Key Points
- Saudi officials highlighted plans to expand cooperation in higher education, research, and innovation.
- Academic sessions featured scholars from both countries focusing on joint scientific and cultural collaboration.
- The programme also honoured individuals and institutions contributing to bilateral educational and cultural ties.
MOSCOW: The Ministry of Education of Saudi Arabia, in collaboration with the Saudi Embassy in Russia, has hosted a major academic and cultural event in Moscow to mark a century of relations between the two countries.
The event titled “A Century of Friendship and Cultural and Scientific Exchange between the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the Russian Federation” was held at the headquarters of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia in Moscow.
The event commemorated 100 years of bilateral relations between Saudi Arabia and Russia, dating back to 1926, and highlighted the longstanding evolution of cooperation in cultural, scientific, and educational fields, the Saudi Press Agency (SPA) reported on Thursday.
It also aimed to further strengthen academic ties and expand mutual exchange programmes that have developed significantly over recent decades.
The opening ceremony was attended by several high-profile dignitaries, including Saudi Ambassador to Russia Sami Al-Sadhan, Deputy Minister for International Cooperation Dr Latifa Al-Faryan, and Rector of the Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia Dr Oleg Yastrebov.
The event also brought together a wide range of academic and diplomatic representatives from both countries, alongside a large number of Saudi scholarship students and international students based in Russia.
During her address, Dr Latifa Al-Faryan stated that the Ministry of Education is continuing to implement its strategic plans to broaden high-quality international partnerships.
She emphasised efforts to enhance cooperation in higher education, scientific research, and innovation, as well as to support and expand academic exchange programmes between Saudi Arabia and partner countries.
The Moscow event featured a series of scientific and cultural sessions led by prominent scholars from both Saudi and Russian universities.
These sessions focused on advancing joint academic cooperation and fostering dialogue in research and knowledge exchange.
The programme also included the recognition and honouring of individuals and institutions that have played a significant role in promoting scientific and cultural collaboration between the two nations.
Officials noted that hosting the centenary event in Moscow reflects the Saudi Ministry of Education’s commitment to strengthening academic partnerships with Russia.
It also underscores the importance placed on educational cooperation as a key pillar of bilateral relations, aimed at supporting sustained knowledge exchange and creating expanded opportunities in education and research for both countries.
