The prospects of interaction with the Iranian scientific community were discussed at YuSU

A business meeting attended by Mr Masoud Ahmadvand, Cultural Counsellor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Russia, Mr Kobulsho Idrisov, an official of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Russia, Mr Behrouz Shoaibi, a film director, winner of the Grand Prix of the Moscow International Film Festival "Golden Saint George", as well as the university administration was held at the University.

During the meeting with the foreign delegation the opportunities for the development of international cooperation in the field of education and science were discussed. As Mr Masood Ahmadvand noted, one of the important areas of activity of the cultural representation in the embassy is to develop relations in the field of culture, science and university cooperation, as well as exchange of scientists and specialists. "This is a large and important area of activity between our countries. If there is such interest from your side, we are ready to support the establishment of contacts with Iranian universities. There are scientists and universities in our country that will be interested in co-operation with YuSU, as there is also a big emphasis on oil production here."

The cultural adviser added that one of the successful activities in this field is the organisation of webinars and online conferences between young researchers of the two countries. "We are now witnessing intensive development in the field of politics, economy, which emphasises the importance of further comprehensive development of our relations. We must strengthen and develop these areas of our co-operation."

In turn, Roman Kichanov, Vice-Rector of YuSU, expressed hope that this meeting would develop into further mutually beneficial co-operation: "The topics and directions you have outlined are interesting and important for our university. It fits into the general strategy of interaction and co-operation of our states. In the near future we will form a list of the most promising areas that we can start working on in practice. In the future we will be able to deepen our co-operation".

In continuation of the meeting, Oksana Gololobova, Director of the YuSU Centre for International Cooperation, introduced the honoured guests to the university. She emphasised that the young university holds leading positions in the region and is among the top national rankings. She also told in detail about international cooperation of the university, training and support of foreign students, participation of the university in international scientific and educational projects, educational programmes, extracurricular activities, development of student scientific society. The foreign delegates also learnt about the comfortable conditions in which YuSU students live, as well as their scientific activities and sports. Separately, the director of the centre told about the scholarship fund.

"About 200 international students study at YuSU - from Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Zambia, Ghana, Egypt, Afghanistan and other countries. The university has 30 international partners. The university has three foreign professors working at the university - from Kazakhstan and Syria. The university has a preparatory department for foreign citizens. It is included in the quota system of the Government of the Russian Federation. Full support is provided for foreign students. Many volunteer student projects are designed to help foreign students adapt. The university values its partnership with Russian Houses abroad. They help us in recruiting new international students," Oksana Gololobova emphasised.

"I experienced common views on many issues between Iran and your region. Therefore, I would very much like to see interaction between our scientists and a visit of representatives of your university to the Republic of Iran", - after a detailed story about YuSU, Mr Masoud Ahmadvand, Cultural Advisor of the Embassy of the Islamic Republic of Iran in Russia, summarised.