"Friendship Teleconference" united ASU and representatives of Africa

09.06.2022 The online event was held with the support of the Astrakhan branch of the Association of Foreign Students, and its main result was the creation of a club of foreign graduates on the basis of the Astrakhan State University.

Africa is one of the priority geopolitical regions of cooperation between the Russian Federation in general and Astrakhan State University in particular. Vice-Rector for International Affairs Angelina Fadina, speaking with a welcoming speech, recalled that on June 3, Russian President Vladimir Putin held talks in Sochi with Chairman of the African Union, President of Senegal MackySall and Chairman of the African Union Commission Moussa FakiMahamat. At this meeting, issues of cooperation between Russia and the African Union were discussed, including the expansion of political dialogue, as well as economic and humanitarian cooperation with the countries of the continent.

"Foreign students and graduates of Astrakhan State University are our pride. We are very glad that we managed to introduce them to a piece of the Russian soul. Studying at ASU allows not only to gain knowledge, but also to find like-minded friends in all countries of the world," said Angelina Fadina.

The participants of the meeting were also welcomed by the High Commissioner of the Eurasian Economic Cooperation Organization for International Cooperation, Deputy Chairman of the AIS Board of Trustees, Honorary Professor of Astrakhan State University AnisetGabriel Kochofa. In his address, he called on foreign students and graduates to actively represent ASU in all corners of the world and increase the number of students who want to get a quality education.

In addition, Mr. Kochofa stressed the importance of organizing such an event as the "Friendship Teleconference", because the implementation of such projects allows us to develop and strengthen cooperation with countries of all continents. And since the meeting was held on the birthday of one of the greatest poets of Russia, the honorary professor of ASU once again reminded the audience of the value of the Russian language and read Pushkin's poem as proof.

At the end of his speech, the High Commissioner expressed confidence that the creation of a club of foreign graduates of the Astrakhan region will help in discussing the development of friendly relations between Russia and African countries, as well as in increasing the export of Russian education.

Fernando Sambu Jose, Chairman of the Astrakhan branch of AIS, operating on the basis of ASU, told the audience about the activities of the organization.

"It is very important for foreign students to participate in the socio-cultural life of the university, to show their talents. In Astrakhan and, in particular, in ASU, all conditions are being created so that the guys can express themselves, promote their culture and at the same time join the culture of the Russian people," he explained.

Graduates of Astrakhan universities — representatives of African countries also joined the teleconference: Niger, Mali, Ivory Coast, Guinea-Bissau. They told about their experience of studying in Russia, shared their memories of student life and noted that thanks to the education received at ASU, they were able to take a good starting position for career development in their homeland.

Graduates hope that they will be able to meet in a live format, and with warmth in their hearts to remember the happy student years of study. They encouraged students and students of preparatory departments to actively participate in the public life of universities, projects and forums, as this will allow them to gain new communication experience, improve their language skills and make many friends.

Ekaterina Shatokhina, Head of the Department for International Affairs of Astrakhan State University, who has been overseeing the activities of AIS at the University for many years, also addressed the children with warm words. She assured that the organization and holding of such teleconferences will become a good tradition at ASU. Graduates will be able to openly share their experience gained while studying at universities and talk about projects that help foreign students simplify the process of adaptation at the university, as well as show themselves and their talents.

At the end of the meeting, Angelina Fadina reminded the audience that it is honorable and responsible to be a student and graduate of ASU, and also supported the idea of creating a club of graduates of the Astrakhan branch of AIS on the basis of Astrakhan State University.

"Its creation will enhance the image of universities in our region as an exporter of Russian education with a decent material, technical and scientific base for training and socio-adaptation, many years of experience in teaching and teaching Russian to foreign students. Together we are the driving force that promotes international understanding, fosters respect for other languages, cultures and makes us closer," Angelina Fadina summed up.