Category: Russia

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

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The Great African Expedition, which began in 2024, has been completed. Research was conducted in the waters of six coastal countries in Northwest and Southeast Africa, including Morocco, Mauritania, Guinea-Bissau, the Republic of Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Mozambique. The expedition was carried out by two research vessels, the Atlantis and the Atlantiro. The main objective was to assess the status of biological resources in Africa's exclusive economic zones. This is the first such large-scale fisheries research conducted off the African continent in modern Russian history; similar work has not been conducted since the 1980s.

"During the Great African Expedition, we completed the tasks of studying the prospects for developing domestic fisheries in remote marine areas and strengthening cooperation with our African partners. The data obtained has practical significance for ensuring sustainable, efficient, and environmentally safe fishing. This is the first such large-scale study in the modern history of our country. The expedition once again confirmed the Russian Federation's status as a leading maritime power. Furthermore, Russia is contributing to global food security and the conservation of aquatic biodiversity," noted Deputy Prime Minister of the Russian Federation Dmitry Patrushev.

One of the first practical results of the Great African Expedition was the development of Russian fisheries in the Kingdom of Morocco's Atlantic fishing zone. Relevant agreements were reached, and an agreement on cooperation between our countries in marine fisheries was signed in 2025. Over the past few years, the maximum annual Russian catch in Morocco's Atlantic fishing zone has been approximately 60,000 tons. This figure is expected to increase to 90,000–100,000 tons. Fishing companies have confirmed their readiness to increase their catch of pelagic species, primarily mackerel and horse mackerel, in this area.

"The large African expedition was a strategically important event in expanding the geography of Russian scientific research. It was conducted in collaboration with scientists from coastal countries, and the information gathered will be used to organize fisheries operations with our African partners," emphasized Ilya Shestakov, head of the Federal Agency for Fisheries.

During the expedition, scientific ties were re-established with African research institutes and centers, which could serve as a foundation for developing cooperation in fisheries. A bilateral agreement on cooperation in fisheries research was signed with the Republic of Mozambique.

The research was conducted over the course of a year and a half. Scientists are currently continuing to analyze the data obtained during the expedition and prepare recommendations for Russian fishermen.

In addition, in 2025, the first session of the Russian-Sierra Leone Fisheries Commission was held, during which the Republic of Sierra Leone expressed its readiness to allocate to the Russian side a catch quota of 40,000 tons of various aquatic biological resources and provide access to its waters to 20 vessels.

The large African expedition has opened up new prospects for the Russian fishing fleet. Russian fishermen are interested in developing additional fishing grounds and increasing their catch. Developing the fishery and sharing scientific data could form the basis for establishing joint ventures with coastal countries, opening up additional markets and strengthening Russia's position in Africa.

The large African expedition began in August 2024. The decision to conduct it was made following the Russia–Africa Forum summit in 2023. Thanks to the support of the Russian Government, the project received federal (state) status.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

Translation. Region: Russian Federation –

Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

The seventh cohort of the free educational program "Architects.rf," aimed at the professional development of specialists in architecture, urban planning, and public administration, concluded in Moscow. In the final module, the finalists presented their projects, as announced by Deputy Prime Minister Marat Khusnullin.

"The 'Architects.rf' program was created to train a new generation of specialists who will transform the appearance of our cities and address territorial development challenges within the framework of the 'Infrastructure for Life' national project. According to the Presidential Decree, we must improve the quality of life in key communities by 30% by 2030 and by 60% by 2036. The program has consistently generated strong interest from the professional community: over 1,200 applications from 87 regions across the country were received for this program, and 100 specialists from 61 cities have completed the training. As a result of the past programs, 59 graduates are working as chief architects in cities and regions. Their design ideas are being put into practice, directly improving life in these communities," said Marat Khusnullin.

The seventh cohort's educational program included four in-person modules. The initial module in Moscow focused on key trends in public administration and territorial development. The regional module consisted of expeditions to Samara, Nizhny Novgorod, Tyumen, and Yekaterinburg, and concluded in Kazan, where participants explored development, revitalization, and urban management practices.

The international module in China allowed participants to learn about Beijing's urban development practices through over 30 excursions and meetings with representatives of relevant agencies. The final module in Moscow served as a platform for the presentation of 36 final projects: 15 group projects and 21 individual ones.

"Today, the demand for a high-quality, modern, and comfortable living environment is higher than ever in Russia. The President's ambitious goal lies ahead: developing 200 master plans by 2030. We understand that fulfilling this mandate directly depends on the industry's human resources. Over the eight years of the Architects.rf program, we have graduated 727 highly qualified specialists from 83 regions of the country. This is a vibrant, growing network of professionals who are currently changing the face of our cities and towns from Kaliningrad to Chukotka. Training, sharing experiences, and best international practices are a direct investment in the horizons of those who will make the most important decisions for the country's development," noted Vitaly Mutko, CEO of DOM.RF.

Among the program's graduate projects is the Uralruin landscape-ruin park. Conceived before the program, the project was further developed during the program. It is Russia's first landscape-ruin park in the Iset River floodplain in the Sverdlovsk region. The project's goal is to draw attention to abandoned and half-forgotten places and revitalize them.

Another project, "March to the Factory," was developed by a team of finalists in the "Arkhitektory.rf" program. It aims to revive a historic factory in Kyshtym, Chelyabinsk Oblast. Through various activities, such as photo walks, the project's creators engage residents in the transformation of the old industrial zone, laying the foundation for its integration into the urban fabric.

The program participants' ideas are also being applied in regulatory work. Methodological recommendations for the development of river passenger infrastructure, developed under the program, were actively used in the development of the "Yacht Harbors: Design Rules" code of practice, which was developed by specialists from the Moscow State University of Civil Engineering with financial support from DOM.RF.

The "Architects.rf" program has been implemented by DOM.RF since 2018 with the support of the Government and the Ministry of Construction. It is currently part of the "Infrastructure for Life" national project. Since then, program participants have visited 64 communities, nine countries, and 21 foreign cities. The program will be launched for the eighth time in 2026.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.