On October 31, 2020, the International Symposium of Arabic Language Learning Centers was held via ZOOM. The symposium was organized by the General Secretariat of the International Association of Arabic Languages Learning Centres, which includes about 200 departments, centers and faculties.

The event was attended by about 150 people from 16 countries: Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, United Arab Emirates, Syria, Libya, Oman, Morocco, Egypt, Pakistan, Sudan, Algeria, Indonesia, Nigeria, Bangladesh, China and Russia. Delegates from Russia were representatives of Moscow State University (Moscow), St. Petersburg State University (St. Petersburg), Chechen State University (Grozny) and Penza State University (Penza).

Penza State University was represented by Gleb Sintsov, Vice-Rector for International Affairs, and Adel Maqbol, translator of the International Projects Department of the Institute of International Cooperation. The Russian centers are curated by Bashir Samakha, General Director of the National Arab-Russian Association, PSU partner.

“The Russian-Arab Cultural Center created at PSU aims at attracting residents of the Penza region to learning the Arabic language and culture, as well as teaching Russian in an optional form for Arabic students studying in English. Currently, more than 500 foreign students from 13 Arab countries are studying at PSU. The inclusion of our center in the international association will expand the material and methodological base of PSU,” emphasized Gleb Sintsov.