it is not surprising that it is prioritized by applicants from China when applying to Russian universities.” The Ambassador assured that the Embassy will always put efforts into supporting KFU’s initiatives in partnerships with China.