Visit by Rector the Oguzhan University of Engineering Technologies Gurbanmyrat Mezilov

The Turkmenistani guest, accompanied by Vice-Rector for Research Aimyrat Mukhammedov and Consul General of Turkmenistan in Kazan Guich Garaev, arrived on 29 February.

KFU was represented by Vice-Rector for International Affairs Timirkhan Alishev and Deputy Director for Research of the Institute of Physics Irina Romanova.

The guests toured the History Museum and listened to a presentation by Vice-Rector Alishev. He noted that there are 4,500 Turkmenistani nationals enrolled in KFU as of now, which is the biggest non-Russian student body at the University. Among Turkmenistani partners are Turkmen State Institute of Economics and Management and Institute of International Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan.

“About 25 percent of international students at Tatarstani universities are young people from Turkmenistan. It’s a sign of trust from Turkmenistan to our Republic. A significant number of Turkmenistanis want to be admitted to KFU,” noted Dr Alishev.

Irina Romanova spoke about the Institute of Physics’ educational programs.

Rector Mezilov then talked about his university, which is very young, having been founded in 2016.

“We have five big areas – nanotechnology and chemical technology, biotechnology and environmental sciences, computer science, cyber-physical systems, and economics and innovation,” he said.

Both universities mentioned their cooperation with Japan. Programs in English and Japanese are available at Oguzhan University, and there is multifaceted collaboration with the University of Tsukuba.

The two sides mapped out ways for further links, including joint projects and conferences. Dr Alishev suggested that Turkmenistani students visit Kazan this year as part of Summer University.

The executives exchanged gifts – Dr Mezilov was given a memorial plaque with KFU’s Main Building on it, and Vice-Rector Alishev received a Turkmenistani carpet and tubatays (traditional male headdress).