Translation. Region: Russian Federation –
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
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The 7th Forum of Russian and Cuban University Rectors, a key platform for strengthening cooperation between the two countries in scientific and educational fields, opened at Lomonosov Moscow State University.
"Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin and Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel have repeatedly emphasized the importance of our countries' strategic partnership. Key areas include cooperation in science and higher education. Currently, approximately 200 agreements are in effect between universities in Russia and Cuba. This spring, the first branch of a Russian university, Southern Federal University, opened on the Island of Freedom. Our partners' interest in expanding academic exchange programs, Russian technological developments, and joint scientific research is only growing. I wish the participants of the Russian-Cuban Rectors' Forum productive work and new joint projects!" noted Dmitry Chernyshenko, Deputy Prime Minister of Russia and Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Russian-Cuban Commission on Trade, Economic, Scientific, and Technical Cooperation.
He also added that cooperation in science and higher education was given attention during the last meeting of the intergovernmental commission in Havana.
Speaking at the opening ceremony on the Russian side were Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Konstantin Mogilevsky, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Sergei Ryabkov, and President of the Russian Union of Rectors, Rector of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov, Academician Viktor Sadovnichy.
"The warm relations between Russia and Cuba are largely due to the traditionally close cooperation between universities. The leadership of both countries has always placed great emphasis on educational developments. Its history includes many memorable moments: from Fidel Castro's visit to Moscow State University in May 1963 to the opening this year of a branch of the Southern Federal University at the University of Havana by Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Nikolaevich Chernyshenko. For many decades, young Russians and Cubans have become acquainted with each other's cultures, learned Russian and Spanish, and scholars and faculty have exchanged experiences and scientific knowledge. The opportunity for ongoing communication and open dialogue, which inter-university cooperation provides, creates a unique, trusting relationship. Such a solid foundation allows us to further expand cooperation in the humanities," noted Konstantin Mogilevsky, Deputy Minister of Education and Science of the Russian Federation.
Existing agreements between Russian and Cuban universities facilitate the expansion of academic exchanges, joint research, training for leading Cuban companies, and the implementation of Russian language training programs. Under these agreements, staff from the Pushkin State Russian Language Institute and the University of Havana have recorded Russian language lessons for Cuban television, and the Southern Federal University has opened a mirror laboratory for the application of artificial intelligence in engineering at the Technological University of Havana.
"We see that the architecture of the entire global community is rapidly changing. New multilateral formats of interaction are developing. Cuba became a BRICS partner country this year. As part of the BRICS university community, we are working to create a ranking of BRICS universities. A year ago, during the leaders' summit in Kazan, the pilot results were presented. The BRICS university ranking is based on the indicators of the Moscow-based international ranking "Three University Missions." Currently, this is one of the largest international rankings in the world, surpassing the renowned QS ranking in scope. In our country, this initiative has received support at the highest government level," emphasized Viktor Sadovnichy.
Participants in the 7th Forum of Russian-Cuban University Rectors from the Cuban side include the Minister of Higher Education of the Republic of Cuba, Walter Baluja García, as well as the rectors and vice-rectors of 10 leading Cuban universities. Key topics will include prospects for bilateral scientific and educational cooperation, the development of academic mobility, the creation of joint educational programs and research centers, strengthening inter-university associations, developing human resource potential for the economies of both countries, and expanding cooperation in multilateral formats, including within the BRICS framework.
The 7th Forum of University Rectors of Russia and Cuba is held with the support of the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Russian Union of Rectors, and the Ministry of Higher Education of the Republic of Cuba.
Following the official part of the forum, a working meeting was held between the Minister of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, Valery Falkov, and the Minister of Higher Education of the Republic of Cuba, Walter Baluch García.
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