The main objective of the delegation from Lebanon was to promote international cooperation with Penza State University in the sphere of science and education. The delegation included Sultan Abu-Orabi, Secretary General of the Association of Arab Universities, Abdul Ghani, Rector of the American University of Culture and Education (AUCE), Imad Al Ashkar, Head of the Department of Public and Private Schools in the Ministry of Education of the Lebanese Republic, Rima Nassif, Director of the International School in Beqaa, and Bashir Samaha, Adviser to the Secretary-General of the Association of Arab Universities.

The distinguished guests visited the university and talked to students from the Arab World studying at Penza State University.

“I am pleased to see a great number of students from Arab states in your university. Students are the forerunners facilitating the development of partnership between states. I also wish to point out that many graduates of Russian universities, including PSU, work in the Association of Arab Universities. I would like to extend an invitation to the university administration to the meeting of Arab-Russian Universities Council that will be held in February, 2018 in Lebanon,” Sultan Abu-Orabi, Secretary General of the Association of Arab Universities, addressed the participants of the event.

Together with Vladimir Iv. Volchikhin, President of PSU, Sultan Abu-Orabi was entrusted with cutting the red ribbon and opening the Day of Arab Culture and the international exhibition on culture and traditions of the Arab World.  

“This festival gives the opportunity for university faculty and staff to learn more about Arab culture, feeling and wishes of our foreign students and to create healthy environment focused on acquiring knowledge and studying cultures. Moreover such events enable our states to jointly address social and economic issues in a more effective way. Happy holiday!” Vladimir Iv. Volchikhin, President of PSU, greeted the guests.

At present the cooperation between PSU and educational establishments from Lebanon is actively developing. The relevant issues and prospects were touched upon during the round-table discussion “High-quality education for Arab students in Russia and PSU. Prospects in the development of Russian-Arab relations in the sphere of science and export of education” that was also included in the official events programme.

Prof. Vladimir Iv. Volchikhin opened the meeting and marked the significance of bilateral relations between Russia and Lebanon.

Sergey M. Vasin, Vice-Rector for International Cooperation, gave the presentation on Penza State University and placed special emphasis on its collaboration with partners from the Arab World.

Abdul Ghani, Rector of the American University of Culture and Education, profiled AUCE to those present.

The issue of bilateral cooperation was also raised by other delegation members, as well as by representatives of PSU and the regional Ministry of Education.

The meeting culminated in the signing of the agreement between PSU and Association of Arab Universities and the agreement between PSU and American University of Culture and Education (AUCE).

For memorising the visit the guests sighed in PSU Distinguished Visitors Book, interchanged souvenirs with PSU representatives and made company photo.

The programme of second-day events is also intense.