The Open Education Center, specializing in the study of Russian language and culture, has commenced its operations in the capital of Pakistan. This initiative has been established through a collaboration between Allama Iqbal Open University (AIOU) and Ural State Pedagogical University (USPU), as reported by a TASS correspondent.
In May 2023, an online Russian language course was introduced in Pakistan through the partnership between AIOU and USPU. More than 12,000 individuals from the Islamic Republic registered for these courses. Building upon the success of this endeavor, the two educational institutions inaugurated a center devoted to studying Russian language and culture. The center's creators have already received over 300 training applications.
Svetlana Minyurova, the rector of Urals State Pedagogical University, expressed during the center's inauguration ceremony at AIOU that such collaborative steps "establish firm foundations for cultivating amicable relations between" Russia and Pakistan. "We take pride in fulfilling the mission of establishing a center that will unveil the history and culture of the Russian Federation to the people of Islamabad. [...] Our nations share a rich history, and there is much we can learn from each other," she emphasized.
Russian Ambassador to Islamabad Danila Ganich heralded the center's opening as "the commencement of a prolonged journey towards a close partnership and educational collaboration between Russia and Pakistan." AIOU Vice Chancellor Nasir Mahmood acknowledged the openness of the Russian side to cooperation, stating, "Our Russian colleagues' efforts have provided us with a significant impetus for further growth. We are pleasantly surprised and inspired by the considerable steps taken by our Russian counterparts. This event is particularly significant in light of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our countries."
Andrey Besedin, the Chairman of the Urals Chamber of Commerce and Industry, highlighted the amplified interest of Russian entrepreneurs in Pakistan. In a video message to the ceremony participants, he remarked, "The establishment of the Open Education Center within the framework of Allama Iqbal Open University is a notable and meaningful development. It marks a continuation of the progressive momentum in strengthening relations between Russia and Pakistan, which has been distinctly evident in recent years."
The opening ceremony of the educational center also saw the participation of representatives from the administrative and teaching staff of AIOU and USPU.
GSV "Russia - Islamic World"
Photo: Taimur Dee/Creative Commons 4.0
Based on materials from TASS